Updated: January 06, 2026
St. Pete Beach delivers more than just sunbathing. Between morning shell hunts at Pass-a-Grille, dolphin cruises when the heat peaks, and sunset gatherings with drum circles, summer here means balancing beach time with water excursions, afternoon storm breaks, and evening entertainment along Corey Avenue.
St. Pete Beach transforms into a sun-soaked playground during summer months, offering endless activities beyond simply lounging on the sand. I've spent enough summers here to know that while the beaches are the main draw, you'll want to mix in other experiences to make the most of your visit.
Contents
1. Beach Activities Worth Your Time
2. Don't Miss the Sunset Celebration
3. Cool Off With Water-Based Excursions
4. Combat the Afternoon Storms
6. Practical Summer Considerations
Beach Activities Worth Your Time
The 35 miles of Gulf Coast beaches provide the foundation for summer fun. Pass-a-Grille Beach, located at the southern tip of St. Pete Beach, offers calmer waters ideal for families and excellent shelling opportunities, especially after morning high tides. I've found sand dollars, fighting conchs, and lightning whelks during early morning walks. Fort De Soto Park, consistently ranked among America's top beaches, features multiple beach areas plus kayak rentals where you can paddle through mangrove tunnels spotting herons and occasional dolphins.
Water sports rentals are plentiful along the beach. Stand-up paddleboarding has become my preferred way to explore the coastline, as the Gulf's typically calm summer waters make it accessible even for beginners. Several outfitters along Corey Avenue offer hourly rentals. Parasailing companies operate from various beach locations, offering 10-15 minute flights that provide stunning aerial views of the barrier islands.
Don't Miss the Sunset Celebration
Every evening, locals and visitors gather at various beach access points for sunset viewing. The official sunset times vary throughout summer—roughly 8:20 PM in June, gradually moving earlier to around 7:45 PM by August. I typically head out 30 minutes before sunset to claim a good spot. The Pier at St. Pete Beach serves as a popular gathering point, though Pass-a-Grille Beach offers a more laid-back atmosphere with occasional drum circles forming spontaneously.
Cool Off With Water-Based Excursions
When the midday heat peaks (summer temperatures regularly hit the upper 80s to low 90s with high humidity), consider booking a dolphin-watching cruise. Multiple charter companies operate from nearby Johns Pass Village, offering morning and afternoon departures. I've had the best dolphin sightings on early morning trips when the water is calmer. These typically last 90 minutes to two hours.
Shell Key Preserve, an undeveloped barrier island accessible only by boat, provides an escape from developed beaches. Several shuttle services run from Pass-a-Grille, depositing you on pristine shores where you can snorkel, search for shells, or simply enjoy the solitude.
Combat the Afternoon Storms
Summer in St. Pete Beach means afternoon thunderstorms, typically rolling in between 2-4 PM. Rather than letting this derail your day, plan indoor activities for these hours. The Gulf Beaches Historical Museum in Pass-a-Grille offers free admission and air-conditioned respite while teaching you about the area's history as one of Florida's first beach resorts.
Evening Entertainment
As temperatures cool in the evening, Corey Avenue comes alive. The Sunday evening Corey Avenue Market features local vendors, live music, and food trucks. Wednesday nights bring free concerts at various beach locations throughout summer—check the city's events calendar for specific schedules and performers.
The Upham Beach area offers beachfront restaurants where you can dine with your toes in the sand. Summer also brings sea turtle nesting season (May through October), and several organizations offer guided nighttime turtle walks, though these require advance reservations and fill quickly.
Practical Summer Considerations
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, because traditional sunscreens can harm marine ecosystems. Afternoon storms cool things down but create strong rip currents, so check beach flag warnings before swimming. Most beach activities operate year-round, but summer offers the warmest water temperatures, typically ranging from 82-86°F.
After your Gulf Coast adventures, head to the Smoky Mountains for a complete change of scenery. Stony Brook Lodging in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offers mountain cabins where cool evenings and forested trails replace beach sunsets and ocean waves.
