One of the biggest reasons we chose to move to the St Petersburg, FL area seven years ago was the beaches – duh!! We originally fell in love with the Treasure Island and Madeira Beach areas but there’s a true gem just south of there and past the pink castle in the sand (The Don Cesar Hotel) called Pass-a-grille.
Pass-a-Grille is known for Pass-a-Grille Beach, a wide stretch of sugar white sand along the Gulf Coast. Lots of quaint Beach boutiques and charming casual seafood spots and bars line the streets, especially along 8th Avenue. They have The Gulf Beaches Historical Museum which traces the region’s past through memorabilia (I have yet to go but my mom highly recommends it!), plus boat tours over to secluded Shell Key Preserve that leave from Merry Pier, which is a popular fishing spot. There are also still little pieces of history around town including adorable vintage houses and hotels tucked between the brand new beach mansions. You can easily spend a day or a week there, but our favorite go-to in the area is Paradise Grille, which is right on the beautiful beach!
Paradise Grille on Pass-a-Grille is my go to place when planning beach days with my mom who lives nearby. There’s plenty of parking and they make it easy with the Park Mobile App. We are both capable of hanging on the beach from sunrise to sunset so it’s super convenient to add more time on the app instead of running out to the meter over and over again.
Paradise Grille has lots of outdoor seating and public restrooms, or if you prefer, they make it convenient to carry your meals back to your chairs and umbrella (technically no alcohol on the beach though). They are open at 8 AM for amazing morning breakfast right on the beach and serve lunch and dinner til half past sunset – check out the food and drinks menu – a few of our favorites are the fish tacos, Mahi sandwich, and grouper anything – My parents especially love the cheeseburgers, and wings! Oh, and don’t forget the bloody mary, mimosa, rum punch, and sangria!!
There is also a second location in St Pete Beach at Upham Beach and it’s exactly the same menu, but further from the water, and currently (July 2022) a little short-staffed. Another very fun perk is the events that take place next door, and the live music on the sea-grape stage right in front of the Gulf of Mexico! Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with current events and all the beach eye candy you can handle! This is a must-visit in our book!