A Weekend at St. Pete Beach: Why Pass-a-Grille and the Don CeSar Are Tampa Bay’s Best-Kept Secret
There is something special about St. Pete Beach! The clear turquoise water, the powder-white sand, shorebirds gliding overhead, and a laid-back Gulf Coast energy you can’t quite find anywhere else in Florida. Of all the beaches in the Tampa Bay area, Pass-a-Grille is my favorite, and a recent stay at the iconic Don CeSar Hotel reminded me exactly why this stretch of coastline keeps pulling me back.
Our Favorite Pass-a-Grille Weekend Routine
My husband and I love heading to Pass-a-Grille on weekends. Our routine rarely changes, and honestly, that’s the point:
- Get there early before the crowds arrive
- Take a long, quiet beach walk along the shoreline
- Squeeze in a morning game of basketball
- Grab lunch at The Wharf, a laid-back waterfront restaurant with great food and even better views
- Spend the rest of the afternoon soaking up the sun on the sand
Pass-a-Grille has a small-town, old-Florida charm that sets it apart from the more built-up beaches nearby, which is exactly why it’s earned a permanent spot on our weekend rotation.
The Pink Castle That Sparks Nostalgia
Every time we drive toward Pass-a-Grille, we pass the unmistakable pink landmark rising along the coastline — and every time, it stops me for a second. That pink castle brings back memories of childhood trips to St. Pete to visit my aunt and cousin. It’s funny how one building can hold so much history for so many people, locals and visitors alike.
That landmark, of course, is the Don CeSar Hotel, and this trip we finally stayed there ourselves.
Staying at the Don CeSar: First Impressions
The Don CeSar (affectionately known as “The Pink Palace”) lived up to every bit of nostalgia I had built up around it. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable — a warm, genuine kind of hospitality that set the tone for the entire stay.
After checking in, we practically ran to our room to drop our bags before heading straight for the beach — but the room itself stopped us in our tracks.
The Junior Suite
We stayed in a junior suite, and it was the perfect size — spacious without feeling excessive. In an era where hotel rooms seem to shrink every year, this room felt like a genuine upgrade. Highlights included:
- A stunning ocean view
- A comfortable sofa and table setup, perfect for relaxing or enjoying a meal with a view
- Enough space to actually unpack and settle in, not just pass through
We even ate lunch one afternoon right in the room, looking out over the Gulf — a small moment that ended up being one of our favorites of the trip.
The Beach at the Don CeSar
Once we settled in, we headed straight for the beach — and the Don CeSar’s beach setup did not disappoint.
- Rows and rows of aesthetic pink beach chairs and umbrellas (a total girl’s dream)
- Private cabanas for guests who want extra shade and space
- Paddleboard and kayak rentals, ideal for calm morning water
- A real chance to spot dolphins if you’re out early enough
There’s nothing quite like basking in the St. Pete sun, then running into the warm Gulf water to cool off. It’s simple, but it’s the whole reason people come here.
Exploring the Property: More Than Just a Hotel
After a few hours on the sand, we spent the afternoon exploring the resort itself — and honestly, the property is an experience on its own. On the lower level, you’ll find:
- Boutique shops with trendy bikinis and coverups
- A gift shop filled with Don CeSar branded keepsakes
- An ice cream and sweets shop (our favorite stop, and where we grabbed coffee and pastries most mornings)
Where to Eat at the Don CeSar
The resort has two standout on-site restaurants:
- Sea Society Table – A casual, relaxed restaurant that still delivers on atmosphere and flavor.
- Maritana Grille – The property’s upscale dining option. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.
Nightlife at the Don CeSar: Roaring 20s in the Lobby
If you only experience one thing at the Don CeSar besides the beach, make it the evening lobby scene. Each night, the lobby transforms into a 1920s-style scene, complete with a live band and guests dancing the night away in one of the most beautiful lobbies on the Gulf Coast.
It’s not just a tourist draw, either — locals show up too. My mom told me stories of coming to the Don CeSar for live music back in the 90s, when it was already known as the place to be. Decades later, it clearly still is.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Pete Beach and the Don CeSar
Is Pass-a-Grille a good beach for a weekend trip? Yes. Pass-a-Grille is one of the most relaxed, uncrowded beaches in the Tampa Bay area, with clear water, soft white sand, and a walkable village feel that’s ideal for a low-key weekend getaway.
What is the pink hotel on St. Pete Beach? The pink hotel visible along the coastline near Pass-a-Grille is the Don CeSar Hotel, a historic beachfront resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida, often nicknamed “The Pink Palace” or “the pink castle.”
What restaurants are at the Don CeSar? The Don CeSar has two main on-site restaurants: Sea Society Table, a casual waterfront spot, and Maritana Grille, an upscale dining option that typically requires a reservation.
Does the Don CeSar have beach chairs and water activities? Yes. The resort provides pink beach chairs and umbrellas for guests, along with cabana rentals, and offers paddleboard and kayak rentals for exploring the calm morning Gulf waters.
Is the Don CeSar good for a weekend getaway from Tampa? Yes. Located in St. Pete Beach, the Don CeSar is an easy drive from Tampa and makes a great weekend escape for beach time, dining, and evening entertainment, including live music in the historic lobby.
