10 Must-Dos in St. Petersburg, Florida

This beautiful Gulf Coast city is a great destination for year-round fun-in-the-sun. Nicknamed “the Sunshine City” for its’ attractive climate, St. Petersburg is a popular oasis for fitness buffs, fishermen, boaters, beach goers, and golfers. The city holds the Guinness Book World record for “the most consecutive days of sunshine” (768 days). In addition to being located in close proximity to several of the country’s best beaches, St. Petersburg is known for its’ many cultural attractions, strong arts scene, and wonderful downtown. While living in nearby Palm Harbor and New Tampa for several years, I took many weekend daytrips into the city and surrounding areas. Here are my favorite things to do in St. Pete!

1. Get back to nature at Sunken Gardens

For the ultimate in relaxation, wander through 4 acres of beautifully manicured gardens featuring over 50,000 tropical plants and flowers, waterfalls, and free roaming flamingos. In 2020, Sunken Gardens celebrated its’ 100th anniversary. As one of the country’s oldest roadside attractions, it’s beloved by both tourists and locals. This historical gem is the perfect place to escape the city and beach crowds for a morning. Opens a bit late (10am), although there is plenty of shade even for a summer visit.

See more pics and read more about my experience at Sunken Gardens

2. Relax at Pass-a-Grille beach

As a quieter alternative to neighboring Clearwater and St. Pete beach, you can opt to join the locals at Pass-a-Grille, located on the laid-back southern tip of St. Pete Beach. The 4 mile long beach is unique in that there is an attractive lack of commercialization on the beach. Thus, this beach is just perfect for anyone seeking something a bit more old school and less touristy. A bit rocky, but one of the best shelling beaches in the Bay. Adjacent to the beach you will find Pass-A-Grille village, home to a number of local shops and restaurants. This charming area features colorful homes and a refreshing lack of big chains. Lots of great places to eat and shop!

3. Explore the Chihuly Collection

St. Petersburg is no stranger to the arts scene. Most notably, the famous Dali Museum draws much praise. In addition to numerous local galleries, there are art festivals, walks, and markets throughout the year. One of the most unique places to explore is the Chihuly Collection. Although quite small and expensive, this museum features the most dazzling colorful collection of glass blown art pieces by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. His glass blown art work is truly amazing. I have seen it all over the country, but it is nice to explore a massive collection all in one place. Your admission also includes glass blowing demonstrations across the street at the Morean Art Center.

4. Dine and shop in Downtown St. Petersburg

Downtown St. Petersburg is a gorgeous waterfront destination featuring gorgeous views of the skyline and marina. A diverse variety of bars and restaurants populate the area. The district is also home to a number of world-class attractions including The Museum of Fine Arts, The Dali, and The Mahaffey Theater. On any given weekend, there is sure to be a festival to attend. Popular events include the 2nd Saturday Art Walk and the Saturday Morning Market. The beautiful sculpture in this picture is one of Chihuly’s!

Downtown St. Pete event calendar

5. Take a tram tour at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

This wonderful oasis provides habitat for many native wildlife and plants. There are 6 miles of beautiful trails to explore here through diverse habitat including hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods, and swamp woodlands. Get in a nice workout or opt to relax on a narrated tram ride. In addition to being a great bird watching destination, Boyd Hill is home to a diverse range of wildlife species including gators, armadillos, and gopher tortoises.