Photo: Visit Florida
The City of St. Pete Beach is comprised of several distinct neighborhoods, all with their own unique charm and array of offerings. From canalfront homes to condos overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, dog parks to pickleball courts and proximity to restaurants and schools—St. Pete Beach has something for everyone.
In this blog, we will explore each community and special amenities you may find when looking for your perfect home in this quaint city—which also happens to be ranked the #1 beach in the U.S!
Pass-a-Grille Beach
Pass-a-Grille is a relaxed area known for its long stretch of white sand beach as well as its boutiques and casual seafood spots, especially along the historic 8th Avenue. Learn something new at the Gulf Beaches History Museum, go fishing off the Merry Pier or sign up for a boat tour. Centrally-located Hurley Park boasts a variety of recreational activities including tennis, pickleball, basketball and baseball as well as a large picnic pavilion. Pass-a-Grille Beach is noticeably dog-friendly, featuring the area’s only dog beach and multiple options for dining al fresco with your four-legged friend. This is a perfect neighborhood for a luxury home, a vacation condo or a historic bungalow.
Vina Del Mar
Just east of Pass-a-Grille is the island of Vina Del Mar, translated from Spanish as “Vineyard by the Sea.” Originally named Mud Key and composed of coral reef, mangroves and submerged land, this is a man-made area turned paradise. In Vina Del Mar, you will find a sizable park with a kids’ play area and two fenced dog corrals as well as pickleball, tennis and basketball courts. Most homes are a less-than-a-mile walk to the beaches along Pass-a-Grille Beach. With a mix of waterfront and garden homes, it is known as a neighborhood where residents partake in recreation, raise families and enjoy socializing within the community.
Don CeSar & Maritana
The Don CeSar neighborhood is located immediately north of the Pass-a-Grille neighborhood between 32nd to 37th Avenue N. and provides convenient access to the Pinellas Bayway for visitors looking to easily commute to St. Petersburg, Tampa or Sarasota. While several residential homes in the area were built in the 1920s, most of the residences date back to the 1930s. Residents in this area celebrate their passion for artistic expression through the Suntan Art Center, which provides art exhibitions, classes, workshops and outdoor art fairs.
The Don CeSar neighborhood’s significant history in St. Pete Beach is primarily attributed to the famous Don CeSar hotel, which first opened its doors in 1928. Welcoming tourists with its signature pink facade and rich history, the Don CeSar briefly served as a VA headquarters after WWII, has hosted distinguished celebrities and even starred on the silver screen.
Belle Vista
Belle Vista is a quiet community conveniently located north of the Pinellas Bayway Bridge. With waterfront homes bordering the Nicholson and McPherson Bayou, this neighborhood is perfect for those who enjoy boating, fishing, paddleboarding and everything waterfront culture. Mini Park and Triangle Park offer opportunities to unwind and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
Boca Ciega Isle
Just north of Belle Vista, Boca Ciega Isle offers upscale and elegant single family homes only minutes away from restaurants and public access to the sandy shores of St. Pete Beach. Residents frequent the nearby Dolphin Village Shopping area, which includes a convenient Publix supermarket. This beautiful neighborhood offers waterfront residents wide open views of Boca Ciega Bay all the way to downtown St. Petersburg.
Punta Vista
The Punta Vista community is a delightful pocket of St. Pete Beach, located between the Mirabella and Brightwater neighborhoods. The Punta Vista peninsula originally offered 100-foot-wide waterfront lots, but recent zoning now allows for 50-foot-wide minimum lot widths. Developers have been buying up these older homes and redeveloping them with larger multi-million dollar homes.
Three Palms Point, Bahia Shores & Brightwater
The Three Palms Point, Bahia Shores and Brightwater neighborhoods are all located parallel to one another and situated near shopping and dining establishments as well as resorts. These communities offer a variety of homes from luxury condos to single family homes—all a short walk to gorgeous sunsets. Waterfront homes in these neighborhoods have quick access to the Gulf of Mexico, the Intercoastal Waterway and Boca Ciega Bay.
North Beach (North of Corey Ave., along Blind Pass)
Wedged comfortably between Treasure Island, Gulfport and South Pasadena, the North Beach neighborhood provides canal views and plenty of local dining options, as well as opportunities for multiple outdoor watersports and activities.
The area is home to a handful of great parks, all of which offer a range of recreational opportunities. Pay a visit to McKenney Park to enjoy kayaking and fishing, as well as a pavilion and playground. At Egan Park, check out the boat ramp, baseball fields and tennis/pickleball courts. Another park you do not want to miss is Horan Park, a wonderful area offering a pavilion, playground and an active seawall for fishing. Horan Park also hosts special events and concerts. Grab your furry friends and hit St. Pete Beach Dog Park for some quality outdoor time—after all, remember, St. Pete Beach is one of the friendliest dog-friendly cities around!
This area is great for families, not only because of its passionate outdoor culture, but also because it is home to St. Alban’s Day School, Gulf Beaches Elementary Magnet School and St. John Vianney Catholic School. Yet another highlight of the North Beach neighborhood is the St Pete Beach Community Center, offering a multitude of leisure facilities including the St. Pete Beach Family Aquatic Center.
More About Corey Ave.
For a casual waterfront meal, some retail therapy and a generous dose of local small town charm, Corey Avenue is where you will find yourself spending the day. Upon its opening and dedication in 1937, Corey Avenue became the “heart of downtown St. Pete Beach,” offering shops, dining establishments, art galleries, entertainment and local community events to residents and visitors alike. The Corey Avenue Sunday Market fills the street every weekend with dozens of vendors selling fresh produce, crafts and fair-trade goods. During the winter holidays, come out for the Christmas Parade, complete with family-friendly activities for all ages. Whether you want to get out for a bite to eat, stop in a boutique or two or just absorb the dynamic culture of St. Pete Beach living, Corey Avenue is your one stop.
Keep an eye out for the up-and-coming Corey Landing, a $90 million mixed-use development project coming soon to the Corey Ave. region. With 243 luxury residential units, 12,000 sq. ft. of retail and commercial space, and 5,000 sq. ft. of restaurant space, Corey Landing will be a marvelous area to reside and make St. Pete Beach your home. Corey Landing will also feature a beautiful public park and multiple boat docks.
Let Our Team Help You Find Your Perfect Home in St. Pete Beach
No matter which neighborhood you choose, St. Pete Beach is a fabulous place to live for all who are looking to start a new chapter in the Sunset Capital. The city is proud to be one that embodies a lively local economy, a vibrant art scene, a positive and safe environment to raise children and a love for outdoor recreation and classic Florida lifestyle.
To learn more about St. Pete Beach and find your perfect home, contact our talented real estate experts at Barkett Realty. Our beachside office is commingled with Sea Grapes Wine Lounge—offering a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a glass of wine and gourmet charcuterie while discussing your luxury dream home in St. Pete Beach. The Beachside office is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Beachside address: 6390 Gulf Blvd St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
