Our friends at Visit St. Pete-Clearwater recently launched a program that pays vacationers (or staycationers!) $50 per day for booking a visit in Pinellas County. Naturally, that had us dreaming about the perfect vacation in the area.
The offer is good for up to five days, but we’ve condensed our guide to 1-, 2-, and 3-day vacations. Whether you’re a traveler coming from afar, or a local who just has some vacation days to burn, this guide is for you. In fact, that’s the whole point of Visit SPC’s new deal: don’t let your 2025 PTO go to waste. Use it in paradise, instead.
If you only have 24 hours, then you want to experience the greatest hits. To do this, it’s as easy as following the sun.
The legendary Mullet’s Fish Camp patio
Start your morning with a sunrise walk by the water
If you’re an early riser, get out to the downtown St. Pete waterfront where you can watch the sun rise straight out of Tampa Bay. Start in Vinoy Park then walk to the end of the St. Pete Pier. On your way back, stop by Perry’s Porch (opens at 7 am) for coffee and a bite to eat. If you’re a later riser, reverse the plan and start with Perry’s before a brisk walk on the waterfront.
Visit the iconic Salvador Dalí Museum
After your walk, you’re only blocks away from one of St. Pete’s most famous sites: The Salvador Dalí Museum. There are tons of great museums in the area, but if you can only visit one, The Dalí is an excellent choice.
Fresh catch and fresh air make the perfect lunch
You can’t vacation in Pinellas County and not enjoy some fresh fish. Mullet’s Fish Camp in South St. Pete is one of our favorites, and their menu has something for everyone, in case anyone in your group doesn’t want fish. The grouper sandwich is the classic, and the chicken wings at Mullet’s always earn rave reviews.
Have fun with shopping, games, or a craft beer afternoon
It’s time to slowly make our way west toward the beach. If you want to do some shopping, start at the 400 North Block of Central Avenue and walk west until you run out of shops – it’ll take a while. More in the mood for a craft brewery, local coffee shop, or even a video game bar? Head to the Grand Central District, packed full of all three.
Catch Florida’s most beautiful sunset
The sun sets early this time of year, so we’re hitting the Gulf for a pre-dinner sunset. Head to the public parking in St. Pete Beach and you’ll be steps away from having your toes in the sand while you watch the sun set into the water.
Dine by the water in historic John’s Pass
After sunset, pop right up the road to Madeira Beach for a late dinner, where John’s Pass Village is home to a plethora of restaurants, shops, and waterfront views. From seafood or steak to burgers or pizza, it’s all available in this popular food and nightlife hotspot.
With two days to experience the area, we’re expanding the map a little bit. Two days gives you enough time to hit the main attractions and enjoy some of the local businesses and experiences that make the day special.
Day 1: Get your hands on breakfast and your toes in the sand
We’re starting on the beach to let the sound of the surf energize us for the day. If you’re feeling particularly peckish, La Croisette in St. Pete Beach is one of the area’s most popular breakfast spots. For something a little lighter, Fruit Float Cafe in Madeira Beach serves healthy bowls and fresh fruits.
After breakfast, it’s time to enjoy some relaxation in the sun and sand. Some prefer to take a long walk along the shore, water lapping at their feet. Some (like us) enjoy kicking back in a beach chair or on a towel and falling deep into a good book until we get hungry enough to get up for lunch.
Explore bustling downtown St. Pete and its incredible arts scene
From the beach, we’re heading to downtown St. Pete. Lunch at The Library is the perfect pick-me-up after all the sun, especially with their excellent cafe offerings. Following lunch, it’s time for your museum of choice. The Dalí is always a popular pick, but there is plenty to choose from. The Chihuly collection is stunning, and sports fans will enjoy one of the world’s largest signed baseball collections at the St. Pete Museum of History.
Upscale or low-key, have dinner your way in St. Pete
Here, it’s a pick-your-own adventure. For upscale dining and high-energy nightlife, we’re staying in downtown. Dinner at Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria overlooking Central Avenue is a delight, and places you perfectly in the center of the area’s most popular bars, clubs and dance halls.
If you prefer something lower key, head to the Grand Central District for dinner at either Pulpo (upscale tapas in a chic restaurant lounge) or Trophy Fish (fresh-catch eats in a casual outdoor oasis). If you want more fun after dinner, the neighborhood is full of breweries and cocktail bars.
Whimzeyland is one of the most awe-inspiring attractions in Florida
Day 2: Explore the area’s beloved local gems: Safety Harbor and Dunedin
Day two of the trip brings some of the county’s most underrated experiences. We’re starting in Safety Harbor, where an incredibly walkable downtown is exactly the refresher you need after a long first day. Start with an early lunch at The Tides Market, one of the most popular seafood places anywhere in the region.
Next, visit Whimzeyland, a kaleidoscope of colors and art created by local artists Todd Ramquist and Kiaralinda. With mosaics, bowling balls, and colorful sculptures, this quirky home is a feast for the senses.
Explore art, restaurants and breweries in downtown Dunedin
Dunedin is an absolute gem of a coastal town, and it is bursting with incredible restaurants, breweries, art, and live music. If you’re a craft beer lover, you could spend your full afternoon and evening just taking a brewery crawl. If you’re an art lover, merely walking the streets of downtown is like entering a gallery.
When you’re hungry, our favorites are Casa Tina (elevated Mexican), The Honu (Hawaiian-inspired tiki bar and restaurant), or The Black Pearl (upscale American).
If you have three full days, you can truly experience almost all of the best in the area. This itinerary we’re splitting into three styles of days, allowing different experiences on each day of your vacation.
Day 1: Visit ‘Little Greece’ in Tarpon Springs
The tippy top of Pinellas County is fittingly one of its crown jewels. Tarpon Springs and its famous Greek community is an absolute must-visit. Spend your day wandering the sponge docks, sipping espresso and snacking on baklava at Hella’s, and getting lost in games and nostalgia at the Replay Pinball Museum.
After the morning and afternoon of Greek life and gaming, head to Clearwater Beach for some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, truly. Take in the Pier 60 Sunset Celebration, then head either north or south for all the food, drink and music you could ever want. Frenchy’s is Clearwater’s famous seafood spot – order the grouper sandwich.
Day 2: Immerse yourself in art and nature in St. Pete
This is a day we’re getting our steps in. Get things started with a hearty breakfast sandwich at Bandit Cafe in St. Pete, then pick your favorite museum (or two) to explore. We have a full list here. If you prefer to experience your art al fresco, consider booking a walking or biking mural tour – it’s an excellent way to explore all parts of the city while seeing the outdoor art gallery of St. Pete.
Following your morning fun, head to Mazarro’s for lunch. The bustling Italian market is one of the marquee St. Pete experiences, and their deli sandwiches may just change your life. Wander the weaving store where you’ll find incredible international goods, amazing food, fresh baked goodies, hot coffee, and enough cheese, wine and pasta to last most families a lifetime.
Then, it’s time to walk off lunch at Sunken Gardens, the hidden garden oasis in the middle of St. Pete. Say hello to the flamingos!
Next up, it’s downtown St. Pete. Take in the sunset on the St. Pete Pier or at The Canopy, a rooftop bar. Then we’re off to Allelo for a fancy Mediterranean-inspired dinner. If you still have energy after all of that, you’re perfectly placed for dessert, dancing, or drinks.
Honeymoon Island State Park | Photo via Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
Day 3: Escape to a beautiful, natural oasis
Day two was exhausting, and the trip is almost over. It’s time to relax. You deserve a beach day. On day three, you can head north or south and enjoy some time in the sun walking along (or swimming in) clear warm water.
To the north, Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin has more than four miles of beautiful, pristine, quiet beaches. The water is jarringly clear, the crowds remarkably thin, and the flora worthy of appreciation. You can relax on the beach, explore the trail through one of Florida’s last virgin pine forests, do some birdwatching, or hop in the water for fishing or shelling.
To the south, Fort DeSoto Park is a breathtaking nature sanctuary on the south end of the coastline. With 1,136 acres spread across five islands, it’s the largest park in Pinellas County and it has something for everyone. Stroll for shells along the expansive north shore, go for a kayaking trip among the mangroves, or even take a ferry out to Shell Key Island for a little snorkeling.
If you’re planning a vacation or staycation this year in Pinellas County, be sure to take advantage of the deals from Visit St. Pete-Clearwater.
