Elphaba's Enchanted Escape

• Meander through a garden: Historic Sunken Gardens feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. Wander past towering palms, koi ponds and cascading waterfalls.
• Step into another mind at The Dalí Museum: Elphaba might find a kindred spirit in Salvador Dalí – both visionaries, both often misunderstood. His dreamlike paintings invite introspection and escape.
• Visit a healing place: Elphaba's tender heart beats for wild creatures, such as the animals and birds rescued and rehabilitated at Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Seaside Seabird Sanctuary.
• Write and reflect under ancient trees: A shady bench, a journal to scribble your thoughts in, and a gentle breeze are all you need for a few peaceful hours. Visit lovely green spaces such as Philippe Park or Boca Ciega Millennium Park.
• Lose yourself in a good book: Literally need a break? At Tombolo Books in St. Pete, you’ll find shelves full of thoughtful titles and cozy corners for lingering. Or sip a glass of wine and read in peace at Book + Bottle: part bookstore, part wine bar, all quiet magic.

• Start with a slow sip at Black Crow Coffee: Tucked into the Historic Old Northeast neighborhood of St. Pete, this spot feels more like a hidden reading nook than a café. Mismatched vintage furniture, local art and even a corner piano make it the kind of place Elphaba would linger in. St. Pete's Bad Mother Coffee is another good choice.
• Savor a plant-based lunch: You'll appreciate the nourishing vibes at Love Food Central, a vegan café in St. Pete known for its tasty menu and friendly vibe.
• Weekends are for a bookish brunch: If your timing is right, head to The Library in St. Pete. Relax in a plush chair surrounded by bookshelves filled with antique tomes, and order something a little decadent.
• Savor a quiet dinner: Make a reservation at tiny Calida Kitchen & Wine, an eclectic, European-inspired spot that flies a little under the radar. Prefer a darker, moodier ambiance? Elphaba might be drawn to Fortu, a Michelin-recommended restaurant that blends bold design with Asian fusion flavors. Or dine at Good Intentions, with a sophisticated vegan menu and creative cocktails.

• See a stunning sunset: When the day ends, find a quiet patch of sand and let the sky do the talking.
• Go on a nighttime "glow tour" adventure: A night paddle through mangroves feels more than a little witchy. Book with top-rated Get Up & Go Kayaking.
• Take a starlit stroll in the woods: With just a few new friends, meander the pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks of Boyd Hill Preserve on a guided night hike.
• Visit a Tokyo-style listening bar: Elphaba would love In Between Days, a super-intimate restaurant, sake bar and listening space with an impressive vinyl collection, plus vintage turntable and speakers. It's the perfect spot for a light meal or after-dinner drink.

• Camp under the stars: A camping spot on Shell Key or Anclote Key (both reachable by boat) offers a rare kind of silence. If you're seeking more amenities, Fort De Soto Park offers creature comforts like shady campsites, restrooms and a camp store.
• Stay where stories linger in the walls: The Fenway Hotel in Dunedin, once a jazz-age icon, whispers of decades past with quiet elegance. Or try the 1888 Hotel in St. Petersburg, a charming spot within easy reach of everything this vibrant city offers.
• Choose an intimate inn: Expect personal attention at The Birchwood in downtown St. Pete, which has just a handful of richly appointed rooms.
• Live the low-key beach life: In Pass-a-Grille Beach, consider a getaway at the Coconut Inn, a quiet, family-run gem with lots of charm. Bonus: The beach is just steps away.

Because everyone deserves a chance to fly, consider these awesome ways to soar:

• Flyboard Surf Club in Tarpon Springs: A lesson or two with these experts will have you jetting above the water in no time.
• Parasailing: Experience panoramic views of the beach when you fly up to 500 feet high (check out well-rated companies such as Gators Parasail).
• Kitesurfing: Take a few lessons with Best Pro Kiteboarding Center and experience this adrenaline-inducing (and sometimes airborne) water sport.
• Executive Helicopter Tours: Choose one of five scenic flightseeing options, ranging in length and price from budget-friendly to splurge. 

We've secured the best rates for you, so make plans now for a Wicked-good vacation in St. Pete-Clearwater! Get started by selecting your dates above.