Picture this: you’re relaxing around a bonfire on a white-sand beach, watching the golden sun sink into the horizon. A pod of dolphins glide into view, playfully jumping in and out of the water.
It’s deep winter in the UK, but you’ve traded endless rain for 27°C heat. Welcome to your next holiday: St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida’s laid-back coastal oasis just a 30-minute drive from Tampa airport. Prepare yourself for rooftop parties, cocktails in the sand and fresh fish galore…
Where to stay in St. Pete-Clearwater
Split your time between the colourful town of St. Pete and the white-sand beaches of Clearwater for the best of both worlds.
Sandpearl Resort
If you want to station yourself as close to the sea as humanly possible, Sandpearl Resort is an excellent choice. As you walk into the lobby, holiday mode will be activated; think high ceilings, exotic plants and a grand piano (yes, you’re worth it).
Boasting its own private beach, you can avoid the usual early-morning fight for sun beds. The ‘M’-shaped pool is equally enticing and conveniently placed next to the bar for all-day cocktails, if you fancy.
The west-facing resort means the sunsets are heavenly… best soaked up from the beachside fire pit (with a Cosmo in hand) or from your private balcony. The bedrooms follow an ocean-inspired white and blue theme, and allow you to really spread out.
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Mint House
Located in the Edge District, Mint House is within walking distance from the eclectic street murals, bars and nightlife in St. Pete. In an area often known as ‘Gay St. Pete’ for its enormous Pride in June every year, you can feel the positive energy oozing from the town.
Mint House’s Airbnb-style studios - fully equipped with a kitchen and washer-dryer - give you the comfort of home alongside the luxury of a hotel. The minimalist, clean design of the open-plan suite leads to a sunny patio overlooking the shared pool.
What to do in St. Pete-Clearwater
Little Toot dolphin cruise
The water around St. Pete is home to around 150 bottlenose dolphins, which can be spotted all year round. When they identify the familiar sound of Little Toot’s engine, they come out to play on the boat’s huge wake. Go for the sunset slot and expect an entire pod jumping against the backdrop of an orange sky.
St. Petersburg Distillery
The best place for a tipple? St Petersburg Distillery, of course. You’re greeted with a seasonal cocktail - like the pumpkin spice espresso martini in autumn - to keep you company for a tour around the factory. You’ll learn the proper way to down a shot (very important research) and leave with your favourite small-batch spirit.
Pottery at Sugar Cream Clay
Craft your own souvenir in the bubblegum-pink haven that is Sugar Cream Clay (slay!). You can either paint a piece or try your hand at pottery throwing on the wheel. Fear not, clumsy queens, the studio’s experts will guide you every step of the way. It’s the girly activity you didn’t know you needed.
Jet cars with Wet Rentals
You probably never thought you’d be racing across Tampa Bay in a hot-pink Lamborghini, but here we are. Combining the motor of a jet ski with a bad-ass racing car exterior, you’ll reach speeds of 70mph on the water. Feel the thrill with your hair blowing in the wind.
Floridarama
Step inside the wacky world of Floridarama, an immersive gallery that follows a mysterious storyline. You’ll drift through the rooms - designed by more than 80 local artists - and try to solve the case of two newlyweds that have disappeared on their honeymoon.
Where to eat in St. Pete-Clearwater
The Sourdough Company
This bakery (AKA sweet treat central) is famous for its sourdough brookies, s’more tarts and peanut butter cookies. Grab to go or stay for the laid-back vibes and irresistible smell wafting through the cafe.
Island Way Grill
Fish lovers, this one’s for you. With its very own fish counter and tables overlooking the ocean, the restaurant’s seafood-rich menu showcases local produce at its finest. Choose from scallops, lobster and tuna, but the local catch of snapper is hard to beat.
Sparrow St Pete
Dinner and a boogie, coming right up. Go from dinner to night out at Sparrow’s dressy rooftop bar, where nibbles and a couple of margs will lead you to the terrace dance floor. Let your hair down and party with panoramic views of St Pete.
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill
Sit back at Frenchy’s on Clearwater Beach for ocean-view dining. The casual, surfer vibe and upbeat tunes make for the perfect lunch spot post-sunbathe. You can’t leave without trying the infamous lobster fries, seriously.
Good Intentions
For a vegan dinner, Good Intentions has your back. The plant-filled, burnt orange dining room oozes with ambience. Perch at the grand circular bar for a cocktail before tucking into the menu of creamy gnocchi, lion’s mane steak and chimichurri tempeh.
Caretta on the Gulf
Named after the sea turtles that can be found on Clearwater Beach, you’ll dine here with a front-row seat to the coast. Expect seasonal seafood, live music on the weekends and a key lime pie to remember.
Direct flights from London to Tampa Bay, Florida, run every day with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic. Suites at Mint House start at £50pp per night, based on a studio suite in September 2026. SandPearl is priced at £1,579pp for seven nights with British Airways Holidays and return flights from London Gatwick, based on dates in September/October 2026.
Gracie Helps (she/her) is a sub-editor and freelance news writer at Cosmopolitan UK. She spills the tea on everything from bingeable true-crime documentaries to your favourite celebs. Gracie has a degree in English language and literature from the University of Sussex, and has been working in health and lifestyle magazines for three years. Her guilty pleasure is watching reality dating shows… especially Love is Blind!
