Looking for ideas to add a little extra sparkle to your Anna Maria Island getaway? While AMI offers its own stunning beaches, charming shops, and endless relaxation opportunities, its proximity to other incredible destinations makes it the perfect launch point for exploring more of Florida’s Gulf Coast. One highly recommended day trip is to St. Pete Beach, a lively seaside community offering attractions, dining, and gorgeous beachfront fun. When you’re staying in one of our AMI rentals, St. Pete Beach is the perfect distance to provide a fresh experience without being a hassle to reach.
Below, we’ve outlined a full day’s worth of activities to make the most of your trip to St. Pete Beach while including a few can’t-miss stops along the way.
About St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach is a vibrant barrier island town just a short drive south of downtown St. Petersburg. Known for its powdery white sand beaches and year-round sunshine, it’s a favorite for beachgoers, adventurers, and foodies alike. The atmosphere is inviting and relaxed, offering the perfect mix of time in the sun, nearby sights to explore, and a variety of dining experiences—all set against a laid-back coastal backdrop.
St. Pete Beach isn’t just about relaxation, though. It offers a mix of cultural experiences and exciting activities for all types of explorers. Whether you’re strolling through historic Pass-A-Grille Beach, heading out for water sports, or even catching a ballgame at Tropicana Field nearby, the area will leave a lasting impression.
Other Nearby Beaches
The Gulf Coast is home to plenty of scenic beaches, and St. Pete Beach is just one gem to enjoy. If you’re planning a day trip from Anna Maria Island, make the most of it by exploring a few other nearby beaches. Each one has its own distinct personality, and they’re all just a stone’s throw from St. Pete Beach.
Treasure Island Beach
Located just north of St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island boasts wide stretches of sand and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for a family-friendly outing. You can enjoy parasailing or jet skiing in the calm Gulf waters, stroll along the Treasure Island Beach Trail, or hunt for seashells with the little ones. The beach here feels expansive, giving you plenty of room to lounge without feeling crowded, making it ideal for a relaxing stop.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is world-famous for its warm waters, pristine sand, and lively atmosphere. It’s around 45 minutes from St. Pete Beach, so it may not be your first stop, but it’s worth a visit if you’re planning an extended day trip. The family-friendly activities, restaurants, and attractions make it a top destination in the Tampa Bay area. Clearwater Beach also offers nightly sunset celebrations at Pier 60 that are hard to beat.
Pass-A-Grille Beach
This historic area is actually part of St. Pete Beach, providing a quieter, more relaxing alternative to the main St. Pete Beach strip. With a vintage atmosphere, boutique shops, and waterfront restaurants, Pass-A-Grille evokes what Florida beach towns felt like decades ago. Lounge under an umbrella or visit the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum for a bit of local history.
Madeira Beach
Known for its connection to John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk, Madeira Beach offers a combination of entertainment, shopping, and old-school fishing village charm. Stop by to explore the boardwalk, enjoy local seafood, or even hop on a boat tour. It’s a wonderful detour for visitors looking to mix a little adventure into their beach day.
St. Pete Beach Attractions
There’s more to St. Pete Beach than stunning scenery. If you can pull yourself away from the shoreline for a few hours, take some time to explore these things to do in St. Pete Beach.
St. Pete Pier
Located in downtown St. Petersburg (about 20 minutes from St. Pete Beach), the St. Pete Pier is an iconic waterfront destination you won’t want to miss. This isn’t just your average pier—it’s a sprawling complex with restaurants, gardens, artwork, and panoramic views of Tampa Bay. You can rent bikes or electric scooters and cruise around, or bring the kids to enjoy the splash pads and play areas.
Tropicana Field
Even if you’re not a die-hard baseball fan, catching a Tampa Bay Rays game at Tropicana Field is a fun way to spend the afternoon. Located less than half an hour from St. Pete Beach, the stadium offers an exciting change of pace and is an easy add-on for sports enthusiasts looking for things to do near St. Pete Beach.
Plan Your Visit
Ready for a beach getaway? Book your Anna Maria Island vacation rental with Mike Norman Realty and enjoy trusted service, local expertise, and a relaxing stay just steps from the Gulf.
St. Pete Beach Restaurants
When it comes to dining, St. Pete Beach hits all the right notes. Whether you’re craving upscale coastal cuisine or a laid-back meal steps from the sand, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your appetite.
From elegant spots with sunset views to no-frills eateries serving fresh seafood, this area is known for its variety and flavor. During a day trip from Anna Maria Island, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect place to enjoy brunch, lunch, or evening cocktails near the Gulf.
Many local restaurants feature menus packed with Florida favorites like grouper sandwiches, crab cakes, and more. And if you’re a fan of craft beer, you’ll find taprooms and beachside bars pouring local brews and serving up casual bites like tacos and flatbreads.
If seafood is on your radar, St. Pete Beach’s dining scene won’t disappoint—keep an eye out for Gulf shrimp or seasonal stone crab for something special.
Getting From AMI to St. Pete Beach
One feature that makes our Anna Maria Island rentals so appealing is the island’s prime location. Whether you want to stick close to AMI’s sugar-white beaches or venture out for the day, you’ll always have easy access to the region’s best destinations.
To get from Anna Maria Island to St. Pete Beach, plan for about a 50-minute drive down Gulf Boulevard and across the Pinellas Bayway. The scenic route will lead you through charming coastal towns and over stunning waterways, so this ride might just feel like part of your day trip adventure. For those who prefer not to drive, you’ll also find rideshare services readily available, making travel between the two destinations seamless.
Book Your AMI Vacation Rental With Mike Norman Realty
Whether you’re starting your vacation on Anna Maria Island or planning the perfect day trip to explore St. Pete Beach’s attractions, our Anna Maria Island, FL, rentals are the ideal home base for your Gulf Coast getaway. At Mike Norman Realty, we take pride in offering a hand-picked selection of properties that match the charm, beauty, and relaxation of AMI itself.
Our extensive experience in the local market means we can guide you to the perfect rental for your needs, whether you’re traveling with family, seeking a romantic retreat, or planning to work remotely with the sand as your backdrop. From beachfront condos to private homes, our properties are near tons of Anna Maria Island activities for a convenient getaway.
Ready to plan your dream getaway? Contact us today to explore available properties and start your Anna Maria Island adventure. After all, the perfect vacation starts with the perfect place to stay.