Miami is home to some of the most popular and vibrant beaches, ideal for those looking to make the most of a coastal holiday. However, for travellers who still want to enjoy a luxurious atmosphere while enjoying relatively uncrowded areas, there is one destination that perfectly combines both.
Four hours away from the world-renowned party destination is a lesser-known beauty that still very much flies under the radar despite seemingly having it all. The Tampa-adjacent cities of Saint Petersburg-Clearwater have the perfect combination of the laid-back atmosphere the rest of the Sunshine State is known for, the elegance of Miami’s Brickell neighbourhood, and the bustling creativity of the Wynwood Art District.
St Petersburg – commonly known as St Pete – boasts an average of 361 sunny days per year and a huge variety of dining experiences and leisure activities, showing clearly why Forbes named it one of the “Best Places to Travel in the US.”.
It marries artsy, trendy areas with a bustling nightlife and easy access to idyllic beaches and the Shell Key Preserve, an uninhabited, undeveloped barrier island that is accessible only by water.
Contrary to St Pete – where life revolves more around what the city has to offer and artistic landmarks like the Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center and the Salvador Dalí Museum – in Clearwater, life is centred around the beach, with activities ranging from dolphin spotting tours and tiki boats to more relaxed beach yoga sessions and long promenade walks.
The St Pete experience isn’t complete without a visit to the emblematic Vinoy, a name recognised both locally and internationally, not only for its beautiful Mediterranean Revival-style architecture, but also for its colourful legends and a star-studded guest list that includes the likes of Babe Ruth, Herbert Hoover, Calvin Coolidge and James Stewart.
In Clearwater, the flip side of the coin is the brand-new Opal Sol—where sleek modern luxury meets relaxed beachside comfort, creating the ultimate coastal escape where the Gulf of Mexico is positioned front and centre.
Reminiscent of 80s Miami, Clearwater Beach was recently named to Travel + Leisure’s list of the best white sand beaches in the world and is surrounded by other top-rated options like Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, Honeymoon Island, and Pass-a-Grille Beach.