Blog

Spring is in full swing and summer isn’t that far behind!  St. Pete Beach and Clearwater celebrate the season with plenty of outdoor fun in the sun…and at night under the stars!  Event calendars are beginning to fill out.  Here’s as glance of what’s in store for summer 2022. Who doesn’t love a pool party?!  […]

A Majestic Sight to Behold It’s a sight you never get tired of.  Seeing the graceful arc of a dolphin’s back gently surfacing the water is a pleasure to behold.  These beautiful, playful marine mammals are regulars in the St. Pete/Tampa Bay area.   There are many places to see them, along with different ways to […]

Imagine diving in a saltwater aquarium and swimming with the fish.  That’s exactly what you can expect when snorkeling at St. Pete Beach and surrounding areas on Pass-a-Grille. Snorkeling is a sport for all ages.  Plus, it doesn’t cost much and requires little to no training.  Just strap on fins, pull on a mask and […]

Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, but there are some days when a dip in the pool or a thrilling ride on a water slide can’t be beat.  The St. Pete’s area  has a variety of choices for water adventure seekers. 📷 courtesy of Splash Harbour Splash Harbour Water Park is a popular spot […]

Don’t get us wrong.  Dinner and a movie are fine.  But sometimes you want to be a bit more adventurous.  Lucky for you, there are plenty of unique activities in the area that will take you off the beaten the path. (story) Shuffleboard This is not your grandparent’s shuffleboard.  Gone are the connotations of cruise […]

Here’s quick highlights of memorable experiences around St. Pete and Tampa! Aaaaaand GO! St. Petersburg Farmers Market where you can buy both wet and dry goods or if you want some cute souvenirs to take home you can get them at Central Avenue. Take the time to appreciate the exhibits of arts and the history […]

Love is always in the air at the beach! There’s a wide variety of fun and romantic adventures being offered in the area.  Here’s a look at several choices. We’re known for our beaches here and why not? They’re absolutely beautiful. Who hasn’t seen a couple strolling hand in hand along the sand and for […]

The St. Petersburg area is known for its powdery white sands, clear blue water and warm climate.  It’s the perfect place to unwind and have fun, no matter what your age. Fun activities for families abound, so there’s never the chance for a dull moment when visiting this vibrant area. 1. The beaches are the […]

The Tampa Bay area is known for its fabulous seafood.  But there are times you want to expand your culinary horizons. If you’re up for a gastronomical trip around the world, this area is the perfect launchpad. Taste of Berlin serves authentic German food for lunch and dinner.  Enjoy schnitzel, spaetzle, Gluehwein, and of course, […]

After a warm day at the beach, nothing quite beats ice cream. And if you’re visiting St. Pete’s Beach, you’re in luck. Along with its gorgeous beaches, St. Pete’s offers some of the best ice cream around. Whether you’re craving a simple ice cream cone or a hot fudge sundae, we have the scoop on the […]

1.  The Sunsets! All year long, the sun sets in the west, giving you the most spectacular views of golden hour and no two sunsets are ever the same! 2. The Wide Beaches! If narrow beaches have been a problem during your vacation, the beaches that span St. Pete and Clearwater are far more wide, […]

St. Pete Beach has become the number one spot in Florida for scenic sunsets, unending amusement, and extravagant nightlife.  The best part is, there are loads of awesome activities to choose from!  Spark your adventure and wild side with something different!  Below are some fun and unique experiences you won’t find just anywhere! Take your […]

Golf is even more relaxing when you are right next to St. Pete Beach. Just imagine completing a course with your buddies and then hopping over to Sloppy Joe’s for a soul-refreshing mojito.  So, what are the best golf courses around St. Pete Beach? 1.  Seminole Lakes Golf & Country Club Seminole takes you back […]

Although the sunny beach is always brimming with joy and excitement, some days may just rain on your parade.  But fear not!  There are tons of wonderful rainy events in St. Pete Beach to keep you and your company having fun and making memories together!  No boredom here! 1.  Mastry’s Brewing Company Thanks to their […]

St. Pete Beach is renowned for its beachside coffee shops.  People like you and I just can’t seem to just get enough of the scenic views and the serene atmosphere.  So it begs the question, what are the best coffee shops in St. Pete Beach?  Let’s check some out! 1.  Grove Surf & Coffee Starting […]

Indeed, St. Pete Beach is quite “spooktacular” this time of the year.  From festivals to concerts to wine tours and comedy nights, you and your guests are sure to find fun entertainment during your stay!  So without further ado, let’s take a look at the awesome events you and your family would love to attend. […]

St. Pete Beach is one of the hottest places in all of Florida to experience the finest and the hoppiest of craft beverages.  And, the best part is, most of these breweries also serve fast food and full course meals. We know you are tired of home-brewing your favorite beverages and that’s why we recommend […]

Whether you want to grab a pick-up or relish fine dining, St. Pete Beach remains one of the premier gourmet destinations in Florida.  The best part is these restaurants are family-friendly so bring everybody along and dine until your heart’s content.  And, if you’re looking to know all about the top family-friendly restaurants in St. […]

Tickets are currently on sale now for Enchant, the lighted, magical holiday transformation of Tropicana Field. Thousands of strands of lights light up the interior of the Tampa Bay Rays’ Baseball field, as it transforms into something only Santa and his elves could dream up.  From ice skating to the Enchant Eatery with holiday treats […]

An Experience You’ll Never Forget! Manatees can be seen in various parts of Florida waters from April to October, but when the temperatures dip, manatees migrate to the Florida Springs where the average water temperature stays around 70 degrees year-round.  This deemed “Manatee Season” runs from November to March annually.  “Sea cows” were placed on […]

The great thing about shelling is that it is a year-round activity!  It’s a great activity if it’s overcast or sunny, winter or summer and anywhere in between!  A couple of great places to check out for your shelling adventures include Shell Key and Edgemont Key, both are available to get to by private boat […]

If you don’t put it on the ‘gram, were you even in St. Pete Beach? If you’re looking to curate a vacation series for your social media that will give your friends and family back home a serious case of FOMO, here are some of the best spots for selfies. If art is more your […]

“Laps” of Luxury” Properties with pools. Having a pool is one of the perks of vacation rental. Whether you need a break from the sand, the weather, red tide, or jelly fish, or you want to enjoy coffee, happy hour, or drinks in your rental house, homes with pools provide a great alternative, and they […]

  Did you adopt a dog over the last year? Many people took advantage of working from home and opened their homes and their hearts to a record number of four legged friends. Now that you’re ready to go on vacation, you may be looking to take your pup with you. St. Pete Beach has […]

Ten Free Things to Do in and Around St. Pete Beach Your St. Pete Beach vacation doesn’t need to break the bank. While you may want to splurge on a dinner or two, a sunset cruise, or a day at the spa, there are plenty of activities that get you connected to this beach town’s […]

Hotels or Condos: Which option is right for your group and budget? After a year of “sheltering in place”, people are more than ready to start travelling and seeing the world again. When deciding the best way to make the most of your travel budget, many people consider the benefits of staying in a condo […]

Pack light and have a plan. Make you sure you have all your toiletries, hygiene items, and medications (including over the counter medicines). They will be cheaper to purchase before you leave home.  One bonus to having your own vacation rental is the ease of doing laundry right in your unit. This will allow you […]

    Top 5 Favorite Travel Apps Magic Seaweed Magic Seaweed is a local’s favorite app for telling you sunrise times, sunset times, moonrises and moonsets; tide times and so much more. Simply put in what beach you are located in, and it will pull in the information real time. TripAdvisor We love TripAdvisor. They […]

    Tips For Traveling In The Car With Kids Make A Check List As soon as you have booked your trip, make a list of things you need to make sure you remember. Don’t Forget Their “Lovey” – meaning their significant sleeping thing whether that be a stuffed animal, blanket, etc. Pack “Activity Bags” […]

  Make Your Grocery Order Before You Leave for Pickup When You Arrive Apps that make online grocery ordering a breeze are a lifesaver.  This way, you don’t have to pack your groceries before you leave, and they will be ready for pickup when you arrive! Pack Laundry Detergent or Packets One of the best […]

  Downtown St. Petersburg Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg is known as the “sunshine city”, with an average of 361 sunshiny days every year. With weather like that, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite vacation spot for all ages. Whether you are looking for some outdoor adventure […]

  From beer to playgrounds, and everything in between, the locals in St. Pete Beach know a good thing when they see it. Welcome to the “Gulp Coast,” pun completely intended. Running from Clearwater to St. Pete, the Craft Beer Trails lets you explore more than 40 craft and small batch breweries. Twenty of these […]

  Santa’s not the only one who should be making a list. Getting ready for your Florida beach vacation requires you to pack for just about every situation and weather possibilities. We know you have flip flops and beach bags, but here’s a list of the most likely must haves you left at home. Beach […]

  Know Before You Go – What You Need To Know About Beach Flag Safety Planning a beach day?  Be sure to check the forecast not just for the overall weather but for the beach specifically so you know what you can and can’t do, what to expect when you get there and what additional […]

  What You Should Know When Booking A Vacation During Hurricane Season When is hurricane season? Hurricane Season for the Atlantic Basin (Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico) is scheduled from June 1 to Nov. 30th every year, but storms can occur before or after this window, however it is rare.  The peak hurricane […]

  Hi!  My name is Nicole and I am a guest on the blog today!  I have a family of 5 with kids ages 7, 5 and 2! We have a tribe of 40 with a culmination of over 14 kids between us.  Going to the beach can be a daunting task, especially with babies […]

Around here, fish bite year-round and it’s a great vacation activity! Whether you go out on your own, just you, the water and the fish, or make it a fun activity with the entire family! Even inshore or near shore a fisherman can hook kingfish, tarpon, trout, Spanish mackerel, snook and redfish. Pier Fishing No […]

  The St. Pete Pier District is now open with restaurants and activities abound! The new Pier is a full-on 26-acre attraction that extends in all directions. The Pier experience begins at the Gateway, immediately west of Bayshore Drive, and there will be several ways for visitors to make their way out to the Pier Point. […]

  Why Fort De Soto Park is a “Must-Visit” when visiting our beaches? Fort De Soto Park is a real gem in the Pinellas County’s park system. Whether you are sitting on the beach or kayaking near the still water’s edge at Fort De Soto, you find yourself absorbed in the abundance of natural beauty […]

Vacation Rentals are open in Pinellas County! Quick updates on vacation rentals in Pinellas County: Resort Rentals is having its best 7 day booking period ever!  We are experiencing a release of pent up demand.  If you are going to book, please book early.  The team is experiencing the highest call volume ever! We are […]

  April 30th, 2020 Dear Governor DeSantis and Attorney General Moody: The current ban on vacation rentals should not be extended for numerous reasons as laid out below: Hotels: Restrictions are not currently placed on Hotels Unlike Hotels, vacation rentals include all the amenities of a home to include isolated areas, kitchens, isolated air flow, […]

This great article from Southernliving is right on the money why you REALLY need to visit our vibrant downtown St. Petersburg and gorgeous Tampa Bay Beaches at the same time! The image of a once a sleepy coastal city where just retirees congregated is long gone. St. Petersburg now draws entrepreneurs, painters, and travelers— from […]

Today we’re introducing several new restaurants that have recently opened their doors. Dr. BBQ Have a case of lovin’ BBQ? Dr. BBQ is offering “new American barbeque” to the Tampa Bay area, the full-service restaurant sizzles with global flavors. Dr. BBQ created these exclusive new recipes by drawing on inspiration from his travels and the […]

Sports are big in the Tampa Bay area! Almost perfect weather year-round means the Tampa Bay area is a great place to visit for sports fans. Football, Baseball, Hockey, Soccer plus events like the Firestone Grand Prix and the Super Boat National Championship as well as the Outback Bowl…there’s something for everyone to enjoy! If […]

If you don’t want to skip your workout routine while on vacation… Most people picture themselves sitting on the beach drinking a cocktail until the sun sets when they think of vacation. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this since vacations are meant to be relaxing. Body and mind need a break once in a while. […]

There is a good question we’ve heard a lot from our valued customers: “Do I need a fishing license?” Staying in one of our fully equipped vacation rentals has the advantage that you could prepare your own “Catch of the day”! Whether you plan to fish off your vacation rental property, with your feet in […]

One of the most popular things to do in our area is “Watching the sunset” Mother Nature has blessed the Tampa Bay area with the most magical sunsets, cloudy or not…it’s always such an amazing display of beauty! We have gathered some breathtaking images for you. And best of all, that’s an “activity” you can […]

From Farmer’s Markets and Indie Markets to Art Shows… It doesn’t matter if you just want to stock up your vacation rental with fresh produce or meats or, if you are looking for a treasure to take home with you, there are so many open air markets going on in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area! Here […]

Happy 4th of July, everyone! All around the Tampa Bay Beaches the skies will light up with rockets red, white and blue glare in celebration of our country’s independence tomorrow! To find out where and when fireworks are happening, please follow this helpful link http://www.paradisenewsfl.com/4th-of-july-celebrations-in-pinellas-county/ to our local Paradise News magazine. Many of our beautiful beaches […]

Let’s talk about the Tampa Bay CityPASS! If you plan to visit our Tampa Bay Beaches, see some of our top attractions and want to SAVE money, this Pass is for you! Save 51% on admissions to Busch Gardens, Lowry Park Zoo, Florida Aquarium, Clearwater Marine Aquarium (to  meet TV star Winter the Dolphin) and […]

Fun things to do continues – Today it’s about SUP! We’ll take you from flying through the air zip-lining last week to exploring the beautiful Gulf waters! Are you asking yourself  right now “What in the world is SUP??”. It’s short for Stand Up Paddle. Enjoy a relaxing, leisurely cruise on the water and catch […]

“What will the weather be like in…?” This question comes up a lot in conversations with our customers. Well, wouldn’t it be great if we had an on-point answer to this question 😉 ?! We can, however, give you a couple of facts about average temperatures, etc. Let’s start with a fun fact! As most […]

Our amazing sea life – sea turtle nesting season! From now through the end of October, three different species of sea turtles will be landing on Florida’s Gulf coast beaches to lay their eggs.  You may see mounds of sand on the beaches that are roped off; this is a turtle nest and PLEASE DO […]

Why take a summer family vacation on our amazing Tampa Bay Beaches? Yes, we know that there’s a difference between kid-friendly and family-friendly when it comes to vacation destinations. What makes the St. Pete/Clearwater area so fantastic is that it is a place where the whole family will have fun and can get excited about. […]

Considerations for Planning that Summer Getaway Planning that summer vacation? Wondering how to make that next trip a little more enjoyable and perhaps, a little less stressful? A little planning up front can make the entire experience more fun for everyone! With years of experience helping families enjoy St. Petersburg, FL and the St. Pete’s […]

St. Pete Beach is one of the finest beaches in Florida. If fact, it is ranked number 3 on Trip Advisor’s 2017 list of the Top 25 Beaches in the whole United States. Did you know, however, that there is more to St. Pete Beach then super soft sand and crystal clear Gulf Waters? St. […]

  When you are ready to take a break from the beach, a day-trip to Johns Pass Village & Boardwalk in Madeira Beach has fun for the entire family. The Pass, as local often refer to it, offers visitors a unique shopping, dining and ocean exploring experience. The actual pass of John’s Pass is the […]

Are you looking for the best Florida beaches, or the finest beaches in the whole United States for that matter? The beaches near Tampa Bay are among the very finest in the world. This tropical paradise boasts the calm and mild waters of the Gulf Coast which are home to many dolphins and manatees as […]

Opening the IndyCar season, the Firestone Grand Prix is a three-day event, March 10-12,  bringing a great festival-like atmosphere to the water-front street course that transforms St. Petersburg into a world class IndyCar race track. The event brings the fastest racing series on earth, along with a host of celebrities and athletes, live music and […]

What are you doing right now? Are you wearing a sweater? Drinking something hot? Did you just come back inside to warm up after shoveling several inches of snow? The answer to why February is the best month to visit Tampa and and its wonderful beaches is probably obvious to you! But here are some […]

Rescue, Rehab, Release Did you know that we have one of the finest marine wildlife rehabilitation and rescue centers in our area? The Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is dedicated to preserving our beautiful ocean environment while being dedicated to helping marine animals who are ill or injured to rehab and get back to the business […]