I feel so lucky to have this amazing city right across the bridge from us. St.Petersburg, or “St.Pete” is known as the Sunshine City! It’s under an hour drive from the furthest parts of Tampa, and within minutes from Tampa International Airport. St. Pete is a lively, young, and unique city filled with so many activities and things to do for the whole family. The beaches, resorts, and downtown area are some of my favorites to visit as a local!
1. Downtown St. Pete
Downtown St. Pete is a place you could spend hours walking around and visiting all the cute boutiques, restaurants, bars, vintage shops, coffee cafes. A few I recommend: Coffee from Paradeco Coffee, shopping at Adventures in Paradise, Shoreline Sugars, and ZaZoo’d, followed by The Birchwood for lunch and The Yard Milkshake Bar.
2. The Dali Museum
The Dali Museum is home to an extensive collection of Salvador Dalí’s works from iconic melting clocks to imaginative visual illusions and avant-garde symbols. St.Pete holds the largest Dali collection outside of Europe!
3. St. Pete Pier
St. Pete Pier spreads out across 26 acres over the water, and is home to many restaurants, an amazing playground for kids, family park, splash pad, concert venue, and a marketplace that takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
4. St.Petersburg Museum of History
Located at the beginning of the Pier is the St.Petersburg Museum of History. This museum is dedicated to the history of the city you are exploring!
5. St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach is a gorgeous beach just 20 minutes from the downtown area with some of the best resorts in the area. St.Pete is home to the famous “pink palace” Don Cesar and the amazing family resort, TradeWinds Island Grand.
6. Pedal Trolley Pub Tour
Pedal Trolley Pub Tour is a fun way to visit the best breweries in the area, while maybe getting some exercise, listening to music and making great conversation.*This is obviously an adult-only activity. I personally recommend 3 Daughters Brewery and Green Bench.
7. Great Explorations Children’s Museum
Great Explorations Children’s Museum is a fun, hands-on museum with interactive exhibits designed for children 10 years and younger.
8. Visit all St.Pete’s Wall Murals.
St.Pete is home to hundreds of beautiful artistic murals adorning their streets and buildings. Join the weekly walking mural tour every Saturday at 10am for $20/person! The Pedal Trolley is a great way to get these in as well.
9. Kayak Tours
Kayak Tours are all over St.Petersburg and have many to choose from including a glass bottom LED night time tour! Rent kayaks at Shell Key or Weedon Island for a fun adventure with the family.
10. The Florida Holocaust Museum
St.Pete is home to one of the best WWII museums in the country! The Florida Holocaust Museum is unlike any other and really starts from the beginning of it all. I highly recommend this easy to follow and informative museum.
11. Cross-Bay Ferry
Take the Cross-Bay Ferry to Tampa for a quick bite to eat at The Sail Restaurant and a cool ride in between!
12. Sunken Gardens
Sunken Gardens is a tropical hidden gem in St.Pete and one of the oldest roadside attractions in the U.S. Sunken Garden has lush gardens providing lots of shade, so add this to your summer itinerary to get out of the sun for a bit.
13. Tampa Bay Rowdies
Watch the Tampa Bay Rowdies at their beautiful outdoor stadium overlooking the water. The Rowdies play throughout the summer, so this is a perfect night time activity for the family. They often have activities throughout the breaks and fireworks at the end! The historic field was used by the Yankees from 1947-61.
14. The Vinoy Hotel
The Vinoy Hotel is a perfect place to stay during your time in St.Pete if you’re not looking to be on the beach. This beautiful resort is part of the Marriott group, and had major renovations done last year. The Vinoy is located downtown and extremely close to all the museums and pier.
15. Fort De Soto
Fort De Soto dates back to the Civil War when it was used to protect Tampa Bay. In 1962 it was opened as a Public Park and is surrounded by beautiful water for swimming or fishing. There are campgrounds available for use and a small QuarterMaster Museum to visit while you’re there.
16. Enjoy Some of the Best Food
If you’re looking for the best eats while you’re here, a few of my favorites that I haven’t mentioned yet are: Allelo, Brick & Mortar, The Library, Stillwater Tavern, Bodega, The Urban Stillhouse, and Red Mesa Cantina.
