St. Pete FAQs

What are the top things to do in St. Pete, Florida?

Whatever your style, St. Pete is full of great attractions and things to do! Crowning the downtown waterfront is the St. Pete Pier, an outdoor attraction with popular restaurants, green space, a splash pad, a bayside beach, access to water activities, a history museum, and more.

Central Ave. is a blast for shoppers, diners and lovers of local culture.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the many waterfront parks, such as Vinoy Park and North Shore Park, as well as the gorgeous blooms and exotic plants at Sunken Gardens. Kayakers and paddleboarders enjoy Weedon Island Preserve, just a few minutes north of downtown.

The Salvador Dali Museum is a must for those who appreciate art, and creative types will also enjoy The Chihuly Collection, the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts, the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, and the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. And let's not forget the city’s vibrant murals, which you can tour on your own or with a guide, by bike, trolley or segway.

See all things to do in St. Pete.

What are some good restaurants in St. Petersburg?

The culinary scene in St. Pete is varied and exciting. Whatever you might have a taste for, you'll find it here. Favorites include Bodega for Cuban fare, Mazzaro’s and il Ritorno for Italian, Red Mesa Mercado for Mexican, and Alesia for Vietnamese-French cuisine. Vegans and vegetarians will not be slighted here; Good Intentions and Cider Press Vegan Gastropub are among plant-centric spots. Do happy hour in style at Wild Child or Concrete Jungle. There are tons of places for a cocktail – or mocktail – throughout town, especially along Central. 

See more dining options in St. Pete.

What is the nightlife scene like in St. Pete?

With plenty of live music venues, craft breweries and clubs, St. Pete has great options for a night on the town. Jannus Live is a beloved outdoor music venue that hosts local and national touring acts. On the same block as Jannus Live are disco-inspired dance club Good Night John Boy, classic dive bar Mastry's, jazz venue Ruby's Elixir, and others. Catch more live music at Floridian Social.

The craft beer scene (which is "hopping" both day and night) includes Green Bench Brewing, 3 Daughters Brewing, Grand Central Brewhouse, Overflow Brewing Co. and St. Pete Brewing Company, among others. Webb's City Cellar, part of Green Bench Brewing, recently was nominated for a James Beard Award.

See more St. Pete nightlife.
 

What are the best outdoor activities in St. Petersburg?

St. Pete is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise. Launch a kayak or paddleboard from Weedon Island Preserve, Coffee Pot Park, Crisp Park or the St. Pete Pier and paddle in our calm bay waters. Spot birds and other wildlife, including dolphins and manatees, along the waterfront, or experience the serenity of Crescent Lake Park (be on the lookout for otters and ducks). Want to spot a gator? Head to Boyd Hill Preserve or Sawgrass Lake Park for a nature walk, and you may see alligators sunning themselves (do this from a safe distance, of course).

Check out local parks and preserves.

What water activities can I enjoy in St. Pete?

Water is life in St. Pete. Go on a sunset cruise, paddle out into the bay, go fishing from the St. Pete Pier, and watch aquatic birds searching for prey along the waterfront. The St. Petersburg Municipal Marina, near the St. Pete Pier, is a hub of watersports and boating activities.

Find the best cruises and boat tours in St. Pete-Clearwater.

What events is St. Pete known for?

Nearly every weekend, something happens in St. Pete, especially in its many parks and green spaces. The best-known event is probably the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. St Pete Pride is the biggest LGBTQ celebration in Florida. Athletes flock to downtown for St. Anthony’s Triathlon and St. Pete RunFest. In November, local shops and vendors cover downtown parks at Shopapalooza. Held in February, Localtopia is another annual event that visitors and residents look forward to. The Sunday before Halloween, much of Central Avenue closes for Halloween on Central.

See our events page for more fun travel ideas.

Is St. Pete a good place for a family vacation?

Families will love exploring St. Pete – from the refreshing splash pad at the St. Pete Pier to Great Explorations, an interactive children’s museum right next to Sunken Gardens. If you’re here during baseball season, Tampa Bay Rays games are very family-friendly (check out the Rays Touch Tank to see cownose rays up-close, and look for special promotions for games). For more refreshing fun, check out North Shore Aquatic Center, where there’s a water playground the tykes will love on a warm day.  

Find more information on family vacations in St. Pete-Clearwater.

Is St. Pete a dog-friendly vacation spot?

You couldn't find a better place to vacation with your pet than St. Pete, Florida! In fact, the city has won several awards for its pet-friendly amenities, including hotels, dog parks, nearby dog beaches, and dog-friendly restaurants and breweries.

See more information on pet-friendly vacations in St. Pete-Clearwater.

Where can I shop in St. Pete?

You can stroll for hours among the stylish boutiques of Central Avenue downtown as well as in the Grand Central District. Art lovers can find unique pieces at the studios of the Warehouse Arts District. The Sundial complex also has some shops worth checking out. And don't miss St. Pete's Saturday Morning Market (it's practically an institution).

See more shopping information.

What are St. Pete’s best-known neighborhoods?

Downtown is the biggest hub of activity. Old Northeast is beloved for its large restored homes as well as a few coffee shops and bars. The EDGE District has plenty of restaurants, bars, and boutiques, just blocks from the Trop. Kenwood and the adjacent Grand Central District are the city’s first LGBTQ+ enclaves.

Check out St. Pete's amazing districts.

Where are some good LGBTQ+-friendly spots to hang out in St. Pete?

St. Pete is very LGBTQ+-friendly, but spots that cater to the community include Cocktail, The Ball and The Garage on Central in the Grand Central District (the original St. Pete "gayborhood") as well as Enigma, an LGBTQ+ night club in the EDGE District. In the Kenwood area near Grand Central, Cider Press GastroPub is a gay-owned vegan eatery with a full bar and late-night fun like Drag Queen Bingo and dueling pianos.

Learn more about the LGBTQ+ scene in St. Pete.
 

How do I get to St. Pete?

St. Pete is accessible via U.S. 19, Interstate 275 and Gandy Boulevard by car. The closest airports are St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Tampa International Airport (TPA). You can also get to downtown St. Pete from downtown Tampa via the Cross-Bay Ferry.

Is it easy to get around St. Pete?

St. Pete is easy to navigate because most of the city is on a grid system. St. Pete's streets run from north to south, while avenues run east to west. Central Avenue is the dividing line that separates north and south addresses. Central Ave. runs from downtown St. Pete to the beach. 

To get out to the beach, take First Avenue North. To head back downtown, take First Avenue South. (A few of our streets and avenues are one-way, so be sure to watch for signs.) The SunRunner, a bus rapid transit line, runs between downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach along those two roads.

Most major roads have bike lanes. Pedestrians and cyclists can also use the many trails throughout the city, including the Pinellas Trail and the trail that lines the downtown waterfront. Throughout much of St. Pete, e-scooters and e-bikes are available for rent.

What is the weather like in St. Pete?

Winter is generally sunny, with daytime temperatures that range from the low 60s to the high 70s or even low 80s. We get very little rain in the winter. Springtime brings balmy weather with light breezes, along with blue skies. Summer is definitely warm (daytime highs can be in the low 90s), so locals and frequent visitors know to spend outdoor time early or late in the day and enjoy long lunches or museums and attractions in the middle of the day. Brief thunderstorms are frequent in the summer months, and also occur occasionally in the fall months. Be sure to take cover during thunderstorms. Fall is a pleasant time of year to visit: It's a little bit quieter, and the temperatures start to cool down a bit.

No matter the season, if you are someone who gets cold easily, bring a light sweater or jacket, as many restaurants, shops and museums are cool inside.