The Best of the Beach and the Bay

From the laid-back beach scene to the increasingly cosmopolitan downtown, this once sleepy bayside city is transforming itself into a vibrant destination.

Downtown is walkable so sport comfy shoes. The good news: Winter hotel rates are normally considerably lower.

The Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club in St. Petersburg ([727] 894-1000) offers great views of the Art Deco pier on Tampa Bay, and it's within walking distance of downtown. On the Gulf, The Don CeSar Beach Resort ([727] 360-1881) towers like a giant wedding cake above St. Pete Beach. For a more budget option, there's also a nice Hampton Inn & Suites downtown St. Petersburg.