{"id":62209,"date":"2025-11-27T00:47:13","date_gmt":"2025-11-27T00:47:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/62209\/"},"modified":"2025-11-27T00:47:13","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T00:47:13","slug":"how-to-spend-a-1-2-or-3-day-vacation-in-st-pete-clearwater","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/62209\/","title":{"rendered":"How to spend a 1, 2, or 3-day vacation in St. Pete-Clearwater"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a><\/p>\n

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<\/a>. Naturally, that had us dreaming about the perfect vacation in the area.<\/p>\n

The offer is good for up to five days, but we\u2019ve condensed our guide to 1-, 2-, and 3-day vacations. Whether you\u2019re a traveler coming from afar, or a local who just has some vacation days to burn, this guide is for you. In fact, that\u2019s the whole point of Visit SPC\u2019s new deal<\/a>: don\u2019t let your 2025 PTO go to waste. Use it in paradise, instead.<\/p>\n

If you only have 24 hours, then you want to experience the greatest hits. To do this, it\u2019s as easy as following the sun.<\/p>\n

\"Mullet's\"Mullet'sThe legendary Mullet\u2019s Fish Camp patio <\/p>\n

Start your morning with a sunrise walk by the water<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re 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\u2019s Porch (opens at 7 am) for coffee and a bite to eat. If you\u2019re a later riser, reverse the plan and start with Perry\u2019s before a brisk walk on the waterfront.<\/p>\n

Visit the iconic Salvador Dal\u00ed Museum<\/p>\n

After your walk, you\u2019re only blocks away from one of St. Pete\u2019s most famous sites: The Salvador Dal\u00ed Museum. There are tons of great museums in the area, but if you can only visit one, The Dal\u00ed is an excellent choice.<\/p>\n

Fresh catch and fresh air make the perfect lunch<\/p>\n

You can\u2019t vacation in Pinellas County and not enjoy some fresh fish. Mullet\u2019s 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\u2019t want fish. The grouper sandwich is the classic, and the chicken wings at Mullet\u2019s always earn rave reviews.<\/p>\n

Have fun with shopping, games, or a craft beer afternoon<\/p>\n

It\u2019s 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 \u2013 it\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n

Catch Florida\u2019s most beautiful sunset<\/p>\n

The sun sets early this time of year, so we\u2019re hitting the Gulf for a pre-dinner sunset. Head to the public parking in St. Pete Beach and you\u2019ll be steps away from having your toes in the sand while you watch the sun set into the water.<\/p>\n

Dine by the water in historic John\u2019s Pass<\/p>\n

After sunset, pop right up the road to Madeira Beach for a late dinner, where John\u2019s Pass Village is home to a plethora of restaurants, shops, and waterfront views. From seafood or steak to burgers or pizza, it\u2019s all available in this popular food and nightlife hotspot.<\/p>\n

With two days to experience the area, we\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

\"pink\"pink<\/p>\n

Day 1: Get your hands on breakfast and your toes in the sand<\/p>\n

We\u2019re starting on the beach to let the sound of the surf energize us for the day. If you\u2019re feeling particularly peckish, La Croisette in St. Pete Beach is one of the area\u2019s most popular breakfast spots. For something a little lighter, Fruit Float Cafe in Madeira Beach serves healthy bowls and fresh fruits.<\/p>\n

After breakfast, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Explore bustling downtown St. Pete and its incredible arts scene<\/p>\n

From the beach, we\u2019re 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\u2019s time for your museum of choice. The Dal\u00ed 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\u2019s largest signed baseball collections at the St. Pete Museum of History.<\/p>\n

Upscale or low-key, have dinner your way in St. Pete<\/p>\n

Here, it\u2019s a pick-your-own adventure. For upscale dining and high-energy nightlife, we\u2019re 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\u2019s most popular bars, clubs and dance halls.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"exterior\"exteriorWhimzeyland is one of the most awe-inspiring attractions in Florida <\/p>\n

Day 2: Explore the area\u2019s beloved local gems: Safety Harbor and Dunedin<\/p>\n

Day two of the trip brings some of the county\u2019s most underrated experiences. We\u2019re starting in Safety Harbor<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Explore art, restaurants and breweries in downtown Dunedin<\/p>\n

Dunedin is an absolute gem of a coastal town, and it is bursting with incredible restaurants, breweries, art, and live music. If you\u2019re a craft beer lover, you could spend your full afternoon and evening just taking a brewery crawl. If you\u2019re an art lover, merely walking the streets of downtown is like entering a gallery.<\/p>\n

When you\u2019re hungry, our favorites are Casa Tina (elevated Mexican), The Honu (Hawaiian-inspired tiki bar and restaurant), or The Black Pearl (upscale American). <\/p>\n

If you have three full days, you can truly experience almost all of the best in the area. This itinerary we\u2019re splitting into three styles of days, allowing different experiences on each day of your vacation.<\/p>\n

\"The\"The<\/p>\n

Day 1: Visit \u2018Little Greece\u2019 in Tarpon Springs<\/p>\n

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\u2019s, and getting lost in games and nostalgia at the Replay Pinball Museum.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s is Clearwater\u2019s famous seafood spot \u2013 order the grouper sandwich.<\/p>\n

Day 2: Immerse yourself in art and nature in St. Pete<\/p>\n

This is a day we\u2019re 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<\/a>. If you prefer to experience your art al fresco, consider booking a walking or biking mural tour \u2013 it\u2019s an excellent way to explore all parts of the city while seeing the outdoor art gallery of St. Pete.<\/p>\n

Following your morning fun, head to Mazarro\u2019s 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\u2019ll find incredible international goods, amazing food, fresh baked goodies, hot coffee, and enough cheese, wine and pasta to last most families a lifetime.<\/p>\n

Then, it\u2019s time to walk off lunch at Sunken Gardens, the hidden garden oasis in the middle of St. Pete. Say hello to the flamingos! <\/p>\n

Next up, it\u2019s downtown St. Pete. Take in the sunset on the St. Pete Pier or at The Canopy, a rooftop bar. Then we\u2019re off to Allelo for a fancy Mediterranean-inspired dinner. If you still have energy after all of that, you\u2019re perfectly placed for dessert, dancing, or drinks.<\/p>\n

\"aerial\"aerialHoneymoon Island State Park | Photo via Visit St. Pete-Clearwater <\/p>\n

Day 3: Escape to a beautiful, natural oasis<\/p>\n

Day two was exhausting, and the trip is almost over. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s last virgin pine forests, do some birdwatching, or hop in the water for fishing or shelling.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re planning a vacation or staycation this year in Pinellas County, be sure to take advantage of the deals from Visit St. Pete-Clearwater.<\/a><\/p>\n

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