This post contains affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, if you click on one of the product links, we may earn a commission.

We don't take advantage of the beach enough here in Florida, so we decided it was time to make a trip while the weather was still bearable. Last year, we spent a lot of time in Clearwater Beach, so this year we decided to check out Postcard Inn on St. Pete Beach. There were three main reasons why we chose this location:

A dedicated parking spot for only $10 (depending on time and day, this fee can be cheaper or even free)
Easy access to the beach
Bar on the beach

We don't want to come across as lazy but one of the things that we dread about going to the beach is the process. Usually, it's hard to find parking (especially popular beaches) or the parking fees are overpriced. Then when you finally find a parking spot, you have to walk forever with all your beach gear, which is no fun when the sun is beaming down on you. Finally, once you get to the beach, it's hard to find a bar that is within a reasonable walking distance from where you set up your perfect beach spot.

This was not the case with Postcard Inn. This was probably the smoothest beach experience weI've had in Florida. You may not even notice the beach in this area since it's a little hidden. The trick is to put "Postcard Inn on the Beach" on Google Maps. Once you get to the hotel, you will find a dedicated parking spot with an attendant waiting to collect your parking fee. We went on a Friday afternoon and the fee to park all-day was $10. There was plenty of parking and the best part was that it was just steps away from the beach.

To get to the beach, we walked into the hotel and walked through the lobby to the back that lead us straight to the bar that was located right on the beach. From the car to the beach, it took us less than five minutes.

Restaurant inside Postcard Inn on the Beach

We initially thought about having lunch inside the hotel at Boathouse Kitchen and Bar, but they were about to close for lunch so we decided to head out and have lunch at the Beach Bar and Snack Shack.

As soon as we walked outside, we were in awe of how open and clean the entire property was. It really felt like we were on vacation in paradise. There was Bob Marley music playing in the background and straight ahead of us was the Beach Bar with the gorgeous beach right in front.

Outside area of Postcard Inn in St. Petersburg, Florida

We ordered two margaritas and decided to split a Tempura Chicken Basket. We're used to having Friend Chicken Tenders at bars, so we were delighted to see a Japanese take on the fried chicken tenders. Our order didn't take long to arrive and we both looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh at our entree.

We were expecting a true tempura style chicken dish, but what we got was regular fried chicken tenders. The only thing that made the fried chicken tenders Asian was the Asian basket it was presented in. Aside from the Tempura Chicken not being tempura style, it was still a yummy basket of fried chicken tenders and fries.

Postcard Inn - St. Pete Beach, Florida #beaches #Florida #StPeteBeach #TampaBay #PostcardInn

Chicken "Tempura" Fingers at Postcard Inn

We also played a little game of corn hole that was on the beach right in front of the Beach Bar. There was no fee to play and you just have to give the bartender your driver's license for a basket of bean bags. The Beach Bar also has great drink specials on the weekdays from 4PM-7PM with $5 well drinks and half price on draft beers.

Florida isn't complete without corn hole on the beach

We were starting to get a little hot from playing, so we walked closer to the water and rented an umbrella and two chairs to lounge for a couple of hours. It costs $35 to rent for the full day, which we think is reasonably priced if you don't have your own beach equipment or don't want to carry it around with you.

Convenient umbrellas for rent at Postcard Inn

So great to have these umbrellas at Postcard Inn

Of course, the water was beautiful and the powdery white sand felt so nice on our feet. It was also really nice to be able to walk back and forth from the beach to the Beach Bar with such ease. The bathroom was also located in the same area as the Beach Bar, so everything was very easy to access.

Postcard Inn - St. Pete Beach, Florida #beaches #Florida #StPeteBeach #TampaBay #PostcardInn #USA

We usually spend only a couple of hours at the beach, but we were having such a great time that we ended up spending five hours here. It's been long since we've spent so much time under the sun that we both got a pretty decent tan to start off our summer.

We couldn't end the day without taking a touristy picture on one of the huuuuge beach chairs. We had such a fun Friday afternoon at Postcard Inn and will definitely be back soon. We feel so lucky to live so close to paradise!