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Creative, colourful and confidently cool, St. Pete-Clearwater has emerged as one of Florida’s most exciting boutique destinations, offering a sophisticated alternative to the state’s more traditional resort hotspots. Sitting on the Gulf Coast and rich in culture, the destination blends beachside ease with a thriving arts, dining and nightlife scene that feels modern, walkable and refreshingly authentic.

At its cultural core, St. Pete-Clearwater is home to world-class museums, including the iconic Dalí Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, alongside independent galleries and performance spaces that give the city real creative depth. Beyond formal venues, more than 600 large-scale street murals (including 70 along central avenue alone), transform downtown into an open-air art gallery, making it especially appealing to design-led travellers, photographers and culturally curious clients.

Central Avenue forms the city’s social heartbeat, lined with artisan cafés, rooftop bars, cocktail lounges and a standout collection of independent breweries. As part of the wider St. Pete-Clearwater ‘Gulp Coast’ craft beer trail, boutique travellers can easily build their days around food-led experiences, tastings and live music, all within a compact, easily navigable area.

For boutique-loving clients, walkability is a major selling point. Waterfront parks, marinas, museums, shopping and dining districts flow seamlessly into one another, allowing guests to explore on foot or by bike rather than relying on a car. Add sunset dining overlooking Tampa Bay, characterful hotels with strong personality and year-round Florida sunshine, and St. Pete-Clearwater delivers a boutique experience that feels cultured, relaxed and effortlessly stylish.

Agent insight

This is an ideal destination for couples, short breaks and repeat Florida visitors looking for something cooler, calmer and more character driven. It pairs particularly well with boutique accommodation and works exceptionally well as part of a fly-drive or split stay, combining beach time with culture, dining and nightlife.

Where to stay: boutique-style favourites

3* The Luce, St. Pete Beach, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel – St. Pete Beach

Newly opened in 2026, The Luce is a retro chic beachfront getaway, perched on the sands of award-winning St. Pete Beach. Featuring St. Pete Beach’s largest heated outdoor pool, a buzzing beach bar, and upscale dining onsite, it suits couples and groups of friends wanting a slice of Florida-cool and stunning sunset views.

3* The Birchwood – Downtown St. Pete

An elegant boutique hotel overlooking Tampa Bay, offering refined rooms, polished service and a rooftop lounge with panoramic waterfront views. Home to upscale dining and perfectly positioned near museums, galleries, Beach Drive and the St. Pete Pier.

3* The Hollander Hotel – Downtown St. Pete

A characterful, vintage-inspired boutique hotel featuring a relaxed courtyard pool, popular bar and on-site dining. Located close to Central Avenue’s cultural scene, craft breweries and live music venues, it’s ideal for guests who want personality and walkable nightlife.

4* Hotel Zamora – St. Pete Beach

Mediterranean-inspired and intimate, the Hotel Zamora offers stylish rooms, spa services and a standout rooftop bar overlooking the intracoastal waters. Just steps from the beach, it’s a strong choice for couples seeking boutique design with easy access to Gulf Coast sunsets.

Tips for Travel Agents

  • Position St. Pete-Clearwater as Florida’s arts-and-culture capital with world class beaches.
  • Ideal for short breaks, couples and repeat Florida visitors
  • Pair boutique hotels with food tours, breweries and gallery hopping
  • A strong alternative to Miami’s boutique scene – cooler, calmer and more walkable
  • Sell the walkability of downtown St. Pete as a key lifestyle benefit