After weathering the impacts of Hurricanes Milton and Helene, our communities are bouncing back stronger than ever. Our beloved coastal community has worked tirelessly to restore and reopen, ensuring visitors can once again enjoy the sun-soaked shores and vibrant attractions that make our areas a premier Florida destination. If you've been dreaming of a beach getaway, now is the perfect time to plan your visit and support our local businesses as they welcome guests with open arms.
Pristine Beaches Await
The sparkling white sand beaches the Tampa Bay area is famous for are ready for sunbathers, shell collectors, and beach enthusiasts. While some areas are still undergoing minor restoration work, the majority of our beaches are open and as beautiful as ever. Visitors can look forward to lounging on the soft sand, taking refreshing dips in the Gulf of Mexico, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets over the water.
Dining delights
Our culinary scene is back in full swing, offering a diverse array of dining options to satisfy every palate. From fresh seafood caught in local waters to international cuisines and casual beachside eateries, there's no shortage of delicious experiences awaiting food lovers.
Some popular restaurants that have reopened include:
- The Oyster Shucker: The Oyster Shucker, nestled on the waterfront at 650 Corey Ave in St. Pete Beach, FL, offers a delightful dining experience with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. This charming establishment invites guests to indulge in their carefully curated menu while enjoying picturesque views of the water.
- Crabby Bill's: Crabby Bill's in St. Pete Beach is a beloved seafood institution with over 40 years of history, offering fresh, no-frills seafood in a family-friendly atmosphere. Founded by Bill and Dolores Loder, who brought their seafood expertise from New Jersey to Florida, Crabby Bill's has become a staple of the Tampa Bay beach community. The restaurant prides itself on serving high-quality, fresh seafood dishes that have delighted locals and visitors alike for decades. With its casual ambiance and prime location in St. Pete Beach, Crabby Bill's provides the perfect setting for enjoying delicious seafood while soaking in the Florida beach vibes.
- Rick's Reef: Located on Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach, FL, is a beloved casual dining restaurant that captures the essence of Old Florida charm. Known for serving the "Best Food on St. Pete Beach," Rick's Reef offers a diverse menu featuring fresh, made-in-house dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant boasts a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of covered dining options, indoor and outdoor bar seating, and a family-friendly environment that even welcomes dogs in the outdoor areas. Visitors can enjoy everything from creative Eggs Benedict dishes for breakfast to fresh seafood, smoked meats, and specialty items like Lobster Mac & Cheese for lunch and dinner. With its lush tropical vegetation, fun and funky decor, and commitment to quality ingredients, Rick's Reef provides a true slice of Florida beach life.
- RumFish Grill: Offering a unique dining experience that combines exceptional seafood cuisine with an immersive underwater atmosphere. The restaurant's centerpiece is a massive fish tank that creates a captivating under-the-sea ambiance for diners. RumFish Grill serves lunch and dinner daily, featuring a menu of cutting-edge seafood dishes alongside pasta, meat, and poultry options, with many gluten-free choices available. The establishment boasts two full bars, one indoors and one outdoors, where guests can enjoy specialty cocktails, beer and rum flights, and live entertainment nightly. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the multiple TV screens, including a massive one above the indoor bar. For those looking to take a piece of their experience home, RumFish Grill also houses a retail shop offering a wide selection of Florida lifestyle apparel and marine art from local brands and artists.
- Kenny's Korner Restaurant: Located in Redington Shores, this beloved local eatery known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious menu offerings. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Kenny's Korner serves a variety of hearty dishes that cater to all tastes, making it a perfect spot for families and friends to gather. Guests can enjoy a selection of beverages, including beer, wine, and refreshing mimosas, with the option to take drinks to go. Whether you're looking for a cozy breakfast to start your day or a satisfying dinner after a day at the beach, Kenny's Korner Restaurant is committed to providing great food and friendly service that keeps patrons coming back for more.
- Sloppy Joe's on the Beach: Located in Treasure Island, this cherished waterfront dining destination that embodies the vibrant spirit of Key West. This expansive 11,000 square foot restaurant and bar has been delighting visitors to Tampa Bay for over a decade with its casual atmosphere, stunning beach views, and live entertainment. Guests can enjoy a diverse menu featuring breakfast served daily from 8 AM to 11 AM, followed by lunch and dinner options that highlight fresh, local ingredients. The two-tier deck is the perfect spot to sip on creative tropical fruit beverages while soaking in the sun. As the sun sets, Sloppy Joe's transforms into a lively nightlife hub, with the bar open until 9 PM on weekdays and 10 PM on weekends. With daily food and drink specials, along with exciting events like the Annual Sanding Ovations Masters Cup, Sloppy Joe's on the Beach is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of Florida's coastal dining scene.
Attractions and Activities
While the hurricanes may have briefly interrupted some activities the area is once again offering a wide range of attractions and experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Some highlights include:
- Sunken Gardens: Sunken Gardens, a century-old living museum in the heart of St. Petersburg, Florida, offers visitors a lush botanical paradise amidst the bustling city. This 4.1-acre historic attraction is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region, featuring meandering paths that guide guests through a diverse collection of over 50,000 tropical plants and flowers. Visitors can explore cascading waterfalls, vibrant flamingos, and a colorful array of tropical birds, including macaws and cockatoos. As one of Florida's last remaining roadside attractions, Sunken Gardens provides a unique blend of natural beauty and local history. The garden offers various experiences, including self-guided tours, docent-led group visits, and special events like yoga sessions and gardening workshops. With its tranquil atmosphere and rich botanical displays, Sunken Gardens serves as both a serene escape for nature lovers and an educational resource for horticulture enthusiasts, making it a must-visit destination in St. Pete.
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium: The Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) stands as a beacon of marine life rescue and education on Florida's Gulf Coast. Recently reopened after facing the challenges of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, CMA continues its vital mission of marine life rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Visitors can now enjoy the aquarium's regular hours from 10am to 5pm daily, with the added attraction of Aqua Lanterns in the evenings from Wednesday to Sunday. The aquarium offers a range of experiences, including Eco-Boat Tours, Behind the Scenes Tours, and Animal Care Experiences, all of which have resumed operations. CMA also features new educational films, "Turtle Odyssey" and "T.Rex," included with admission, providing insights into marine life and prehistoric wonders. Special events like Blizzard Bay, Veterans Appreciation Day, and High School Career Exploration showcase the aquarium's commitment to community engagement and education. By visiting CMA, guests not only enjoy a fascinating marine experience but also contribute to the aquarium's recovery efforts and ongoing mission of marine conservation
Accommodations to Suit Every Traveler
Our communities have demonstrated incredible resilience in the face of recent challenges, and at Resort Rentals, we're excited to share our slice of paradise with visitors once again. Our community's spirit shines brighter than ever, and we're ready to help create unforgettable memories for you.
We pride ourselves on offering a diverse selection of vacation rentals in the Tampa Bay area, providing comfortable and relaxing stays for every type of traveler. From our beachfront condos to our bayside condos, we have an accommodation option to suit every preference and budget. Our properties are strategically located along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, including popular destinations such as St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, Indian Shores, and Indian Rocks Beach.
What sets our rentals apart is their prime location - all of our properties are either directly on the beach or on the bay, ensuring our guests have easy access to Florida's stunning coastline. Additionally, our rentals are conveniently situated near famous theme parks and attractions in Orlando, as well as numerous points of interest in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa.
Whether you're seeking a relaxing beach retreat, a culinary adventure, or an exploration of local culture and history, our fully equipped accommodations offer both privacy and comfort, allowing families and groups to enjoy their getaway with all the conveniences of home. From cozy condos for romantic getaways to spacious villas for family reunions, we have options to accommodate various group sizes and preferences.
To ensure you find the perfect rental for your stay, we recommend checking directly with us for the most up-to-date information on our available properties, amenities, and services. Our website provides a comprehensive listing of our vacation rentals, allowing you to choose the ideal accommodation for your next Florida getaway.
Come experience the warmth of our hospitality, the beauty of our shores, and the vibrant energy that makes us a truly special destination. At Resort Rentals, we're committed to making your vacation dreams a reality. Your perfect Florida getaway awaits – we can't wait to see you soon!
