A guide to the best beaches in St Petersburg

Treasure Island

As magical as its name suggests, Treasure Island beach offers five kilometres of sand and is situated facing the Gulf of Mexico. Popular with walkers, snorkellers and sunbathers alike, this beach is a fantastic spot for those who simply want to stretch out and catch some rays.

There’s also a wide range of restaurants in Treasure Island, many of which are situated along the beachside. Favourites include Sloppy Joes, which will give you a fantastic vantage point for watching the sunset.

Fort de Soto Beach

A day spent on Fort de Soto beach is a day packed with fun. This wonderful stretch of coast was nominated as the United States’ top beach in 2014 – and once you spend time here, it comes as no surprise. Named after the old military structure that still stands today, Fort de Soto is more than a beach and offers a wide variety of leisure options that make it a must-visit during family holidays to Florida.

The beach is set within 900 acres of parkland, situated on the southernmost tip of the St Petersburg peninsula. Children will have a fantastic time exploring its north beach too, as a large pirate ship protects the entrance to a fun filled playground. There’s a tidal pool that’s wonderful for paddling adventures, as well as sea shells and sand dollars – flat sea urchins – to be found.

St Pete Beach

If you make the 20-minute drive from St Petersburg to St Pete beach, you’ll soon understand why this destination has just been voted the 4th best beach in the whole of the USA. Set on an 11-kilometre long key, St Pete is renowned for its laid-back vibe, its glorious expanse of sand and its wide range of watersports. From parasailing to windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding, you can enjoy a new activity every day when you visit this marvellous stretch of coast.

Incorporating Pass-a-Grill beach – the longest expanse of undeveloped public beach in the USA – St Pete has wilderness on its doorstep and a lively, bohemian feel in its small town nearby.

Spa Beach

Spa beach is located just to the east of downtown St Petersburg, close to St Petersburg pier and facing Tampa Bay. It’s a wonderful place to take the whole family, with a wide expanse of white sand and numerous amenities nearby.

Rent paddleboats, jet skis and many other crafts or just lounge and play with the stunning backdrop of Spa Beach creating a welcoming atmosphere. Many special events are held here too, including the annual St Anthony’s triathlon.

Egmont Key

Part of the collection of islands and narrow isthmuses that make up this part of Florida, Egmont Key is situated in the ocean where the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay meet. The key is a protected area and is only accessible by boat. This means that the beaches here are sublime and make for an ideal sunbathing spot, while more active holidaymakers can enjoy long wilderness walks or snorkelling.

This fantastic island boasts an 26-metre tall lighthouse, as well as historic ruins that include the remnants of the 19th-century Fort Dade. Spectacular views of the Sunshine Skyway bridge that guards the entrance to Tampa Bay, are another reason why Egmont Key beach is so popular.