Top Things To Do In Saint Petersburg

As one of the most picturesque weekend destinations in the country, St. Petersburg sits nicely between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Nicknamed the “Sunshine City” for having the most consecutive days with sunshine, you’ll love discovering it’s breathtaking beaches, impressive art museums, and impeccable gardens. It’s also home to amazing food, shopping, and stimulating local culture. Keep reading for a detailed guide of St. Petersburg’s most popular attractions and things to do while visiting.

With award-winning beaches, world-class art, and incredible state and national parks, you’ll never want to leave St. Petersburg’s bright sunshine. Discover the city for yourself with some of the top things to do in St. Petersburg.

Below are some of the best things to do near St. Petersburg:

Celebrate the life and work of Salvador Dali at the waterfront Dali Museum
Soak up the sun on St. Pete Beach, a barrier island community just west of St. Petersburg
Spend a day with more than 50,000 tropical plants at the Sunken Gardens
Learn about the city’s history at the very eclectic St. Petersburg Museum of History
Try something new off dry-land with a sightseeing boat tour (plus snorkeling!) with Island Boat Adventures

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From sandy beaches to masterful art works, St. Petersburg balances nature-made and man-made artwork like no other vacation destination. These are the best-of-the-best tourist attractions to see while you’re there. Your Instagram account can thank this list later.

Below are some of the popular attractions near St. Petersburg:

Relax on the beach, jump into a kayak, or walk along the shore at Fort De Soto Beach
Check out the Dali Museum, features surrealist works of art
Admire the glass works of Dale Chihuly at his permanent collection
Though somber, the Florida Holocaust Museum is one of the best in the country
Check out all of the dynamic exhibits at the Morean Arts Centre

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When summer is in full swing, there are plenty of daily activities to experience in St. Petersburg. Whether it’s soaking up all that Sunshine City has to offer, or taking a break at a cafe for lunch, there’s plenty of vacation ideas to choose from.

Here are some exciting activities near St. Petersburg:

See a show at The Mahaffey Theater
Root for your favorite sports team at Tropicana Field
Enjoy some art (and air conditioning) at the Museum of Fine Arts
Eat lunch at local favorite, The Mill
Walk the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail in downtown to get a true sense of the city’s spirit

Top Things To Do At NightView All

Rooftop lounges, jazz clubs, and vintage-feeling hotspots make St. Petersburg’s just as fun at night as it is during the day. Here are the best things to do at night.

Here are a few more nighttime activities near St. Petersburg:

For a taste of St. Petersburg rich history, test your luck at the Manhattan Casino
Catch a film at the elaborate and iconic “movie palace” known as The Tampa Theater
Grab a drink (or two) on the roof of The Don CeSar a.k.a. “The Pink Palace”
Take a tour of 3 Daughters, the largest craft brewery in St. Petersburg
Listen to live jazz at the Mandarin Hide

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Summer is the perfect time for kids to explore new and old favorites in St. Petersburg. Most are inexpensive, even free, activities and places to go that you as a parent can also enjoy. From the Great Explorations Children’s Museum, Tampa Lowry Zoo, and Clearwater Marine Aquarium, St. Pete’s family-friendly attractions make it one of the best towns to bring your family too.

Family-friendly things to do near St. Petersburg include:

Bring out your child’s artistic side with studio classes, kids programs, and summer camp at The Morean Arts Centre
For younger children, take them to the Great Explorations Children’s Museum–they’ll love the touch tunnel
Feed giraffes, rhinos, and Australian parrots with a fun day at Tampa’s Lowry Zoo
See Winter, the dolphin who was featured in the movie “Dolphin Tale” at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium
When the kids are hungry, take them to Snapper’s Sea Grill for an amazing kids’ menu

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With so much around us all the time–work, busy social lives, and the general responsibilities that come with adulthood, it’s important to dedicate time to self-care and relaxing. And while St. Petersburg is well-known for its beaches and outdoor activities, there are plenty of indoor things to do as well. So find some time to treat yourself to a massage or peaceful yoga class.

Below, find a few St. Petersburg things to do indoors:

Doing yoga at The Body Electric Yoga Company
Find your own oasis in the heart of downtown St. Pete’s at the Tranquility Wellness Spa
B.Y.O.B. to Painting With A Twist
Plan a solo-movie watch at the Tampa Theatre
See the stars at the Planetarium and Observatory at the St. Petersburg College

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St. Petersburg wouldn’t be the beautiful city it is without its active community and amazing beaches. Unleash your adventurous side for activities like horseback riding on the beach, kayaking through the ocean, and hiking ancient trails. Try your hand at fishing off one of the many piers–you never know what you’ll catch.

Active things to see in St. Petersburg include:

Hiking the trails at the Weedon Island Preserve
Riding horses on the beach with Cypress Breeze Farm
Paddling among the mangroves, birds, and manatees with Sweetwater Kayaks
Drinking at local breweries with a guided tour by The Thirsty Pelican
Fishing off the pier at Redington Long Pier or Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach