Looking for the perfect coastal escape in the St Petersburg area? St Petersburg FL beaches offer sun-soaked shores, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of activities for everyone. Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway, an adventurous visit, or a fun day out with the kids, these beaches have it all. From serene spots ideal for swimming to lively stretches of sand packed with amenities, St. Pete’s shoreline promises unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Here are the best beaches in St Petersburg and the surrounding area you’ll fall in love with. If you’re looking for more things to do in St Petersburg, be sure to check out our guide!
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Beaches in St Petersburg
There are many St Petersburg Florida beaches to explore within the city limits, whether you’re looking for a quiet sanctuary on the shore or a bustling beach with fun activities. Below are the top St Petersburg FL Beaches to visit.
You can also check out information about St Petersburg beach parking, including alternatives like the Looper shuttle and St. Petersburg Trolley.
Maximo Park
Maximo Park is arguably the best beach in St Petersburg for outdoor recreation and unbeatable views. This gorgeous beach along Boca Ciega Bay boasts crystal clear waters and white sand beaches perfect for sunbathing. As an oceanfront park, it also offers expansive green spaces for picnics and playing. Families love the great amenities this 70-acre park offers, including a boat ramp, disc golf course, and a large playground. There are even fishing charters and boat rentals right in the park!
Maximo Park, Pinellas Point Dr S &, Sunshine Skyway Ln S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711 (727) 893-7441
Lassing Park
Lassing Park is an understated waterfront park with a wide stretch of grassy shoreline overlooking Tampa Bay. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet picnic, a peaceful stroll, or simply watching the sunset over the shimmering water. Lassing Park is a dog-friendly park and offers views around the entire bay!
Note that swimming is not allowed at Lassing Beach!
Lassing Park, 2042 Beach Dr SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 (727) 893-7441
North Shore Beach
Located near downtown and packed with amenities, North Shore Beach is one of the most visited St Petersburg FL beaches. Its pristine sandy beaches, shaded picnic areas, and shaded playground make it one of the best beaches in the area for families. It’s also a big draw for outdoor recreation, with volleyball courts, an exercise zone, and calm waters perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.
The beach is part of North Shore Park. It’s one of several connected parks along the shore with many activities and attractions:
- North Shore Sports Complex with tennis courts, pools, a softball field, and beach volleyball
- North Shore Aquatic Complex with a 50-meter Olympic-size competition pool, a 25-meter practice pool with zero depth entry, a splash pad, and a large play pool with a slide
- Dog park with small and large dog areas
- Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum with more than 500 palms and cycads across 150 species
- Elva Rouse Park
- Flora Wylie Park
- Vinoy Park
North Shore Beach, 901 N Shore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 893-7441
St. Petersburg Municipal Beach at Treasure Island
Stretching along the Gulf of Mexico, this vibrant beach offers great views, beach volleyball, a playground, and a snack bar. The sandy beach is very wide with umbrellas and chairs available for rent. Unlike other St Petersburg FL beaches, the Municipal Beach is actually located in Treasure Island amid dozens of resorts. Nearby the beach access point, you can find pontoon boat rentals and fishing charters.
City Of St. Petersburg Municipal Beach & Treasure Island, 11260 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706 (727) 360-3278
Egmont Key State Park
Accessible only by ferry or boat, Egmont Key State Park is a remote island that offers a mix of adventure and tranquility. It’s one of the most iconic St Petersburg FL beaches and primarily a wildlife refuge with untouched beauty and diverse wildlife. Explore its historic lighthouse, hike nature trails, or snorkel in the clear waters.
Egmont Key State Park has a rich history. It’s home to a lighthouse built in 1858 and it’s home to a historic fort that was used to hold captured Seminoles. It was also captured by the Union Army and briefly became a Civil War Navy base.
St Pete Beaches
Once you’re done exploring St Petersburg FL Beaches, head over to its neighbor, the resort city of St Pete Beach. There are several famous beaches in St Pete as well as the iconic St Pete Pier.
St Pete Beach
Regularly ranked among the best beaches in the U.S., St. Pete Beach is a paradise of soft, white sands and tranquil turquoise waters. Lined with resorts, restaurants, and water sports rentals, it’s perfect for both relaxation and adventure and easily the best beach in St Pete. This gorgeous Gulf Coast beach seemingly has it all, with three boardwalks, sand dunes, water sports, and swimming. Catch a breathtaking sunset here – it’s an experience you won’t forget.
St Pete beach parking is ample, with 235 parking spaces and a modest parking fee. You can check St Pete Beach water quality before visiting.
St Pete Beach Access, 4700 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Are Dogs Allowed on St Pete Beach?
Dogs are generally not allowed on the beach in St Pete Beach. There is a specific St Pete dog beach on the Bay side of Pass-a-Grille Way between 1st Avenue and 3rd Avenue, where dogs are allowed to run on the sand and play in the surf.
Upham Beach Park (St Pete Beach, FL)
Located on the northern end of St. Pete Beach, Upham Beach Park is one of the top public beaches in St Petersburg FL if you’re looking for a quieter alternative to its bustling neighbor. With golden sands, picnic tables, and dunes dotted with sea oats, it’s an ideal spot for unwinding. The gentle waves also make it a favorite for families and paddleboarders.
Upham Beach Park, 6850 Beach Plaza, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Pass A Grille Beach (St Pete Beach, FL)
Steeped in Old Florida charm, Pass-A-Grille Beach is one of the best beaches near St Petersburg with a laid-back vibe. Its pristine sands, boutique shops, and local seafood restaurants create an enchanting coastal experience. Don’t miss the chance to climb the observation deck for panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico! You’ll also find paddleboat and speedboat rentals nearby.
Pass a Grill Beach, St Pete Beach, FL 33706 (727) 403-6139
Beaches in Clearwater
Just 20 minutes from the many St Petersburg FL beaches are the beautiful beaches of Clearwater, Florida. Here are the best Clearwater beaches to check out.
Sand Key Park
One of the most iconic St Petersburg FL beaches, Sand Key Park, is on the north end of the barrier island. It covers 95 acres with separate areas of parkland and white sand beach. As you cross the bridge from Clearwater Beach to Sand Key, you enter an enchanting and calm environment with minimal development.
Enjoy swimming in the clear, warm Gulf waters and take in sweeping views of Clearwater Pass and the salt marsh.
There’s ample parking, which costs just $5 per day.
Amenities include:
- Playground
- Dog park
- Kayak rentals
- Umbrella and cabana rentals
- Two bathhouses with changing areas and restrooms
- Outdoor showers
- Seasonal lifeguards
- Nature trails and salt marsh for wildlife viewing, including seabirds and loggerhead sea turtles, which nest and hatch from May 1 to October 31
- Boardwalk
- Fishing piers (Clearwater Pass side)
- Beach wheelchairs
Note: there’s an off-leash dog park, but dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk or beach.
Sand Key Park, 1060 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767 (727) 582-2100
Clearwater Beach
Known worldwide, Clearwater Beach is the epitome of a vibrant coastal destination. Its powdery sands, calm waters, and lively Pier 60 area make it ideal for families and fun-seekers of all ages. Enjoy everything from jet skiing, paddleboarding, and parasailing to beach volleyball, or simply soak up the sun with the bustling ambiance around you.
Routinely named America’s Favorite Beach, Clearwater Beach features a beachfront promenade lined with cafes and seafood restaurants. By night, Sunsets at Pier 60 transform the waterfront into a lively festival experience with street performers and vendors!
Clearwater Beach, Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228 (727) 464-7200
Beaches in Treasure Island
Just nine miles from St Petersburg FL beaches are the beaches of Treasure Island, a small barrier island city known for its magnificent wide beaches, resorts, and family-friendly attractions.
Treasure Island Beach
True to its name, Treasure Island Beach is a treasure trove of fun and beauty. Stretching for miles, it offers spacious sandy shores, ideal for long walks, kite flying, and beach games. With its laid-back vibe and nearby tiki bars, it’s a favorite for relaxing days in the sun.
Every year, Treasure Island Beach hosts Sanding Ovations, an awe-inspiring sand sculpting competition, and the family-friendly Treasure Island Kite Festival.
- Parking: $3/hour during the week and $3.25/hour on holidays and weekends.
- Treasure Island Beach hours: Closed 1 am to 5 am nightly
- Accessibility: There’s an ADA beach access mobility mat at Gulf Front Park, one of the busiest public beach access points in the city. Beach wheelchairs are also available for rent.
Treasure Island Beach, 11260 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706
Sunset Beach
As its name suggests, Sunset Beach is the place to be for jaw-dropping Gulf sunsets. Nestled on Treasure Island’s southern tip, this picturesque beach exudes a bohemian charm. With colorful beach cottages, serene sands, and occasional drum circles, it’s a truly unique getaway. Along with its neighbor, Sunshine Beach, it’s a more residential area than the northern shore. Encircling the southern tip of Treasure Island at Sunset Beach is a long boardwalk, a famous fishing destination where the Gulf of Mexico and Blind Pass meet.
Sunset Beach, 8000 W Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706 (727) 547-4575
Beaches in Madeira Beach
Another St Pete – Clearwater barrier island community, Madeira Beach, or “Mad Beach,” is best known for the John’s Pass entertainment district on the Intracoastal Waterway. There are many public beach access points in the city.
Madeira Beach Access
This quiet public beach access spot is off the beaten path with 450 feet of pristine, secluded beach. It’s smaller than many St Petersburg FL beaches on this list, but it has ample metered parking and outdoor showers.
Madeira Beach Access, 14400 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708 (727) 582-2100
Archibald Beach Park
This family-friendly public beach in Madeira Beach is a hidden gem. Also known as “The Hammocks,” Archibald Beach Park features picnic shelters, concessions, beach volleyball courts, and easy access to the calm Gulf waters. It’s a go-to spot for a low-key day of fun in the sun. There’s convenient metered parking, and it’s right next to Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf for extra fun.
Archibald Beach Park, 15100 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Other Beaches Near St Pete
Looking for more St Petersburg FL beaches to explore? Here are a few more fantastic beaches near St Petersburg FL, including major state parks and secluded havens.
Honeymoon Island State Park (Dunedin, FL)
A slice of untouched paradise, Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin is one of the most stunning beaches near St Petersburg Florida, with minimal development for a more natural experience. Walk along secluded sandy shores, explore the nature trails, or kayak through mangroves. It’s a haven for bird watchers and shell collectors alike, with a serene, uncrowded atmosphere.
Honeymoon Island State Park, 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698 (727) 241-6106
Shell Key Preserve (Tierra Verde, FL)
This pristine barrier island just 15 minutes from St Petersburg is a sanctuary for nature lovers. Accessible only by kayak or ferry, Shell Key Preserve is perfect for shelling, bird watching, and serene beach strolls. Its unspoiled landscape provides a peaceful retreat, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard.
You can take the ferry service from Fort DeSoto Boat Ramp to Shell Key and see manatees, sea turtles, and dolphins on the way!
Shell Key Preserve, 2187 Oceanview Dr, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
North Redington Beach
One of the most desirable beach communities in Pinellas County, North Redington Beach is a tiny town in the middle of the barrier islands with mostly single-family, waterfront houses on Boca Ciega Bay. The town has a one-mile stretch of beach with five pedestrian crosswalks across Gulf Boulevard for easy access.
Redington Shores Beach (Redington Shores, FL)
This 400-foot-wide beach on the barrier island is a well-kept public beach on the barrier island with plenty of parking and amenities. It’s less crowded than nearby beaches, and the parking is close to the sand. There are 170 parking spaces with affordable parking fees. The restrooms are clean and there are outdoor showers. It’s a great place to walk through the surf, but be careful because there are rocks below the surface.
Just across the street is the Friendly Tavern restaurant if you’re in the mood for a bite to eat. You can also find shops and boat rentals nearby.
Redington Shores Beach Access, 18200 Gulf Blvd, Redington Shores, FL 33708
Morgan Park (Belleair Beach, FL)
Just 30 minutes from downtown St Petersburg is the small city of Belleair Beach. It’s located on the barrier island near Clearwater and is home to quiet beaches like Morgan Park. This hidden gem is one of the best St Petersburg FL beaches that tourists usually overlook.
The beach is always clean, with clear water and no crowds. There’s a small parking area with free parking, and there’s usually a spot available. It even offers restroom and outdoor shower facilities, a covered picnic area, and grills.
Morgan Park, 2650 Gulf Blvd, Belleair Beach, FL 33786
Map of St Petersburg FL Beaches
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