Petersburg City Guide: Best Places to Visit, Stay, and Explore Petersburg Travel Guide: History, Attractions, and Hidden Gems
St. Petersburg, Florida, is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and culture. With its stunning beaches, world-class museums, and thriving arts scene, St. Petersburg has something to offer everyone. But with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the top things to see and do in St. Petersburg.
Editor’s Note: This guide was last updated on [Date]. Since then, there may have been changes to the attractions or events listed. Please check with the individual attractions or the St. Petersburg tourism website for the latest information.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve divided our guide into the following sections:
- Beaches
- Museums
- Arts and Culture
- Food and Drink
- Shopping
- Nightlife
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, a cultural immersion, or a night out on the town, St. Petersburg has something for you. So start planning your trip today, and get ready to experience all that this amazing city has to offer!
What to See in St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg, Florida, is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and culture. With its stunning beaches, world-class museums, and thriving arts scene, St. Petersburg has something to offer everyone. But with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the top things to see and do in St. Petersburg. We’ve divided our guide into eight key aspects, each succinctly described, to help you plan your trip:
- Beaches: St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, Fort De Soto Park
- Museums: The Dali Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Florida Holocaust Museum
- Arts and Culture: The Mahaffey Theater, the Palladium, the Morean Arts Center
- Food and Drink: The Pier, Beach Drive, Central Avenue
- Shopping: The Shops at St. Pete, the Tyrone Square Mall, the Gulfport Casino Bazaar
- Nightlife: The EDGE District, Jannus Live, the State Theatre
- Nature: The Sunken Gardens, the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, the Weedon Island Preserve
- History: The St. Petersburg Museum of History, the Florida Botanical Gardens, the Vinoy Park Hotel
These eight aspects offer a glimpse into the many things that make St. Petersburg a special place to visit. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, a cultural immersion, or a night out on the town, St. Petersburg has something for you.
Beaches
St. Petersburg is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax in the sun, swim in the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or enjoy a variety of water sports, you’ll find it here.
- St. Pete Beach: This popular beach is known for its white sand, clear water, and lively atmosphere. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops along the beach, as well as a variety of water sports rentals.
- Clearwater Beach: This beach is known for its soft, white sand and calm waters. It’s a great place to relax and soak up the sun. There are also a number of restaurants and shops along the beach, as well as a pier with a variety of activities.
- Fort De Soto Park: This park is located on a group of islands at the mouth of Tampa Bay. It offers a variety of beaches, as well as hiking trails, picnic areas, and a fishing pier.
No matter what you’re looking for in a beach, you’re sure to find it in St. Petersburg. So come on down and enjoy the sun and sand!
Museums
St. Petersburg is home to a number of world-class museums, including the Dali Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Florida Holocaust Museum. These museums offer a diverse range of exhibits and experiences, making them a must-see for any visitor to the city.
The Dali Museum is dedicated to the work of Salvador Dali, one of the most famous and influential artists of the 20th century. The museum houses a large collection of Dali’s paintings, sculptures, and drawings, as well as a number of personal artifacts. Visitors can learn about Dali’s life and work, and see some of his most famous pieces, such as “The Persistence of Memory” and “The Dream.”
The Museum of Fine Arts is home to a collection of over 10,000 works of art from around the world. The museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and photographs. Visitors can see works by such famous artists as Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, and Warhol.
The Florida Holocaust Museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and teaching about its history and impact. The museum’s exhibits tell the stories of Holocaust survivors and victims, and explore the causes and consequences of the Holocaust. Visitors can learn about the Holocaust’s impact on individuals, families, and communities, and gain a deeper understanding of this dark chapter in history.
These three museums are just a few of the many cultural attractions that St. Petersburg has to offer. With its rich history and vibrant arts scene, St. Petersburg is a great place to learn about art, history, and culture.
| Museum | Focus | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| The Dali Museum | Salvador Dali | “The Persistence of Memory,” “The Dream” |
| The Museum of Fine Arts | Art from around the world | Works by Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, Warhol |
| The Florida Holocaust Museum | The Holocaust | Stories of survivors and victims, the causes and consequences of the Holocaust |
Arts and Culture
St. Petersburg is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich arts and culture scene. The city is home to a number of world-class museums, theaters, and art galleries, making it a great place to experience the arts. Three of the most popular arts and culture venues in St. Petersburg are the Mahaffey Theater, the Palladium, and the Morean Arts Center.
The Mahaffey Theater is a performing arts center that hosts a variety of shows, including Broadway musicals, concerts, and dance performances. The Palladium is a concert hall that hosts a variety of musical acts, from rock and pop to country and classical. The Morean Arts Center is an art museum that features a collection of contemporary and modern art.
These three venues are just a few of the many that make St. Petersburg a great place to experience the arts. With its rich history and vibrant arts scene, St. Petersburg is a great place to learn about art, history, and culture.
| Venue | Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Mahaffey Theater | Performing arts center | Broadway musicals, concerts, dance performances |
| Palladium | Concert hall | Rock, pop, country, classical music |
| Morean Arts Center | Art museum | Contemporary and modern art |
Food and Drink
St. Petersburg is a foodie’s paradise, with a diverse range of restaurants, bars, and cafes to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal, a fine dining experience, or a night out on the town, you’re sure to find something to your taste in St. Pete.
Three of the most popular dining destinations in St. Petersburg are The Pier, Beach Drive, and Central Avenue. The Pier is a waterfront complex that features a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. Beach Drive is a lively street that is lined with restaurants, bars, and cafes. Central Avenue is a historic street that is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops.
These three dining destinations offer a unique and diverse range of culinary experiences. The Pier is a great place to enjoy a meal with a view of the water. Beach Drive is a great place to people-watch and enjoy a meal at one of the many outdoor cafes. Central Avenue is a great place to explore the city’s history and culture while enjoying a meal at one of the many historic restaurants.
No matter what you’re looking for in a dining experience, you’re sure to find it in St. Petersburg. With its diverse range of restaurants, bars, and cafes, St. Pete is a great place to enjoy a meal and experience the city’s vibrant food scene.
| Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|
| The Pier | Waterfront views, variety of restaurants and bars |
| Beach Drive | Lively atmosphere, outdoor cafes, people-watching |
| Central Avenue | Historic buildings, cultural experiences, diverse restaurants |
Shopping
St. Petersburg offers a diverse range of shopping experiences, from high-end boutiques to unique local shops. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, clothing, or home goods, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in St. Pete.
- The Shops at St. Pete: This upscale shopping mall is home to a variety of stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Macy’s. It also has a number of restaurants and a movie theater.
- Tyrone Square Mall: This is one of the largest shopping malls in Florida, with over 150 stores and restaurants. It’s a great place to find everything from everyday items to luxury goods.
- Gulfport Casino Bazaar: This unique shopping destination is located in the city of Gulfport, just a short drive from St. Petersburg. It features a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries, all housed in a historic casino building.
These three shopping destinations offer a unique and diverse range of shopping experiences. The Shops at St. Pete is a great place to find high-end goods and luxury brands. Tyrone Square Mall is a great place to find everything you need under one roof. And the Gulfport Casino Bazaar is a great place to find unique and eclectic items.
No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in St. Petersburg. With its diverse range of shopping destinations, St. Pete is a great place to shop and experience the city’s vibrant culture.
Nightlife
St. Petersburg’s nightlife scene is vibrant and diverse, with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a lively bar scene, a live music venue, or a night of dancing, you’re sure to find it in St. Pete.
Three of the most popular nightlife destinations in St. Petersburg are The EDGE District, Jannus Live, and the State Theatre.
- The EDGE District: This is a lively entertainment district located in downtown St. Petersburg. It features a variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, as well as a number of art galleries and studios.
- Jannus Live: This is a historic live music venue that has been hosting concerts for over 50 years. It’s a great place to see national and international touring acts, as well as local bands.
- The State Theatre: This is a historic theater that hosts a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy shows. It’s a great place to see a live performance in a beautiful setting.
These three nightlife destinations offer a unique and diverse range of experiences. The EDGE District is a great place to bar hop and people-watch, while Jannus Live is a great place to see a live music show. The State Theatre is a great place to see a Broadway show or other live performance.
No matter what you’re looking for in a night out, you’re sure to find it in St. Petersburg. With its diverse range of nightlife destinations, St. Pete is a great place to experience the city’s vibrant culture.
| Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|
| The EDGE District | Bars, restaurants, nightclubs, art galleries, studios |
| Jannus Live | Live music venue, national and international touring acts, local bands |
| The State Theatre | Historic theater, Broadway shows, concerts, comedy shows |
Nature
St. Petersburg is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant arts scene, but it also offers a number of opportunities to experience nature. The city is home to several parks and preserves, including The Sunken Gardens, the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, and the Weedon Island Preserve.
These natural areas offer a variety of activities, from hiking and biking to kayaking and fishing. They are also home to a variety of plants and animals, including native wildflowers, tropical plants, and a variety of birds and other wildlife.
Spending time in nature has been shown to have a number of benefits for both physical and mental health. It can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost creativity. It can also help to improve sleep, reduce blood pressure, and strengthen the immune system.
When visiting St. Petersburg, be sure to take some time to explore its natural side. The city’s parks and preserves offer a great way to relax, recharge, and connect with nature.
| Preserve | Highlights |
|---|---|
| The Sunken Gardens | Botanical gardens with over 50,000 plants, including tropical flowers, ferns, and cacti. |
| The Boyd Hill Nature Preserve | Natural park with hiking trails, a butterfly garden, and a variety of birds and other wildlife. |
| The Weedon Island Preserve | Natural park with hiking trails, a kayak launch, and a variety of plants and animals, including alligators, turtles, and birds. |
History
St. Petersburg’s rich history is a major part of what makes it such a great place to visit. The city has a number of historical landmarks and museums, including the St. Petersburg Museum of History, the Florida Botanical Gardens, and the Vinoy Park Hotel.
The St. Petersburg Museum of History is a great place to learn about the city’s past. The museum has a variety of exhibits on the city’s history, from its early days as a fishing village to its current status as a major tourist destination. The museum also has a research library and a gift shop.
The Florida Botanical Gardens are a beautiful place to visit and learn about the state’s native plants. The gardens have a variety of plants, including tropical flowers, ferns, and cacti. The gardens also have a butterfly garden and a gift shop.
The Vinoy Park Hotel is a historic hotel that is located on the waterfront. The hotel was built in 1925 and has been a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The hotel has a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
These three landmarks are just a few of the many historical places that you can visit in St. Petersburg. By visiting these landmarks, you can learn about the city’s past and its current culture.
| Landmark | Highlights |
|---|---|
| St. Petersburg Museum of History | Exhibits on the city’s history, research library, gift shop |
| Florida Botanical Gardens | Native plants, butterfly garden, gift shop |
| Vinoy Park Hotel | Historic hotel on the waterfront, swimming pool, fitness center, restaurant |
Frequently Asked Questions About What to See in St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and culture. With its stunning beaches, world-class museums, and thriving arts scene, St. Petersburg has something to offer everyone. But with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start.
Question 1: What are the most popular things to do in St. Petersburg?
There are many popular things to do in St. Petersburg, including visiting the Dali Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Florida Holocaust Museum; exploring the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene; and enjoying the beautiful beaches.
Question 2: What are the best beaches in St. Petersburg?
St. Petersburg is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, including St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, and Fort De Soto Park.
Question 3: What are the best museums in St. Petersburg?
St. Petersburg is home to a number of world-class museums, including the Dali Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Florida Holocaust Museum.
Question 4: What are the best arts and culture venues in St. Petersburg?
St. Petersburg has a thriving arts and culture scene, with a number of world-class venues, including the Mahaffey Theater, the Palladium, and the Morean Arts Center.
Question 5: What are the best places to eat in St. Petersburg?
St. Petersburg has a diverse range of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. Some of the most popular dining destinations include The Pier, Beach Drive, and Central Avenue.
Question 6: What are the best places to shop in St. Petersburg?
St. Petersburg offers a variety of shopping experiences, from high-end boutiques to unique local shops. Some of the most popular shopping destinations include The Shops at St. Pete, Tyrone Square Mall, and the Gulfport Casino Bazaar.
Summary of key takeaways or final thought: St. Petersburg is a great place to visit for a variety of reasons. The city has something to offer everyone, from beautiful beaches and world-class museums to a vibrant arts and culture scene and a diverse range of dining and shopping options.
Transition to the next article section: To learn more about what to see and do in St. Petersburg, please see our other articles on the city.
Tips for Exploring What to See in St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and culture. With its stunning beaches, world-class museums, and thriving arts scene, St. Petersburg has something to offer everyone. But with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start.
Here are five tips to help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in St. Petersburg:
Tip 1: Plan your itinerary in advance. St. Petersburg has a lot to offer, so it’s important to do some research and decide what you want to see and do before you arrive. This will help you make the most of your time and avoid any disappointment.
Tip 2: Purchase a St. Pete Pass. The St. Pete Pass is a great way to save money on admission to some of the city’s most popular attractions. The pass includes admission to over 30 attractions, including museums, tours, and activities. You can purchase a pass for one, two, or three days, and it’s a great way to see a lot of the city without breaking the bank.
Tip 3: Take advantage of free activities. St. Petersburg has a number of free activities to offer, including walking tours, bike rentals, and kayaking. These are a great way to experience the city without spending any money.
Tip 4: Get around on the Looper Trolley. The Looper Trolley is a free trolley that runs throughout downtown St. Petersburg. It’s a great way to get around the city and see some of the most popular attractions.
Tip 5: Allow plenty of time to relax. St. Petersburg is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. Be sure to take some time to enjoy the beaches, parks, and other outdoor spaces.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your time in St. Petersburg and experience all that this vibrant city has to offer.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits: St. Petersburg is a great place to visit for a variety of reasons. The city has something to offer everyone, from beautiful beaches and world-class museums to a vibrant arts and culture scene and a diverse range of dining and shopping options. By following these tips, you can make the most of your time in St. Petersburg and experience all that this vibrant city has to offer.
Transition to the article’s conclusion: To learn more about what to see and do in St. Petersburg, please see our other articles on the city.
Conclusion
St. Petersburg is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and culture. With its stunning beaches, world-class museums, and thriving arts scene, St. Petersburg has something to offer everyone. This guide has provided an overview of some of the top things to see and do in the city, but there is much more to explore.
Whether you are interested in history, art, nature, or nightlife, St. Petersburg has something for you. So come and experience all that this beautiful city has to offer.
