One Perfect Day in St. Pete

While Florida’s Gulf coast is known for its exquisite sunsets, what about its sunrises? See one for yourself at Vinoy Park. Meander until you find your perfect viewing spot, then embrace the morning serenity when your senses awaken: hear the gentle lapping of bay waters against the sea wall and towering palms rustling in the breeze, see shorebirds stretching their wings and perhaps a dolphin or two. Watch the sky change colors as the sun’s rays rise over Tampa Bay.

Still craving waterfront vistas? Patrona Coastal Café delivers picturesque scenery filled with mangroves and boats along with tasty treats that makes the drive well worth it. Pull up a chair in the soft, cool sand and order an egg-and-sausage-filled Coastal Croissant with a Banana Bay Ice Coffee or Ice Coconut Matcha Latte. This is a popular local gem, so you’ll want to arrive early on weekends.

Next, experience a different landscape at one of Florida’s original roadside attractions, the Sunken Gardens. This lush, subtropical oasis will wow with its beautiful orchids, colorful rainbow eucalyptus tree and massive southern oaks. Animal lovers can spot a flock of pink flamingos, land-dwelling turtles, patterned koi, a kookaburra and several jewel-tone parrots.

On Saturdays, extend your morning fun at the St. Pete Saturday Morning Market where you can browse artisan crafts and local vendor stalls, listen to live music and sample international treats. The market happens year-round with two seasonal locations.

If you didn’t snack at the market, your stomach is likely beginning to grumble. Aviation fans will love dining at The Hangar Restaurant & Flight Lounge, which overlooks an active airfield. Watch small planes take off and land as you enjoy cocktails and upscale comfort foods.

Prefer books over planes? Dine among floor-to-ceiling bookshelves at The Library, where academia vibes combine with a polished, casual atmosphere and tantalizing American-style dishes. Located within Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, this eatery is open to the public with metered street parking for diners. 

For a more sophisticated meal, enjoy a weekend brunch at Fortu (one of St. Pete’s three MICHELIN-recommended restaurants). Created as a love letter to Japanese cuisine, Fortu brings a decadent Asian flair to its menu, like shrimp and lobster dumplings in a ginger broth or sticky buns made with Hokkaido milk bread and chai-infused icing.

St. Pete is blessed with a plethora of incredible art museums — you could even see a new one every day of the week. Some top contenders to add to your perfect day include The Dalí Museum, where you can admire 2,400-plus paintings, watercolors and sketches by the famous surrealist; Imagine Museum, a mind-blowing showcase of contemporary glass works that’ll redefine what you think glass can be; or Chihuly Collection, a permanent collection of works by the world-famous Dale Chihuly.

If you’re seeking a delicious meal with outstanding panoramas, the St. Pete Pier boasts seven dining spaces each with its own spectacular scenery and menu. If you don’t have definite evening plans — such as a performance at the Mahaffey Theatre — linger longer over dessert and admire the pinks, reds and oranges of the sun setting over the water.

Whether you took in a show at the Mahaffey first or watched the sunset at the pier, now it’s time to sip and explore the series of upscale bars set along Beach Drive. Some can’t-miss locales include Tryst Gastro Lounge, a European-style establishment with fruity cocktails and Mediterranean tapas for snacking; Stillwaters Tavern, known for its friendly bartenders and wide selection of on-tap beers; and Birchwood Canopy, beloved for its 21+ rooftop lounge (after 4 p.m.) boasting live entertainment and city panoramas.