St. Petersburg, Florida, isn’t just another beach town—it’s a cultural powerhouse with award-winning museums, pristine Gulf Coast beaches, and a downtown so vibrant you’ll want to move here.
Nicknamed “The Sunshine City” for its 361 days of annual sunshine, this artsy coastal gem serves up perfect weather with a side of unforgettable experiences.
Ready to discover why St. Pete (as locals call it) is Florida’s best-kept secret? Whether you’re a beach bum, art enthusiast, foodie, or nature lover, we’ve handpicked the 12 best things to do in St. Petersburg, Florida that’ll make your trip extraordinary.
From dolphin-spotting boat tours to mind-blowing street art, this city packs more punch than a Florida hurricane (minus the stormy weather, of course).
1. Soak Up the Sun at St. Pete Beach (No, Really – It’s Award-Winning)
Let’s start with the obvious—you can’t visit St. Petersburg without hitting its world-famous beaches. St. Pete Beach consistently ranks among the top beaches in the U.S., and for good reason.
Picture powdery white sand, gentle turquoise waves, and enough sunshine to make your Instagram followers jealous.
Prefer a quieter vibe? Head to Fort De Soto Park, where you’ll find five interconnected islands with nature trails, kayak rentals, and even a historic fort.
Pro tip: Arrive early to snag a parking spot during peak season. Whether you’re into beachcombing, paddleboarding, or just napping under an umbrella, this is hands-down one of the best things to do in St. Petersburg, Florida.
2. Get Cultured at the Dalí Museum (Yes, It’s as Trippy as It Sounds)
Even if you’re not an art buff, the Dalí Museum is a must-see in St. Pete. Home to the largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s works outside Spain, this waterfront museum is as much an architectural marvel as it is an artistic one.
The building itself looks like a melting glass bubble—fitting for the surrealist king.
Inside, you’ll find mind-bending paintings, holograms, and even a virtual reality experience that drops you into Dalí’s wild imagination.
Don’t miss the “Garden of Memories” outside, where a labyrinth and giant mustache sculptures await. Trust us—this place will make you see art (and reality) differently.
3. Stroll Through the Sunken Gardens (100+ Years of Tropical Magic)
Step into a century-old oasis at Sunken Gardens, St. Pete’s oldest living museum.
This 4-acre botanical paradise started as a hobby garden in 1903 and now boasts 50,000 tropical plants, cascading waterfalls, and flamingos (yes, real ones).
Wander through lush pathways, snap pics in the butterfly garden, and breathe in the sweet scent of blooming orchids.
It’s like Jurassic Park minus the dinosaurs—perfect for a peaceful escape from the city buzz.
4. Bike or Blade the Pinellas Trail (The Ultimate Scenic Ride)
Want to see St. Pete like a local? Hop on the Pinellas Trail, a 47-mile paved path that cuts through the heart of the city. Rent a bike, rollerblades, or scooters and cruise past murals, cafes, and waterfront parks.
The downtown St. Pete stretch is especially lively, with pit stops at open-air breweries (non-alcoholic options available) and quirky shops. Pro tip: Pack sunscreen—this trail offers little shade but plenty of sunshine.
5. Hunt for Street Art in the SHINE Mural Festival District
St. Pete’s art scene doesn’t stop at museums. The SHINE Mural Festival has turned the city into an open-air gallery, with 50+ massive murals splashed across downtown buildings.
Grab a self-guided map and play “spot the mural” while exploring. Our favorites? The giant mermaid on Central Avenue and the optical illusion walls near the pier. #InstaGold.
6. Meet Marine Life at The Florida Aquarium (Touch a Stingray!)
From playful river otters to gliding sharks, the Florida Aquarium brings the ocean to life.
The touch tanks let you feel stingrays and sea stars, while the Wild Dolphin Cruise (seasonal) takes you into Tampa Bay to spot frisky bottlenose dolphins.
Kid-friendly but just as fun for adults, this is one of the top things to do in St. Petersburg, Florida for animal lovers.
7. Explore the Historic Pier District (Newly Revamped & Totally Cool)
The St. Pete Pier isn’t your grandpa’s fishing dock—it’s a 26-acre waterfront playground with a splash pad, rooftop tiki bar (non-alcoholic options available), and an epic sunset view.
Rent a kayak, join a yoga class on the lawn, or just grab a cone from Ben & Jerry’s and watch the boats glide by.
8. Time Travel at the St. Petersburg Museum of History
Did you know St. Pete was once home to the world’s first commercial airline? The Museum of History spills all the city’s secrets, from ancient Tocobaga artifacts to a 3,000-year-old mummy.
The “Flight One Gallery” is a standout, showcasing the birth of commercial aviation. History nerds, rejoice!
9. Chow Down at the Saturday Morning Market (Farm Fresh Heaven)
Running from October to May, the Saturday Morning Market is a foodie’s dream. Think fresh-pressed juices, vegan empanadas, and Cuban sandwiches alongside live music and local crafts.
Arrive hungry—you’ll want to try everything.
10. Kayak Through Shell Key Preserve (Dolphins & Secluded Beaches)
Paddle through crystal-clear waters to Shell Key, an uninhabited island where dolphins often swim alongside your kayak. Pack a picnic and hunt for rare shells on the shore.
Tour companies like Get Up and Go Kayaking offer guided trips, including clear-bottom kayaks for prime wildlife viewing.
11. Catch a Sunset at North Shore Park (Pure Magic)
For the best sunset in St. Pete, head to North Shore Park. The white-sand beach, swaying palms, and panoramic Gulf views make it a postcard-perfect spot.
Bring a blanket, some snacks, and watch the sky turn cotton-candy pink.
12. Shop Local at the Indie-Favorite Edge District
Skip the chains and support St. Pete’s indie shops in the Edge District. From vinyl records at Daddy Kool to handmade jewelry at Blueberry Patch, this area oozes hipster charm.
Final Thoughts
With art, nature, history, and unbeatable beaches, St. Petersburg, Florida, is a treasure trove of experiences. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, these 12 best things to do in St. Petersburg, Florida guarantee an unforgettable trip.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your shades, book that flight, and get ready to fall in love with The Sunshine City!