Living at Palma Del Mar
Palma Del Mar sits along the shore of Isla Del Sol, a private island community nestled in the middle of Boca Ciega Bay between the southern tip of St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach. Completed in 1979, the six story building at 6268 Palma Del Mar Boulevard South rises above the water, and its balconies look out toward the bay, the marina, and the surrounding tropical landscaping. The setting is calm and unhurried, shaped by the rhythm of the water rather than the pace of the city.
The building holds approximately 142 residences, arranged so that many homes capture open water views. Floor plans range from around 730 to 1,250 square feet in one and two bedroom layouts, and many interiors have been extensively updated over the years while keeping the light, airy character suited to a coastal climate. Homes here are chosen as full time residences and as seasonal retreats, lending the community an easygoing, neighborly feel.
Isla Del Sol is a waterfront island reached by the Pinellas Bayway, and that sense of separation shapes daily life at Palma Del Mar. Mature palms, waterfront walkways, and nearby marina access give the address a resort quality while keeping it residential and low key.
For those drawn to the water, the location is difficult to match. The award winning beaches of Pass a Grille and St. Pete Beach lie a short drive away, downtown St. Petersburg is roughly fifteen minutes by car, and the natural expanse of Fort De Soto Park sits just to the south.
The result is a residence that suits people who value a relaxed coastal setting, easy access to the Gulf, and the quiet privacy of an island address.
Building Amenities
- Heated waterfront swimming pools and spas, positioned to take in the views across Boca Ciega Bay.
- A fishing pier and dock offering residents direct access to the bay.
- A clubhouse with recreation rooms for social gatherings and community events.
- A fitness center for residents who prefer to stay active close to home.
- Bike and kayak storage, encouraging easy days on the water and the island roads.
- Covered and assigned parking on the ground level, along with guest parking.
- Landscaped grounds with mature palms, charcoal grills, and waterfront walkways.
- Proximity to the Isla Del Sol yacht harbor and country club, with membership opportunities nearby.
Lifestyle
Life at Palma Del Mar tends to revolve around the water. Mornings often begin with a walk along the shoreline, a cast from the fishing pier, or an early tee time, and afternoons drift toward the pool, the marina, or the beaches a few minutes away. The island setting encourages a slower, more deliberate pace.
The Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club anchors much of the social life on the island, with an 18 hole golf course, Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball, a fitness center, a yacht harbor, and dining overlooking the bay. Membership is optional, and many residents find it a natural extension of life on the island.
Beyond the club, the community is well suited to those who enjoy boating, cycling, and time outdoors. The flat, sheltered island roads invite easy rides, and the calm bay waters are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.
History of Palma Del Mar
Palma Del Mar was developed on Isla Del Sol beginning in 1979, part of the broader build out of the island through the late 1970s and into the 1980s. The island was master planned as a residential and recreational community, with the yacht and country club at its center and low and mid rise condominium buildings arranged along the bay and around the golf course.
The building reflects the design sensibilities of its era, with a symmetrical facade, generous balconies, and an orientation that makes the most of the waterfront setting. Over the decades, individual residences have been updated and modernized, while the community has retained its established, mature landscaping and its quiet island character.
Today Palma Del Mar remains one of the recognizable waterfront condominium communities on Isla Del Sol, valued for its shoreline position and its proximity to the club, the marina, and the Gulf beaches.
Dining and Local Favorites
- The Deck Bar & Grille, a casual spot on Sun Boulevard within the Isla Del Sol shopping village, known for a relaxed sports bar atmosphere and a wide menu.
- Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club dining, offering members bayfront meals in a refined setting overlooking the water.
- Pia's Trattoria, a family owned Italian restaurant in nearby Gulfport, offering fresh Italian fare and a warm, cozy atmosphere.
- The restaurants and beach bars of St. Pete Beach and Pass a Grille, a short drive away, offer fresh seafood and casual waterfront dining.
Parks, Waterfront, and Green Space
- Fort De Soto Park, a 1,136 acre county park spread across five interconnected islands, with pristine beaches, a paved recreation trail, kayak launches, and a dog park.
- Pass a Grille Beach, a quieter stretch of shoreline at the southern end of St. Pete Beach, known for its calm, walkable character.
- The Isla Del Sol shoreline and waterfront walkways, offering easy access to Boca Ciega Bay for residents.
- The Pinellas Bayway waters, popular for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the sheltered bay.
Daily Life
Everyday needs are close at hand. The Isla Del Sol shopping village sits directly opposite the condominium buildings, and a nearby Publix and other groceries serve the island and the surrounding beach communities within a short distance of home.
Downtown St. Petersburg, with its museums, restaurants, and waterfront parks, is roughly a fifteen minute drive away, and the Pinellas Bayway connects residents quickly to Interstate 275 and the wider Tampa Bay region. Medical services, including area hospitals and urgent care, are accessible within the greater St. Petersburg area.
The combination of island seclusion and nearby conveniences gives Palma Del Mar a practical, comfortable rhythm, well suited to both full time residents and those who spend the season by the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Palma Del Mar built?
The six story building at 6268 Palma Del Mar Boulevard South was completed in 1979. The wider Palma Del Mar community on Isla Del Sol was developed across the late 1970s and into the 1980s, and many individual residences have been updated over the years.
Where is Palma Del Mar located?
The community sits on Isla Del Sol, a waterfront island neighborhood in St. Petersburg, Florida, positioned in Boca Ciega Bay between the southern tip of the city and St. Pete Beach. It is reached by the Pinellas Bayway.
What amenities are available to residents?
Residents enjoy heated waterfront pools and spas, a fishing pier, a clubhouse, a fitness center, bike and kayak storage, and covered parking. The nearby Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club offers optional membership with golf, tennis, pickleball, a yacht harbor, and dining.
What are the homes like?
Homes at Palma Del Mar range from approximately 730 to 1,250 square feet in one and two bedroom layouts, and many showcase views across Boca Ciega Bay. Sizes and finishes vary, as individual owners have updated their residences over time.
What is nearby?
The Gulf beaches of Pass a Grille and St. Pete Beach are a short drive away, as is the expansive Fort De Soto Park. Downtown St. Petersburg, with its dining, museums, and waterfront, is typically about fifteen minutes away by car.
