ST. PETE BEACH - A magical pink castle appears in the horizon while driving across the
Pinellas Bayway drawbridge. If St. Pete Beach has a defining landmark, this is it: The Don
CeSar Beach Resort and Spa.
Guest rooms range from $288 to $1,653. But you don't have to spend a dime to bask on the
beach near the resort. Wear your swanky sunglasses and set your monogrammed beach towel on the
white sand and soak in the atmosphere at this ritzy resort.
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John W. Parker/Tribune file photo
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Beachgoers check out a sand sculpture behind the Don CeSar resort on St. Pete Beach.
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Lucky beachgoers may even catch the filming of a commercial or movie. In 1999, Ray Liotta,
Gretchen Mol and Joseph Fiennes were here filming scenes for ""Forever Mine.''
St. Pete Beach is a tourist haven. Gulf Boulevard is lined with hotels, motels, restaurants
and tacky beach shops lit up in neon colors.
A free parking lot is located across the Dolphin Village shopping center. Visitors can also
park along residential side streets and slide in between hotels to the beach.
The plethora of hotels may scream "tourists'' to locals, but they can serve as an
advantage.
Hungry for lunch or a sunset meal? It's an easy walk to a hotel tiki bar, many of which
include entertainment - Jimmy Buffett-style.
Other fun offerings at St. Pete Beach include putt-putt golf and a movie theater.
Families line up at Ruins de Dorado and Polynesian Putter, both on Gulf Boulevard.
The Beach Theater on Corey Avenue is a hidden treasure for area film buffs. A historic
landmark built in 1939, the theater shows mostly foreign and independent films.
Corey Avenue is also home to gifts shops, a country arts-and-crafts shop and restaurants,
including a British pub.
Fishing fans flock to Sunset Park, 7300 Sunset Way, a small waterfront parcel with free
parking. If the fish aren't biting, two seafood restaurants are located next to the fishing
area.
The beach alternatives don't wane at night. This beach doesn't go to sleep early,
especially during tourist season. Many bars and restaurants are hopping when the sun goes
down.
The Hurricane Seafood Restaurant is a popular night spot on Pass-a-Grille Beach, just south of St. Pete Beach.
The eatery, located right on the beach, is ideal for a sunset dinner. Many locals tout the grouper sandwiches as the best in the Bay.
After-hours, kick up your heels as the top floor gets rocking at Stormy's, a beach night-club.
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