Top-rated beaches, world-class art, numerous dining options and more sunshine than Honolulu, the St. Petersburg’s Clearwater locale is the most popular vacation spot on Florida’s west coast and a perfect option for that, fun-filled family vacation.

Pinellas County or Pinellas Suncoast, collectively known as “Florida’s Beach,” encompasses 26 communities with St. Petersburg as the largest. Bordered on the east by Tampa Bay and on the west by the Gulf of Mexico, Florida’s Beach boasts 35 miles of some of the most spectacular beaches in the country.

“St. Pete,” as named by the locals, is easy to reach by most airlines and is an easy drive from Tampa International Airport. Together, with my wife, Nancy, and daughter, Veronica, we made the quick 30-minute drive from the airport to St. Petersburg’s Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club. This is a luxury property, but the area offers a wide variety of hotels, inns and condominiums for every budget (See sidebar).

The Sandpearl Resort is one of the newest properties in the area. Located on Clearwater Beach, it is the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED’s certified resort in the state. This term is not easily bestowed. The Sandpearl has met the stringent guidelines required for energy efficiency, use of natural resources, as well as air and water quality.

Since our family is landlocked in Colorado, we couldn’t wait to wiggle our toes in the powdery white, sugar-sand beaches that grace the 35-mile long shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico’s waterside communities. Some of these have won international acclaim by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, who goes by the nickname of Dr. Beach. He named Fort Desoto Park America’s best beach in 2005 and Caladesi Island took the number two spot in 2006. Clearwater Beach was ranked number one City Beach in the Gulf Region.

We decided to try popular St. Pete Beach and spent the day lounging in the warm water (its average temperature is 73 degrees), taking in the salt air, people watching and viewing water sport activities occurring just off the coast. Many of these beaches allow windsurfing, para-sailing, or jet skis. Or, like us, you could do nothing all.

I’m always on the lookout for good, local flavor and somebody pointed us toward the St. Pete favorite, Chattaways, on 4th Street and 22nd Avenue. Cattaways has been popular hangout since 1951 and is best known for its hamburgers and chicken baskets. Set amongst bathtubs, overflowing with flowers, shady trees and water fountains, this is a quirky little gem has great food and an unusual ambiance.

Just down the street from Chattaways, on Florida Avenue South in the residential area known as Driftwood, there is another hidden oasis. Its history is steeped in prohibition-era bootlegging and shark harvesting. This whimsical hideaway is overflowing with sprawling ferns, towering oaks, clinging vines and every type of flora and fauna. Each house is unique, including some rather fanciful cottages built in the 1930’s. It is well worth driving or walking through this shaded area, one that reminded us more of a botanical garden than a traditional neighborhood.

If you are an art-lover, you will be in paradise. St. Pete is home to six award-winning museums, all within close proximity of each other. The Salvador Dali museum was Nancy’s favorite and housed more than 94 oil paintings and 200 watercolors from this Spanish surrealist artist. Check out the green bench—reminiscent of the type that made this city famous for its retiree population after World War II. It sits in front of the museum with what looks like a clock melting into the bench depicting a distorted view of time.

Florida’s Beach has more than 2,970 restaurants, so diners have options that range from walking barefoot into a seaside eatery or dressing up for an elegant meal. Seafood, of course, is fresh and abundant here. Depending on the season, you can have your fill of shrimp, fish and crab.

Since Nancy teaches and writes about afternoon teas, we made sure to try the Vinoy Resort’s afternoon tea in Marchand’s Bar and Grill. This English tradition is becoming more of a trend in the United States. This was a leisurely affair that combined good conversation with tea sandwiches and pastries. The Vinoy does it right with exceptional service and delicious accompaniments.

The adjoining Terrace Room holds one of the best Sunday brunches that you will find anywhere. Fresh seafood, hand-carved meats, egg dishes, gourmet cheeses and tapas were all served at various stations by the hotel’s staff. While not inexpensive, we saved money. We were so full we couldn’t eat for the rest of the day.

There are plenty of non-water related activities in Florida’s Beach. Tennis and golf are popular, with 50 public golf courses nearby. There are also 78 major shopping centers, malls and waterfront villages, such as St. John’s Pass in nearby Madeira Beach.

Many other equally impressive communities are located within easy driving distance. One of the most interesting is Tarpon Springs, once America’s sponge capital owing to the Greek sponge divers who settled there. Busch Gardens, Walt Disney Resort and Sea World are only a short 90- minute drive away.

There is truly something for everyone at Florida’s Beach, which is probably the reason more than 13 million visitors come here each year. A whopping 90 percent say they plan to return. Come discover why one early French writer. Odet Philippe, called this area “heaven on earth.”