Maybe you live in the area and need a good staycation, or maybe you’re coming from afar in search of some of that famous sunny Florida weather. No matter the motive, America’s best beach for 2021 has plenty of places to stay (and play and eat and drink). There are more options than these, but this list encompasses some of our favorite spots to set up shop if you’re beachin’ it in St. Pete. From romance and relaxation to family fun and big parties, these are the best hotels and places to stay at St. Pete’s beaches.

Best Luxury Hotels

Live up the luxury life with these fine luxury hotels in St. Pete Beach.

Bellwether Beach Resort

Bellwether is one of the best and most popular hotels throughout all of the Pinellas County beaches, and it’s with good reason. Old Florida charm is combined with modern luxury to create an experience not only brimming with comfort and amenities, but one that comes in at a particularly reasonable nightly rate. For those with an eye toward nightlife or food and drink, Bongos Beach Bar on the ground floor is a St. Pete Beach favorite, and the revolving rooftop bar has the best views of the Gulf you’ll find.

The Don Cesar

One of the world’s most iconic beach hotels, The Don Cesar is a classic Florida and St. Pete Beach resort with beautiful architecture, fine dining, a relaxing spa, an excellent beach bar and pool, and one of the best stretches of beach on the gulf.

Hotel Zamora

While it isn’t beachfront (it is right across the street, though), Hotel Zamora is actually on a marina, perfect for anyone with a boat and right in line with its Mediterranean ambience and décor. If nothing else, it’s worth it for the views of the sunset from the rooftop bar.

The Saint Hotel

One of the newest hotels on the beach is also one of the most popular as this chic new resort features not only great beaches and a freshwater pool and hot tub, but an incredible location in a booming neighborhood full of shops and restaurants. Speaking of eating, you can’t do much better than The Saint’s featured restaurant – 82 Degrees.

Most Lively Hotels

Ready to have a good time? These hotels are always down for a party.

Postcard Inn

If you’re looking for fun in the Florida sun, Postcard Inn on The Beach is where to go. While the hotel itself (with a beautifully-renovated lobby) is fine for all ages, it’s the beach bar at the end of the property that’s a big draw for locals. On holidays and weekends, this spot is packed with party-goers and certainly adds a little life to your day. A nice pool separates the beach bar from the rooms, so while we can’t promise it’ll be as quiet as home, you shouldn’t have *too* much trouble avoiding the noise when you need a nap or decide to turn in for the night.

Best Romantic Getaway

Inn On The Beach

Here, you can enjoy the prettiest stretches of white sand and blue water in the area, get easy access to all the restaurants, shops and activities St. Pete Beach has to offer, and still have an upscale experience in a laid-back atmosphere. Pass-a-Grille is almost entirely residential, so rooms and cottages like the ones at Inn On The Beach are in high demand, and with good reason. Get a quiet and intimate atmosphere right on the beach, while still being in sandy-toed walking distance of all the amenities you want from St. Pete Beach.

AirBNB & VRBO

There are some parts of the beach where hotels and high-rises disappear, and these are some of the best spots for groups. From families to bachelorette trips to guys weekends, scanning AirBNB and VRBO can help you find a unique spot for a bigger group that’s happy to have all the fun they want right at home. Keep an eye on Pass-A-Grille for some of the nicest spots to stay on the Gulf.

Best Budget Friendly Hotels

Get the best bang for your buck with these cheap hotels in St. Pete Beach.

The Villas at St. Pete Beach

Highly rated and decidedly different from other options in the areas, the Villas at St. Pete Beach offer the privacy of your own suite (some even come with a private pool and grill) and the beach access the whole crew needs, all without breaking the budget. Good for families, groups, or romantic getaways.

Bon-Aire Resort

Located just down the street from The Don, the Bon Aire has an excellent location on a pristine stretch of beach, a great pool, and a beach bar right on the sand. Parking can be tough (like anywhere on the beaches) but it’s conveniently situated less than a block down from public beach access parking.

Dolphin Beach Resort

With balconies overlooking the gulf and cabana rentals available at the pool, the Dolphin Beach resort gives you all the beach vibes you need. Clean rooms give you somewhere to rest your head at night and easy beach access gets your toes in the sand before you can blow up a beach ball.

Best Family-Friendly Hotels

These family-friendly stays have something for everyone.

The Tradewinds Islands Resorts

Practically a mini-city itself, the Tradewinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach are big enough to offer everything a family could need, with something for every age – including the massive inflatable water slide on the beach (fun no matter how old you are). A variety of restaurants make it easy to find something for everyone, but we’re particular fans of RumFish Grill.

Sand Pebble Resort

More than anything, the best thing here is the location. This stretch of beach has far fewer hotels, is filled mostly with locals, and while it’s a short drive to nightlife and entertainment, there’s nothing in the immediate vicinity that will keep kids awake or take away from a little family fun.

Hilton Garden Inn St. Pete Beach

You know what you’re getting when you stay at a Hilton Garden Inn, and that’s a good thing. Comfort, service and good location come standard here. Big rooms (many with balconies) offer plenty of space to clean up after a day at the beach, and with an on-site gym, restaurant, bar, and outdoor pool, everything the family needs is right in one place.