Known for its breathtaking beaches and reputable galleries, St. Petersburg, Florida, is a perfect destination for those who love art, nature and outdoor adventures.
St. Petersburg is Florida’s fourth-largest city and is located on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. Its year-round warm climate attracts many vacationers. Affectionately known as St. Pete, the city is filled with natural attractions, art and fun things to do. Explore the outdoors and get active, or browse the many museums and galleries.
The weather in this subtropical city is nothing like that of its colder namesake in Russia. On average, Florida’s Sunshine City has blue skies 361 days of the year. Beach Drive’s row of cafés and the 150 or so city parks are great spots to relax and enjoy the weather while people-watching. If you prefer to get active, check out the free outdoor exercise stations that some of the parks offer.
St. Pete’s beautiful beaches are complemented by the city’s top-class amenities and restaurants. Hop on the motorized trolley called the Looper, which stops at most major attractions and is very cheap.
See famous French impressionist paintings in the Museum of Fine Arts or surrealistic Spanish art at the Dalí Museum. The Chihuly Collection has an impressive range of glass, and you can see the art of glass-blowing in the Glass Studio & Hot Shop. Both are part of the Morean Arts Center.
Kids will love the Great Explorations Children’s Museum where exhibits include the Critters Cave, a place to observe reptiles while they sleep, eat and play.
For some outdoor fun, rent Segways, surrey bikes or a row boat to explore the shores. See if you can spot pelicans, dolphins and even manatees. Find colorful flamingoes and butterflies at the legendary Sunken Gardens.
Rent a car for excursions to the wider Tampa Bay area. Fort DeSoto and Weedon Island Preserve house some of Florida’s finest wildlife and beaches and are great places for beach walks, fishing or canoeing.
St. Petersburg offers everything under the sun; beach lovers, art buffs and wildlife enthusiasts can easily spend weeks here enjoying everything the city and region has to offer.