The sandy coastline of Florida’s St. Pete Beach attracts people worldwide to enjoy warm waters, balmy sea breezes and powder sand at resort accommodations, while Upham Beach offers something different. St. Petersburg has a vast list of accommodations on and near the beach, but Upham Beach doesn’t have the typical hotel backdrop. Look for weddings in the area with brides and grooms who want their pictures to be free of hotels in the background.

Upham Beach is a success story for its reclamation from the ocean. Prevailing currents over many years have targeted the beach, causing considerable erosion, but large sand-filled sacks placed in the ocean to break the offshore current have prevented losing the beach.

A large swath of white sand welcomes everyone to enjoy beach activities including beach volleyball courts, sunbathing and swimming, while fishing and surfing occur nearby. Satisfy your appetite with breakfast or lunch at a café near the water.

Rent lounge chairs and umbrellas for comfort during a long beach day. Families will appreciate the shallow shoreline access.

Explore the city area by first rinsing off the sand and salt at an outdoor shower and then walking to historic Corey Avenue. You’ll find a selection of restaurants, boutiques and galleries. Walking along the busy street, it’s difficult to imagine that until the mid 1930s this was a mangrove swamp. The expansion of the business district has put it at the heart of Downtown St. Pete Beach and very accessible from its sandy shore.

A lively spirit takes over the Corey neighborhood when a large street market with as many as 75 vendors and live music sets up for several hours at midday. Come on a Sunday from October to June, except on certain holidays. Special area events include the St. Pete Beach Seafood Festival in February, the Sea Turtle Tracker Fundraiser in October and a Christmas parade.

Enjoy Upham Beach and its subtropical climate from sunup to sundown. Come early in the day in tourist season to stake your claim on a section of beach.