A recommended day trip: Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach from downtown Tampa
From downtown Tampa at the Westin Tampa Waterside, both Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach make practical day trips by car: Clearwater Beach typically takes about 30–45 minutes and St. Pete Beach about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Choose Clearwater for busy beachfront shopping and family-friendly activities; choose St. Pete Beach for a longer, relaxed shoreline and a more laid-back vibe.
In this guide
Getting there from Westin Tampa Waterside
The Westin Tampa Waterside is on Harbour Island at 725 S Harbour Island Blvd, placing you close to downtown driving routes. Both beach options are easiest by car or rideshare from the hotel.
Expect Clearwater Beach to take roughly 30–45 minutes and St. Pete Beach about 30–40 minutes in normal traffic; travel times can lengthen in peak periods or holiday weekends.
- Car/rideshare: most direct and practical for a day trip
- Public transit: possible but slow — HART/PSTA transfers may push trip times over 90 minutes for Clearwater
- Water Taxi/Streetcar: useful around downtown and Harbour Island, but not for reaching either Pinellas County beach
| Destination | Typical drive time from downtown Tampa |
|---|---|
| Clearwater Beach | About 30–45 minutes |
| St. Pete Beach | About 30–40 minutes |
| Note | Times vary with traffic, especially Friday afternoons |
Which beach to pick: quick comparison
Clearwater Beach is known for a busy, family-oriented shoreline with shops, restaurants, and a visible town center along the beachfront. It tends to be more active and tourist-focused.
St. Pete Beach generally has a more relaxed, less commercial feel along long stretches of sand and beaches that appeal to visitors seeking a quieter day at the shore.
- Clearwater Beach: lively boardwalk areas, family attractions, easy access to stores and dining
- St. Pete Beach: laid-back beach stretches, local seafood spots, calmer neighborhood feel
- Both beaches: sand, swimming, and waterfront dining options
| Feature | Clearwater Beach | St. Pete Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Busy/touristy | Laid-back/local |
| Best for | Families and active beach days | Long walks, relaxed beach time |
| Drive from Tampa | About 30–45 min | About 30–40 min |
Suggested itineraries
Half-day option: Leave the Westin after breakfast, drive to your chosen beach, spend the morning swimming or walking the shore, then return mid-afternoon to enjoy the hotel pool or downtown dining.
Full-day option: Pack sun gear, plan lunch at a beachfront restaurant, and allow time for an evening drive back to watch the sunset from the hotel waterfront or dine at Blue Harbour Eatery + Bar.
- Morning: depart by 9:00 AM to beat heavier midday traffic
- Lunch: beachfront cafes on either shore; reservations recommended on busy days
- Late afternoon: return to Westin Tampa Waterside pool (open 8:00 AM–10:00 PM) or visit Sparkman Wharf nearby
| Itinerary type | Timing |
|---|---|
| Quick beach stop | 3–4 hours (morning or afternoon) |
| Full beach day | 6–8+ hours (arrive morning, leave late afternoon) |
| Combine with downtown | Beach in morning, Tampa Riverwalk or museum visit late afternoon |
Hotel practicalities to plan your day
If you plan to leave directly from the hotel, check valet parking and local traffic: the Westin Tampa Waterside offers on-site valet parking. Guests should confirm daily valet policies and fees with the hotel before departure.
Pool hours at the hotel are listed as 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, which makes it easy to end a beach day with a quick dip back at the property.
- Check-in time at the Westin Tampa Waterside: 4:00 PM (standard)
- Check-out time: 12:00 PM (noon)
- If you have early departures or late returns, luggage storage and a 24-hour front desk are available
| Service | What to know |
|---|---|
| Parking | Valet on-site; confirm current pricing with the hotel |
| Pool | Outdoor heated pool, open 8:00 AM–10:00 PM |
| Fitness | WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio open 24 hours for guests |
What to bring and beach tips
Bring basic beach essentials: sun protection, water, snacks, and a beach towel. If you plan to rent chairs or umbrellas, both Clearwater and St. Pete have rental services along the main beach areas.
Traffic and parking can affect timing—plan extra travel time on weekends, holidays, and Friday afternoons, and consider leaving earlier or returning later to avoid the worst congestion.
- sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- refillable water bottle and snacks
- cash or card for parking, rentals, and beachfront dining
- beach shoes and a light cover-up for shady or windy evenings
| Service at beach | Availability |
|---|---|
| Chair/umbrella rentals | Common at main beach strips |
| Public restrooms and showers | Typically available near main access points |
| Lifeguards | Present at some main beaches/seasons; check local signs |
Dining and returning to the hotel
When you return to the Westin Tampa Waterside, Blue Harbour Eatery + Bar offers waterfront dining for lunch or dinner; it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with food service until 10:00 PM and the venue open 11:00 AM–12:00 AM. The Marketplace is available 24/7 for coffee and snacks.
If you’re staying in one of the hotel's room types after your beach day, options include Room, Deluxe Room, Room, Bay View, and suites such as Junior Suite, with Sofa bed or Suite, 1 Bedroom, Bay View — each provides a comfortable place to freshen up after the beach.
- Blue Harbour Eatery + Bar: reservations and call-ahead seating available
- The Marketplace: 24/7 grab-and-go coffee and snacks
- If returning with wet gear, use the lobby or guest-room closets to store items and protect room linens
| On-site dining | Hours |
|---|---|
| Blue Harbour Eatery + Bar | Open 11:00 AM–12:00 AM; food until 10:00 PM |
| 725 South Breakfast | Breakfast available for a surcharge (weekday and weekend hours vary) |
| The Marketplace | Open 24/7 |
