Located on Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast, St Pete and Clearwater Beach are sister cities found along 35 miles of uninterrupted shoreline. Yet even family don’t always see eye to eye. Between the destinations you can uncover bottlenose dolphins, beautiful restaurants, booming street art and award-winning beaches, but each city caters for different travel styles.
That’s why we’ve whittled down all the principal factors to consider. Whether you’re planning a family vacation with little ones or an adult only retreat, here are the nuances of these to help you decide which tropical paradise is the best fit for you…
St. Pete vs. Clearwater for beaches
With both beaches having taken the all-important ‘Number One Beach in the USA’ ranking on Trip Advisor, you’re on to a winner no matter which beach you choose. However, that being said, there are key differences to be aware of when making your sandy decision. If you’re looking for a quieter vibe and a chance to escape the crowds, St. Pete Beach offers that tranquillity with your sunbathing. Some of the top recommended beaches here are Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, and Pass-a-Grille Beach.
Clearwater, on the other hand, is a more family-friendly beach, with more amenities tailored to families and kids. In turn, it means this beach is a little more crowded. But if that’s the style you’re after, the good times keep rolling into the evening also with the nightly sunset celebrations at Pier 60, featuring artisans and performers. Plus, Clearwater Beach offers several resorts with pools designed for children, as well as designated kids’ clubs to make sure there’s never a dull moment for your little beachgoers.
St. Pete vs. Clearwater for watersports
Thanks to their location on Florida’s Gulf Coast, both St. Pete and Clearwater offer fantastic watersport options. Mirroring the calmness of the beaches, the watersports are also generally a little calmer over in St. Pete. Snorkelling, sailing, and kayaking are all popular choices here. Whereas Clearwater’s energetic atmosphere lends itself to the more adventurous watersports, such as jet skiing and speed boats. St. Pete’s quieter atmosphere means less demand for watersport rentals, as well as more space in the water, while Clearwater’s busy atmosphere may mean a little waiting time for rentals and space. This is certainly something to keep in mind when booking holidays during peak season.
St. Pete vs. Clearwater for foodies
One thing for sure is that you will certainly eat well no matter which destination you pick, however, there are a few key differences to bear in mind. If you’re after a more upscale, diverse dining experience, St. Pete offers more in the way of this. Restaurants like the Mill and Brick and Mortar offer a range of elevated dishes with unique twists. Plus, St. Pete also offers various pop-up events and food festivals to intrigue all foodies.
Clearwater veers more on the laidback, no-frills side of dining – yet every bit as tasty! It’s a place to don the flip flops as you tuck into some of the best shrimp and burgers after a day in the sun. But Clearwater is also home to some iconic spots, such as Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill and Bar, where you can savour some of the freshest seafood.
St. Pete vs. Clearwater for families
With a more energetic vibe, Clearwater Beach caters more to families. Here you’ll find ample amounts of activities to enjoy with little ones. Take their imaginations to new heights with Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise, where they can board a pirate ship for an adventure around Clearwater Bay and into the Gulf of Mexico. And you can also keep the pirate theme going with a swashbuckling pirate-themed crazy golf. Other family-friendly activities include dolphin tours, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
But while Clearwater Beach generally comes out on top in the family-friendly category, St. Pete is not without its fair share of activities for families to enjoy also. There are many beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centres on offer, all at a slower pace, making it great for quality time together without the hustle and bustle of a major tourist hub.
St. Pete vs. Clearwater for couples
If you’re looking to enjoy sunset strolls, romantic meals, and peaceful beach days, St. Pete is an excellent choice. There are also several private boat tours and spa experiences for couples if you decide to take the romance up a gear or two. But while St. Pete offers a wide variety for couples, Clearwater offers more in the way of nightlife. The nightly celebration at Pier 60 is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the festivities together. Or there are several rooftop bars for a few cocktails with a panoramic view of the sunset. Both destinations also offer great accommodation choices for couples, although you’ll find a few more small boutique hotels and cosy inns at St. Pete for that charming, romantic ambience.
St. Pete vs. Clearwater for culture
When it comes to culture, St. Pete has its fair share to indulge in. Downtown St. Petersburg is a vibrant cultural hub renowned for its world-class museums, street art, and art galleries. Highlights include The Salvador Dali Museum and The Museum of Fine Arts. Here, you’ll also find an incredible music and performing arts scene that adds to its cultural appeal. But although St. Pete takes the accolade for having more cultural attractions, that’s not to say Clearwater doesn’t also have a thing or two up its sleeve for culture vultures. Cultural festivities such as the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, which brings four days of jazz, R&B, and soul to the waterfront, and Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, which showcases elaborate sand sculptures are both popular annual events.
Ready to have some fun in the sun? Check out our fabulous Gulf Coast Holidays for 2025 & 2026. 
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