Explore St. Petersburg's Districts
Thriving downtown St. Petersburg is a hub of arts, shopping, food and drink experiences. Explore St. Pete's districts and plan an amazing day (or week) in the Sunshine City!
St. Petersburg, named one of the top cities to visit in America by Conde Nast Traveler (2020), is a different place than you might remember if you haven't visited in a while. As noted in Forbes, St. Pete has transformed from a sleepy, small downtown to a ever-evolving patchwork of craft breweries, artist enclaves and galleries, clothing boutiques, coffee/wine bar concepts and memorable museums. Did we forget to mention the St. Pete Pier was named one of the top new attractions in the country?
No longer can the entire downtown St. Pete experience be done in a single day. In fact, you could spend an entire vacation enjoying the city's eight districts. Explore our guide below and get a taste of downtown before you visit, and learn even more on our St. Petersburg community page.
Waterfront Museum District
The Waterfront Museum District, spanning along a gorgeous waterfront space with several parks, has some of the major attractions of St. Petersburg, including the Dali Museum, the Mahaffey Theater, the Museum of Fine Arts, the James Museum, and an iconic hotel, The Vinoy.
St. Pete Pier District
The St. Pete Pier spreads 26 acres along the Tampa Bay waterfront. Filled with green spaces, eateries and activities, the St. Pete Pier is the perfect place to spend a day. Families can enjoy the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center for an educational and fun experience, or the splash pad as a perfect spot for kiddies to cool-off on a warm day. With restaurants, fishing and so much more, there are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy here.
Central Arts District
Covering hip Central Ave. where it runs through the downtown core, this district manages to keep growing without losing its cool vibe. Find tons of boutiques, some of the best restaurants around and some excellent museums and galleries such as the Morean Arts Center and the Chihuly Collection.
Grand Central District
One of the most exciting parts of the city, the Grand Central District is a 15-block stretch of Central Avenue full of thriving galleries, shops and restaurants. It's a flourishing LGBTQ+ hub, and was the original location of St. Pete Pride and related festivities. It's also home to Imagine Museum with its stunning art glass collection.
Deuces Live District
One of St. Petersburg's historically Black communities, Deuces Live is a vibrant spot with excellent restaurants, historic sites and must-see attractions including the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Museum of African American History. St. Pete's African-American Heritage Trail is found here.
The EDGE District
Shopping, dining and nightlife line Central Ave. here. Find tons of indie boutiques such as Ashe Couture, craft beer and wine establishments like The Independent and CellarMasters and coffee and kava shops such as Grassroots Kava House.
MLK North District
A bit of a local secret, yet home to some of St. Petersburg’s best art, shopping and dining, the MLK North District offers vibrant murals and is home to fun indie flea market events. Have weekend brunch at The Left Bank Bistro or stop in at one of several dive bars.
Warehouse Arts District
Covering an area south of downtown, the Warehouse Arts District is home to formerly industrial spaces that have transformed into vibrant studios and galleries. Local artists often work on site, such as glass artist Duncan McClellan. See many of them during Second Saturday Art Walk. It's also a great place for mural-spotting.
Photo Highlights: St. Pete's Districts
Check out some of the museums, restaurants, breweries and shops in St. Pete's downtown districts.
Legendary Libations
The courtyard at St. Pete's Grand Central Brewery in the Grand Central District is an ideal setting for gathering with your buds.
Legendary Libations
The courtyard at St. Pete's Grand Central Brewery in the Grand Central District is an ideal setting for gathering with your buds.
Bottle Shop Chic
The wine selection at ultra-cool Hawthorne Bottle Shop in St. Pete's Grand Central District is curated by people who know their stuff.
Bottle Shop Chic
The wine selection at ultra-cool Hawthorne Bottle Shop in St. Pete's Grand Central District is curated by people who know their stuff.
In-Spired Entry
The spire that tops the entrance to the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement in St. Pete's Waterfront Museum District is a key feature of the facility's impressive design.
In-Spired Entry
The spire that tops the entrance to the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement in St. Pete's Waterfront Museum District is a key feature of the facility's impressive design.
Imagine That
Wonderful works of glass art – like this piece found at Imagine Museum – are a key part of St. Pete's flourishing art scene.
Imagine That
Wonderful works of glass art – like this piece found at Imagine Museum – are a key part of St. Pete's flourishing art scene.
A Surreal Twist
The Dali Museum in St. Pete's Waterfront Museum District welcomes more than 400,000 visitors each year.
A Surreal Twist
The Dali Museum in St. Pete's Waterfront Museum District welcomes more than 400,000 visitors each year.
Marvels & Masterpieces
A short distance from the St. Pete Pier, the Museum of Fine Arts offers an extensive collection of artwork in beautiful galleries.
Marvels & Masterpieces
A short distance from the St. Pete Pier, the Museum of Fine Arts offers an extensive collection of artwork in beautiful galleries.
Pints & Puppers
Grabbing a drink with your friends takes on a whole new meaning at Dog Bar in St. Pete's Grand Central District, where you'll find refreshing beverages and a fenced-in area where dogs can play off leash.
Pints & Puppers
Grabbing a drink with your friends takes on a whole new meaning at Dog Bar in St. Pete's Grand Central District, where you'll find refreshing beverages and a fenced-in area where dogs can play off leash.
Good Finds on Tap
Fashion-forward spots like Brutique in the Central Arts District on Central Avenue combine two fun activities: shopping and craft beer-sampling.
Good Finds on Tap
Fashion-forward spots like Brutique in the Central Arts District on Central Avenue combine two fun activities: shopping and craft beer-sampling.
Shop-Hopping
St. Pete shopping spots like Zazoo'd in the Central Arts District embody the city's creative, fun-loving spirit.
Shop-Hopping
St. Pete shopping spots like Zazoo'd in the Central Arts District embody the city's creative, fun-loving spirit.
Wondrous Walls
Brilliant murals like this one, near Central Ave. in downtown St. Pete, infuse the city with life and color.
Wondrous Walls
Brilliant murals like this one, near Central Ave. in downtown St. Pete, infuse the city with life and color.
Spa Beach Play Day
Relax or enjoy fun activities and dining at the new St. Pete Pier.
Spa Beach Play Day
Relax or enjoy fun activities and dining at the new St. Pete Pier.
New Discoveries
Learn about preserving the local marine environment by visiting the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center at the St. Pete Pier.
New Discoveries
Learn about preserving the local marine environment by visiting the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center at the St. Pete Pier.
Historical Landmark
Besides the big band shows, the Manhattan Casino in St. Pete's Deuces Live District, provided a venue for school and fraternal events, and gospel stars made it a regular stop.
Historical Landmark
Besides the big band shows, the Manhattan Casino in St. Pete's Deuces Live District, provided a venue for school and fraternal events, and gospel stars made it a regular stop.
Glassblowing Mecca
St. Pete is an emerging glassblowing center, with museums and galleries featuring the art form. Visitors should check out the Morean Arts Center in the Warehouse Arts District and its working glass studio as part of their experience touring the Chihuly Collection - admission covers both locations.
Glassblowing Mecca
St. Pete is an emerging glassblowing center, with museums and galleries featuring the art form. Visitors should check out the Morean Arts Center in the Warehouse Arts District and its working glass studio as part of their experience touring the Chihuly Collection - admission covers both locations.
urban bourbon
Check out Urban Stillhouse, a restaurant, event space, tasting room and gift shop for delicious bourbon drinks and bourbon-inspired cuisine right in the Warehouse Arts District.
urban bourbon
Check out Urban Stillhouse, a restaurant, event space, tasting room and gift shop for delicious bourbon drinks and bourbon-inspired cuisine right in the Warehouse Arts District.