St. Petersburg embodies the quintessential Florida experience, offering travelers abundant sunshine, extensive golden sand beaches, and the scenic Gulf of Mexico. While swimming and relaxation may be your primary St. Petersburg activities, the city has more to offer.
Situated between the Gulf and Tampa Bay, St. Pete’s compact size makes it easy to navigate, with many downtown attractions conveniently within walking distance. In addition to the beautiful beaches, the city boasts a delightful array of art galleries and protected lands for exploration if you’re looking to take a break from the sun.
19. Saturday Morning Market
Traveling can be both exhilarating and tiring. A great way to relax and soak in the local culture is by visiting a farmers market. St. Petersburg’s Saturday Morning Market is the town’s finest, featuring over 120 vendors offering everything from fresh produce to artisan treats.
If you’re planning a picnic, this market should be your first stop. You’ll find regional produce, delightful cheese, meats, and vegetables—ideal for creating a delicious charcuterie board to enjoy in a peaceful park.
Aside from the tempting offerings, the market also fosters a sense of community, making the atmosphere just as enjoyable as the products available.
18. Chihuly Collection
Dale Chihuly is a well-known artist who has gained worldwide recognition for his work, which can be seen in cities like Paris and London. One of the best places to learn more about his successful career is the Chihuly Collection in St. Petersburg.
This collection can be found within the Morean Arts Center and is displayed in a beautifully designed space created by architect Alberto Alfonso. As you begin your visit, you will have the opportunity to watch a short video that explores Chihuly’s early years and what inspires his creative pieces.
After that, you can admire some of his most famous works, such as Tumbleweeds, Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier, and Ikebana.
17. Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg has a remarkable collection of over 20,000 pieces of art and hundreds of years of history. It is widely recognized as the top gallery in the region. The museum doesn’t just focus on history from centuries ago, it also showcases artwork from prehistoric eras that go all the way back to 3000 years BC.
The collection includes outstanding pieces from ancient Rome and Greece, as well as renowned artists like Rodin and Monet. Additionally, the museum features impressive artworks from contemporary artists and Native American culture. Visitors have the option to explore the museum independently or join a guided tour for a more in-depth experience.
16. Sunken Gardens
The Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg is a museum where you can see many different plants. The gardens have over 50,000 species of plants, some of which are more than a hundred years old. The gardens change throughout the year as flowers bloom and fall. Some plants die and new ones are added, while others stay for a long time.
The gardens have different sections, like the Japanese Garden which has pretty footbridges and blooming cherry trees. The park also offers tours, programs about plants, and special events to show off the beautiful tropical gardens.
15. Vinoy Park
Vinoy Park, located just north of St. Pete Pier, is a popular spot on the St. Petersburg waterfront. It offers stunning views of Tampa Bay, making it a great place to spend time with friends and family. The park features well-maintained walking trails that lead to picnic areas, playgrounds for children, and the Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum.
On the other side, you can explore the Vinoy Marina and the iconic Vinoy Park Hotel. Whether you want to relax, enjoy some snacks, or witness a beautiful sunset, this park is the perfect destination. Spanning two miles, it often hosts exciting community events and live music on weekends.
14. St. Pete Beach
People who are traveling a long way come to this part of Florida because of the beautiful weather, sandy beaches, and clear ocean waters. Out of all the great beaches in the area, St. Pete Beach is often considered the best. It’s only a 20-minute drive from downtown and has soft, white sand that stretches for a long distance.
There are all sorts of facilities available on the beach, so visitors can have a fun day in the sun. Besides relaxing on the sand, people can also try out activities like jet skiing, fishing from the shore, or even parasailing.
Since there are many restaurants and resorts nearby, it’s not surprising that this area is a popular place for visitors to stay.
13. Dali Museum
The Dali Museum is housed in a stunning building that pays tribute to the renowned artist himself. It captures Dali’s unique style, which combines fantasy and realism. The exterior of the building is captivating, with a mesmerizing facade and a glass dome that beckons visitors to spend some time admiring it.
Inside, the museum boasts an impressive collection of over 2,000 works, making it the largest collection of Dali’s art in the United States. Originally a private collection, it was generously donated to the public in the 1980s.
Among these works, there are nearly 100 original oil paintings, eye-catching sculptures, fascinating photographs, and compelling manuscripts. This makes the Dali Museum one of the most intriguing attractions in town, showcasing the full range of Dali’s exceptional talent.
12. Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
The Skyway Bridge is a beautiful bridge connecting Sarasota and St. Petersburg in Florida. It offers breathtaking views of St. Petersburg, the bay, and the gulf. It is a long bridge with a rest area in the middle. At both ends of the bridge, there is the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park which provides excellent fishing spots.
The park has shallow waters and deep channels, which means you can catch a variety of fish including sea trout, redfish, mackerel, and tarpon. Additionally, you can fish at night because the bridge is illuminated, attracting nocturnal fish species.
11. Imagine Museum
If you’re looking to see glass art in St. Petersburg, the Duncan McClellan Gallery is not your only option. The Imagine Museum offers a more extensive collection with over 500 glass designs that span from the mid-20th century to the present. One of the highlights is the Studio Glass Movement exhibit, which is highly regarded in the United States.
The museum is not only a place to admire glass art but also to learn about its history, including the works of early artists and contemporary glass artists making an impact today.
10. Tropicana Field
If you’re in St. Petersburg and looking to watch live sports, head to Tropicana Field, where the Tampa Bay Rays of MLB play their home games. The stadium has a dome, which keeps the heat out, making it comfortable even during the summer. Because of this, it’s a great place to enjoy a game of baseball.
The stadium offers various locations for standing so you can see the game from different perspectives. Additionally, there is a special feature called Rays Tanks, where the Florida Aquarium takes care of cownose stingrays.
9. Mahaffey Theater
In the evenings, St. Petersburg offers a lovely sunset and the opportunity to enjoy tropical cocktails near the water. However, for a different experience, you can go downtown and visit the Mahaffey Theater. This theater is located within the Duke Energy Center for the Arts and has retained its beauty since it first opened in 1965.
With over 2,000 seats, the theater hosts famous theater productions, stand-up comedy shows, dance performances, and orchestral concerts. Additionally, there is a luxurious ballroom and stunning views of the bay.
Instead of just going out for a regular night in town, you can have a memorable night by taking your loved one to the theater for a night filled with laughter or high culture.
8. Weedon Island Preserve
Weedon Island Preserve is a large area of protected land located on the banks of Tampa Bay. Its main purpose is to allow people to reconnect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. The preserve not only safeguards the native plants and animals but also offers opportunities to escape the city and breathe in fresh air.
Being near the bay, Weedon Island Preserve offers both water and land-based activities. To start your adventurous day, visit the Visitor Center where you can learn about the various things to do in the preserve, such as bird watching and fishing, which are highly regarded.
Additionally, there are archaeological sites in the area that were created by Native Americans a long time ago.
7. Clearwater Beach
Just a short drive north along the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll discover Clearwater Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Florida. It’s definitely worth the forty-minute drive. When you arrive and park your car, you’ll be greeted by miles and miles of beautiful golden sand, with only historic piers interrupting the view.
Along the sand, you’ll find all the necessary amenities like picnic areas, bathrooms, and playgrounds. There are lifeguards on duty year-round to ensure safety. And when you’re not sunbathing or swimming in the warm waters, you can take a few steps beyond the sand and enjoy beachfront bars and restaurants.
6. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is located on the shores of Lake Maggiore and offers a stunning array of ecosystems to explore. The preserve has numerous nature trails and boardwalks that make it easy to observe the diverse wildlife and landscapes.
As you wander through the preserve, you’ll start in leafy pine flatwoods and gradually transition into a vast broad-leafed forest. The forest will then give way to swampy woodlands and intriguing maritime hammocks. While walking, be on the lookout for both local and migrating bird species.
If you need a break, there are shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, and even campsites available for overnight stays.
5. Duncan McClellan Gallery
Duncan McClellan Gallery is not your usual art gallery. It specializes in glasswork rather than featuring various types of art. Instead of having a fixed collection, the gallery frequently changes its exhibitions to display the art of different glass artists from the local community, as well as national and international artists.
The gallery is located in a former fish and tomato packing plant, which has undergone a stunning transformation into a versatile space. It provides a peaceful sanctuary in a bustling industrial area.
The Duncan McClellan Gallery is an integral part of the local art scene and supports regional artists by allowing them to practice their craft in the gallery’s Hot Shop. Exhibitions typically last between one and two months, ensuring that there is always new and exciting artwork to admire.
4. Florida Holocaust Museum
St. Petersburg has an extensive holocaust museum that is considered one of the most comprehensive in the US. The Florida Holocaust Museum takes visitors on a detailed journey through the tragic events of the holocaust, providing valuable insights through firsthand stories and original artifacts.
Unlike some museums, the experience doesn’t gradually immerse you; instead, the entire first floor is dedicated to the History, Heritage, and Hope exhibition. This exhibition presents the information in a straightforward manner without shying away from the horrors that took place.
The museum also covers Hitler’s rise to power, the concentration camps (including showcasing original boxcars from Auschwitz), and the aftermath of the Second World War.
3. Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park is not just a place to enjoy the beautiful weather and nature of St. Petersburg. It also has a rich history that tells the story of the town’s early years. However, it is the stunning golden sand beaches and clear turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico that attract both travelers and locals in large numbers.
The calm waters are perfect for families and there are two piers for fishing and taking in the amazing views. If you venture beyond the beach, you will discover several nature trails throughout the park. Some of these trails are paved and ideal for cycling and rollerblading.
One trail will lead you to the historic fort at Mullet Key, where you can explore the fortress, old barracks, and hospital.
2. Sawgrass Lake Park
If you’re interested in learning more about the natural ecosystems in St. Petersburg, then you should definitely visit Sawgrass Lake Park. This park is often overlooked, but it offers a great opportunity to explore one of Florida’s largest maple swamps.
The park is quite expansive, but the main attractions are the raised boardwalk and hiking trail. The boardwalk allows you to walk above and through the swamp, where you can see alligators lurking below the water’s surface. As you walk along, you’ll also come across observation towers that provide stunning views of the park. If you visit during the spring or fall, you’ll have the chance to see thousands of migrating birds.
1. James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
Located in St. Petersburg, the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art offers a captivating experience, immersing visitors in the grandeur of the American west. The museum showcases the breathtaking and often harsh landscape of this region, providing a gateway to the bygone era of the Old West, both culturally and naturally.
With a diverse collection of over 400 artworks, including sculptures, photography, and jewelry, the museum exhibits various genres and places importance on showcasing lesser-known artists and forgotten voices in western art. Visitors can enhance their visit by participating in educational programs and opting for a guided tour.
