Sharon & Willie’s Beachside Guidebook
Neighborhoods
We live here on Sunset Beach, which is a quaint walkable beach neighborhood with a Key West vibe, breathtaking sunsets, scenic boardwalk trails meandering through protected dunes, multiple parks, and wonderful beaches all without getting in a car!
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Sunset Beach
We live here on Sunset Beach, which is a quaint walkable beach neighborhood with a Key West vibe, breathtaking sunsets, scenic boardwalk trails meandering through protected dunes, multiple parks, and wonderful beaches all without getting in a car!
Beach Blvd South is part of Gulfport FL, a small town with big heart. It’s easy to make yourself at home here. All of the businesses in our waterfront village are independently owned and operated. No chain stores here. No parking meters. Just small-town warmth and people as friendly and welcoming as they come.Gulfport village offers the best of “Old Florida” charm. Only 3.5 mi away.
Beach Boulevard South
Beach Boulevard SouthBeach Blvd South is part of Gulfport FL, a small town with big heart. It’s easy to make yourself at home here. All of the businesses in our waterfront village are independently owned and operated. No chain stores here. No parking meters. Just small-town warmth and people as friendly and welcoming as they come.Gulfport village offers the best of “Old Florida” charm. Only 3.5 mi away.
Experience the ART of local cuisine, unique boutiques, live music, fresh brewed coffee, handmade gifts, craft beer & much more. You can take the Central Avenue Trolley from the beaches or drive; parking is abundant. The Central Arts District comprises the 300 - 2700 blocks of Central Avenue and immediate side streets. There is plenty to see and do here, plan on spending a day at least to see it all. Be sure to check out the many professional murals painted on buildings throughout the area! Only 9 miles away!
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Central Arts District
Experience the ART of local cuisine, unique boutiques, live music, fresh brewed coffee, handmade gifts, craft beer & much more. You can take the Central Avenue Trolley from the beaches or drive; parking is abundant. The Central Arts District comprises the 300 - 2700 blocks of Central Avenue and immediate side streets. There is plenty to see and do here, plan on spending a day at least to see it all. Be sure to check out the many professional murals painted on buildings throughout the area! Only 9 miles away!
Beach Bars & Restaurants
Middle Grounds (1.3 miles away) is by far our favorite restaurant on the beach. They serve fresh & tasty dishes, great seafood & cocktails. They're a bit on the pricey side ($$$). However, you won't find the typical frozen warmed-up/fried "beach food" here. And you if you go for an early dinner (5PMish), you can usually find a table in their cocktail area and take advantage of their $13.95 Early Bird Menu. If like to dine later in the evening, it's best to make reservations a day or two in advance.
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Middle Grounds Grill
10925 Gulf BlvdMiddle Grounds (1.3 miles away) is by far our favorite restaurant on the beach. They serve fresh & tasty dishes, great seafood & cocktails. They're a bit on the pricey side ($$$). However, you won't find the typical frozen warmed-up/fried "beach food" here. And you if you go for an early dinner (5PMish), you can usually find a table in their cocktail area and take advantage of their $13.95 Early Bird Menu. If like to dine later in the evening, it's best to make reservations a day or two in advance.
Stella's is our favorite breakfast/lunch place off the beach. It's affordable ($) and only 3.5 miles away in historic downtown Gulfport, which has a super neighborly Old Hollywood vibe. Best Brunch, Bloody Marys, & Mimosas. Mainly outdoor umbrella covered seating.
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Stella's
2914 Beach Blvd SStella's is our favorite breakfast/lunch place off the beach. It's affordable ($) and only 3.5 miles away in historic downtown Gulfport, which has a super neighborly Old Hollywood vibe. Best Brunch, Bloody Marys, & Mimosas. Mainly outdoor umbrella covered seating.
La Croisette is our favorite breakfast/lunch place on the beach. It's affordable ($) and only 1.7 miles away on Corey Ave, St. Pete Beach. A favorite with beach dwellers for more then 25, they recently reopened under new ownership - and we were so excited to learn they kept the original menu. Their home fries are the BEST! We're also longtime fans of their hangover omelet.
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Beverly's La Croisette
7401 Gulf BlvdLa Croisette is our favorite breakfast/lunch place on the beach. It's affordable ($) and only 1.7 miles away on Corey Ave, St. Pete Beach. A favorite with beach dwellers for more then 25, they recently reopened under new ownership - and we were so excited to learn they kept the original menu. Their home fries are the BEST! We're also longtime fans of their hangover omelet.
The original Caddy’s, located on the beautiful Sunset Beach, Treasure Island, Florida is a four-time Top 10 Florida Beach Bar winner. Known for their picture-perfect beach, daily live music, and amazing sunsets. They offer complimentary chairs and umbrellas for our guests. Only 1.5 minute walk from our house.
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Caddy's Treasure Island
9000 West Gulf BoulevardThe original Caddy’s, located on the beautiful Sunset Beach, Treasure Island, Florida is a four-time Top 10 Florida Beach Bar winner. Known for their picture-perfect beach, daily live music, and amazing sunsets. They offer complimentary chairs and umbrellas for our guests. Only 1.5 minute walk from our house.
Ka'Tiki is the quintessential beach bar where you’ll leave your worries behind when entering their authentic thatch roof tiki bar! They’re known for the best live music on the beach - playing 7 days a week. Rock, reggae, acoustic - we have the BEST area musicians! Once there you will find nothing but a laid back, all-are-welcome attitude from our friendly bartenders and staff. If you're not a local, you will sure feel like one before you leave. Only a 1 minute walk from our house.
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Ka'Tiki
8803 W Gulf BlvdKa'Tiki is the quintessential beach bar where you’ll leave your worries behind when entering their authentic thatch roof tiki bar! They’re known for the best live music on the beach - playing 7 days a week. Rock, reggae, acoustic - we have the BEST area musicians! Once there you will find nothing but a laid back, all-are-welcome attitude from our friendly bartenders and staff. If you're not a local, you will sure feel like one before you leave. Only a 1 minute walk from our house.
Local Artisan & Farmer's Markets
The Corey Avenue Sunday Market on St. Pete Beach is a favorite of tourists and residents alike! The Market is open every Sunday year round! The market supports local vendors who sell a variety of locally produced and homemade produce, plants, take home foods, ready to eat lunch bites, hand crafts, eco-friendly and fair trade products and more. Join in for a morning of live music, shopping, and a delicious breakfast, brunch or lunch at one of the many area restaurants – all within walking distance. Only 1.1 miles from our home!
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Corey Avenue Sunday Market on St. Pete Beach
398-300 Corey AveThe Corey Avenue Sunday Market on St. Pete Beach is a favorite of tourists and residents alike! The Market is open every Sunday year round! The market supports local vendors who sell a variety of locally produced and homemade produce, plants, take home foods, ready to eat lunch bites, hand crafts, eco-friendly and fair trade products and more. Join in for a morning of live music, shopping, and a delicious breakfast, brunch or lunch at one of the many area restaurants – all within walking distance. Only 1.1 miles from our home!
The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market offers visitors the opportunity for a relaxing day trip in a small town full of “Old Florida” charms. It's open every Tuesday from 9am - 3pm year-round. Parking in the village is free. The focus of the Market is on unique and artisan goods, including as many locally-produced products as possible. Local musicians in two locations keep market-goers entertained with styles from rock and pop to jazz, island, and blues. A short 3.5 mile drive!
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Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market
3101 Beach Blvd SThe Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market offers visitors the opportunity for a relaxing day trip in a small town full of “Old Florida” charms. It's open every Tuesday from 9am - 3pm year-round. Parking in the village is free. The focus of the Market is on unique and artisan goods, including as many locally-produced products as possible. Local musicians in two locations keep market-goers entertained with styles from rock and pop to jazz, island, and blues. A short 3.5 mile drive!
The Gulfport Art & Gallery Walk event takes place from 6-10 p.m. every first Friday and third Saturday – rain or shine, all year round. Absorb Gulfport’s authentic “Old Florida” atmosphere. Peruse the work of over 50 artists and crafters, as well as authors, antique dealers and entertainers stretched over a half-mile up and down scenic Beach Boulevard. While browsing the art and craft booths, don’t miss Gulfport’s unique shops, boutiques and galleries. Enjoy dinner at one of over a dozen fine restaurants within the Art District, now one of the foremost dining destinations in the Bay Area. Free parking. Pet and family friendly. A short 3.5 mile drive from our home!
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Gulfport Art Walk
3101 Beach Blvd SThe Gulfport Art & Gallery Walk event takes place from 6-10 p.m. every first Friday and third Saturday – rain or shine, all year round. Absorb Gulfport’s authentic “Old Florida” atmosphere. Peruse the work of over 50 artists and crafters, as well as authors, antique dealers and entertainers stretched over a half-mile up and down scenic Beach Boulevard. While browsing the art and craft booths, don’t miss Gulfport’s unique shops, boutiques and galleries. Enjoy dinner at one of over a dozen fine restaurants within the Art District, now one of the foremost dining destinations in the Bay Area. Free parking. Pet and family friendly. A short 3.5 mile drive from our home!
The downtown market is ‘heart’ of St. Petersburg — the place, more than anywhere else, that people feel a strong sense of joyful connectedness and creative community. While actual farmers, great food, interesting crafts and lively music are all wonderful elements of the market, this spirit of community is what really defines the market experience.
The market runs every Saturday from 9–2pm and is located in the Al Lang Field parking lot (the corner of 1st Street and 1st Avene S) in downtown St Petersburg from early October–late May. Their Summer Market changes venues for shade. It takes place in Williams Park from June to August … 9am–1pm. Only 9.8 miles from our home!
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St Petersburg Saturday Morning Market
230 1st St SEThe downtown market is ‘heart’ of St. Petersburg — the place, more than anywhere else, that people feel a strong sense of joyful connectedness and creative community. While actual farmers, great food, interesting crafts and lively music are all wonderful elements of the market, this spirit of community is what really defines the market experience.
The market runs every Saturday from 9–2pm and is located in the Al Lang Field parking lot (the corner of 1st Street and 1st Avene S) in downtown St Petersburg from early October–late May. Their Summer Market changes venues for shade. It takes place in Williams Park from June to August … 9am–1pm. Only 9.8 miles from our home!
Tourist Attractions
Located on the waterfront at Johns Pass, this quaint turn-of-the-century fishing village is Pinellas County’s #1 tourist attraction. Over one hundred merchants inhabit the Village with unique retail shopping, a variety of restaurants, the local fishing fleet, dolphin watching and shelling tours, boat rentals, parasailing and jet skiing.
Plenty of parking: There is metered on-street parking located conveniently throughout the Village, as well as a new state-of-the-art multi-level parking garage adjacent to Bubba Gumps and Hubbards Marina. Open daily! A short 2.5 mile drive from our home!
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John's Pass
12901 Gulf BlvdLocated on the waterfront at Johns Pass, this quaint turn-of-the-century fishing village is Pinellas County’s #1 tourist attraction. Over one hundred merchants inhabit the Village with unique retail shopping, a variety of restaurants, the local fishing fleet, dolphin watching and shelling tours, boat rentals, parasailing and jet skiing.
Plenty of parking: There is metered on-street parking located conveniently throughout the Village, as well as a new state-of-the-art multi-level parking garage adjacent to Bubba Gumps and Hubbards Marina. Open daily! A short 2.5 mile drive from our home!
This gleaming new attraction on the city’s picturesque waterfront promises limitless fun for everyone, from first-time visitors to long-time residents. Its 26 beautiful acres seamlessly combine the peaceful blue waters of Tampa Bay with the vibrant greenery of downtown St. Petersburg’s parks, creating the ultimate place to stroll, bike, dine, drink, shop, swim, take in a concert and more. So get together with your family and friends and visit. It’s time to soak up some fun under the warm Florida sun! Only 10 miles from our home!
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St. Pete Pier
800 2nd Ave NEThis gleaming new attraction on the city’s picturesque waterfront promises limitless fun for everyone, from first-time visitors to long-time residents. Its 26 beautiful acres seamlessly combine the peaceful blue waters of Tampa Bay with the vibrant greenery of downtown St. Petersburg’s parks, creating the ultimate place to stroll, bike, dine, drink, shop, swim, take in a concert and more. So get together with your family and friends and visit. It’s time to soak up some fun under the warm Florida sun! Only 10 miles from our home!
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a 335-acre (136 ha) African-themed animal theme park located in the city of Tampa, Florida. The park has been home to many notable roller coasters and thrill rides, including SheiKra, the first Dive Coaster in North America and at the time of opening, was the longest, tallest and fastest in the world; Tigris, the tallest launch coaster in Florida; Montu, which was the tallest and fastest inverted roller coaster in the world at the time of opening; Falcon's Fury, the tallest free-standing drop tower in North America; and the upcoming Iron Gwazi, a hybrid roller coaster which is expected to become the fastest and steepest in the world and tied with Zadra for tallest in the world when it opens. If you can manage it, spend the extra $30 for the QuickQue pass, so you don't spend all day waiting in line. 29 mi from our home.
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Busch Gardens
10165 McKinley DrBusch Gardens Tampa Bay is a 335-acre (136 ha) African-themed animal theme park located in the city of Tampa, Florida. The park has been home to many notable roller coasters and thrill rides, including SheiKra, the first Dive Coaster in North America and at the time of opening, was the longest, tallest and fastest in the world; Tigris, the tallest launch coaster in Florida; Montu, which was the tallest and fastest inverted roller coaster in the world at the time of opening; Falcon's Fury, the tallest free-standing drop tower in North America; and the upcoming Iron Gwazi, a hybrid roller coaster which is expected to become the fastest and steepest in the world and tied with Zadra for tallest in the world when it opens. If you can manage it, spend the extra $30 for the QuickQue pass, so you don't spend all day waiting in line. 29 mi from our home.
Adventure Island is a water park located northeast of Tampa, Florida, across the street from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The park features 30 acres of water rides, dining, and other attractions. 29 miles from our home.
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Gżira tal-Avventura
10001 McKinley DrAdventure Island is a water park located northeast of Tampa, Florida, across the street from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The park features 30 acres of water rides, dining, and other attractions. 29 miles from our home.
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Getting Around On-A-Budget
For $25/day, you can rent a beach cruiser style bike from Suncoast Surf Shop, which is only a 5 minute walk from the Calypso Cabana apt. If you rent a bike for 3 days, they give you the 4th day free!
We highly recommend FreeBeachRide, a door-to-door transportation service, which operates from Clearwater Beach to St. Pete's Beach and accepts tips as payment.
We also recommend Suncoast Beach Trolley, which operates on a schedule along Clearwater Beach to St. Pete's Beach, and typically costs $2.50/trip or less.
Taxis and ride share services (such as Uber and Lyft) are also available
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Take Out and Food Delivery
Nori Thai Restaurant (1 mile away) is our go to place for takeout food. Sharon's fav dish is T13 - Mussaman Curry w/ chicken (medium spicy - which has quite the kick), and Willie's fav is RN5 - Pad Thai w/ chicken. For quickest service, do a Google search for Nori Thai and order from their online menu (choose order pickup or order delivery). For the quickest service, we choose the Pickup option, which usually shows a 45 minute wait. However, typically it's ready within 30 minutes. Their portions are huge, so we get 2 meals out of each serving.