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- There Are More Things To See And Do In St. Petersburg, Florida!
Located within the Tampa Bay Area, the city of St Petersburg is on the Gulf Coast of Florida and offers an amazing array of things to do. Slightly smaller than its rival, Tampa, the city has one of the most striking waterfront park systems in the US. Occupying the tip of the peninsula located between Tampa Bay and the Mexican Gulf, St Petersburg has irresistible, scenic beaches dotted with lush, white sand and sparkling waters.
Compared to Tampa, its beaches are more pristine, and downtown St Petersburg offers a wholesome, tantalizing touristic experience. Moreover, to its west, it is bordered by other smaller towns, cities, and barrier islands which make for idyllic travel destinations. St. Pete Beach, for instance, was ranked by travelers on Trip Advisor to be the best beach in North America in 2021 and is a favorite of many travelers visiting St Petersburg.
UPDATE: 2023/05/23 11:54 EST BY NOAH STAATS
There Are More Things To See And Do In St. Petersburg, Florida!
This article has been refreshed with new places to explore while in St. Pete, new photos, and tips for vacationing here. Whether someone wants to visit the pier, lay in the sand, stroll through a park, or even spend the day admiring art: St. Petersburg has it all. Have fun!
Things To Do
In addition to beaches and parks, St Petersburg is renowned for the preservation of its charming, vibrant heritage. With several museums and art galleries, the city has all it takes to give vacationers a lengthy bucket list of things to do during their visit. Consider this the ultimate guide to vacationing in St. Petersburg, Florida.
1 St. Pete Pier
One fun spot to check out while in St. Petersburg is the all-new St. Pete Pier. Here, people can look out onto the beautiful blue Gulf of Mexico and enjoy the city's picturesque skyline. This pier extends into Tampa Bay from downtown St. Petersburg and is one of the more popular things to do while here.
The St. Pete Pier recently underwent a massive renovation, giving tourists an all-new property to check out during their vacation. There are also beaches nearby, so this is the perfect spot to spend a few hours during the afternoon.
Furthermore, St. Pete Pier recently underwent a reconstruction and renovation, meaning those who see it moving forward get to experience the all-new property. On top of the pier, there are also beaches nearby, making this a great stop before or after tanning and swimming.
Florida has some of the best beaches in the United States, making St. Petersburg the perfect place to enjoy them.
One thing to remember when visiting this pier and the beaches nearby is that parking can be difficult during weekends and holidays. Therefore, it might be a better idea to take a taxi/Uber/Lyft to the St. Pete Pier and then walk to the beach. This could end up saving the group trouble at the start or finish of their day in the sun.
2 Tropicana Field
Anyone wanting to watch a sports game while in St. Petersburg, they will likely be heading over to Tropicana Field. This is a multi-use sports arena located within the city of St. Pete. Here, people can experience a world-class stadium with drinks, food, memorabilia, and on-site parking.
According to the MLB, Tropicana Field's 1.1 million square feet include unique design features and fan amenities found nowhere else in the Major Leagues. This sets the venue apart from others in Florida, making it a hub for sports lovers near and far.
What makes this stadium nice is it is domed, meaning people in Florida can escape the summer heat and humidity while inside. There are many sports stadiums and arenas in Florida that are open to the natural elements, which can make watching a sports game uncomfortable during hotter months.
Therefore, if someone wants to see a baseball game, for instance, while in St. Pete, they want to come here.
3 St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market
If someone in St. Pete wants to live life like a local on the weekends, heading to the Saturday Morning Market will be fun. Here, people gather to sell homemade crafts, fresh produce, fruit, and plants, all while enjoying live music at a lively venue.
This is a hub for local creatives and those from all of South Florida.
- For the hours of this market, tourists can expect it to be open every Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM.
- Address: 230 1st St SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Of course, there could be weather restrictions or other holidays to be aware of, which could affect the market hours. It's a good idea to keep a close eye on their website before heading out.
The St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market is open weekly from 9 AM to 2 PM. This could be a nice way to support local businesses and creators and should be a few hours of fun. It's worth noting that because of the 2 PM closing time, people may want to head over here earlier than later in the afternoon. During peak seasons, the market can become heavily crowded, so that is another detail to remember.
4 Fort De Soto Park
With its numerous parks, St Petersburg offers an abundance of green areas to relax or have a picnic. These parks mostly front Tampa Bay, Mexican Gulf, or inland lakes, adding to their visual appeal and ambiance.
The advantage of this waterfront and park integration is that apart from hiking and sightseeing, one can engage in water sports activities as well.
Located towards the southernmost part of St Petersburg, the park is a blend of oceanfront beauty and rich flora existing on five scenic islands (or offshore keys). Used for military purposes in the past, the park hosts a historical fort, a museum documenting this rich history, as well as relics from its past.
In addition, there are two piers where visitors are allowed to fish and two beaches, North Beach and East Beach, which are ideal for swimming.
It also has nature trails for hiking, a canoe trail for some on-water exploration, a camping ground with amenities for comfort, and a pet playground.
North Beach has often been named one of the top beaches in the US, and it led the rankings of Dr. Beach in 2005.
5 Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
This is a beautiful nature preserve sitting on the shores of Lake Maggiore, with trails for walking and non-motorized bikes to explore its 100-hectare expanse. Aside from birds, other animal species like snakes, amphibians, and alligators are also preserved here. There are sites for picnicking within the preserve and an Environmental Education Center, which organizes camps appropriate for different ages.
- Admission into the preserve is charged at around $3 for adults, $1.50 for children aged between 3 and 16 years, and is free for minors 3 years and below.
6 Vinoy Park
A great waterfront park adjacent to Vinoy Park Hotel, with a number of cool spots to have a picnic. The park routinely hosts events such as St Petersburg’s Ribfest and Tampa Bay’s Blues Festival, as well as other varied concerts and triathlon competitions.
Complete with playgrounds, a swimming area, outdoor furniture, and trails for strolling or biking; visitors can choose to have an active or relaxing experience at the park.
7 Sawgrass Lake Park
With a maple swamp as part of its area, Sawgrass Lake Park is a unique place for the conservation of wildlife. It is a critical migratory spot for birds in the fall and spring and is also home to numerous other wildlife species like alligators and snakes.
There is an observation tower strategically located to offer a splendid view of the lake, as well as a raised boardwalk winding around the swampy areas. There is also a designated picnic area to make a quick stop at for refreshments.
- It is open daily from 7:00 am till sunset, save for Christmas Day and the day after Thanksgiving.
8 The Sunken Gardens
Set in the heritage-rich Historic Old Northeast area of the city is both a historic and nature-rich attraction. The scenic botanical gardens were once a roadside commercial center and have been in existence for more than a century.
The gardens are currently home to more than 50,000 species of tropical plants, especially flowers, growing close to picturesque waterfalls and pools. Some areas are sectioned into small gardens dedicated to cacti, flowers, flamingoes, and other types of flora and fauna.
9 Go To The Beach In St. Petersburg
One of the top interests of visitors in St Petersburg is to hit the water and get the most out of the destination’s pristine and sandy beaches.
North Beach-Fort De Soto Park
This is easily one of the best beach choices one can make on an adventure in St Petersburg. Integrated with the park’s ecosystem, there are plenty of activities to engage in and endless possibilities of memories to create.
- There is a charge of $5 for parking which cyclists and on-foot visitors do not have to pay.
Swimming and a relaxed stroll along the beach are a perfect way to ease into the evening, especially after a day of exploring the sprawling Fort De Soto Park.
North Shore Park Beach
Located in the Historic Old Northeast, it runs from Coffee Pot Bayou to the area around Vinoy Park on Tampa Bay. The beach is linked to paths coming from the park, creating a wholesome, picturesque haven of nature.
For some waterside activities, there are playgrounds, tennis courts, benches, and a softball pitch.
St Pete Beach
While St Petersburg is home to some beautiful beaches in its own right, it is also close to other small towns and cities with meticulous beaches. First among these is St Pete Beach, located to the west of St Petersburg, and which occupies the territory of Long Key. Sandwiched between the waters of Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it offers several miles and beaches of pure goodness.
From water sports activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling to illuminated boat tours, windsurfing, and sport fishing, one cannot lack a water-based activity to indulge in. St Pete Beach is also home to the famed Pass-a-Grille Beach, which has carved a name for itself as a leading touristic attraction with its authentic Floridian charm.
Aside from the beach attractions and activities, Pass-a-Grille has amazing restaurants, bars, boutiques, and outdoor markets to afford visitors a comfortable stay.
Accommodation options are also plenty, with the famous, all-pink Don Cesar, the Beachcomber Hotel, Bay Palms Motel, Gulf Winds Resort, and the Hotel Zamora as a few options.
The city of Clearwater is also part of Pinellas County and is close to St Petersburg. There are some amazing beaches worth checking out there as well.
Egmont Key Preserve Beaches
The island has limited activity, yet it offers some of the best solo or group adventures. Largely uninhabited by humans, the island is home to preserved wildlife species such as tortoises and birds. Relics from the Spanish-American War and a 150-years old lighthouse also exist on the island.
Access to the park and its beaches is mainly through the Egmont Key Ferry from Fort De Soto’s Bay Pier. If lucky, one may spot dolphins on the cruise, even before getting to the island. Longer boat tours are also available from St. Pete Pier in downtown St Petersburg, and they include snorkeling, swimming, and exploration on the beaches of Egmont Key.
10 Salvador Dalí Museum
The Salvador Dali Museum showcases various timeless collections of Salvador Dalí, housed in a building of striking architectural magnificence. With a water-front garden overlooking Tampa Bay, one can spend time reflecting on the philosophies of math and nature that were inspirational to Dali.
11 The St Petersburg Museum Of History
The St Petersburg Museum of History showcases the history of St Petersburg and Florida through diverse documents, photos, and different kinds of artifacts. A place for research, education, and entertainment, the museum offers Segway, trolley, ghost, and walking tours to give unique experiences of the history on display.
- It may be necessary to book tours ahead of time.
It is a great way to spend an afternoon and thereafter stroll on St Pete Pier, located just within its vicinity.
12 The Museum Of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is an inviting museum showcasing exemplary, diverse world art exhibits ranging from historic to contemporary paintings, sculptures, and other diverse creations. It is a popular attraction for visitors keen on art and its transformation through the years in different parts of the world.
With its sophisticated ballroom, scenic gardens, and a conservatory with a direct view of the bay, the museum can be rented for private events.
13 Florida Holocaust Museum
The Florida Holocaust Museum is another fascinating attraction just outside the waterfront district.
With a theme depicting the Holocaust, the museum was the brainchild of a survivor of Nazi Germany who went on to serve the US Army in World War II. It is a place for introspection and education of the society on values of humanity.
14 Historic Districts
Historic Districts in the city of St Petersburg offer a kind of time-travel into the architectural standards and styles of yesteryear. From colonial revival to craftsman construction techniques, these districts are a testimony of the transformation of housing in St Petersburg. Roser Park Historic District, located in the vicinity of Booker Creek, is among the most prominent of these districts, with its 146 historic buildings.
The Old Northeast, as well as the historic Kenwood Neighborhood, also have unique architectural constructions worth checking out.
15 Savor St. Petersburg’s Creative And Performance Art Scene
St Petersburg is both a place of expressionism through live entertainment and performances, as well as conservation, collection, and sale of fascinating artworks. The city has a number of art galleries and theaters which promote creative talents in different ways. Some suggestions worth checking out include:
The Mahaffey Theatre
Located in the Waterfront Museum District, the Duke Energy Centre for the Arts-Mahaffey Theatre is a 2,031-seat performance theater with amazing views of Tampa Bay. It hosts some of the most sought-after events in Florida, from Broadway to classical and pop performances to comedy, the Florida Orchestra.
A few meters away from the sandy beaches and cultural museums, the theater is a place to catch some amazing entertainment while staying close to the conveniences of downtown St Petersburg. The theater also allows for private events to be held in its ballroom, atrium, or plaza.
The Palladium
The historic theater is also located in downtown St Petersburg and features two entertainment spaces where one can catch live performances. Its main stage dance, orchestra, jazz, blues, acoustic, classical, theater, and Celtic performances are held in the 815-seat Hough Hall. Its Side Door Cabaret is a listening hall of 175 seats and offers an intimate, club-like experience.
An acclaimed center of cultural and artistic diversity, the theater is available for rent by community bodies, artists, and producers. Catching an evening performance here after a day spent in nature at the Round Lake Park nearby would be a perfect ending to a day out in St Petersburg.
- Tickets to scheduled events can conveniently be bought online.
ArtsXchange At The Warehouse Arts District
Bounded within 1st Avenue N, 10th Avenue S, 16th Street, and 31st Street, the area occupied by the district is part of a neighborhood undergoing reclamation after years of decay. With the effort of several artists, warehouse space was acquired, and today, spaces are available for creators within the district.
Photography, paintwork, musical artists, graphic designers, and dancers are some of the creators hosted here, and they develop their works in their assigned studios, exhibitions, or gallery spaces.
- To learn about some of the art events to catch here, their schedule is available online.
Ocean Blue Galleries
This is a downtown St Petersburg gallery that links artists and collectors. The gallery also ships collectibles from all over the US and overseas to interested buyers. It routinely hosts artists for guest appearances and special exhibitions, with scheduled events posted on its website.
Florida Craft Art Gallery
The gallery showcases original, handmade crafts created in the form of ceramics, jewelry, sculptors, wood, glass, and fibers. It also hosts seven shows annually which feature national, regional, and local craftsmen and women. One unique service offered by the gallery is the on-foot and bike mural tours which start at the gallery and venture out to the wider Central Arts District.
In addition, on the weekend before Thanksgiving, an annual two-day Craft Art Festival is held outdoors, featuring numerous artists from around the country. During this festival, the gallery sells beautiful, unique craftworks which make for good gifts and memorabilia to carry back home at the end of a visit to St Petersburg.
- Costs for mural tours are; $19 for adults, $11 for children aged 6 to 18 years, and free for children aged 5 or less
16 Best Time To Visit St. Petersburg
Most visitors get the best from visiting St. Petersburg from the month of March to May. The weather is warm, and a number of outdoor activities can be enjoyed on the beaches and the cool waterfront parks throughout the city. Trees also bloom at this time, and the city looks picturesque and inviting.
The months of June to November are a little risky, as there is often a heightened probability of hurricanes. The weather also gets scorching hot, especially in July and August, with temperatures soaring upwards of 90 degrees F. There are fewer fun, public events organized, but one may still catch indoor events in the art galleries or museums throughout the city.
17 Best Ways To Get Around St. Petersburg
Tampa International Airport is the most used option for flights into Pinellas County. St Pete-Clearwater International Airport is another option, though it has few carriers operating from it.
After landing in Pinellas County, buses or private taxis can then be ridden into St Petersburg. Even though bus lines can be cheaper, they can be slow and take longer than taxis.
Within the city limits, cars are the most convenient means of getting around, and rentals and taxis are conveniently available. Nevertheless, some of the city’s key locations are connected by Looper Trolley, and ferries or boats may be needed to get to and from some of its islands.
18 Where To Eat In St. Petersburg, FL
Acropolis Greek Taverna - Breakfast and lunch
Downtown St Petersburg also offers the chance to sample Greek tastes at the Acropolis Greek Taverna. It is a short distance away from the Florida Holocaust Museum and Mirror Lake and could be a great stopover for lunch in the midst of a sightseeing excursion.
- Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am to 12:00 am
- Address: 515 Central Ave, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge - Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Located at the Albert Whitted Airport, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The cuisines here are mostly American, alongside other creative and modern recipes, including vegetarian options. It is an ideal spot to grab a burger or tacos while waiting for the entrance to the Dali Museum located close by.
With both indoor and outside seating, the spot is family-friendly. With a well-chosen seat, one can catch sight of the nearby waters as well as planes landing/taking off while dining. The Hangar Restaurant hosts live music sessions on some nights and are available for reservation for private parties.
- Hours: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm daily
- Address: Albert Whitted Airport, 2nd Floor, 540 1st St SE, St Petersburg, FL 33701
Bella Brava - Lunch and dinner
This trattoria serves delicious Italian dishes in a laid-back ambiance, a walking distance from Soreno Park, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the waters overlooking the Old Bayside and Marina. Bella Brava specializes in lunch and dinner, with a wide variety of drinks to choose from. There’s a happy hour every day till 7:00 pm.
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11:30 am-10:00 pm; Friday and Saturday: 11:30 am-11:00 pm
- Address: 204 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
The Chattaway - Lunch and dinner
Is one of St Petersburg’s oldest restaurants, serving a mix of American staples, Mexican dishes, and a variety of Florida’s seafood. The Chattaway burger is a popular option that can be devoured in the garden-style outdoor seating. The restaurant routinely hosts live music and is ideal even when accompanied by children. From 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm, the restaurant serves English tea.
- Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 am – 9:30 pm; Friday to Saturday, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Address: 358 22nd Ave. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
The restaurant only accepts cash as a mode of payment. Fortunately, there is an ATM onsite.
19 Where To Stay In St. Petersburg
Days Inn by Wyndham, St. Petersburg - Budget Hotel
Located within 7 miles of Tropicana Field, St Petersburg Pier, several beaches, and downtown shopping spots, this is convenient bargain accommodation. It has an outdoor pool for days when the beach is not an option and is suitable for family and group stays.
- Address: 5005 34th St N, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33714
- Amenities: free Wi-Fi, pet friendly, vehicle parking, banquet hall, hairdryer, ATM, outdoor pool
Hollander Hotel, St Petersburg - Mid-tier Hotel
The Hollander is strategically located to offer both the luxuries of the city without taking revelers too far from other fun attractions. Attractions such as the Museum of American Arts and Beach Drive, famed for its active nightlife and dining spots, are a short distance away. The accommodation is a convenient spot for those with a passion for walking to explore.
- Address: 421 4th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701-2805
- Amenities: bar and restaurant/grill, spa, swimming pool, Wi-Fi, free parking, pet friendly, taxi service, salon, evening entertainment
The Vinoy Renaissance Resort and Golf Club - Luxury Hotel
Alongside all the necessary amenities a vacationer would hope for, the historic resort offers a first-hand view of the waters of Tampa Bay. With its location on Snell Isle, it is close to St Petersburg Yacht Club, making it convenient for some maritime exploration. The adjacent Vinnoy Park extends nature’s beauty. Moreover, Paul’s Landing serves a number of international and seafood delicacies onsite, making it a much sought-after eatery by outside patrons and the resort’s guests.
There is also an onsite grill, a snack bar, and a restaurant selling seafood for refreshment after an afternoon of golfing at the expansive course. There is also a private marina nearby to enable water-borne cruises.
- Address: 501 5th Ave NE, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
- Amenities: Spa, golf course, fitness center, tennis, parking with electric car charging station
Uptown Hotel - Luxury Hotel
With proximity to Round Lake Park, the hotel is located in Uptown St Petersburg, in proximity to numerous city amenities and tourist attractions. From this boutique accommodation, one may choose to sample the magnificence of the architecture on display at the historic district, enjoy the exhibits at the nearby museums and later opt for some quality time on St Pete Pier.
- Address: 465 7th Ave N, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701
- Amenities: Onsite restaurant, parking (may be limited), tea/coffee maker, in-room fridge
There are a number of magnificent and comfy hotels and beach resorts located in cities bordering St Petersburg, such as Clearwater, Gulfport, St. Pete Beach, and Pinellas Park. For a more memorable, wholesome experience of Pinellas County, visitors may slot them in their travel plans and get to enjoy the attractions in these other cities too.
The Don Cesar Hotel, the Plaza Beach Hotel, and Miramar Resort in St. Pete Beach are great accommodation options to the west of St Petersburg, with sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico.
20 Tips For Visiting St. Petersburg, Florida
For people wanting to visit St. Petersburg, Florida, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, where someone stays in the city can affect how much time they'll spend in the car. Therefore, it's recommended to book a hotel in the downtown area, where walking to attractions, restaurants, and shopping will be easier.
In addition, it might also be worth it to invest in a GO card for those wanting to ride the bus in St. Pete. With a GO card, tourists can reload it, tap it once they are on a city bus, and monitor how much they are reloading the card throughout their vacation. What's nice about St. Pete is that the city heavily invests in its bus network, giving visitors a nice, affordable way to get around.
The next tip for visiting St. Pete is to make sure and come during less hot times. As mentioned, the city can become swampy during the summer months, making outdoor activities challenging. The last thing anyone wants to do is be soaked with sweat their entire vacation, so spring and winter are the two best times to be here.