Upham Beach Park
A local favorite beach on St. Pete Beach, known for its serene coves, calm waters, and breathtaking sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, prime parking
Upham Beach Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, prime parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A local favorite beach on St. Pete Beach, known for its serene coves, calm waters, and breathtaking sunsets.
"Upham Beach Park has officially stolen my heart! It's hands down the most beautiful and relaxing beach I've visited so far."
🤫 Embrace the Local Vibe
Upham Beach is a local favorite, offering a more relaxed experience away from the main crowds.
🌅 Chase the Sunset
The sunsets here are legendary! Plan your visit to catch the sky light up over the Gulf.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Secret Garden Coves
Northern end of Upham Beach
Discover secluded coves with calm, shallow waters perfect for lounging and enjoying the Florida sun.
Breathtaking Sunsets
Gulf of Mexico shoreline
Witness stunning sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant colors, a truly unforgettable experience.
Paradise Grille
Beachfront
Enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and outstanding service at this beloved beachside eatery.
Dolphin Sightings
Gulf waters
Keep an eye out for playful dolphins often spotted swimming near the shore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Serenity
Parking and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Embrace the Local Vibe
Upham Beach is a local favorite, offering a more relaxed experience away from the main crowds.
🌅 Chase the Sunset
The sunsets here are legendary! Plan your visit to catch the sky light up over the Gulf.
🍽️ Dine at Paradise Grille
Don't miss this beachfront gem for delicious food and great service.
🐬 Watch for Dolphins
Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins often seen swimming offshore.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Embrace the Local Vibe
Upham Beach is a local favorite, offering a more relaxed experience away from the main crowds.
🌅 Chase the Sunset
The sunsets here are legendary! Plan your visit to catch the sky light up over the Gulf.
🍽️ Dine at Paradise Grille
Don't miss this beachfront gem for delicious food and great service.
🐬 Watch for Dolphins
Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins often seen swimming offshore.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
After storms, debris can be present. Close-toed shoes are recommended for safety.
🚗 Secure Parking Early
Parking is good but fills up fast. Arrive early, especially on weekends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Upham Beach Park is widely praised for its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning sunsets, making it a favorite among locals. Visitors appreciate the calm waters, ample space, and the convenience of beachfront dining at Paradise Grille. While generally well-regarded, some mention potential debris after storms, emphasizing the need for caution.
"Upham Beach Park has officially stolen my heart! It’s hands down the most beautiful and relaxing beach I’ve visited so far. From the moment you arrive, there’s this sense of calm that washes over you. The soft sand, gentle waves, and open space make it the perfect spot to unwind, whether you’re there for a full beach day or just a quiet sunset walk.
Speaking of sunsets… they are absolutely breathtaking here. The way the sky lights up over the Gulf—it’s the kind of view you want to freeze in time. Peaceful, stunning, and never overcrowded, it’s my favorite place to watch the day fade.
A major highlight of Upham Beach Park is Paradise Grille. This spot is a true gem. Their food and drinks are delicious! Fresh, casual, and just what you want when you’re relaxing by the water. Whether you're grabbing breakfast, lunch, or a frozen drink, they always hit the mark. The prices are super reasonable, and the customer service is outstanding. Everyone working there is friendly, fast, and genuinely kind, which just adds to the whole beachside vibe.
If you’re looking for a beach that offers natural beauty, peaceful vibes, incredible sunsets, and great food & and drinks, just steps from your towel, Upham Beach Park is it! 🏖🌊🌯🥗🍹🤗🥰"
Mircat
"Nice Beach ⛱️⛱️⛱️ it's perfect for weekends, vacation or a quick scape from the city and stress. Come with family and enjoy. Secure, good parking spots close to the beach."
Luis Agustin Boniche Perez
"Nice sandy beach. Quiet not tons of people. We have seen manatee both times we have gone. Parking was also easy!"
John and Jennifer Rannow
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Upham Beach Park is located on the northern end of St. Pete Beach. It's easily accessible by car, and many visitors find it a convenient spot to park and enjoy the beach. It's also close to the Corey Avenue Shopping District. 
Yes, there are parking spots available close to the beach, which is a major plus for visitors. However, it's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends or during peak season, as parking can fill up quickly.
Upham Beach Park is the closest public beach to the Corey Avenue Shopping District, making it convenient for those exploring the area. It's also a short distance from hotels like The Saint Hotel.
While specific accessibility details are not widely publicized, the park features wooden walkways that lead to the beach, which may offer some level of accessibility. It's always best to contact the park directly for the most up-to-date information on accessibility features.
Upham Beach is situated on St. Pete Beach itself. If you're staying elsewhere on St. Pete Beach, you can drive or potentially use ride-sharing services to reach the northern end where Upham Beach is located.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Upham Beach Park is a public beach, and there is no entrance fee to access the sand and water. You can enjoy the beach freely.
As a public beach, Upham Beach Park is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. Specific park hours might vary, but the beach itself is open for public enjoyment during daylight hours.
No, tickets are not required for Upham Beach Park as it is a public beach. You can visit anytime during daylight hours without prior booking.
Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions for Upham Beach Park. However, like most public beaches, there may be rules regarding alcohol consumption and pets, so it's advisable to check local ordinances.
Yes, Upham Beach Park can be visited after storms, but caution is advised. Some content suggests potential hazards like debris, so wearing closed-toe shoes is recommended.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Upham Beach Park is ideal for relaxing on the sand, swimming in the calm waters, sunbathing, and enjoying the beautiful scenery. It's also a great spot for watching sunsets and looking for dolphins.
Yes, Upham Beach Park is known for its calm and shallow waters, making it a pleasant and safe place for swimming and lounging.
Information on specific restroom and shower facilities at Upham Beach Park is limited. It's advisable to check with local St. Pete Beach resources or be prepared with your own amenities.
While not a major surf spot, Upham Beach Park is known for light surfing due to its gentle waves, making it suitable for beginners or casual wave riding.
The 'Secret Garden' refers to the beautiful, secluded coves found on the northern end of Upham Beach, offering a more private and serene beach experience. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Paradise Grille is a highly recommended beachfront restaurant right at Upham Beach Park, offering delicious food and drinks. Other dining options are available along St. Pete Beach.
Paradise Grille offers a variety of casual beachside fare, including breakfast, lunch, and frozen drinks. They are known for fresh ingredients and friendly service.
While specific rules can vary, generally, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to public beaches. However, be mindful of local ordinances regarding alcohol consumption.
The Toasted Monkey is a popular beach bar on St. Pete Beach known for live music and a rooftop bar, which is a short drive or longer walk from Upham Beach.
Besides Paradise Grille, The Helm Provisions & Coastal Fare is a local favorite for seafood and craft cocktails in St. Pete Beach.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach itself, especially during sunset, offers stunning backdrops. The large rocks along the shore are also great for unique photos. The 'Secret Garden' coves provide picturesque, tranquil scenes. +1
Absolutely! Upham Beach Park is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, making it a prime location for photographers looking to capture vibrant skies over the Gulf of Mexico.
The combination of calm waters, sandy shores, unique rock formations, and the possibility of dolphin sightings offers diverse photographic opportunities. The 'Secret Garden' coves add an element of hidden beauty.
The 'golden hour' just before sunset is ideal for capturing warm, soft light. Mornings can also offer beautiful light with fewer crowds.
Drone usage regulations can vary by location and time. It's essential to check with local authorities or the City of St. Pete Beach for current drone policies before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bringing snacks and drinks is recommended, and the nearby Paradise Grille offers convenient, family-friendly dining options right on the beach. While specific playground facilities aren't highlighted, the natural environment itself provides plenty of entertainment for kids. Remember to pack sunscreen, hats, and beach toys for a perfect family day.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money on food, consider packing your own picnic and snacks. For affordable and tasty meals, Paradise Grille offers reasonable prices for beachside dining. Exploring the beach and enjoying the natural beauty are completely free activities, making Upham Beach Park a great value destination.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shore, share a meal at Paradise Grille with its charming beachside ambiance, or simply relax on the sand and watch the waves. The 'Secret Garden' coves offer secluded spots for couples to enjoy their own private slice of paradise.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Local's Perspective: Why Upham Beach Park Stands Out
+1Many visitors rave about the peaceful atmosphere and the breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky each evening. The presence of 'Secret Garden' coves on the northern end adds to its charm, offering hidden nooks for quiet enjoyment. It's also a place where you might spot playful dolphins swimming offshore, adding a touch of wildlife magic to your beach day.
Beyond the natural beauty, the convenience of having Paradise Grille right on the beach enhances the experience. This popular spot offers delicious food and drinks with friendly service, making it easy to grab a bite without leaving the sand. This combination of tranquility, natural beauty, and convenient amenities solidifies Upham Beach Park's status as a beloved local gem.
Navigating Upham Beach Park: Parking and Access
The beach is accessible via several wooden walkways that lead from the parking areas to the sand. These walkways provide a straightforward path to the shore. However, it's worth noting that after significant weather events, like hurricanes, there can be debris on the sand. Visitors are advised to wear closed-toe shoes for safety in such conditions.
Upham Beach Park's location on the northern end of St. Pete Beach also makes it the closest public beach to the Corey Avenue Shopping District. This proximity offers visitors the chance to combine a beach day with some shopping or dining in the nearby area.
+1Beyond the Sand: Dining and Activities
For those looking for a livelier atmosphere, The Toasted Monkey on St. Pete Beach is a popular beach bar known for its live music and rooftop views, offering a different kind of beachside experience.
Beyond dining, Upham Beach Park itself is a great place for light surfing due to its gentle waves, and it's a prime location for watching spectacular sunsets. The possibility of dolphin sightings adds an element of natural wonder to the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit