BEST Things To Do in St. Petersburg, Florida in 2024!!

St. Petersburg sits on the West coast of Florida on the Pinellas peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It’s known for its laid back vibes, white-sand beaches and vibrant arts scene. My husband and I recently visited and today I’m going to share the best things to do in the area, where to stay, what to pack for your trip and more!

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HOW TO GET THERE

There are two major airports – St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Tampa International Airport (TPA). Both offer non-stop flights. On our trip we flew into TPA and spent a few days exploring Tampa Bay and then drove 25 minutes to St. Pete for the remainder of our stay.

WHERE TO STAY

We stayed at St. Pete Beach Suites. This hotel wasn’t anything fancy but it does have everything you would need and it is only a few steps away from the beach! One thing we loved was that they had wagons, beach chairs and umbrellas for guests to easily borrow. Another pro is that there is a pool and it is within walking distance to several restaurants, bars and shops.

Other options for accommodations:

WHAT TO DO

Grove Surf & Coffee

Grove Surf & Coffee can be found in the Corey Avenue Shopping District. Throughout our trip, we frequented this spot at least three times. I highly suggest trying the Salted Caramel Latte and Honey Cinnamon Latte. Additionally, they have a small shop with a variety of clothing and accessories from local vendors.

Don CeSar

The Don CeSar, also known as the “Pink Palace”, is a historic and luxury resort. It first opened in 1928 and over time the hotel has served as a sanitarium, a military hospital during WWll and a home for government offices. It eventually was abandoned, and just months before it was to be demolished it was purchased and restored.

There are rumors the hotel is haunted by the ghost of Thomas Rowe (the original owner.) We walked around the resort, explored the grounds, and checked out the beach. The property is charming and we would definitely consider staying here in the future.

Fairgrounds St. Pete

Fairgrounds St. Pete is a museum located in St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District encompassing over 15,000 sq. ft. of space! It is filled with immersive exhibits featuring works from local & global artists. If you are looking for something fun and adventurous, then fairgrounds St. Pete is the perfect destination.

Pier Teaki

Located in downtown St. Pete is Pier Teaki, which has a modern take on the classic tiki bar. We stopped here for a couple of drinks and a light dinner. We ordered the Dip Trio and signature smash burger- the food was amazing! The drinks were a little overpriced but the views were stunning and it was definitely one of the more memorable dining experiences on our trip.

The restaurant is located at the end of the pier, so It’s a bit of a walk from the parking lot but they also have a shuttle that is free and runs from each stop, approximately every 10 minutes.

Upham Beach

Upham Beach features a wide stretch of sandy shoreline situated along the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a great place to soak up the sun, go swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and enjoying the gentle waves of the Gulf.  Other beaches you may want to check out- Clearwater Beach, Madeira Beach, St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille Beach and Treasure Island.

Crabby Bill’s

If you are looking for a spot to grab lunch or dinner with a view of the beach (and reasonably priced drinks), head to Crabby Bill’s. I would recommend going upstairs to the rooftop bar and ordering the Bacardi Rum Runner cocktail with a Rum Floater. While we were savoring our meal we even spotted some dolphins off in the distance.

Buoy’s Bar and Grill

If you’re in search of a breakfast spot with a waterfront view, then look no further. This place offers both indoor and outdoor seating, along with games like cornhole and Jenga. While we were enjoying our breakfast there were numerous pelicans diving for fish which added to the experience. 

John’s Pass

Johns pass is a waterfront village located in Madeira Beach. It has a wide wide variety of shops and restaurants. Definitely a great place to shop for a souvenir and get a bite to eat! If you are looking to get out on the water they also have parasailing excursions and boat/jet ski rentals! 

The Salvador Dalí Museum

Immerse yourself in the artistic brilliance and unravel the mysteries of Salvador Dalí’s mind at The Salvador Dalí Museum. In addition to Dalí’s works, the museum features pieces by his peers, including Monet, Matisse, Gauguin and more. Don’t miss the chance to capture a photo at the interactive  Dalí Selfie spot! It can get busy, so it’s always a good idea to buy tickets online ahead of time.

El Agave Bar

If you’re craving a margarita or mezcalita, be sure to swing by the El Agave Bar! They have a wide selection of tequila and mezcal. Both of our drinks were fantastic and we loved the atmosphere and vibe here. 

82 Degrees

If you are looking for a great spot to grab dinner with sunset views then make sure you check out 82 degrees. (If you decide to stay at St. Pete Beach Suites, this restaurant is just down the street.)  It is located in the Saint Hotel. Here are a few items I would recommend- the French Onion Soup, St Pete Smash Burger and Black Grouper. This was another memorable dining experience on our trip and we would definitely visit again!

La Casa Del Pane

Take a step into Italy at La Casa Del Pane. They have excellent coffee and a large assortment of pastries! We ordered the Lobster Tail & Bomboloni With-Crema and they did not disappoint! They also sell an array of fresh foods, sandwiches, pizzas and Italian grocery items.

WHAT TO PACK

St. Pete generally has a humid subtropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year. We visited in early November and we thought the weather was absolutely perfect- average temps during the day were in the High 70’s / Low 80’s. Make sure if you are traveling outside of the summer months to bring a light jacket for the late evenings and early mornings.

WATCH THE 3 INCREDIBLE DAYS IN ST. PETE VIDEO FOR MORE TRAVEL TIPS!

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