Sun, sand and a vibrant cultural scene await in St. Pete, Florida. Whether you’re drawn to its beautiful beaches, lively arts scene or outdoor parks, there’s something here for every traveler. From family-friendly attractions to unique dining and nightlife, St. Pete invites visitors to explore at their own pace and create unforgettable memories.
Arts and Culture
St. Pete is a popular hub of arts and culture, offering museums, parks, festivals and endless displays of creativity. If you’re curious about the past or inspired by creative expression, St. Pete will leave you seeing Florida in a new light.
Impress friends back home with stories from the St. Petersburg Museum of History, where exhibits showcase artifacts, the world’s first airliner and striking images of past residents and leaders. Other museums that illuminate the city’s past include the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum and the Florida Holocaust Museum.
For a deeper dive into creativity, step inside the Salvador Dalí Museum. Past the glass dome and melting clocks, you’ll find one-of-a-kind works that spark curiosity and conversation. Families traveling with children will also enjoy Great Explorations Children’s Museum or a day at the must-see Fort De Soto Park.
Art in St. Pete stretches far beyond museum walls. Colorful murals bring streets to life, with the Shine Mural Festival showcasing some of the most unforgettable pieces. From museums and festivals to public art and community spaces, St. Pete’s culture is woven into every corner of the city.
Beaches and Water Activities
Beautiful beaches are a must on any Florida vacation, and St. Pete is home to some of the best-ranked in the country. Visitors have endless ways to enjoy them. Relax on the sparkling shore at Clearwater Beach, or head to Madeira Beach to board a dolphin-watching tour or take jet skis out for a spin.
For untouched natural beauty, explore Caladesi Island State Park, accessible only by boat, but worth the trip for its pristine views. Honeymoon Island State Park, another Florida favorite, is scattered with seashells and offers biking, picnicking, and — true to its name — romantic wedding settings.
Back on the mainland, St. Pete Pier provides a scenic way to take in sweeping ocean views, while Pier 60 in nearby Clearwater invites visitors to fish, birdwatch or spot marine life. St. Pete’s sandy shores and its surroundings truly offer something for everyone.
Budget-Friendly and Free Activities
Vacations are meant for enjoying, not stressing about expenses. Luckily, St. Pete offers plenty of inexpensive and free ways to explore the city. Public events are a great place to start, giving visitors a true taste of local culture. One standout is Localtopia, a free festival celebrating independent businesses and community organizations. Streets fill with vendor tents, food trucks serving up delicious flavors and live music around every corner.
Heading downtown? Free two-hour street parking makes it easy to pop in for shopping or a quick meal. Planning to stay longer? Try Free Beach Ride, a shuttle service that picks up visitors with just a call.
Beyond the beach, St. Pete’s attractions, museums, shops and restaurants become even more affordable with the FREE Funshine Savings Passport, which unlocks more than 50 discounts and deals. Families will also find playgrounds and splash pads scattered throughout the area for more free outdoor fun.
For a relaxing day downtown, stroll through Williams Park and catch a performance at its open-air stage. Or look to the skies: on Wednesday and Friday evenings, SPC Planetarium offers free, no-reservation-required shows that recreate the night sky.
Dining and Nightlife
The fun doesn’t end when the sun sinks into the waves. Kick off the evening with karaoke or sip a boozy slushie at Coconut Charlie’s Bar and Grill. Strolling down Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete opens the door to even more nightlife — from live music and dive bars to wine tours and trendy spots.
Food lovers will find no shortage of options. St. Pete’s dining scene thrives with fresh seafood restaurants, an impressive oyster selection and plenty of outdoor seating perfect for soaking in the ocean breeze. For a more relaxed night, take a walk along the beach or wander St. Pete Pier for a fresh perspective of the city.
Events and Festivals
There’s never a dull moment in St. Pete, thanks to year-round events for every age and interest. Winter kicks off with the Lighted Holiday Boat Parade, filling the marina with glowing festival colors. In spring, the Reggae Rise Up Festival draws visitors from across the country to celebrate the genre with live music, food, crafts and art. Blues fans can look forward to the Tampa Bay Blues Festival, a multi-day event featuring a strong lineup of musicians.
St. Pete also hosts the Shine Mural Festival, where city walls transform into canvases for artists who create the city’s iconic, vibrant look. Summer brings Florida’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration, St. Pete Pride, held each June. From October through May, weekly farmers’ markets also offer fresh produce, homemade goods and local crafts.
Family-Friendly Attractions
With beaches, wildlife and plenty to explore, St. Pete offers a variety of family-friendly attractions for younger visitors. Kids can discover nature at spots like the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center on the pier. Beat the heat with indoor toddler story times or dive into marine adventures at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
For children five and under, theme-park preschool passes provide a fun and affordable way to make the most of a Florida visit. With these passes, participating locations such as SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Kennedy Space Center offer free admission for little ones.
Guided Tours and Curated Experiences
For those who enjoy planning ahead, St. Pete offers a wide variety of guided tours and curated experiences. Take to the high seas with jet boat rentals or catamaran cruises or paddle peacefully on kayaking tours and nature wildlife tours. History enthusiasts can join historical tours, exploring old neighborhoods, hidden gems and local haunts.
Visitors can also opt for self-guided or private sightseeing tours to avoid large groups and enjoy a more personalized experience. Spend your vacation your way, choosing experiences that suit your interests.
St. Pete is often called the “Sunset Capital of Florida.” Need proof? Book a sunset cruise and see for yourself why the city earned its nickname. From walking tours to water adventures, you’ll leave with new experiences, fun facts, photos and memories.
Outdoor Recreation and Parks
Beyond its beaches, St. Pete is home to many outdoor spaces perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. Coachman Park, which reopened in 2023, features 19 acres of green space, trails, splash pads, music venues and picnic areas. From climbing on playground equipment to spotting manatees in the bay, Coachman Park is a must-see stop during your visit.
McGough Nature Park offers a quieter escape from the city. Known as “the turtle park,” it features interactive displays, animal habitats, walking paths and a butterfly garden — providing a calm, engaging environment where visitors could easily spend the whole day.
Shopping and Local Markets
Whether you’re window shopping or hunting for the perfect souvenir, St. Pete offers local artists and independent businesses that are sure to impress. Boutique shops along Corey Avenue feature jewelry, art galleries and home décor. Take a break from browsing at one of the nearby restaurants or head to downtown St. Pete’s Pier District for more kiosks, vendors and unique gifts.
Travel Tips and Visitor Information
There’s no wrong way to explore St. Pete, Florida. Whether you’re on a family trip, a romantic getaway or traveling solo, every visitor is sure to find something for them. To make the most of your visit, consider the best time to travel. Spring, between March and May, is often recommended for its comfortable temperatures, while summers can be very hot — so be sure to check the St. Petersburg weather before your trip.
The time of year and weather also help determine what to pack. Layers are a smart choice so you can adjust as temperatures change, and packing cubes can help keep luggage organized.
For a more budget-friendly visit, consider traveling between June and November, when Florida is less crowded. Additional ways to save include using the Funshine Savings Passport and planning reliable transportation within St. Pete Beach. The free Downtown Looper bus provides easy access to major attractions, and a ferry between St. Pete and Tampa makes a great day trip.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in St. Pete, BLV is ready to help get you there.