Quick Answer
The main draws in Redington Beach are the Gulf of Mexico beach, the Redington Beach Town Pier, and proximity to Johns Pass Village in Madeira Beach (about 2 miles south). For restaurants and entertainment, most residents drive to neighboring communities. I'm Barrett Henry at REMAX Collective. Call (813) 733-7907 if you are considering buying here.
What Is the Beach Like at Redington Beach FL?
Gulf of Mexico Swimming and Sunbathing
The Gulf beach at Redington Beach is public, wide, and significantly less crowded than Clearwater Beach. The sand is white quartz and the Gulf water is calm and shallow for a long way out, making it a good swimming beach for families with young children. In summer, water temperatures reach 84 to 86 degrees F. In winter, temperatures drop to the high 60s to low 70s F, which limits swimming for most people but keeps the beach popular for walks and shell collecting.
Gulf Boulevard (SR-699) runs along the island with public beach access points at various cross streets. Street parking and small lots along Gulf Boulevard serve beach-goers. The town's small scale means beach access is never far from anywhere on the island. Dolphins are commonly spotted in the near-shore surf zone, particularly in the early morning and evening hours.
Redington Beach Town Pier
Redington Beach Town Pier at 17490 Gulf Boulevard is a landmark for the community. The pier extends over the Gulf and is a popular spot for fishing and watching the sunset. Species commonly caught from the pier and nearby surf include pompano, whiting, sheepshead, and seasonal Spanish mackerel. The pier area is also a reliable dolphin-watching spot. Confirm access rules and any applicable fees with the Town of Redington Beach, as they can be updated.
What Activities Are Near Redington Beach FL?
Johns Pass Village and Boardwalk (Madeira Beach)
Johns Pass Village is the most popular nearby attraction, located about 2 miles south of Redington Beach on Johns Pass between Madeira Beach and Treasure Island. The village has a working commercial fishing fleet, waterfront seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, outdoor bars, and a range of water-based tours. Dolphin watching cruises, sunset sailing trips, fishing charters, and jet ski rentals all operate out of Johns Pass. The Madeira Beach waterfront is accessible by boat or by car in 5 to 10 minutes from Redington Beach via Gulf Boulevard.
The pass itself (the inlet connecting the Gulf to the Intracoastal Waterway) is a notable landmark and a popular spot for watching boats navigate the channel. Fishing from the Johns Pass bridge is also popular, with snook, tarpon, and redfish among the species targeted by bridge anglers.
Indian Rocks Beach and the Pinellas Trail
Indian Rocks Beach is about 2 miles north of Redington Beach along Gulf Boulevard. The community is similar in character, with a quieter Gulf beach and a small selection of local restaurants along Gulf Boulevard. The Pinellas Trail runs along the mainland parallel to the Gulf islands and is accessible by crossing one of the causeways. The trail covers approximately 42 miles from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs and is used by cyclists, runners, and in-line skaters. Indian Shores and Indian Rocks Beach also have public beach access points that tend to be less crowded than Clearwater.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding on the Intracoastal
The Intracoastal Waterway on the east side of the island provides calmer water for kayaking and paddleboarding than the open Gulf. Mangrove-lined sections offer wildlife viewing opportunities for birds (including osprey, great blue herons, and roseate spoonbills during winter months) and manatees (particularly in cooler months when they seek warm water in power plant discharge areas). Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available from outfitters in the Johns Pass and Indian Rocks Beach area.
Where Do People Eat in Redington Beach FL?
On-Island Dining in Redington Beach
Redington Beach has limited on-island dining compared to larger beach communities. The commercial zoning along Gulf Boulevard and cross streets includes a small number of restaurants and casual dining options. The town's residential character means it has never developed a significant restaurant row. Residents typically drive to Johns Pass Village, Madeira Beach's 150th Street area, Indian Rocks Beach, or Treasure Island's Corey Avenue for more dining variety.
Dining in Neighboring Communities
The surrounding Gulf Beach communities offer a range of dining options accessible within 10 to 20 minutes of Redington Beach. Johns Pass Village has the most concentrated waterfront dining, with fresh seafood, casual bars, and family restaurants along the boardwalk. Treasure Island's Corey Avenue district has a mix of local restaurants and boutique shops in a walkable setting. For upscale dining, Gulfport and downtown St. Petersburg are 30 to 45 minutes south and offer a significantly wider selection.
What Are the Best Day Trips from Redington Beach FL?
Redington Beach's position on the Pinellas County barrier islands puts it within easy reach of a wide range of day-trip destinations. The table below shows estimated drive times from Redington Beach to popular destinations.
| Destination | Drive Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| St. Pete Beach / Pass-a-Grille | 15 to 25 min | Historic Pass-a-Grille neighborhood, Don CeSar hotel, Fort De Soto nearby |
| Fort De Soto County Park | 25 to 35 min | 1,136-acre park, top-ranked beach, camping, kayaking, Civil War fort ruins |
| Downtown St. Petersburg | 30 to 45 min | The Dali Museum, St. Pete Pier, Central Avenue dining, Mahaffey Theater |
| Clearwater Beach | 25 to 35 min | Pier 60, Sunsets at Pier 60 street festival, Sand Key Park |
| Caladesi Island State Park | 35 to 45 min (plus ferry) | Undeveloped island accessible only by ferry from Honeymoon Island |
| Busch Gardens Tampa | 60 to 75 min | Theme park with roller coasters and live animals |
| Gulfport Arts District | 30 to 40 min | Art Walk (first Friday, third Saturday), Farmers Market, waterfront restaurants |
Fort De Soto County Park
Fort De Soto County Park in Tierra Verde is one of the best outdoor destinations in the Tampa Bay area, consistently ranking among TripAdvisor's top beaches in the United States. The park covers approximately 1,136 acres across five interconnected keys, with a 7-mile multi-use trail, two beach areas, a fishing pier, canoe/kayak launch sites, campgrounds, and the historic Civil War-era Fort De Soto. The north beach is particularly well-regarded for calm, shallow water and soft sand. Day use access is free.
Downtown St. Petersburg
Downtown St. Petersburg, about 30 to 45 minutes from Redington Beach depending on route and traffic, offers a dense concentration of cultural and dining options. The Salvador Dali Museum at One Dali Boulevard holds the largest collection of Dali works outside of Spain. The Museum of Fine Arts at 255 Beach Drive NE covers European and American works. The St. Pete Pier is a public waterfront destination with restaurants, a museum of science, and programming. Central Avenue's restaurant and bar corridor runs for several miles through downtown and mid-town St. Pete.
What Seasonal Events Happen Near Redington Beach FL?
Annual Events Calendar
The Gulf Beaches area hosts a range of annual events within a short drive of Redington Beach. The Madeira Beach Wine Walk, Johns Pass Seafood Festival (held annually at Johns Pass Village and one of the largest outdoor seafood festivals in the Southeast), the Treasure Island Sanding Ovations sand sculpture competition, and the SHINE Mural Festival in St. Petersburg are among the most attended recurring events in the region. The Sunscreen Film Festival and the St. Pete Pride Parade (one of the largest Pride events in the South) take place in downtown St. Petersburg each spring. Gulfport's Art Walk runs on the first Friday and third Saturday of every month year-round.
For buyers interested in the lifestyle as much as the real estate, spending a weekend in Redington Beach and visiting Johns Pass, Treasure Island's Corey Avenue, and downtown St. Pete gives a much better feel for day-to-day living than any listing description can provide.
Browse Redington Beach homes for sale. Check the Redington Beach housing market for recent sales data. See the cost of living guide for insurance, tax, and utility estimates. Compare Madeira Beach and Indian Shores as alternatives.
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