St. Petersburg has everything you want in Florida. You will find endless sun, beautiful beaches and picturesque Gulf of Mexico waters. Swimming and relaxation may top your St Petersburg bucket list. You’ll find that there are many other things to do in St. Pete if your sunburns have worn off.
It is nestled between Tampa Bay and the Gulf. Because it is so small, many downtown attractions are within easy reach. You’ll also find many art galleries and protected areas to discover beyond the sand.
19. James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, located in the center of St. Petersburg is where you will be captivated both by the grandeur of the American West and its beautiful, yet harsh landscape.
It is a gateway to the Old West from both a cultural perspective and purely natural. Over 400 pieces of art are housed in the museum, which includes sculptures, photographs, and jewelry. It also focuses on the discovery of forgotten artists and voices that have not been included in western art.
You can sign up to take part in one of many educational programs or a guided tour.
18. Imagine Museum
amanderson2 / FlickrYou don’t have to visit the Duncan McClellan gallery for glass art in St. Petersburg. Imagine Museum offers a comprehensive view of the art and boasts over 500 designs.
This large gallery features works dating back to the mid-century and also includes the Studio Glass Movement exhibition, which is one of America’s most well-known. It’s more than just an area to appreciate the genre, but also to explore its past, from the pioneering artists to the current stars.
17. Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
DreamstimeThe Skyway Bridge connects Sarasota and St. Petersburg. It is one of Florida’s most stunning bridges. It is an amazing drive, with spectacular views over St. Petersburg and the bay. You can even find a rest stop here because it is so long.
The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is located at the other end. You’ll find a great spot for fishing on either side. You can catch a wide variety of fish in the state park, including redfish, mackerel, sea trout and tarpon.
Fishing is also possible after darkness falls, since the bridge lights up and attracts nocturnal birds.
16. Mahaffey Theater
(c) ShutterstockEvenings in St. Petersburg are often filled with beautiful sunsets and tropical cocktails. For something more, you can head to downtown to visit the Mahaffey Theater.
The complex is located within the Duke Energy Center for the Arts. It has retained much of its beauty since 1965. It has 2,000 seats, and hosts many well-known theatre productions as well as standup comedy and dance orchestras. The elegant ballroom has beautiful views over the bay.
Instead of another night on the town, go out with your partner and have a great night laughing or exploring high culture.
15. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
DreamstimeBoyd Hill Nature Preserve is located on the banks of Lake Maggiore and has an amazing collection of ecosystems. It’s a joy to discover. The preserve is home to many wildlife species and has numerous nature trails. There are also boardwalks accessible that allow you to explore the area.
The trails lead you to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve through dense, leafy pine flatwoods. Soon, you will find yourself in swampy forests and fascinating maritime hammocks. Keep an eye out for migrating and local bird species as you travel.
You can rest your head at night in shaded picnic spots, playgrounds or campsites.
14. Tropicana Field
(c) DreamstimeTropicana field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, is a great place for live sports while you’re in St. Petersburg. The Rays’ home games are held in this dome stadium from March through October. This keeps the heat at bay, even during the peak of summer.
The dome provides protection from the elements and makes it a great place to enjoy a baseball game. There is plenty of seating so that you can view the action from different angles. The Rays Tanks feature Florida Aquarium-cared cownose stingrays.
13. Florida Holocaust Museum
DreamstimeOne of America’s most extensive holocaust museums is located in St. Petersburg. Florida Holocaust Museum, a multistory museum that explores the tragedy of holocaust in Florida is an excellent resource for visitors. It offers first-hand stories and authentic artifacts.
You won’t be able to escape the museum once you have entered it. All of the first floor is dedicated entirely to the History, Heritage, and Hope exhibit. The exhibit is presented with a straight forward approach and does not shy away from the facts. The complex also includes sections on Hitler’s ascension and concentration camps. Original box cars are from Auschwitz.
12. Duncan McClellan Gallery
(c) DreamstimeDuncan McClellan Gallery puts glasswork at the forefront of art. It is not your average gallery. The gallery also has an ongoing rotation of exhibitions, which helps to showcase more local, national, and international artists.
This large gallery used to be a tomato packing and fish processing plant. It’s now a multifunctional space that provides a sanctuary in an otherwise bustling industrial district. Duncan McClellan Gallery, home to many regional artists, is part of an art revival.
The exhibitions last between one to two months. This means that there is often new work available.
11. Preserve on Weedon Island
c) ShutterstockThe Weedon Island Preserve, located on the shores of Tampa Bay is an immense parcel of protected land that will allow you to reconnect with nature. This was the original idea behind the preservation, which offered a way to not only protect the native fauna and flora, but also to offer great opportunities for people to get away from the urban jungle and to enjoy the fresh air.
Weedon Island Preserve is ideally located on the coast of the bay and offers both water-based and on-water activities. The Visitor Center is where you will start your adventure. Here, you’ll find all the information about the preserve including the famous birding and fishing. The area also contains a variety of ancient archaeological sites that were created by Native Americans long ago.
10. Museum of Fine Arts
DreamstimeIt is easy to understand why the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg has over 20,000 art pieces and hundreds of years of historical information.
This isn’t just about centuries of history. Some of the exhibits feature work dating back 3000 years BC from prehistoric times. The vast collection includes work by ancient Rome, Greece, Rodin, Monet and other masters, as well as amazing creations of contemporary and Native American culture.
You can either explore the museum on your own, or join a guided tour for more in-depth experience.
9. Vinoy Park
DreamstimeThe St. Petersburg waterfront’s iconic landmark is located just north of St. Pete Pier. Vinoy Park offers beautiful views of Tampa Bay and is a great place to meet friends or family.
There are many paved paths that you can explore the park’s lush and scenic surroundings. You will pass picnic areas and playgrounds, as well as the Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum. You will find the Vinoy Marina, the Vinoy Park Hotel and more in the opposite direction.
This is where you go if you need to relax, enjoy some food and watch the sunset. The two-mile stretch of the park is surrounded by live music and community events.
8. Saturday Morning Market
c) ShutterstockIt can be exhausting and fun, but it can also be very rewarding. A farmers market is a great way to relax and still enjoy the local culture. The Saturday Morning Market in St. Petersburg is one of the most popular and has over 120 vendors selling everything, from fresh produce to handmade treats.
This is the place to go if you are planning a picnic. You can find delicious regional produce throughout, as well as wonderful cheeses, meats, and vegetables. This is the perfect spot to make a delicious charcuterie platter in a park.
Markets bring people together. You’ll love the products, but you will also enjoy the lively atmosphere.
7. Sawgrass Lake Park
c) ShutterstockVisit Sawgrass Lake Park if you’re interested in learning more about the natural ecosystems of St. Petersburg. You can explore the largest maple swamp in Florida at this underrated preserve.
Although the park extends in every direction, the most important feature will be the boardwalk and the hiking trail. You can walk the boardwalk above the swamp and see the alligator-friendly habitat below.
You can also climb to observation towers along the route, which offer spectacular views over Sawgrass Lake Park. You’ll be able to see 1000s of migrating birds if you visit in spring or fall.
6. Clearwater Beach
DreamstimeJust a few minutes north of the Gulf of Mexico is Clearwater Beach, one of Florida’s most famous beaches. Clearwater Beach is the destination, and it is worth the 40-minute drive. You’ll be on the edge of miles and miles of golden sand. Only the historic piers will keep you from driving off.
You’ll find all amenities along the beach, including picnic areas, bathrooms, playgrounds and restrooms. Lifeguards are always on alert. If you’re not sunbathing or swimming in the warm waters of the beach, there are bars and restaurants just a few steps away.
5. Sunken Gardens
(c) ShutterstockThe Sunken Gardens, a living museum located in St. Petersburg’s heart, are an amazing sight. You are drawn in by the stunning beauty right from the beginning. There are over 50,000 plant species in the area, many of them more than 100 years old.
It is amazing how the garden evolves. Flowers bloom and drop like the sun throughout the year. While some flowers die and are replaced by newer varieties, others endure the test of time.
Sunken Gardens has several sections, one of which is the beautiful Japanese Garden. It features charming footbridges and blooming cherries, as well as a cultural atmosphere. You can also find tours and horticultural programming at the park, as well as annual events which showcase the beauty of tropical gardens.
4. Chihuly Collection
(c) DreamstimeDale Chihuly, who is an international sensation for his work, can also be found in London and Paris, as well as the stunning Chihuly Gardens of Seattle. The Chihuly Collection is in St. Petersburg, which offers a wonderful opportunity to learn more about his long and fascinating career.
The collection can be found in the Morean Art Center. Alberto Alfonso designed the space.
Watch a brief video that explains Chihuly’s origins and the inspirations behind his creativity. You’ll then be able see his best-known pieces like Tumbleweeds and Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier.
3. St. Pete Beach
DreamstimeVisitors from faraway will be drawn to Florida’s sun, sand and ocean. Although it is a difficult competition to be crowned the best beach in Florida, St. Pete Beach has the edge.
This stretch of vibrant white sand is located 20 minutes away from the downtown area. You will find all you need to have a great day at the beach, including plenty of space and amenities.
It’s also a wonderful place for jet skiing, on-shore fishing, and parasailing. This area has many resorts and restaurants, so it is no surprise that this region is a top spot to visit.
2. Fort De Soto Park
c) ShutterstockFort De Soto Park, which is huge and sprawling, offers more than just the perfect place to take in St. Petersburg’s beautiful weather and stunning nature. The park’s fascinating past reveals a picture of St. Petersburg’s early days, as the name implies.
Locals and tourists alike love the turquoise waters and golden sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. The calm waters are perfect for families and there are two piers offering great fishing opportunities with even more views.
You’ll find many nature trails running from the beach that will take you through the park. Many of these trails are well-paved and suitable for rollerblading or cycling. The one that you see will take you to Mullet Key Fort, where you’ll find the historical fortress, old barracks, and hospital.
1. Dali Museum
(c) DreamstimeIn honor of Dali, the impressive structure that houses the Dali Museum was built. This structure celebrates Dali’s unique traits. It includes a mixture of fantasy and reality.
The glass dome and captivating facade could be enjoyed for hours. There are more than 2,000 Dali works within the repository, making it the biggest Dali collection in America. Before it was made available to the public, the repository was a private collection.
There are nearly 100 originals and oil paintings. This makes it one of the best attractions in the city and helps show the extent of Dali’s genius.
A Map of Things To Do in St. Petersburg Florida
Faqs
– Boca Ciega Bay. Boca Ciega Bay lies just north of Gulfport, one of St.
– Snell Isle and Rivera Bay. On the other side of the peninsula that makes up St.
– Old Northeast.
– Historic Kenwood.
– Downtown St.
St. Petersburg is a mecca of cultural, historical, and architectural landmarks. Founded by Tsar Peter I (the Great) as Russia’s “window on Europe,” it bears the unofficial status of Russia’s cultural capital and most European city, a distinction that it strives to retain in its perennial competition with Moscow.
– Downtown St. Petersburg.
– Historic Kenwood. Located west of Downtown St.
– Historic Old Northeast. Just minutes from Downtown, Historic Old Northeast has become a sought-after place to live.
– Jungle Prada.
– Crescent Lake.
– Coquina Key.
– Historic Roser Park.
The city hosts many outdoor festivals throughout the year. St. Petersburg’s downtown has been rated among the best in the South. The area’s beaches are a 10-mile (16 km) drive from downtown. Jutting a half mile into the bay was the St. Petersburg Pier, a major tourist attraction that offered various activities.
“St Petersburg has the benefits of big city life, with great opportunities and a lot of interesting places to visit, but it is quieter than Moscow,” said long time resident Ekaterina Kazmina. “It is the most European city in Russia, both geographically and mentally.”09-Oct-2013
Along with beautiful, award-winning beaches, St. Petersburg is home to the world-renowned Salvador Dali Museum, top-rated restaurants and beautiful Fort De Soto Park. The waterfront escape is a perfect family getaway with so many things to do!