St. Pete Beach, Florida
St. Pete Beach located on the Gulf of Mexico on the western edge of the Tampa Bay area is the perfect Florida vacation destination. The four-mile-long white sandy beach and its many recreational opportunities offer plenty to do and relaxation too.
About The Community
The string of islands that made up the Gulf Beaches, were originally known as Long Key, Treasure Island, Sand Key and Clearwater Beach Key. Long Key, the most southern island, comprised of Pass-A-Grille Beach, Don CeSar Place, Belle Vista Beach and St. Petersburg Beach. In 1957, the four communities merged and formed the City of St. Petersburg Beach later shortened to St. Pete Beach.
Pass-A-Grille, the most southern tip of St. Pete Beach is believed to be named for the Cuban fishermen, known as “Grillers”, who camped there and smoked their fish before returning home. People began living here and the first store on Long Key Island opened here in 1902. In 1905, Pass-A-Grille opened a Post Office and in 1911, State Legislation declared Pass-A-Grille a town. From Pass-A-Grille Merry Pier you can go deep-sea fishing or on an excursion to Shell Island for a day of shelling. The Castle Hotel in Pass-A-Grille is over one hundred years old and offers a casual beachfront atmosphere.
Important Links
The Don CeSar Beach Resort is a world famous, historic landmark built in 1928 for 1.5 million dollars. It has 275 rooms and is ten stories tall. In the early 40s, the government purchased the hotel and turned it into a hospital and rehabilitation center and in 1944, it became one of the areas first hurricane shelters for residents and pets. In 1945, the Regional Office of Veterans Administration moved here.
In 1969, the government, unable to maintain it, left the facility. The County wanted to tear it down and make a park there. Mr. William Bowman purchased the building in 1972 and after major renovations, the Don CeSar reopened in 1973. Today, it is listed on the National Trust for Historical Preservation, Historic Hotels of America.
Vicinity of St. Pete Beach
Additional Details
The National Historic District at the southern tip of St. Pete Beach offers wonderful restaurants, and specialty boutiques in Pass-A-Grille. The Gulf Beaches Historical Museum is located here in what was the first church built on Pinellas County’s barrier islands. Exhibits trace the history of Pinellas County’s barrier islands from the 1500s to modern times. The Historic Corey Avenue Shopping District has many unique shops, galleries, restaurants and the historic Beach Theater. More shopping and dining awaits you on Gulf Blvd and do not miss the quaint shops and restaurants along 8th Avenue.
Eating out is most satisfying at St. Pete Beach. Fetishes is an award winning, fine dining restaurant, offering a quiet, intimate dining experience. Philthy Phil offers casual beachside dining with fresh seafood and wonderful drinks. Enjoy weekly local entertainment with a “Conga Line” just waiting to happen. Sea Critters’ all-star kitchen staff will prepare your favorite cuisine from a wide variety of tempting entrees.