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Sunsets splashed by the Gulf of Mexico on the west and Boca Ciega Bay on the east, overlooking wide, white, powder beaches strung like a necklace from Belleair Beach to St. Pete Beach, provided a splendid setting for year-round fun and relaxation. The tranquil communities of the Gulf Beaches are casual and friendly, offering a sunny welcome to all who come and the many who choose to stay. Water sports, fishing, golfing, beaching, sightseeing, and just plain relaxing are favorite pastimes here. The Pinellas Trail, stretches 47 miles from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs providing a enjoyment for walkers, bikers, joggers and skaters.

If you're enchanted with the ariel creatures of the area such as pelicans, bald eagles, herons and osprey, be sure to visit the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores. The sanctuary is the largest bird hospital in North America, treating and releasing an average of 15 to 20 birds a day.

Shopping is readily available including the many unique areas along the Gulf Beaches. Residents and visitors alike are lured to the beaches long enough to satisfy their shopping and dining urges. Dining choices are varied, from fast-food snack bars to elegant dinners by the Gulf. Fresh seafood is abundant and prepared in creative and delicious ways. Area nightclubs offer dancing and live entertainment. Concerts, theater, and a number of festivals are nearby. One reason for the area's popularity is its proximity to many Florida attractions. Just minutes away are the wonderful museums of St. Petersburg, professional sporting events and Busch Gardens theme park in Tampa. Mickey mouse is less than 100 miles away.

 The "Fourteen Miles of Heaven" which make up the Gulf Beaches consist of a variety of communities:

  • Belleair Beach is a two-mile-long community with no commercial property at all. Beaches in the community are public, but access is private.
  • Belleair Bluffs is three-quarters of a mile square bordering the Intracoastal Waterway with no frontage on the Gulf. Property owners traditionally have been retirees, but recently professional families have been moving into the community in larger numbers.
  • Belleair Shore is a small, private residential community along the Gulf of Mexico. The town is dedicated to preserving the quality of a quiet, residential life on the island.
  • Clearwater Beach offers one of the finest beaches in the world. White sandy powder adjacent to aqua clear water to equal the finest beaches in the Caribbean. Nothing equals the beauty of a sunset from the pier. Enjoy watching the arrival of the charter fishing fleet as it returns to the marina.
  • Indian Rocks Beach has three miles of the friendliest beach located in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area. The city's tourist population is one of its greatest assets and people come from all over the world to visit Indian Rocks Beach for the city's fine beaches and to watch the beautiful sunsets. The city currently has twenty-plus beach accesses located along Gulf Boulevard. Located within the city are several retail businesses and quaint restaurants for the public's pleasure.
  • Indian Shores 2.5 miles of beaches were reconstructed in 1992. It boasts of beautiful white sand and a great beach access park at Tiki Gardens Park, complete with showers and bathrooms open to visitors.
  • Madeira Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, Madeira Beach is a 2.5 mile strip of sand that provides a haven for tourists. Madeira Beach started as a fishing village and commercial fishing is still an important part of the community's activities. More grouper is brought into John's Pass than any other place in the state. Each October the community hosts the Seafood Festival at John's Pass attracting as many as 130,000 visitors to a fare of food, music, arts and crafts.
  • North Redington Beach is nearly one mile of frontage on the Gulf of Mexico, the town offers a blend of single family homes, mid-rise condominiums, resort hotels, motels, restaurants and retail shops. The wide sandy beach was partially reconstructed a few years ago and is expected to receive additional sand and be complete at the end of this year. There are six convenient public accesses to the beach with curb side parking and no meters. Along Gulf Boulevard are numerous condominiums and small motels, many of which are directly on the beach and all of which offer a family vacation atmosphere.
  • Redington Beach, to the north of Madeira Beach, is residential property along the Gulf of Mexico. The town's beautiful beaches are within walking distance of any home. The beach in this area, however, is private with no public parking.
  • Redington Shores is a one-mile-long community provides accommodations for tourists in the form of condominiums, hotels, motels and apartment houses. There are also many quality restaurants. The summer season sees an influx of people from England, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Denmark.
  • St. Pete Beach offers some of the most beautiful sun-kissed shores in the Sunshine State, and is home to the famous Don CeSar Beach Resort. Take a picnic and enjoy cool sea breezes or relax on soft, sugar-white sands while getting that deep, tropical tan or kick it up a notch with some water sports.
  • Tarpon Springs is known as Florida sponge capital and it is a popular destination for lovers of Greek Salads served in the local restaurants.
  • Treasure Island is a lively beach area has lots to offer: water sports galore, dining, shopping and nightlife. Directly over the pass is Kingfish Wharf, a quaint collection of shops, restaurants and cruise boats. Across the street is a popular fishing area. Numerous beach accesses and ample parking make Treasure Island a sun lover's paradise.