SkyBeach Resort combines midcentury character with breezy, modern design, an easy choice for travelers who want equal parts relaxation and waterfront fun.

If you want to unplug in the sun or explore St. Petersburg, this resort-style stay makes it simple to unwind and slip into vacation mode.

How to Get There

From Tampa International Airport (TPA), the drive to SkyBeach Resort typically takes 30 minutes. From the highway, it looks like a modest motel. In the lobby, friendly staff greet you, walk you through the details, and make sure you’re ready for your stay. If your room is farther out, an employee assists with luggage and takes you to your room via a golf cart. The coolest part of check-in? Instead of a key card, you’re given a wristband that unlocks your room.

SkyBeach Resort: A Secret Oasis

Originally built in 1954 as the Skyway Motel, this St. Petersburg (best known to locals as St. Pete) property has cycled through multiple names, owners, and renovations over the decades. Today, it feels thoughtfully updated without losing the unmistakable charm of its midcentury roots.

Breezy blue hues and nautical accents are carried throughout the 18-acre resort. Modern, eclectic décor adds sharp contrast to the classic 1950s motel architecture that shapes SkyBeach’s character.

Once you’re on-site, any assumptions formed from the highway fall away. Set along a private beach lined with cabanas, the resort reveals a relaxed, tucked-away atmosphere that feels worlds apart from the road. As guests move beyond the lobby, the view opens up to the pools, beachfront, and dining spaces—an inviting waterfront scene that isn’t visible from the roadside.

The beds in the rooms are spacious and provide a great night of sleep. Fridges and microwaves allow convenience when you need to store drinks or have a late-night snack.

What makes SkyBeach especially appealing is how easily it fits different kinds of travelers. Families can lean into the pools and activities, couples can slow down beachside, friend groups can turn the day into a mix of sun and cocktails, and solo travelers can settle into the kind of easy, restorative rhythm that makes a getaway feel like a true reset.

The Food at SkyBeach

SkyBeach leans into its views, and SkyBar & Grille is the best place to enjoy them. With an oceanfront setting and a rooftop bar, it’s the kind of spot where cocktails and dinner stretch longer than planned—especially at sunset, when the Skyway Bridge lights up the horizon. A standout menu item worth ordering is the Ceviche Santa Familia, made with octopus and Santa Familia tequila.

Opening in January 2026, Luma is set to add a bright new option to the resort’s dining lineup. Mediterranean and coastal flavors will anchor the menu, with everything from Roasted Garlic Hummus to Beef Bolognese.

In the mornings, start the day at Paredeco Coffee Roasters. This specialty coffee shop and café serves coffee, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, and other morning favorites. Pastel colors and Art Deco touches create a laid-back, welcoming vibe. Even the coffee bar is a conversation piece: it’s made from 3D-printed, recycled renewable materials and built to withstand hurricanes.

The Wonderful Amenities

When asked why guests love SkyBeach Resort, Allie Singer, Vice President of Commercial Strategy & Asset Management, put it simply: “Our amenities. We have so much to offer compared to other resorts.” With so much on-site, you can easily make a full vacation out of the property without ever needing to leave.

Outdoor favorites include beach volleyball, bicycles, kayaks and paddleboards, pickleball, a 29-slip marina, two pools plus a hot tub, fire pits and plenty of space to settle into the resort’s private stretch of beach.

SkyBeach also hosts rotating classes and events that elevate the stay, from Santa Familia tequila tastings to yoga, seashell painting and movie nights under the stars.

Things to do in St. Pete

Nicknamed “The Sunshine City” due to the plentiful days of sunshine throughout the year, St. Pete is a city worth exploring. The best way to sightsee is through Star Trolley, a 2-hour guided city tour that takes its passengers on an open-air trolley to experience the best of St. Pete. You will see stunning murals, architecture, and beautiful views of the waterfront while listening to a narrated history of the city and vivid descriptions of landmarks. A stop at the St. Petersburg Distillery is included, where guests can partake in tastings.

One of the most popular attractions in St. Pete is none other than The Dalí Museum, featuring the largest collection of artwork by Salvador Dalí outside of Spain. It’s worth purchasing the Dalí Alive 360° add-on, where guests experience the life and works of the surrealist artist in an immersive experience in a 360-degree environment called The Dalí Dome. 

A visit to 3 Daughters Brewery, one of Florida’s largest independent and family-owned breweries, is essential. The tasting room is one of the busiest in the state, with their most popular beer being the Beach Blonde Ale. In addition to fantastic beer, they also make their own sangria and serve food. The brewery is deeply invested in the community and hosts events such as live music. 

Where to Eat in St. Pete

Gaining traction in the culinary world, St. Pete offers an impressive range of dining options. The Wild Child, a neighborhood bistro and cocktail bar, invites patrons to slow down and savor a rotating menu alongside an extensive selection of wines and cocktails. One fixed menu item worth ordering is the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich.

If you’re strolling along the pier in downtown St. Pete, stop by Driftwood Cafe, which serves coffee, sandwiches, pastries and homemade ice cream—an easy, casual option for a midday break.

Located at the entrance of St. Pete Pier, Perry’s Porch offers sweeping water views in an expansive outdoor dining area. Seafood and creative dishes offer a well-rounded dining experience. A standout menu item is the Trufflekopita, a filo pastry filled with feta and honey. Be sure to save room for dessert—the Lemon Tiramisu is a unique take on the iconic dish.

On the Water in St. Pete

For those wanting to experience the waters, St. Pete Coastal Cruises gives its passengers a glimpse of coastal life on a 50-foot vessel. The Island Sunset & Skyway Light Show is the perfect way to unwind and view the timeless sunset over Sand Dollar Island. After dark, the boat makes its way under the legendary Skyway Bridge, which is equipped with an impressive display of lights that illuminate the waters. 

Fishing enthusiasts and first-timers alike will enjoy time on the water with Rock Bottom Sport Fishing. Captains such as Brett Norris are seasoned fishermen who lead guests on a quest to catch a wide variety of fish found along the coast. Brett’s knowledge and patience make even first-time anglers feel at ease and confident. With all equipment provided, the experience is peaceful and serene, offering a genuine connection with nature while out on the water.

Plan Your Stay

Florida stands out as a destination where snowbirds and adventure seekers escape for tropical vibes and pristine beaches. With standout dining options and a wide range of amenities, SkyBeach Resort offers plenty of reasons for guests to feel both at home and immersed in a true vacation experience.

When venturing beyond the property, St. Pete’s local attractions give travelers plenty to explore, from museums and tours to coastal experiences on the water. SkyBeach is an ideal destination for families, friend groups and solo travelers looking to escape, unwind and reconnect at a humble yet charming resort in the Sunshine City.

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Cover Photo courtesy Cris Molina.

Sara Aguinaga is a dedicated massage therapist and editorial contributor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She loves indulging in spa treatments, exploring diverse cuisines and traveling.