Welcome to beach nirvana. Situated on a sun-drenched peninsula separating the Gulf of Mexico from Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg/Clearwater offers 35 miles of award-winning, spectacular white-sand beaches that will satisfy anyone with a pair of flip-flops and a desire to turn relaxation into an art form. Among the highest rated are Fort De Soto Park, an adventure-packed family-friendly getaway with activities galore, and beautiful Caladesi Island, a pristine barrier island accessible only by boat or ferry. The truth is, in St. Petersburg/Clearwater no two beaches feel exactly the same. Those venturing beyond the beach will find a stunning collection of recreational and cultural surprises sprinkled among the area’s 26 communities, each offering a distinct charm, feel and heritage. From the picturesque Greek sponge fishing town of Tarpon Springs to the Scottish-tinged village of Dunedin, where Highland Games are an annual tradition, your itinerary can be as varied—and unpredictable—as you want it to be. Perhaps start with Mediterranean-flavoured St. Petersburg, which averages 361 days of sunshine a year and is home to the world-famous Dalí Museum, which boasts the most comprehensive collection of the Spanish surrealist’s works outside of Spain. Or head to artsy Gulfport, where galleries, shops and restaurants occupy Old Florida bungalows and the yearly Gecko-fest celebrates the town’s independent spirit. End the day at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach, where musicians and jugglers gather daily to celebrate the sheer beauty of a Gulf sunset. Located just 90 minutes from Orlando and 30 minutes from Tampa and Busch Gardens.

Top 10 Must Do’s

1. Spend the day on one of the beautiful ‘Award-Winning’ beaches.

2. Get out on the water. There are a multitude of ways to do it!  From motorised watercraft such as speedboats and jetskis to the more natural ways of seeing the beaches and waterways such as Kitesurfing, windsurfing or paddle boarding. Cruising on various watercrafts are favourite ways to enjoy the water and get a different perspective of the area’s beaches and waterways.

3. Celebrate the amazing sunsets at Pier 60 Festival, a nightly sunset celebration.

4. Explore Fort De Soto State Park, a 1136 acre-park comprised of five interconnected islands with a little something for everybody including amazing beaches, kayaking, cycling or snacking!.

5. Observe astounding art at the Salvador Dali Museum in downtown St. Petersburg.

6. Discover the diverse heritage from Tarpon Springs, a historic riverfront town famous for sponge diving, to Dunedin with its Scottish Heritage and antique shops galore.

7. Enjoy eating out at a huge number of bars and restaurants offering gentle sea breezes and sparkling water views.

8. Bike, hike, jog or rollerblade the Pinellas Trail, stretching over 38 miles from Tarpon Springs in the North to St Petersburg in the South. Following the path of a disused railway, the trail is completely pedestrianised.

9. Swim at Caladesi Island State Park. Accessible only boat, the water is translucent, making it a great place to swim.

10. Relax!.