Fodor's Travel Likes Pass-a-Grille Beach

Fodor's Travel recently chose 11 Under-the-Radar Florida beaches to visit this winter. On their list was the gorgeous Pass-a-Grille beach.

Here’s the thing about Florida: You visit time and again, and you’re quite sure you know the state and its glorious sandy stretches pretty well. But there’s always a surprise waiting for those who stray from the classic Panama City–Orlando–Miami–Key West stops. From Atlantic coast enclaves that locals try to keep to themselves to subtropical islands dotting the Gulf of Mexico, from the Tampa Gulf and the Florida Panhandle, most of our picks for under-the-radar Florida beach towns won’t ring a bell, but consider that a good thing. Get away from the vacationing masses for a taste of old Florida in these spots where the simple things—sun, surf, and a no-worries attitude—still reign on these quiet beaches.

Pass-a-Grille Beach

This small beach community at the southern tip of St. Pete Beach gets its curious name from the French passe aux grilleurs, a reference to the French mariners who used to grill their fish on the beaches here during pirate times. It was the Spanish, however, who first arrived in Pass-a-Grille from the Old World in 1528. Sandwiched between the bay and the Gulf of Mexico, the small town center, lined with yellow and sky-blue buildings, houses independent shops and restaurants and has been named a National Historic District. Tuck into grouper sandwiches and other Florida seafood specialties at the dockside Sea Critters Cafe or settle in beachside for a bucket of cold beers and burgers steps from the sand at the uber-casual Paradise Grille. The crystalline waters are perfect for swimming nearly year-round (just do the “stingray shuffle” to stave off any unwelcome encounters with these marine animals who are just as drawn to the lovely beach as you).

View Pass-a-Grille Homes & Condos For Sale

11 Under-the-Radar Florida Beaches to Visit this Winter

1. Atlantic Beach
2. Deerfield Beach
3. Vero Beach
4. Ponce Inlet
5. Cedar Key
6. Vilano Beach
7. Anna Maria Island
8. Pass-a-Grille Beach
9. Santa Rosa Beach
10. Boca Grande, Gasparilla Island
11. Navarre Beach