Summer beach delights in St. Pete, Clearwater

By Joanna Citarella

Traveling off peak definitely has its benefits, especially when you’re talking about a Florida vacation in the summertime. In fact, summer is perhaps the best time to find beach vacation deals in Florida , and this year, the beaches of St. Pete and Clearwater are offering some incredible values.

Book your trip during the month of May and you’ll not only experience a memorable summer vacation, you’ll also find great travel deals on some of Florida’s finest beaches.

Clearwater Beach and Sand Key — Family favorites

Named by Fodor’s travel guide as one of the East Coast’s seven best family beaches (2009), Clearwater beach has lots to offer. Buzzing with activity, travelers of all ages will find plenty of options to keep them happily entertained here.

Great Values: The Best Western Sea wake Beach Resort is conveniently located on Clearwater Beach close to restaurants, shopping and attractions. You’ll also find values here of up to 30% off this summer! Another great choice — and one of my personal favorites — is the Sheraton Sand Key Resort. Overlooking 10 acres of pristine beach and offering activities galore from tennis and watersports to spa treatments and more, you’ll experience a great full-service resort and save up to 20% just by booking in May.

Don’t miss: Check out the nightly festival, Sunsets at Pier 60, where you can catch street performers, stroll down the Pier and catch an awesome west coast sunset.

St Pete Beach – Classic Florida

The perfect place to enjoy a traditional Florida beach vacation, St Pete Beach offers everything from the luxurious iconic Don CeSar Beach Resort to smaller family run hotels that extend a warm welcome to summer travelers.

Great Values: Luxury for less is available at the Tradewinds Island Grand Resort, a 4-star beachfront property offering up to 30% off this summer. The Sirata Beach Resort is offering up to 20% off plus kids eat free at all of their restaurants on property making it a popular choice with parents.

Great food:  Stop by Wildwood BBQ at the brand new Postcard Inn on the beach. Open daily for lunch and dinner, this is fast becoming a favorite with the locals (best grouper taco’s I have ever eaten!)

Something different: Take a break from the beach and a short drive to downtown St. Petersburg, where you can check out The Dali Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts for a great culture fix.

Treasure Island – Spacious Beaches

A hidden gem, Treasure Island offers expansive sandy beaches that lend themselves ideally to kite flying, beach volleyball and wind cart racing. Whether you’re looking to play or just relax by the water, there’s plenty of room on the shores of Treasure Island for everyone to enjoy.

Great Values: The Bilmar Beach Resort is offering up to 20% off for summer travel. The Bilmar features spacious studio and efficiency accommodations with pool and beach views. Be sure to visit Sloppy Joes for beachfront dining and live entertainment.

Joanna Citarella is a market manager for Orbitz Worldwide. She grew up in England and moved to Naples, Florida 9 years ago, favoring perpetual sunshine over unpredictable British weather.

Tagged: Florida, Hotels