From theme park to seaside: see one other aspect of Florida in St. Pete-Clearwater

Boasting the largest names within the style, from Walt Disney World Resort to Common Orlando Resort, Florida is legendary for being the world capital of theme parks – however it has a lot else to supply.

Lengthen the enjoyable: get a change of tempo and scene by pairing your Orlando park-hopping with a sun-drenched seaside break in St. Pete-Clearwater.

Straightforward to achieve by automotive from Orlando or Tampa, the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater – and the shoreline that separates them – mix to create a twinned space of magnificent seashores, good points of interest and must-visit nature spots on Florida’s west coast.

The adrenaline-inducing rollercoasters. The dazzling hourly reveals. The dramatic structure. Excessive-octane theme parks are an exhilarating a part of a Florida vacation, however don’t all the time do a lot in the way in which of R&R. That’s the place the Gulf Coast is available in, offering a laid-back and accessible escape.

Whether or not you’re travelling as a pair, with pals, a younger household or as a multi-gen group with grandparents in tow, the unhurried twin-centre of St. Pete-Clearwater will deliver a refreshing and restorative angle to your journey that everybody can get pleasure from.

The extra you see of Florida, the extra you’ll fall in love with it – and that significantly goes for St. Pete-Clearwater, the place panoramas seem like they’ve been copied and pasted from a postcard.

The plain ace within the area’s pack is the 35 miles of white sand seaside that fringes its west-facing shoreline, slipping gently into heat, azure waters. Calm waves and gentle sand underfoot make these award-winning stretches an excellent playground for little ones to frolic, whereas additionally letting the grown-ups bask in some much-needed vacation downtime too.

You’re spoilt for selection on the subject of the seashores right here, whether or not you’re searching for an action-packed patch the place teenagers can burn off vitality or a quiet and secluded nook to go well with {couples}.

For the previous, strive central Clearwater Seaside, major picture, which ranked as the highest seaside in Florida (and second greatest in the entire United States) in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Selection Awards: Better of the Greatest Seashores. It’s backed by resorts and has all of the facilities you possibly can ask for. Deal with your self to a keep in Wyndham Grand Clearwater Seaside Resort, which sits on Clearwater Seaside.

For the latter, strive Fort De Soto Park – a pristine, wild clutch of interconnected islands with sleepy strands and plentiful birdlife. Not solely are you able to spend the day swimming off the powdery sand, however you can even marvel on the pure ecosystem, residence to mangroves, wetlands and hardwoods.

After a day or two of lazy recuperation, you may need to get caught again within the motion, so it’s simply as properly St. Pete-Clearwater is replete with actions to maintain everybody busy.

Within the morning, take in the rays whilst you paddleboard by way of mangroves at Weedon Island Protect. Within the afternoon, head again to the seaside to select from the big selection of water sports activities on provide.

Be part of a ship journey for the day: choices vary from intimate tiki-themed excursions to glam yacht charters, superb for bigger teams. Or limber up for a sport of volleyball on Clearwater Seaside, the place the game is a neighborhood obsession.

Within the evenings, the motion continues. Be part of the crowds that collect nightly round Pier 60, pictured above, the place road performers, musicians and different artists carry out at no cost because the sky begins to show all shades of orange, pink and purple. West-facing St. Pete-Clearwater is privileged with a few of the greatest sunsets in Florida, so it’s price celebrating each night time of your journey. For a contemporary and trendy vacation base near the motion, strive Sandpearl Resort, which is 4 blocks from Clearwater’s new Seaside Stroll and Pier 60.

After darkish, in the meantime, you possibly can take advantage of the realm’s chic eating scene, which has lately been recognised within the Michelin information and places Gulf produce like stone crab and grouper centre stage. Whether or not you’re a foodie duo or an even bigger brood with some little choosy eaters in tow, the number of eating places – hopping from Greek to German – ensures all bases are lined.

What’s extra, boardwalks, accessible seaside pathways and family-friendly services make it easy for guests of all ages and mobility ranges to benefit from the shoreline and waterfront.

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