At a glance: St. Pete-Clearwater
Where: St. Pete-Clearwater on Florida’s Gulf Coast, home to beautiful shoreline and cool culture
Best for: Some relaxing downtime after exploring Orlando’s theme parks
Don’t miss: Paddleboarding through Weedon Island Preserve
Highlight: The region’s spectacular white-sand beaches
Nature fix: Fort De Soto Park, a series of interconnected wild islands
Getting started: Fly into Tampa or Orlando with British Airways and you’re an easy drive away from St. Pete-Clearwater
Boasting the biggest names in the genre, from Walt Disney World Resort to Universal Orlando Resort, Florida is famous for being the world capital of theme parks – but it has so much else to offer.
Extend the fun: get a change of pace and scene by pairing your Orlando park-hopping with a sun-drenched beach break in St. Pete-Clearwater.
Easy to reach by car from Orlando or Tampa, the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater – and the coastline that separates them – combine to create a twinned area of magnificent beaches, brilliant attractions and must-visit nature spots on Florida’s west coast.
Why Orlando and St. Pete-Clearwater are a great combination
With more than 360 days of sunshine a year, it’s little surprise that St. Pete-Clearwater is a big draw for families
ST. PETE-CLEARWATER
The adrenaline-inducing rollercoasters. The dazzling hourly shows. The dramatic architecture. High-octane theme parks are a thrilling part of a Florida holiday, but don’t always do much in the way of R&R. That’s where the Gulf Coast comes in, providing a laid-back and accessible escape.
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends, a young family or as a multi-gen group with grandparents in tow, the unhurried twin-centre of St. Pete-Clearwater will bring a refreshing and restorative angle to your trip that everyone can enjoy.
35 miles of beachfront in St. Pete-Clearwater
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches in St. Pete-Clearwater
ST. PETE-CLEARWATER
The more you see of Florida, the more you’ll fall in love with it – and that particularly goes for St. Pete-Clearwater, where panoramas look like they’ve been copied and pasted from a postcard.
The undeniable ace in the region’s pack is the 35 miles of white sand beach that fringes its west-facing coastline, slipping gently into warm, azure waters. Calm waves and soft sand underfoot make these award-winning stretches an ideal playground for little ones to frolic, while also letting the grown-ups indulge in some much-needed holiday downtime too.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to the beaches here, whether you’re seeking an action-packed patch where teens can burn off energy or a quiet and secluded corner to suit couples.
For the former, try central Clearwater Beach, main image, which ranked as the top beach in Florida (and second best in all of the United States) in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches. It’s backed by resorts and has all the amenities you could ask for. Treat yourself to a stay in Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach Resort, which sits on Clearwater Beach.
For the latter, try Fort De Soto Park – a pristine, wild clutch of interconnected islands with sleepy strands and abundant birdlife. Not only can you spend the day swimming off the powdery sand, but you can also marvel at the natural ecosystem, home to mangroves, wetlands and hardwoods.
Activities for all ages in St. Pete-Clearwater
Catch the free dance and live music performances at Pier 60 every evening
ST. PETE-CLEARWATER
After a day or two of lazy recuperation, you might want to get stuck back in the action, so it’s just as well St. Pete-Clearwater is replete with activities to keep everyone busy.
In the morning, soak up the rays while you paddleboard through mangroves at Weedon Island Preserve. In the afternoon, head back to the beach to choose from the wide range of water sports on offer.
Join a boat trip for the day: options range from intimate tiki-themed tours to glam yacht charters, ideal for larger groups. Or limber up for a game of volleyball on Clearwater Beach, where the sport is a local obsession.
In the evenings, the action continues. Join the crowds that gather nightly around Pier 60, pictured above, where street performers, musicians and other artists perform for free as the sky begins to turn all shades of orange, pink and purple. West-facing St. Pete-Clearwater is privileged with some of the best sunsets in Florida, so it’s worth celebrating every night of your trip. For a modern and stylish holiday base close to the action, try Sandpearl Resort, which is four blocks from Clearwater’s new Beach Walk and Pier 60.
After dark, meanwhile, you can make the most of the area’s sublime dining scene, which has recently been recognised in the Michelin guide and puts Gulf produce like stone crab and grouper centre stage. Whether you’re a foodie duo or a bigger brood with some little picky eaters in tow, the variety of restaurants – hopping from Greek to German – ensures all bases are covered.
What’s more, boardwalks, accessible beach pathways and family-friendly facilities make it straightforward for visitors of all ages and mobility levels to enjoy the shoreline and waterfront.
Booking with British Airways
British Airways offers an extensive network of direct flights to Florida, serving Orlando, Miami and Tampa, making it easy to reach the Sunshine State from the UKWhen booking with British Airways Holidays, you can secure your holiday with a low deposit and spread the cost with flexible payments*All holiday packages include a generous checked baggage allowanceAccess to a dedicated 24/7 support helpline during your tripATOL protection from the moment you book a holiday package, giving you financial reassuranceMembers of The British Airways Club benefit from collecting Avios, earning tier points and using Avios towards the cost of holiday packagesUpgrade to Club World (Business Class) for a host of additional benefits including lounge access, **increased checked baggage allowance, priority check-in and boarding and spacious seat that converts to a fully flat bedSee ba.com/holidays for full details and conditions
*Full balance due seven weeks before departure
**Subject to availability. T&Cs apply