Welcome To beautiful Pass-a-Grille on St. Pete Beach Florida. This is one very special and spectacular place. This little beach community will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Pure Old Florida. Here you will forget all about the hustle and bustle of life and be ready to slow down, take in the sights, feel the cool tropical breezes blowing over you, go deep sea fishing, or just enjoy a great meal at one of many quaint waterfront restaurants.
The main attraction along the stunning intercoastal waterway is the pelicans at the boat docks and the pilings at the bait shop. These quirky yet fun loving birds will entertain you constantly. They are very friendly and will stand right next to someone cleaning fish, waiting for a hand out. And it is so funny when they battle each other for position for some fish scraps. No one can ever get tired of watching these beautiful birds, and they are constantly giving people a perfect photo-op.
If you like fishing, you have come to the right place. Miss Pass-a-Grille is a 51 foot boat, with twin diesel motors, and a comfortable AC cabin. You will certainly be going out in style to where the fish are. They regularly catch Red Grouper, Gag Grouper, Triggerfish, Sea Bass, Mangrove Snapper, and Grey Snapper. They also supply the Rod, Reel, Bait, Tackle, and Fishing License. Parking passes are available at the bait shop. Fish cleaning service and soft drinks are also available.
Half day morning trips depart on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. These trips leave at 8 am and arrive back at 12 noon. The afternoon trips leave at 1 pm and arrive back at 5 pm. The fee is $49 for adults and $34 for children 12 and under. I have been on the “Marathon Lady” deep sea fishing boat in the Florida Keys many times since 1994, and the prices here are very good. Visit Miss Pass-a-Grille website for more info.
Want to go out on a boat but not fish. Well you are in luck here. The Shell Key Shuttle can take you to Shell Key, a 10 minute trip south to explore an unspoiled barrier island. This trip is made by a 49 passenger catamaran, the Corinthian, a Coast Guard inspected vessel.
Also take this same vessel out for a relaxing and enjoyable one and a half hour sunset cruise, through residential waterways and pristine barrier islands. This cruise usually spots with regularity shorebirds, dolphins and manatees. The cruise is narrated and all questions are answered. You will definitely enjoy. The costs for this is $22 for adults and $11 for children 12 and under. For more info visit the Shell Key Shuttle website.
While you are in this area, don’t miss stopping at Ft. Desoto State Park, just right up the road east. The park consist of 1,136 acres, and has something for everyone to enjoy. Two concrete fishing piers (500 feet and 1000 feet) for anglers overlooking Tampa Bay along with a 800 foot boat launching facility with eleven floating docks and marina. There are also guided nature walks, canoe and kayak rentals. The park also has a 238 site camping facility for overnight and RVs, including picnic tables, grills, water, electricity, washers, dryers, modern restrooms, showers, play areas, and a camp store. Also don’t miss the over seven miles of waterfront, including almost three miles of the most pristine beaches in the United States.
Ft. Desoto was originally called Mullet Key, and was surveyed in 1849 by US Army Engineers, which included Robert E Lee, to use as a coastal defense area during the Civil War. construction of the outpost began in 1898. They constructed a 275 foot wharf extending into Tampa Bay, and also office building, mess hall, quarters for the workmen, and a stable.
Today you can walk up to the top of the observation deck which overlooks the water. Also you can tour the living quarters with the many different rooms. You can also see the remaining original 12 inch cannons that are in pristine condition. This is a great place to see.
Pelicans are among the most recognizable birds and the largest capable of flight. As you can see the pelicans love Pass-a-Grille. usually arriving every day in large numbers around 11 am. The fishing boat gets in around noon. Then they unload all their stuff and start cleaning their fish (if they are lucky. There is no guarantees with fishing of course) That is when the pelicans will surround the cleaning table. It is quite a sight to see.
This pelican has a birds eye view of the area. Literally. Nothing will be missed by old eagle eye at all.
Like I said earlier, these birds are always ready for a photo-op. I have so many pictures from here, and I never wanted to stop shooting because I was always ready for that spectacular shot.
I think this pelican is older. You can always tell by the color on the head. Pelicans live in flocks with the young and adults of both sexes grouping together throughout much of the year. They nest in colonies in trees, bushes, or on the ground.
The White Egret is a very pretty bird but very sneaky bird. If you are fishing here at Pass-a-Grille, watch your bait bucket. They will snag every bit of bait you have while your back is turned.
I had to be quick taking this picture and was very lucky to get it. What happened was I got too close to this one and it wasn’t taking any chances hanging around. Pelicans always fly in two formations. The single line and the V. Very cool to see them flying like this.
Another post card shot I was able to get. This is a fairly young pelican by the white crown on his head.
There are three very popular restaurants in Pass-a Grille. Above is The Hurricane Restaurant located at 809 Gulf Way, directly across from the beach and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. enjoy outdoor dining with plenty of seating. Inside you will find three levels of dining. A casual dining room and a third floor formal dining. The rooftop is the highlight here, with gorgeous views of the sunset nightly. Live music is usually available, with a full bar. Just don’t forget your camera.
The Wharf Restaurant is located at 2001 Pass-a-Grille Way. Casual dining with a full bar, and many televisions for watching sports. Try their everyday special of one pound of steamed shrimp for $9.50. You can’t beat that anywhere.
Sea Critter’s Cafe is located at 2007 Pass-a-Grille Way. Sea Critter’s offers casual and unique waterfront dining. Here you can dock your boat, and relax and enjoy you favorite island beverage. Background island and reggae music will make your dining experience very special. Enjoy Happy Hour every day 3-6 pm. Enjoy fresh clams, mussels, shrimp, lobster tails and crab legs, are among the many great things to eat.
Also on the way to Ft. Desoto State Park, stop by Billy’s Stonecrab, Seafood, and Steaks located at 1 Collany Road in Tierra Verde. Waterfront dining with a view of the natural harbor, and serving crabs, steaks and fresh fish. Billy’s is voted best Stonecrab and Seafood in St. Pete year after year.
Another feathered friend with a “birds eye” view. Nothing will get past this one.
A tourist (me) trying to catch the big one at the fishing dock just north of the bait shop. I’m a little fat, but not that fat. The breeze was catching my shirt this time.
This is one of the great shops on historic 8th Avenue, just up from the bait shop at Pass-a-Grille Way. Don’t miss this quaint and relaxing stroll along this street.
I was lucky to get this shot too. They are incredible when they take off like this.
There they go again. Either they see fish, get bored, follow their friends, or you have gotten to close to them.
Also, if you can pull yourself away from Pass-a-Grille, their are some other great beach communities just north of here on Gulf Boulevard. The first one is Treasure Island. Make sure you stop by John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, located between Treasure Island and Madeira Beach, for great food, shopping, and boat and jets ski rentals. Also visit Belleair Beach and Clearwater Beach (Hulk Hogan has a residence here). You will enjoy all these places.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by my little blog, hope if you enjoyed it and you will tell your friends about it. All the best.
