Weekend getaway for Bucs game beachfront stay

Question

My wife and I are coming in for a buccaneers game and also visiting a friend that works at IMG. We are only in the area for a short time (sat-mon),but would like to stay on the beach and be somewhat close to both Raymond James and IMG. I think we have ruled out Clearwater. Thinking St. Pete (Sirata or Coconut Inn), Skybeach Resort in St. Petersburg, or maybe Doubletree near Redington. Beachfront would be main priority with some walk ability to shops/restaurants, and ease to get to both Tampa and Bradenton. Any suggestions would be great.

Answer

For your weekend getaway with a beachfront stay while visiting both the Buccaneers game and your friend at IMG, you have several great options in the St. Pete and Tampa Bay area. Here are some details on the areas and hotels you are considering:

1. St. Pete Beach (Sirata, Coconut Inn, Skybeach Resort) St. Pete Beach is a popular choice for its beautiful beaches, proximity to shops and restaurants, and overall laid-back vibe. Here’s a breakdown of the options:

Sirata Beach Resort: This is a great beachfront option with multiple dining options, poolside bars, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s right on the beach, with easy access to the sand and a variety of restaurants and shops within walking distance. While it’s a bit further from Raymond James (about a 30-minute drive), it offers a great beach experience.
Coconut Inn: A smaller, more intimate option with a quieter feel. It’s located right on St. Pete Beach and is within walking distance of shops and local eateries. This would be a great spot if you’re looking for a more low-key, beachfront experience, though it may have fewer amenities than Sirata.
Skybeach Resort: Another beachfront option, but with a more boutique, modern vibe. It’s also close to local restaurants and shops, providing a nice balance between beach access and convenience. It’s a good choice if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere without the larger resort crowds.

2. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tampa Bay (near Redington) While this hotel is not located directly on St. Pete Beach, it is still a solid option if you want a mix of proximity to Tampa and easy access to the beach. It’s located in Redington Beach, a quieter area with a less crowded feel compared to St. Pete Beach. The hotel offers great views of the bay and is relatively close to local shops and restaurants. However, it may be a bit further for your visit to IMG, as it's about a 45-minute drive to Bradenton.

3. Location Considerations for Ease of Travel: Since you’ll be attending the Buccaneers game at Raymond James and visiting a friend in Bradenton, it’s important to consider your travel time to both places:

Raymond James Stadium: St. Pete Beach is about a 25-30 minute drive from the stadium, so staying on the beach in St. Pete is a good option for easy access to the game.
IMG Academy (Bradenton): St. Pete Beach is about a 45-minute drive to Bradenton, while the DoubleTree near Redington Beach is around a 40-minute drive. Both are manageable, but if being close to IMG is a priority, you might want to consider staying further north in the Bradenton area or closer to the city of Tampa.

4. Other Beachfront Areas to Consider: If you’re open to exploring a bit more, here are a couple of other beachfront options:

Treasure Island: Just to the north of St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island offers a quieter, more laid-back vibe, with a wide variety of beachfront condos and resorts. It’s about the same drive time to both Raymond James and IMG, and it has easy access to local restaurants and bars.
Clearwater Beach: Although you mentioned you ruled it out, Clearwater Beach is another option that’s closer to Tampa. It has a bustling beach scene with great dining, shopping, and nightlife, plus it’s about a 30-minute drive to Raymond James Stadium.

Conclusion: If beachfront is your main priority, St. Pete Beach is your best bet with options like Sirata and Coconut Inn for proximity to the sand and local dining. If you prefer a quieter area with great beach access, consider the DoubleTree near Redington Beach, but be prepared for a longer drive to Bradenton. Ultimately, both St. Pete Beach and Redington Beach are great options, and it just depends on how much time you want to spend in the car versus enjoying the beach!

Weekend getaway for Bucs game beachfront stay

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