Your Guide To Upham Beach In St. Pete Beach

Upham Beach is hands down the best in St. Pete Beach. You get wide sand, calm Gulf views, and a simple setup.

Planning a trip to St. Pete Beach, Florida, can feel overwhelming. Parking, timing, and picking the right spot can get annoying.

This guide keeps it simple. You’ll get quick tips on where to go, when to arrive, and what to bring. A few local-style ideas are included, too, so you can skip the trial and error. 

Let’s plan your Upham day the fun way, then get you on the sand!

If you want an easy beach day without overthinking it, Upham Beach is the best beach in St. Pete Beach. It has wide, open sand, calm Gulf water, and a laid-back feel that never feels too crowded.

This beach works for all kinds of plans. Families can enjoy the gentle shoreline, couples can walk by the water, and sunset lovers can stay for the evening light. There’s also an easy path to the jetty if you want a different view, plus vendors nearby for chairs, umbrellas, and boards.

One of the best parts about Upham Beach Park is what’s nearby. Dozens of beach bars, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance, so your beach day can easily turn into a full afternoon or evening out.

Grab a coffee, take a slow walk, look for shells, or just settle in and enjoy the scenery. Once you spend an afternoon here, it’s easy to see why people keep coming back.

Upham Beach Park sits on the north end of St. Pete Beach, just west of Gulf Boulevard near 70th Avenue. It’s easy to spot once you’re close, with clear park signage and a dedicated parking area. The location feels slightly tucked away, which helps the beach feel more open when you step onto the sand.

The beach access drops you right onto a wide stretch of Gulf shoreline. You’re also near restaurants, coffee spots, and quick convenience stops, so it’s easy to turn a beach visit into a full day out.

Staying at The Lofts at St. Pete Beach? Here’s how close it is:

• 3-minute walk

• 2-minute bike ride

• 1-minute drive

📍 Directions from The Lofts 

Being this close means you can head over whenever the beach sounds good. Go early for an easier arrival, or swing by later when the sun starts dropping.

A day at Upham Beach can be as laid-back or active as you want. Start with a walk along the shoreline, then pick a spot where the sand feels wide and open. Swimming is best on calm-water days, and the gentle shoreline makes it easy to wade in.

If you’re staying with us at The Lofts at St. Pete Beach, beach days are easy to set up. Our guests have access to beach wagons, beach towels, and beach chairs, so you can load up and head to the sand without the hassle.

If your plan is to relax, try this:

• Bring our beach chairs and towels, then claim your spot on the sand

• Read, snack, and cool off with a few quick dips in the Gulf

• Take a slow walk along the water, then come back to your setup

• Stop by Paradise Grill for casual all-day dining, then grab a seat on the beachside deck under an umbrella and enjoy the amazing Gulf views

Want to mix in a little more action? 

• Play a game of volleyball at Upham Beach Park

• Rent a paddleboard and get out on the water

• Bring one of our beach games along for the open sand space

• Pack the kids’ sand toys, or grab a few before you head out

• Walk toward the jetty at the north end for a different view and photos

However you spend the day, Upham makes it easy to keep things fun and flexible. Save one visit for sunset, it’s one of the best ways to end your beach time.

A little prep makes your day at Upham Beach feel smooth and stress-free. The goal is comfort without overpacking, so focus on a few essentials that help you stay longer.

Pack these basics:

• Reef-safe sunscreen and sunglasses

• A hat or light cover-up for midday sun

• Plenty of water and a few easy snacks

• A lightweight towel or beach blanket

• Simple sandals for the walk

• A small cooler if you’re planning to stay awhile

Once you’ve got the basics covered, the rest of your beach setup comes together easily.

☀️ Pro tip: Keep your hands free on the walk over. Use one of our beach wagons for the heavier items, and save your bag for the basics.

Now you’ve got the plan. You know where to go, when to arrive, what to bring, and how to turn a simple beach visit into a full day.

Upham Beach is one of those spots that makes St. Pete Beach feel like the best beach town in Florida. Easy access, wide shoreline, and sunsets that end the day right.

Book your stay at The Lofts at St. Pete Beach and keep the sand just minutes away!

Photo Credit: © Africa images via canva.com, © Ayşin Sağlam from Pexels via canva.com