The St. Petersburg/Clearwater area is Florida’s Beach and so much more. The most popular vacation spot on Florida’s West Coast, the area consists of 26 distinct communities ranging from Greek fishing villages to barrier island beach communities.

   Florida International University professor Dr. Stephen Leatherman rates three St. Petersburg/Clearwater area beaches among the finest in the country, including Clearwater Beach – the #1 city beach in the Gulf Region. Given the tropical climate and almost 400 miles of coastline, it is little surprise that activities on or near the water are focal points for visitors. More than 60 marinas and yacht clubs provide every type of water activity imaginable.

   Activities are not restricted to the water. Golf and tennis play an important role, and for those feeling lucky, greyhound and thoroughbred racing are available. Sunsets are a specialty and signal the beginning of an exciting array of nightlife options.

   Dining can be as formal or a casual as one prefers. Seafood is an area specialty, and it is always fresh, plentiful and reasonable. There are more than 78 major shopping centers and modern malls and a variety of quaint, waterfront villages for arts and antiques.

   Art and history are celebrated throughout the year at numerous festivals, shows and museums including the Salvador Dali Museum, Florida International Museum, Florida Holocaust Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg Museum of History and more.

   The area’s public parks and nature trails are a showcase for Florida’s natural beauty. Florida’s famous man-made attractions are nearby and the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area has a collection of attractions of its own including festive Piers, a Seabird Sanctuary and Marine Aquarium.

   Variety is characteristic of the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area. One can slip away from the beach and enjoy all the features of a metropolitan area, spend a day on a deserted island, or wander through a pioneer village. Families, couples and business travelers all return again and again. Once you have experienced the area firsthand, it is not hard to see why.