St. Petersburg is one of the West Central urban areas of Florida.
St. Petersburg is like its neighboring cities of Tampa and Clearwater. It has plenty of things to do.
St. Petersburg, nicknamed the “Sunshine City,” is well-known for its bright weather.
Many tourist things to do in St. Petersburg capitalize on the city’s sunny skies and pleasant environment. Beautiful beaches and wildlife-rich state parks are in the St. Petersburg area. In town, you may visit art galleries, drink at craft breweries, and enjoy the city’s unique food culture.
Rundown of the 16 best things to do in St. Petersburg
Ready to find out things to do in St. Petersburg, Florida? Plan the perfect trip to the Tampa Bay area with this guide to the things to do in St. Petersburg, Florida.
1. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is one of the best beaches in the Tampa Bay area.
The beach is famous for its pristine white sand, exciting water activities, and spring break atmosphere.
Clearwater Beach is a popular destination for beachgoers in St. Petersburg.
If you’re looking for an adventure, you may try jet skiing, paddle boarding, or parasailing.
Or enjoy the sea breeze by walking down the shoreline.
Visit one of the beach’s seafood restaurants, cafes, or pubs. Enjoy a fantastic beach relaxation session with food, craft beer, and beverages.
Address: Not Available
Phone: Not Available
2.Florida Holocaust Museum
While it is an affair, the Florida Holocaust Museum is one of the most significant museums in St. Petersburg, Florida.
For history lovers, the museum is one of the top things to do in St. Petersburg and a must-sees.
The permanent collection of the Florida Holocaust Museum includes unique artifacts.
The exhibits contain photographs, documents, and personal items. Its moving exhibits form a narrative of those who suffered or perished during the Holocaust. It also sheds light on the brave souls who risked their lives to assist survivors.
Address: 55 5th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
Phone:+17278200100
3. Sand Key Park
Want to get out of downtown St. Petersburg? Travel 45 minutes northwest to Sand Key Park.
Located south of Clearwater Beach, the barrier island is ideal for families, lone travelers, and couples.
Sand Key Park includes 95 acres of sandy beaches and salt marshes.
Drift down the nature route to see the park’s birds, which include herons, spoonbills, and great horned owls.
Visit Sand Key Park in the evening to avoid the crowds at St. Petersburg, FL’s most popular beaches.
It’s an ideal location to enjoy a stunning Gulf Coast sunset.
Address:1060 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767, United States
Phone:+17275884852
4.Fort de Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park, the largest park in Pinellas County, covers 1,136 acres of islands between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay.
The beautiful natural park is one of the most appealing spots in St. Petersburg for outdoor enthusiasts.
Fort De Soto Park takes its name from the old military bastion on its southwest edge.
Fort De Soto, built to defend Tampa Bay during the Spanish-American War, ended the conflict without firing a single shot.
Nonetheless, you’ll see a few interesting historical artifacts here. Keep an eye out for the National Historic Register emplacements.
Address:Florida, United States
Phone: +17275822267
5. The Dali (Salvador Dali Museum)
Located on Dali Boulevard, the museum has the world’s second-largest collection of Salvador Dali’s works.
Even if you aren’t an art history geek, The Dali is one of the locations to visit in St. Petersburg.
The Dali Museum’s collection includes several of the artist’s best works.
You can enjoy hundreds of oil paintings, watercolors, drawings, graphics, and pictures.
The painting collection also includes some Dali masterpieces. The Hallucinogenic Toreador, a multi-story surrealist masterpiece, is particularly remarkable.
On your way out, stop by The Dali’s gift shop. Grab a one-of-a-kind Dali keepsake for yourself or the surrealist art enthusiast in your life!
Address: 1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
Phone:+17278233767
6.Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
Looking for a new favorite fishing spot? Grab your rod and reel, and head to Skyway Fishing Pier State Park.
It is among the best things to do in St. Petersburg and spans four miles into Tampa Bay, designated as a state park in 1994.
The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park lies parallel to the enormous Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
The fishing pier repurposes the original expanse of the Skyway Bridge, which collapsed in 1980.
Anglers on the pier can catch many native fish species, including black sea bass, snook, and tarpon.
Not into fishing? Dust off your camera and capture the park’s breathtaking vistas of the harbor and bridge.
Address: I-275, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, United States
Phone: +17278650668
7.Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, located four miles south of downtown, is near the top of St. Petersburg attractions for nature lovers.
The 245-acre nature preserve is on the site of a former zoo and botanical gardens.
Locals enjoy it for its abundance of wildlife and stunning vistas of St. Petersburg.
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, located on the shores of Lake Maggiore, is an excellent spot to get acquainted with Pinella County’s wilderness.
Wander along the 3-mile main loop and five side trails to see the slash pine forests, marshes, and swamps.
Address:1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705, United States
Phone: +17278937326
8. Sunken Gardens
Sunken Gardens, located five minutes north of downtown, is an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of St. Petersburg.
The botanical wonderland, sometimes the city’s oldest living museum, is home to some of West Central Florida’s most colorful native tropical flora.
Spend time strolling around its rich surroundings, taking in unique species.
The 100-year-old Sunken Gardens. It has 50,000 plants and flowers. It has stunning waterfalls and a butterfly habitat.
Join one of the Sunken Gardens’ garden excursions to learn about the fascinating flora mix.
Address: 1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704, United States
Phone: +17275513102
9.Sawgrass Lake Park
Sawgrass Lake Park, located 400 acres north of the city, is one of the Gulf Coast’s maple swamps.
It’s one of the best things to do in St. Petersburg to enjoy nature in the center of one of the state’s most densely populated neighborhoods.
Visit Sawgrass Lake Park and walk along the mile-long elevated boardwalk.
On the journey, you’ll see a variety of species, including herons, ibises, alligators, and turtles.
Climb the observation tower for a beautiful bird’s-eye perspective of the park.
Address: 7400 25th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702, United States
Phone:+17275822100
10.Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Spend one or two hours at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
The aquarium is well-known for its sea life rehabilitation and conservation initiatives. Its outstanding efforts have even received recognition on the big screen in Dolphin Tale.
Winter the Dolphin, the hero of the touching movie, may be seen at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
After losing her tail, Winter was there by the aquarium workers. Her struggle back to health served as the inspiration for the moving film.
Today, you can still see Winter frolicking with her Clearwater aquarium companions.
After exploring the exhibitions, have time for dinner at the on-site Island Way Grill.
It’s a terrific site to explore the city’s culinary culture while enjoying views of Causeway Blvd and the sea.
Address:249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767, United States
Phone:+17274411790
11.Duncan McClelland Gallery
The Duncan McClellan Gallery, located in the heart of St. Petersburg’s Warehouse Art District, is one of the city’s hidden jewels.
The art gallery is among those things to do in St. Petersburg. It features current works by prominent American and worldwide glass artists.
Aside from the 3,000 square feet of gallery area, the site has a gorgeous outdoor sculpture garden.
The Duncan McClellan Gallery is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on Sundays when it opens at 12 p.
Address:2342 Emerson Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712, United States
Phone:+18554364527
12. Museum of Fine Art
The Museum of Fine Arts, located on Beach Drive in the Waterfront Arts District, is a must-see destination for art enthusiasts.
The art museum covers more than 5,000 years of art history. Its collections include more than 20,000 works from around the world.
The Museum of Fine Arts has renowned artists such as impressionist French painter Claude Monet and modernist American artist Georgia O’Keeffe.
The museum also houses one of the best photography collections in the Southeastern United States.
Address:255 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
Phone:+17278962667
13. Morean Arts Centre
Morean Arts Centre has long been St. Petersburg’s art scene.
The organization, formerly known as the Art Club of St. Petersburg, promotes art in society.
It provides everything from art workshops and summer art camps to world-class exhibition facilities.
The Morean Arts Centre runs many art venues in St. Petersburg’s Central Arts District.
Many travelers are especially interested in the magnificent Chihuly Collection.
The collection, located across from the main building, features the finest creations of Dale Chihuly, a world-renowned American glass artist.
Address:719 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
Phone:+17278227872
14.Busch Gardens
Looking to elicit some excitement? Fly over Old Tampa Bay to Busch Gardens. The theme park is one of the most popular day trips and things to do in St. Petersburg.
Busch Gardens combines the thrills of an amusement park with the mystery of a zoo to create an experience unlike any other.
Dare to zip down the Iron Gwazi for a rush of adrenaline.
With its reopening in 2021, the remodeled Iron Gwazi will be the world’s fastest hybrid wood-steel rollercoaster.
Relax after the high-octane thrills with a visit to the park’s world-class Serengeti Safari.
The wildlife environment is home to approximately 200 exotic species, including lions, giraffes, and elephants.
Address:10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
Phone:+18138844386
15.Vinoy Park
Want to enjoy Central Florida’s beach delights without leaving the city? Visit Vinoy Park on Tampa Bay from downtown St. Petersburg.
The park, named after the old Vinoy Renaissance Resort, provides some of the city’s most stunning waterfront views.
Vinoy Park’s location makes it ideal to get some fresh air after a long day of exploring St. Pete’s urban and cultural attractions.
Take a walk or bike ride along its recreational pathways and marvel at the beautiful views of Tampa Bay.
If you’re an early riser, the east-facing beach in Vinoy Park is an excellent spot to watch a spectacular Florida sunrise.
Address:701 Bayshore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
Phone:+17278937441
16.Upham Beach Park
Want to enjoy one of St. Petersburg’s 361 average days of sunshine? Head over to Upham Beach Park.
It is one of the best things to do in St. Petersburg.
The gorgeous beach is one of the most popular sites for a relaxing day on the water.
Upham Beach is well-known for its beautiful sunsets and its calm surf that is ideal for children.
After a day of splashing in the sea, let the vibrant colors overwhelm you.
Address: 6850 Beach Plaza, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, United States
Phone: Not Available
Final words
St. Petersburg is a city on Florida’s Gulf Coast that offers the ideal combination of white sandy beaches, fine cuisine, and outdoor activities.
The list of things to do in St Petersburg is endless, but we’ve narrowed it down to offer you a taste of some of the most popular activities when visiting the city.