The writer was invited to this location as part of a paid press trip opportunity. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are their own and not influenced by the developing company in any way.

Florida’s Gulf side hasn’t had the easiest time these past few years. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and seawater surges have caused devastation up and down the coast. But after a recent trip to St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, and Dunedin, I can safely say - so much of Florida's Gulf side is back and better than ever . It’s taken a lot of time, money, and effort for these communities to rebuild, creating again a place of safe respite and complete sun-soaked relaxation.

For anyone craving a visit to Florida’s Gulf side, we’ve created a three-night itinerary perfect for all ages. From tiki boat tours to craft cocktails and beachfront resorts to the best seafood in town, here’s how to experience the Gulf Coast in style.

Day 1: Sun, Sand, and Sunset Sips

Where to Stay: TradeWinds Island Resorts

Kick off your adventure with a stay at TradeWinds Island Resorts , a beachfront paradise in St. Pete Beach that is entirely family-friendly. With direct beach access, multiple pools, and endless activities—including beachside cabanas and a waterslide—this resort is the perfect mix of relaxation and fun. I highly recommend staying here if you’re looking for the ease of having everything at your fingertips, from on-site restaurants and bars to multiple pools and even a secret pirate ship.

What to Do: Cruisin’ Tiki Tour

Once you’ve settled in, head to the water for a truly unique experience: a Cruisin’ Tiki Tour . This floating bar comes complete with a thatched tiki roof and boat captain and takes you along the scenic coastline while you sip your favorite drinks and soak in the sunset. We booked the sunset cruise, which took us all around Clearwater Bay and into the Gulf to watch the sunset. It was a magical experience that showed me a completely different side of this area. These cruises are BYOB, so make sure to prepare accordingly!

Where to Eat: Frenchy’s

Day 2: Luxury, Ocean Views, and Fine Dining

Where to Stay: Opal Sandpearl Resort

Check into the luxurious Opal Sandpearl Resort and prepare for a true slice of luxury. This sleek, modern hotel offers stunning Gulf views, a beachfront pool, and an unbeatable location right on the sand. I was lucky enough to stay here and the experience truly was unrivaled. From stepping into the lobby and being greeted with mimosas to sitting by the pool, soaking in the sun as the seagulls cawed overhead, I felt like I had everything I needed in one place. Plus, some of the best parts of Clearwater Beach were completely walkable, making the resort not only comfortable but wildly convenient.

What to Do: Relax and Explore Clearwater Beach

Sometimes, you need a vacation day to do touristy things, and today is it. Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on Clearwater’s powdery white sand beaches. Stroll along Pier 60, walk the shoreline, or pop into some local shops. Afterward, head back to the resort's beach and enjoy the sun, surf, and sand. Pro tip: keep an eye on the horizon at dusk to see dolphins feeding and frolicking.

Where to Eat: Caretta on the Gulf

Enjoy an upscale dining experience at Caretta on the Gulf , Clearwater Beach’s only AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, as the sun sets . Since this restaurant is attached to your resort, you don't need to go far! With a menu featuring fresh seafood, prime steaks, and an extensive wine selection, this is the perfect place for a refined yet relaxing dinner. One pleasant surprise here was the sushi selection, all hand-rolled and worth sharing with the table. Make sure to ask for Dane as a server - he's easily the best of the best.

Day 3: Small-Town Charm and Craft Cocktails

Where to Stay: Opal Sol

For your final night, we're leveling things up even more with an overnight stay at the Opal Sol Resort . As Clearwater Beach's newest Gulf resort, Opal Sol is an airy, modern sanctuary that blends the calm of the area with the tranquility of a luxury stay. I was lucky enough to take a tour of this property before it opened, and I can honestly say it feels like the place where families will return to every year. Especially renting a corner room with multiple bedrooms, a jacuzzi on the balcony overlooking the Gulf, and an outdoor patio shower. It almost sounds too good to be true, except I saw it all with my own eyes.

What to Do: Brews, Bourbon, and Waterfront Bites

Next, we're heading out to the small town of Dunedin, known for its craft beer scene and charmingly walkable streets. First things first, I've been pronouncing this town's name wrong my whole life - it's (Dun-Edin) in case anyone is in the same boat.

No visit is complete without a stop at Dunedin Brewery , Florida’s oldest microbrewery. Enjoy a flight of their homemade brews while listening to live music. This was one of my favorite stops on the entire trip, simply because it allowed me to feel like a local. I enjoyed the laid-back and community-centric atmosphere as I sipped my Redhead Red and chatted with locals. Dogs came in with their owners, and pub food, like fried pickles, was eaten with glee.

Afterward, head to Sonder Social Club across the street, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar with a menu full of innovative drinks and classic favorites. The bartenders here are true mixology artists, so let them surprise you with a custom cocktail based on your favorite flavors. I explained some of my favorite liquors, drinks, and flavor combinations, and the bartender whipped me up a bourbon-based Paper Plane, my favorite drink of the evening.

Where to Eat: Bon Appetit

End the evening at Bon Appetit , one of Dunedin's premier dining destinations. I can say if you're up for the walk from Sonder, do it! It was about 10 minutes, but really gave me a feel for the town. The waterfront dining at Bon Appetit is exceptional, even at night. We watched the fog roll in from our corner table, ordered bold glasses of red, and enjoyed live piano throughout the meal. Since 1976, this restaurant has understood and acknowledged the quest for prime hospitality and delivers in spades.

Added Bonus Restaurant: Mad Beach Cantina

I've added a bonus restaurant to the itinerary just because it was that enjoyable. Mad Beach Cantina is a lively Mexican eatery in Madeira Beach serving fresh seafood tacos, sizzling fajitas, and house-made margaritas. Order their signature MBC Margarita and a plate of Baja Fish Tacos to get a taste of the coast. With views of the water and an open-air atmosphere, this felt like a true beachside meal to me.

All in all, this was one of my favorite trips I've taken in Florida. I saw a side of my state I don't often get to see and walked away feeling refreshed and revitalized. Do you have a favorite Gulf Coast town or beach?

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