St. Petersburg, Florida - Things to see and do

Things to see and do in St. Petersburg, Florida

Visited June 2017

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St. Petersburg, Florida: Sunshine, Art, and Waterfront Energy

St. Petersburg—known affectionately as St. Pete—is one of Florida’s most dynamic cities. Located on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it offers the best of both worlds: vibrant urban culture and laid-back coastal living. This isn’t your typical beach town or just another Florida retirement community. St. Pete has transformed into a hub for artists, entrepreneurs, foodies, and outdoor lovers, all while staying true to its roots.

We visit St Petersburg often. The pier and downtown have lots of things to do. St Pete Beach is often ranked as one of the best in the world.

One thing St. Pete never lacks is sunshine. It holds the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine—768, to be exact. That near-endless good weather means the city thrives outdoors. From waterfront parks and open-air festivals to sidewalk cafes and mural-lined streets, everything here leans into the light.

Downtown St. Pete has seen a major revival over the past decade. Once sleepy, it’s now a hotspot for culture and nightlife. Central Avenue runs through the heart of it all, packed with coffee shops, breweries, record stores, and independent restaurants. The city is also known for its craft beer scene, with dozens of breweries within walking or biking distance. It's casual, creative, and always buzzing.

Art is everywhere in St. Pete, not just in galleries but on the walls of buildings, under bridges, and even on sidewalks. The SHINE Mural Festival, held annually, brings international artists to the city to create massive, colorful murals that give the city its distinctive look. And then there’s the Dalí Museum, home to one of the largest Salvador Dalí collections in the world. The museum itself is a work of art—its glass bubble design looks like something out of a surreal dream.

St. Pete also has serious cultural depth. You’ll find the Museum of Fine Arts, the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, and the Imagine Museum, which focuses on contemporary glass. And if you're more into live music, the city has venues ranging from jazz lounges to punk bars and everything in between.

But don’t think St. Pete has forgotten its coastal side. St. Pete Beach, just across the causeway, is one of the best in Florida—wide, clean, and perfect for sunsets. Closer to downtown, the St. Pete Pier offers fishing, waterfront dining, splash pads, and unbeatable views of the bay. Boating, paddleboarding, and dolphin tours are everyday activities here, not just vacation highlights.

One of the city's biggest strengths is its balance. It appeals to retirees and young professionals, families and creatives, locals and transplants. There’s a strong sense of community, a growing tech and startup scene, and a commitment to keeping things local and sustainable.

In short, St. Petersburg is one of the most livable and lovable cities in Florida. It’s sunny, artistic, walkable, and just weird enough to keep things interesting. Whether you're here to visit or thinking about staying longer, St. Pete doesn’t just welcome you—it draws you in and makes you part of the vibe.

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For more information on wineries, distilleries, and craft breweries in the area visit https://flbwd.com