Visit Pass-a-Grille to experience a St. Petersburg neighborhood with its own distinct profile that separates it from the other beaches just north. Drive past the landmark Don CeSar Hotel, also known as the Pink Palace. The transformation is instant, with the rest of the area having plenty of Old Florida charm. You won’t find shopping malls, hotel complexes and resorts, but you will find a continuation of the accessible beach with nearby parking.
The area’s unique name may have been derived from French, having to do with the grilling of fish by its earlier inhabitants. Seafood remains an important part of today’s cuisine featured at many restaurants. Go to The Merry Pier to buy fresh fish from the seawall. Fish offshore aboard Miss Pass-a-Grille,which takes anglers out to sea where grouper, sea bass, snapper and triggerfish swim in the warm Gulf of Mexico.
Also off the coast are Anna Maria Island and Shell Key for interesting visits. Try to make your trip coincide with sundown, as this area is acclaimed for its sunsets. Seeing it from a boat such as the Shell Key Shuttle is magical, although sunsets are definitely gorgeous from land too. One such land-based area might be the rooftop bar at Hurricane Seafood Restaurant, where you can look for the green flash.
Journey down the district’s quaint roads in the Eighth Avenue Historic District to view older architecture and shop at small stores brimming with character and merchandise.
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum is located in the village’s first church and gives a pictorial account of the district over the past century. You can also pick up a copy of the self-guided walking tour of Pass-a-Grille at the museum.
Pass-a-Grille is the southernmost part of St. Pete Beach, with special charm that makes it exceptional. Hurry to this St. Pete Beach district. Once you arrive, slow down to appreciate older Florida with amazing sunsets and lively outdoor life.
