← All Lakeland attractions

Stay near · Beach

Stay near the Gulf beaches

The Pinellas Gulf Beaches · Pinellas County, FL · About an hour west

About the Gulf beaches

The Pinellas County Gulf coast is about an hour from Lakeland — close enough for a day trip, far enough that you stay inland for the rest of the week. Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, and John's Pass are the four stretches our guests visit most often.

Beachfront Pinellas hotels can run two to three times the cost of staying inland. Many of our guests pair beach days with the Lakeland base, especially in shoulder season when the weather is good but the beach traffic is lighter.

Where to stay

All four stays are about the same drive to the Gulf — pick by group size rather than by route.

Hollingsworth Bungalow

Hollingsworth Bungalow

A three-bedroom bungalow steps from Lake Hollingsworth.

Sleeps 6 · 3 bed · 2 bath

View stay →

Tips

  • St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island are quieter and more residential. Clearwater Beach is the high-energy stretch with hotels, bars, and the Pier 60 sunset gathering.
  • John's Pass is a working fishing village with shops, boat tours, and a long boardwalk — a better midday stop than full beach day.
  • Leave the Lakeland stay by 8 AM on weekends. Westbound I-4 and the 275 bridge corridor stack up after 10.

Ready to plan your trip?

See live availability for all four stays — no Airbnb or VRBO service charges.

See availability

More to do near Lakeland