The calendar says summer starts in late June, tradition says summer starts with Memorial Day Weekend, and thermometers around here say summer starts sometime at the end of April. No matter how you define it, the summer season at America’s best beaches has arrived, and it’s the perfect time to explore all they have to offer.
This time of year, the crowds are smaller, the lines are shorter, and the water is warmer. It’s the kind of paradise you don’t need a Fast Pass to enjoy. In honor of the arrival of the season, our staff compiled our Pinellas County Summer Beach Bucket List.
Some of these are regular occurrences, some of these have been on our lists for years and we never got around to them. Over the next few months, we’re making up for that. Some of them you can even find at a discount thanks to our friends at Visit St. Pete-Clearwater and their FunShine Savings Passport. Prepare your beach bags accordingly.
The ultimate Pinellas County Beaches Summer Bucket List
Alexa’s picks
Cool off with ice cream at Candy Kitchen
Have a margarita at VIP Mexican – Veterans know, you only need one. Visit the IRB location if you haven’t checked it out! Alexa’s pick
Grab a post-beach sandwich at Uncle Funz Provisions – Uncle Funz may be the most underrated foodie destination on the beaches.
Take in the sunset celebration at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach – Say goodnight to the sun every day of the week.
Get a grouper sandwich at Dockside Dave’s – If you hadn’t heard, the local icon just reopened following hurricane damage, and they’re better than ever.
Bob’s picks
Stop by the original Frenchy’s – While we’re talking grouper sandwiches, no one is more iconic than the Clearwater star.
Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium – They just welcomed three harbor seals to the family!
Get a pina colada at Coconut Charlie’s – Have you been back since their renovation? It’s one of the top spots for a drink with toes in the sand.
Photo via John’s Pass Seafood Festival
Visit John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk – Shopping, dining, people watching, dolphin spotting and boat rides. John’s Pass Village has it all.
Get lunch at The Wharf – We’re making this the Summer of The Grouper Sandwich, and The Wharf is an absolute must to add to your list, complete with beautiful waterfront views.
Catch the sunset on the 3 Daughters Brewing rooftop – The local brewery’s Clearwater Beach outpost may well have the best sunset view in town.
Escape the sun at Mahuffers – The area’s most iconic dive bar is always worth a visit.
Have a rubber duck race at Undertow Beach Bar
Kelly’s picks
Watch the sunset from Sunset Beach
Enjoy a breakfast sandwich at Paradise Grille
Live music at Jimmy B’s or Saltwater Hippie or Ka’tiki
Try Playa Taco Cocina y Tequilería – Street tacos are out, beach tacos are in. The only Mexican restaurant actually on the beach is now open at Island Grand at TradeWinds.
Ysa’s picks
Take a dolphin watch cruise – Seriously, any excuse to get out on that beautiful, clear water is a good one.
Spend the day at Fort de Soto – It’s the best place on the beaches for an early morning walk to find seashells, followed by a picnic, a nap, and a quick dip in the water.
Join a beach cleanup with Keep Pinellas Beautiful
Honeymoon Island State Park | Photo via Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
Bask in serenity at Honeymoon Island State Park – This may be the most underrated beach experience in Pinellas County. Beauty, serenity, crystal clear waters and trails brimming with wildlife.
Win toys at Atomic Claw Arcade
Join in on the Pass-a-Grille sunset bell ringing
Read a book in Secret Garden – Cozied in next to a jetty by Upham Beach, Secret Garden is our favorite little hidden oasis on the beaches.
If you need even more ideas, check out Visit St. Pete-Clearwater’s Meaningful Travel round-up featuring unique and sustainable vacation experiences around the county.
