My 9 Things: What I packed to travel with my pet. Best known for its breathtakingly beautiful palaces and churches, grand squares and rich history, St Petersburg also has plenty of unusual and offbeat places to discover. A travel guide to downtown St. Petersburg, Florida as well as the beaches and surrounding areas of Fort De Soto Park, Saint Pete Beach and Pass-a-Grille. The oldest museum in Russia is home to a fascinating collection of nearly two million anthropological artifacts and anatomical curiosities. 4.8 (15 reviews) 91. It is now an important nesting site for sea turtles, tortoises and hundreds of thousands of sea birds. Simply download the app and follow clues and directions to locations around the city. Younger kids are sure to love this! If youre feeling up for it afterward, you can ask about the improv comedy classes that the club offers to build up your own comedy chops! Hosted in the streets of Baum Avenue behind Intermezzo, the monthly Mezzo Market is one of St. Pete's best places to find handmade goods, vintage clothing, local art and so much more. We hope your future travels take you to this Floridian slice of paradise. This makes it particularly great for snowbirds and other winter getaways. For the keen fisherman, the park has seven boat ramps giving access to the bay water as well as shoreline fishing areas for those who prefer it. This centrally located park is a great place to visit and soak up the atmosphere. The park has plenty of shaded walkways so its the ideal place to go for a refreshing stroll in the cool ocean breeze. To search for the best hotels in St. Petersburg, click here. The park is home to many species of birds, including egrets, ibis, herons, and a few reptiles too, such as native turtles and alligators. Make the most of your time in St. Petersburg, Florida and explore the city on a fun and lively segway tour. For unique high-end clothing, check out Jackie Z Style Co. in the Sundial Mall. The park has some nature trails to explore as well as a playground for the kids and even a boat ramp. But what to do first? Why not take an aerial tour of the bay to and get see the bridge from above? This botanical garden has been around for 100 years and is home to hundreds of unique plant species. #1 in St. Petersburg, FL Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S Beaches, Free, Parks and Gardens, Sports, Hiking, Recreation TYPE 2 hours to Half Day TIME TO SPEND Spanning five small islands, the. And with award-winning beaches, world . Today at 7:00 PM. With stores selling everything from clothing, apparel and jewelry to sweets, collectibles and Cuban cigars, theres a lot to see here. Whatever your preferred way to explore outdoors, be it jogging, walking, cycling or skating you are bound to enjoy the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail. Perfect if your pup enjoys splashing around. St. Petersburg Florida has some rainy days in December. Crescent Lake Park is a scenic park on North 5th St. St Petersburg Jazz Celebration. It is a good centrally located place to pick up beers and wines to go. 3. Located in the Grand Central District of St. Pete, this unique spot offers a hybrid between a private dog park and a full liquor, beer, and wine bar. St. Petersburg is the place to be for glass art. Docent-led tours are available for full museum tours, and visitors can request tours that focus on the areas that interest them most. A local favorite, Bodega on Central is a hole in the wall known for its Cuban sandwiches and freshly squeezed fruit juices. The Preserve is a great place for wildlife spotting and is a nesting site for sea turtles. For thousands of years, the park was home to indigenous American people who fished and lived on these shores. This Central Avenue restaurant is family and dog friendly and has a laid-back and relaxed ambiance. Chihuly is known for his abstract and colorful glass constructions and has pioneered the production methods of elaborate glass artworks during his career. Accessibility:Fort De Soto Park offers a 2,200 ft Barrier-Free Nature Trail, which includes access to rest areas and water fountains. Among the 2,400+ works, you'll find everything from oil paintings to sculptures, manuscripts, and even some book illustrations. It is also an ideal place to see plants and colorful butterflies in their natural habitats. With two large swim centers, picnic areas and campgrounds, as well as the Quartermaster Museum, youll definitely fall in love with Fort De Soto Park. St. Pete is known for its award-winning beaches. Mazzaros started out as a coffee roasting business nearly 30 years ago and soon became the locals go-to place for anything Italian stopping by here is one of the essential things to do in St. Petersburg and you wont leave empty-handed for sure. You will also find more traditional works such as paintings, sculptures and prints. What once was an ancient lake became the perfect place to grow beautiful tropical plants. If you're looking for family fun in St. Petersburg, the Sunken Gardens are a great place to bring the kids. Constructed in the late-1980s to cross Tampa Bay, after the old bridge was badly damaged and collapsed, the current Sunshine Skyway Bridge spans from St. Petersburg South to the north of Terra Ceia. Pure and soft white sands, turquoise water and a relaxed and laid-back vibe, what more could you need? Sunken Gardens Sunken Gardens, a 100-year-old garden, is St. Petersburg's oldest roadside attraction. Make sure to try some of the best restaurants and their unique and modern take on the traditional cuisine highlighting local ingredients including, of course, the best fresh seafood. A tropical paradise in the middle of the city, The Sunken Gardens has been wowing visitors to the area for 100 years. Florida Holocaust Museum. If you would like to make the most of your time in St. Petersburg and explore the very best of the citys natural landscape, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a great place to start. The museum is located in a lovely setting in St. Petersburg's waterfront downtown area. Palace where the nearly un-killable Rasputin was murdered. It contains some of the best established tropical plants in the region and its collection includes 50,000 specimens including plants, flowers and grasses. Now known as The Duke Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater hosts, on any given week, orchestral concerts, Broadway musicals and plays, stand-up comedy shows and touring live bands. alisafarov / Shutterstock. Historic Kenwood is a charming neighborhood with bungalows built in the 1920s when real estate in Florida first flourished. The Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center allows visitors to do just that, you can even kiss one if you really want to?! The gorgeous Gulf Coast city of St. Petersburg, FL, makes for the perfect destination for couples looking to spice up their relationship. Well nows your chance! The new recreation center of the city, St. Pete Pier has a lot to discover, from shopping, dining and entertainment to sports and parks youll find it all here. Visitors can check out the preserves education center and even borrow a backpack full of useful trail maps and field guides. St. Petersburg Kid-Friendly Activities Things to Do with Kids in St. Petersburg, FL Kid-Friendly Date Ideas Filter by Distance: 5 ml 10 ml 25 ml 50 ml 100 ml Refine Your Search RESET ( 486 results) Categories All (486) Outdoor Places (123) Water Activities (100) Amusement (55) Entertainment & Shows (49) Sports & Fitness (49) Tours (36) You'll be able to explore the beaches, mangroves, wetlands, and native plants. If you toured the bays and beaches of the region and want to see its most spectacular sea creatures up close, St. Pete has some excellent aquariums to visit. The first custom-designed building to showcase the works of Dale Chihuly is a wonderland of glass and light. Check. Check out the many things to do inside, from eating your heart out at the food hall to enjoying the soirees that take place here. If youre looking for fun and educational things to do with kids in St. Petersburg, stimulate their curiosity at the Great Explorations Childrens Museum. Check availability now! An intrinsic part of the St. Pete art community, the Gallery is located in the center of the citys Warehouse Art District. More than just a baseball collection though, the museum uses these autographed trophies to tell key moments in the countrys history and tell the story of modern American achievements. While Annata's menu offers a nice mix of Italian and international dishes made with local ingredients. The food court is another popular place to eat in St. Petersburg. Welcoming guest with rows of palm trees, large pools, and beautiful and clean rooms is the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park. How empresses used "metamorphosis" to show their male courtiers whos the boss. Take on all the water parks in Kissimmee, from Island H20 Live to Aquatica Orlando, and then wander back in time through Old Town Kissimmee for night fun! The underwater springs found in Devil's Den average a temperature of 22 (72) all year round, making it the perfect place to snorkel and swim. I absolutely love this house. Take an Afternoon Walk at Crescent Lake Park. Leaf through over 30,000 artists' sketchbooks in what may be the world's largest collection of doodles. Looking for a fun way to explore the city? Ready to start planning your St. Petersburg, Florida vacation? Take a look around this fascinating museum during your time in the city. The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art is enough to make even the most skeptical of souls feel patriotic. This is known as the 'pink hotel' since it's entirely pink on the outside and is ideally located in St Pete Beach. We've gone to the Hurricane for years! Whether you're a local, new in town, or just passing through, you'll be sure to find something on Eventbrite that piques your interest. St Petes Beach is a great place for families to relax with the calm gentle gulf waters which are perfect for bathing, and action is just a step away. A 250-year-old timepiece-automaton adorned with golden mechanical birds, which still sing to this day. This independent gallery, clothing boutique and record store is one of the most fun places to visit in the city to pick up those pre-loved gems from a bygone era. Downtown Florida Live Traffic and Accident Reports . Paradise! Green Bench Brewing Company These are all perfect ways to enjoy an afternoon at Fort De Soto Beach. Dark, eerie exhibits make for a surreal exploration of the subconscious. The rich and fertile soil of the lake bed made the perfect environment for The Sunken Gardens botanical collection. This area is well-traveled by pelicans, herons, osprey, manatees, rays and even dolphins! Pick up some history on the areas most famous residents, including the Native American princess Pocahontas, and see historic sites, including the departure point of the worlds first commercial flight, the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat. St Petersburg, FL. The whole park is filled with towering banyan trees. Another of the citys fantastic waterfront green spaces, Demens Landing Park occupies the space which was formerly the citys first railway pier. Swim with Manatees Why not 5,000 you ask? See rescued native sea creatures at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, including dolphins, sharks, sea turtles and pelicans. Perfect for a morning or afternoon away from the beach. 7. Take to the skies in an air-conditioned chopper and see the sites in a truly unique way. 2050 62nd Ave N. Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails. Simply choose your departure point, whether from St. Petersburg, Tampa or nearby Clearwater and then enjoy the cruise. Look for metered parking garages if you're planning to park for more than a couple hours. Change Your Town Be a . The trail starts in St. Petersburg and runs all the way to Tarpon Springs, covering a distance of 50 miles. It is named after its creator, Peter Demens. It may not sound like much, but a visit to the Sunken Gardens is one of the best things to do in St Petersburg, FL. This tropical wonderland was created as a hobby garden by a local plumber in the early 1900s on a six-acre piece of land that formerly held a lake. A luxuriant botanical garden below sea level. Egmont Key will be one of the most interesting things to do for nature and history lovers in St. Petersburg. There are so many options you are really spoiled for choice. What are you waiting for? All the islands are connected by causeways or bridges. Visitors get the unique opportunity to see alligators up close and pet and hold them under careful supervision. This seaside restaurant chooses products from local farms and breweries to stock its menu. Scratch below St Petersburg's regal With over 120 vendors on site selling everything from fresh vegetables, meats and cheeses, teas and coffees and even artisan vegan popsicles, you know youll find something here youre gonna love. Historically known as a meeting space since the mid-20s, the casino has been renovated to reflect modern times while maintaining its community and history intact. This popular county park spans five islands and covers over 1,000 acres along the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. This is a must-see for art lovers but the pieces on display have a diverse appeal that will be fascinating and beautiful to most people. Visitors can check out the historic Fort Dade and its large coastal gun battery, Battery McIntosh and the remains of Battery Burchsted, which now floats just off the island. You can even book a banana boat ride or go dolphin-watching. Parking: Daily parking fees of $5, though there are also annual parking passes available. An ever-growing literary collection housed in the apartment where the Russian author penned his final novel. Fort DeSoto Park is a state park made up of five offshore keys - Madelaine Key, St. Jean Key, St. Christopher Key, Bonne Fortune Key, and Mullet Key. You can go to Crescent Lake Park for an afternoon walk. Comedy at Kozuba's is hosted at "Kozuba and Sons Distillery". If you want to see the other remaining mortars, you'll have to travel to the Philippines! The Pinellas Trail has some super-scenic stops to visit along the way including Honeymoon Island near Dunedin and Wall Springs Park in Palm Harbor. Here you can explore the diverse wetland and upland ecosystems that make up important habitats for local plants and wildlife. 2) Visit the Sunken Gardens. The Ale & The Witch 231 Bars Music Venues $$Downtown St. Petersburg "Before the Ale & The Witch became so popular, it attracted an extremely laid back crowd, some of." more Outdoor seating 2. The list below includes 228 free or cheap things to do in or near St. Petersburg, Florida, including 84 different types of inexpensive activities like Parks, Art Museum, History Museums and Music Venue. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. For those that like the more sedate life, take a safari ride and view some of the parks 200 species of animals, including rhinos, elephants and gorillas. When soaring high above the barrier islands, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and other wildlife in the waters below. Youll have to work together to make sure you crack all the puzzles in time and escape the room. You can stroll along the pier, eat at the marketplace, shop, have the kids play on the colorful and magical playground or even get wet at their splash pad. Join one of the free wine tasting sessions every Friday and Saturday lunchtime and get top recommendations from the staff. You'll find everything from duck prosciutto and shrimp chorizo to truffle ham and sriracha lomo. While not technically a day trip activity, if you aren't staying at the Don CeSar then you at least need to go take a look at it! Most fun & popular experiences in St. Petersburg Theme parks See all 4 activities Wildlife & nature See all 25 activities Water activities See all 31 activities Food, drink & nightlife See all 6 activities Private & custom tours See all 17 activities What to do in St. Petersburg For free Free Things to Do in St. Petersburg 101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705. St.Petersburg is home to a very unique and cool fishing spot in the shadow of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge which spans Tampa Bay. The S. Saint Petersburg Pier to Egmont Key Cruise is a 60-minute ferry ride to the stunning Egmont Key. First Day of Spring. There are so many different tours to try that there is bound to be something to suit your tastes. 7) Go on a Craft Beer Tour. Trending travel. featuring lengthy trails throughout, its an ideal place to walk or cycle and if youre looking for somewhere to take your morning run, this place cant be beaten. Yeehaw! This place may be so laid-back that flip-flops are the default footwear here, but St. Pete/Clearwater sure has a lot going on. St. Petersburg has some fantastic venues which are hosted Christmas events & parties last year, find them below: 4265 13th Ave N. Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater. And while Battery Bigelow was swallowed up by the Gulf of Mexico in 1932, you can still spot the ruins in the surf just a little southwest of Battery Laidley. 3) Sunset Cruises. Sawgrass Lake Park surely has something for everyone. Check out a Tampa Bay Rays game or see the website to find out whats happening at The Trop during your time in St. Petersburg. Sunken Gardens Escape into a tranquil forest surrounded by lush exotic plants, towering palms, and friendly flamingos. Afterward, hit up one of the cafes or restaurants to grab a bite to eat and an invigorating coffee or cold beer. St Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 896-4527 Housing the works of the famous Dale Chihuly, the Chihuly Collection will top your list for things to see in St Petersburg. Battery Laidley offers a glimpse at thefinal remaining 12-inch M 1890-MI mortars in North America. Head to 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House if you want to enjoy your surf and turf in a serene atmosphere. Busch Gardens has jaw-dropping ice skating extravaganzas, storytime shows for kids, and live music by No.1 tribute bands. This colorful and abstract world will draw you into its narrative, divulging small chunks of information piece by piece until you are hooked. The Amazing Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston, SC, Coligny Beach Park: What You Need To Know About Hilton Head's Top Beach, 2023 RBC Heritage Hilton Head Golf Tournament: What You Need To Know, 23 Tybee Island Restaurants To Try On Your Beach Vacation, The 17 Best South Carolina Beach Towns to Check Out, 22 Amazing East Coast Beach Camping Destinations, 17 Best Things To Do In Beautiful Beaufort, SC. It's a very small center but The Discovery Center tells you the story of Tampa Bay's vast and complex estuary its history and recovery, and our organization's pivotal role in that effort. Whats better still is that you can drive your car right up to your favorite fishing spot, pretty neat! Experience The Sunken Gardens. 2023 Atlas Obscura. You'll find plenty of wonderful restaurants and attractions nearby. Visitors can explore its landscaped miniature waterfalls and flowing ponds and see the gardens flock of pink Florida flamingos. Steeln' Peaches: An Allman Brothers Band Tribute at the Floridian is hosted at "Floridian Social Club". Explore the best attractions, sightseeing spots, fun activities, and other handpicked places to visit in St Petersburg on this weekend. Step back over 100 years just a few minutes from Downtown St. Petersburg. The beach is famed for its perfect white sand, fun water activities, and spring break vibes. Hit all the best sites, including the Victorian-style homes of the Old Northeast, the Tampa Bay area, and the St. Petersburg Museum of History. I love sitting on the sofas on the beach around a fire pit table, kicking back as I watch the sunset. Know that most of the things to do are free or cheap. Its a very unique attraction and you wont find anything like this elsewhere in the state of Florida. Sundial Mall Shopping. You can catch a wide selection of fish here. Busch Gardens hardly needs any introduction. The huge 3,000-acre Weedon Island Preserve is a must-visit for nature lovers in St. Petersburg. Based in a former fish and tomato packing facility, its 7,800 square foot of exhibition space displays work by some of the leading internationally known glass artists. If that doesnt tickle your fancy, you can choose from 25+ nausea-inducing roller coasters that will spin you every which way around. The museum displays both permanent and temporary exhibitions and visitors can opt to join a tour of the gallery to gain a deeper insight into the artworks on display. Great Explorations puts on regular workshops with a focus on environmental topics as well as readings and discussions with authors. You'll pass the Fort as you head towards the North Beach area, so save a little time for a quick look as you head towards the beach. Cruise the beaches and waterways of the Gulf Coast on these thrilling and fun adventure rides. Looking for a peaceful place to camp? Then, head to St. Pete Pier for the best green space near the sea! St. Petersburg Area - Pop Up Picnic Park Date for Couples! One of the country's largest Holocaust museums is in St Petersburg. Its hard to believe that the lush 2-acre tropical gardens of Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum were a mini-golf course not so long ago. 1 pm - 4 pm: kick back on Fort De Soto's North Beach, 4 pm - 5 pm: take a stroll along the nature trail, 9 am - 10 am: stroll along the shore and take a look at Don CeSar, 10 am - 12 pm: rent a stand-up paddle-board to get out on the water, 1 pm - 4 pm: lounging with a book on the beach, 4 pm onwards: relaxing at Salty's for snacks, drinks and a sunset view, 10 am - 12 pm: shelling along the beach, beginning (or ending) at Don CeSar, 1 pm - 5 pm: kick back on the beach with your favorite book, 5 pm onwards: grab a cocktail and grouper sandwich on the Hurricane's rooftop bar, 12 pm - 12:30 pm: drive from a morning at Fort De Soto, St. Pete Beach, or Pass-a-Grille, 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm: picnic lunch along the waterfront, 4:30 pm - 5 pm: walk along the waterfront & through Straub Park (towards Annata), 5 pm onwards: wine & charcuterie at Annata (and grab a pic of the nearby St. Pete street mural while you're there). The trail runs through a number of towns on the way including South Pasadena, Palm Harbor and Clearwater. Many of the creatures here were in some way injured and cannot be returned to the wild but are well looked after in purpose-built habitats. You'll find St. Petersburg between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, on the Pinellas peninsula. One of the most fun things to do in St. Petersburg, for those who like thrills, puzzles and games in equal measure, is to try an escape room challenge! As one of the last original roadside attractions in the US., Sunken Gardens continues to impress guests time and time again. Children can attend, but it is held at the discretion of parents. Create the perfect picnic to enjoy at Bok Tower Gardens in Orlando, or learn more about some of the local marine life in Crystal River. If you love to shop for vintage, retro and kitsch items, youre gonna love ARTpool. Mazzaros cellars include the largest selection of Italian wines in Florida. The shows are typically held Friday-Saturday nights, with some shows taking place on Thursdays and Sundays as well, making it the perfect activity to do in St. Petersburg! In a perfect position looking out over Tampa Bay, Vinoy Park is one of the citys most visited attractions. The plan is for Hollywood legend, Tom Hanks, to sign the 5,000th baseball when pandemic measures allow it. Use these short half-day and full-day itineraries to mix and match your way to your best beach vacationyet! Good eats? It houses both permanent and temporary exhibitions and is a vital resource for learning about the horrors of the holocaust and the levels of persecution European Jewish people faced. The Dali Museum is a collection of thousands of items related to the great artists career. Listen to the live entertainment, participate in interactive and race car-themed games, and so much more! Rent includes pool care and mowing . Florida; I-st; By Anonymous; 24; 41 minutes ago; Read More. This former factory has been transformed into a technicolor wonderland, where dozens of local artists have collaborated to create a real choose-your-own-adventure experience. Enjoy views of the turquoise waters, and nature around. If you need a little break from all the sun and surf, try spending an afternoon at The Dali. Bottom line: Wine? Lining up plans in St. Petersburg? Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! For a starter, try Oyster Rockefeller partnered with BBQ Margarita. Plant Museum in Tampa, and afterward devour the goodies inside Ybor City for a taste of Tampa. Located on the bayfront between St. Petes Pier and 5th ave NE, the park has plenty of shady trees to lounge under, including some big old banyan trees with an unusual-looking aerial root system. Ever wanted to get up close to an alligator? Take in the sea views and that fresh sea air as you check out some of the piers artworks, including the Morning Stars Mosaic, the water-inspired sculpture Olnetopia and the stunning net sculpture Bending Arc. It's also a great place to visit if you're traveling with a furry companion. The newly opened Imagine Museum is one of the first institutions dedicated solely to contemporary glass art in the US. Visitors can hike over six miles of trails that stretch between both coasts and past the historic fort. March 17. Join a helicopter or light aircraft tour for a unique tour youll never forget. If you're looking for a water adventure that packs a little more adrenaline, look no further than St. Pete Beach. We had a lovely morning here seeing the exotic plants, trees and even flamingos! This is especially great for young campers who can learn all about the fascinating web of nature and how it functions inside the preserve. Part of the reason people return to St. Petersburg year after year is for the abundance of unspoiled natural environments it offers, Shell Key Preserve is one such place. It has a rotating program of temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection and hosts a monthly series of lectures, talks and even cinema screenings. Sun . One of the best things to do in St. Pete FL is to take a walking mural tour. Snack on some appetizers as you enjoy the end to a perfect day at the beach. 800 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Credit: St. Pete Pier Facebook Page 3. There are plenty of great restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg, but the best restaurant (in my opinion) is Annata. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. The mile of the North Bay Trail along Coffee Pot Boulevard has waterfront views on the east and the handsome homes of the tree-shaded Historic Old Northeast on the west. An amazing ride on gorgeous, well-trained (rescued) Gypsy Vanner horses!! Some know it as The Sunshine City, others know it as St. Pete, but no matter what you call it, you're sure to have a fantastic beach getaway when you vacation in this U.S. destination. 400 S Federal Hwy Downtown, FL DOT Road Conditions and Accidents . It is now considered the worlds longest fishing pier and gives fishermen unrestricted access to the deeper bay waters.