Thrive
Visit St. Pete-Clearwater honors top hospitality businesses
Visit St. Pete-Clearwater announced the 2025 Besties Awards winners Thursday, recognizing excellence across 34 categories in the region’s hospitality sector. The awards ceremony took place at the Floridian Social in downtown St. Petersburg.
Residents, visitors and fans voted to select winners from over 280 nominees, the highest number to date. The awards highlight standout businesses in areas such as dining, lodging, entertainment and attractions.
The complete list of finalists and additional information about the St. Pete-Clearwater area is available in the latest edition of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater’s Gulf to Bay Destination Magazine, which can be viewed or ordered for free at VisitSPC.com.
During the event, Russ Kimball, CEO of the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, was honored for his 50 years of service in the local tourism industry. He received a custom-made award crafted by Zen Glass Studio.
In fiscal year 2024, Pinellas County welcomed over 15.4 million visitors, generating an economic impact exceeding $11.2 billion. This included more than $1.6 billion in accommodation revenue and over $95 million in hotel bed tax collections. Tourism supports more than 100,000 jobs in the county.
2025 Besties Award Winners
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Art Museum | The Dalí Museum |
| Best Beach | Clearwater Beach/Sand Key |
| Best Beach Bar | Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar |
| Best Beach Resort | The Don CeSar |
| Best Boutique Hotel | Fenway Hotel |
| Best Boat Experience | Hubbard’s Marina |
| Best Brewery | 3 Daughters Brewing |
| Best Brunch | Island Way Grill |
| Best Casual Eats | Clear Sky Beachside Cafe |
| Best Cocktails | Gigglewaters Social Club & Screening Room |
| Best Coffee Shop | Black Crow Coffee Co. |
| Best Downtown Hotel | The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club |
| Best Family Fun | Clearwater Marine Aquarium |
| Best Festival | Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival |
| Best Fine Dining | Salt Rock Grill |
| Best Foodie Hotspot | Pia’s Trattoria |
| Best Golf Course | Innisbrook Golf Resort |
| Best Grouper Sandwich | Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill |
| Best Inn & Cottage | Palm Pavilion Inn |
| Best Live Music Venue | The BayCare Sound |
| Best Local Artisan | William Dean Chocolates |
| Best Local Shop | Mazzaro’s Italian Market |
| Best Market | Dunedin Downtown Market |
| Best Mural | Clear Water Wonders (Naomi Haverland) |
| Best New Restaurant | Olivia |
| Best Rooftop Bar | Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest |
| Best Spa | Safety Harbor Resort & Spa |
| Best Sporting Event | IndyCar Firestone Grand Prix |
| Best Vacation Rental Operator | Travel Resort Services |
| Best Water Activity | Get Up and Go Kayaking |
| Best Waterfront Restaurant | Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille |
| Best Way to Get Around | Jolley Trolley |
| Best Wedding Venue | The Don CeSar |
| Best 727 Influencer | Kathy Fortner, @confidenceandadventure |
