St. Pete Beach, FL

St. Pete Beach is a beach city on the Gulf of Mexico that takes up all of Long Key, a barrier island west of St. Petersburg in Pinellas County. People come for wide, soft beaches, Gulf sunsets and the historic Pass-a-Grille district at the island’s southern tip.

Where is St. Pete Beach?

St. Pete Beach sits at the southern end of the Pinellas barrier islands in the Tampa Bay region, about 20 miles south of Clearwater Beach. Three bridges reach the island: the Corey Causeway from South Pasadena, the Pinellas Bayway (State Road 682) from the south side of St. Petersburg, and the bridge from Treasure Island to the north. Tampa International (TPA) is about 40 to 45 minutes away, and St. Pete-Clearwater International (PIE) is about 35 minutes.

Things to do in St. Pete Beach

The beach runs the full Gulf side of the island. Pass-a-Grille Beach, at the south end, is the classic local favorite, with metered parking along Gulf Way and a small, walkable historic district of cottages and old storefronts on Eighth Avenue. Upham Beach, toward the north end, is a smaller county beach park with its own lot. In the middle of the island, the Don CeSar, the pink beachfront landmark that opened in 1928, is worth a look even if you are not staying.

Corey Avenue is the island’s small downtown, a few blocks of local shops and places to eat. For a day out, Fort De Soto Park, a large Pinellas County park on the islands across Bunces Pass, has beaches, a historic fort, a fishing pier and paddling trails, reached by the Pinellas Bayway.

When to visit St. Pete Beach

March through May brings the best weather and the most visitors. Summer is hot with afternoon storms and quieter weekdays. Fall and early winter are calm and comfortable for walks and sunsets. The island took heavy damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, and while beaches and most businesses have reopened, some properties are still rebuilding, so check ahead.