Destination information
Laid-back in atmosphere, the 2 resorts are renowned for their beautiful coastline and agreeable climate. In fact, St Pete is in the Guinness Book of Records for having the longest string of consecutive sunny days - 768 of them - so there's no need to worry about the weather! Both offer fantastic shopping and plenty of evening entertainment. There's also lots to keep the kids happy, including pirate cruises, dolphin encounters, close proximity to theme parks and, of course, those fantastic sandy beaches!
Non drivers
We understand that even in the land that invented the automobile, not everyone likes to drive. But don't worry, after the Orlando leg of your holiday, let us take you to St Pete Beach or Clearwater.
We offer
Full-size coaches with Virgin Holidays' livery
Video on board
Toilet, wherever possible (100% record so far!)
These round-trip transfers cost from:
St Pete Beach
£30 per person
Coach leaves every Wed (2 hours 30 min)
Clearwater
£30 per person
Coach leaves every Thu (2 hours)
Operates from 25 Mar '09.
Alternatively, why not take one of our private taxi transfers to the Gulf Coast? There are no restrictions to what day of the week you need to travel and they will pick you up from any of our Disney or International Drive hotels.
These round-trip transfers cost from:
International Drive hotels
£310 per taxi
Walt Disney World Resort hotels
£275 per taxi
Or opt to arrive in style
from as little as £539
Our limo transfers are hugely popular. Stretch out in one of these amazing vehicles and arrive at your hotel in film-star style. Go on - you're worth it!
All limo prices are per car, round-trip for a min of 2 people. Limos take a max of 8 people excluding luggage. The boot fits 4 large suitcases and 2 pieces of hand luggage. If your party has more luggage, you will need to book an additional taxi.
Postcards from... Top ideas from our travel experts
Our Top 5 hotels
The Marriott Suites are the perfect choice for a family holiday. Accommodation is modern, spacious and well equipped, with each one boasting a private balcony from which to enjoy spectacular views. Adults and children alike will love the grotto-style outdoor heated pool complete with 35ft cascading waterfall, open-air cabanas and spa tub.
This family-friendly Hilton property sits in 10 acres along a beautiful white sand beach. The location at the centre of Clearwater Beach is ideal and you can walk to many local shops and restaurants. The famous Pier 60 is a short walk from the resort, where Key West-style entertainers hail the sunset every evening.
Enjoying spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico and the island of Clearwater Beach, this attractive hotel is perfectly located for beaches and Busch Gardens. What’s more, it has just undergone a $27 million renovation so everything, from rooms to restaurants, is new and fresh.
It's always voted in the top 10 US beaches and what with California, Hawaii and the rest of Florida in competition, that's no small boast. The hotel is right on that glorious white sand, and they try to give all Virgin Holidaymakers a room overlooking it. This is an attractive, well-run and well-equipped resort with tennis, children's programme and a selection of eateries.
Nestled on one of the island's most spectacular beaches, this world-class resort offers an eco-friendly holiday experience second to none. There's a full-service spa with a wonderful range of treatments inspired by the healing waters of the Gulf.
Additional info
White Sands and Water Sports
Fort De Soto Park is home to a 7-mile stretch of sand, rated the number 1 nature beach in the USA, and Caladesi Island (opposite) is ranked number 2 in the USA. Water sports abound with dolphin encounters, pirate cruises, deep-sea fishing, shelling and snorkelling available. For wildlife and tortoises, head to the uninhabited island of Egmont.
Family Fun
The perfect place to wind down after a week at Disney, families can still enjoy a wealth of activities in between lazing on the beach. If you still want an action-packed day out, Busch Gardens is a short drive away, where teenagers can experience the terrifying floorless SheiKra roller coaster. Back at the beach, book a family excursion such as the Pirate cruise or visit the aquarium.
Away from the Beach
Hop on board the Sunset Beach trolley and head to downtown St Pete for the Salvador Dali Museum and the St Petersburg Museum of History and Fine Arts. Transportation is provided to Disney and other theme parks, 1 hour 30 min away. Take a boat trip on the world's largest speedboat or head to Crystal State Park for the opportunity to swim with manatees, Florida's unique sea cows.
Evenings
Head to Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach for sunset celebrations and FREE entertainment from street performers and local craftsmen (be sure to arrive approx 2 hours before sunset). Local dining favourites include Crabby Bill's and Frenchy's beachside restaurants. For a dazzling night out, treat yourself to a StarLite Dinner Cruise.
Shopping
Serious shoppers should head to Tampa for the International Plaza or Ellenton Outlet Mall. Closer to home there is Tyrone Mall in St Pete or Westfield Mall in Clearwater. The pier at St Pete offers waterfront entertainment and shops galore. For more fun, dining and shopping, visit the charming beachside communities of Safety Harbor and Gulfport.
Indulge Yourself
If you're looking to indulge yourself, see your Virgin Holidays' rep for a recommendation to one of many day spas in the area, offering a wide range of treatments in state-of-the-art surroundings. Whilst you're busy pampering yourself, your partner could head to a nearby championship golf course - there are plenty to choose from in both resorts!