St. Pete Waterfront District at sunset
The Waterfront Museum District
As if St. Pete’s sparkling downtown waterfront wasn’t picturesque enough, this part of the city is packed with murals, museums and restaurants serving beautifully presented dishes. Then, there’s the string of gorgeous parks that line Tampa Bay.
You'll find St. Pete's Waterfront Museum District between Beach Drive and 3rd St., stretching from 7th Avenue South to 7th Avenue North. It's a walkable area, anchored by the striking architecture of The Dalí Museum at the southern end. Next door is the Mahaffey Theater, a stunning venue that brings national acts to town, as well as the resident Florida Orchestra. Nearby, Al Lang Stadium is where the Tampa Bay Rowdies play – its parking lot doubles as the location for the super-popular Saturday Morning Market from October to May (it moves locations during the warmer months). The Palladium (temporarily closed for renovations) offers everything from opera to burlesque to blues bands, with programming held at other venues while renovations are underway.
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Museums to Visit
It's no surprise that exploring unique museums tops the list of things to do in this district, and you'll have plenty to choose from. See surrealist art by one of the world's most recognized artists at The Dalí Museum, as well as impressive traveling exhibits.
Learn about St. Pete's beginnings at the St. Petersburg Museum of History, including the city's connection to America's favorite pastime (don't miss the exhibit of over 5,000 autographed baseballs). Here, you can also see a replica of the aircraft that completed the world's first commercial flight from St. Pete to Tampa in 1914.
The Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement is the only museum in the world solely dedicated to the work of artisans in America from 1890 to 1930. Artists and companies represented include Gustav Stickley, Alfred Stieglitz and Tiffany Studios.
The Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg offers collections spanning millennia in a beautiful waterfront setting. Outside, sprawling banyan trees and a kapok tree that blooms in spring provide picturesque photo backdrops. After exploring the galleries, stop for coffee and a pastry at Café Clementine — no museum admission required.
The James Museum offers an impressive collection of western and wildlife art, and hosts a lively calendar of talks and other special events.
Just outside the Waterfront Museum District proper, the Florida Holocaust Museum shares powerful stories of survival and courage. See Thor, a Danish fishing boat used to rescue Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, and explore a special preview of The Wiesel Collection, highlighting the lives and legacies of Holocaust survivors Elie and Marion Wiesel.
The Waterfront Museum District in Photos
Dining, Shopping and Where to Stay
Parallel to the waterfront is Beach Drive, a strollable boulevard that’s home to some of the most celebrated restaurants in town – all with outdoor seating reminiscent of Europe, such as Allelo, Cassis and Stillwaters Tavern. The bars here are sophisticated but not stuffy, with welcoming spots like Tryst, Flûte & Dram and the rooftop lounge The Canopy offering plenty of places to unwind.
The dining options don’t stop there. BellaBrava brings a modern trattoria vibe to Beach Drive, with expansive outdoor seating and a lively happy hour. For an elevated evening out, three MICHELIN-recognized spots are also close at hand: Fortu pairs Pan-Asian sharing plates with a sleek, celebratory atmosphere, Sushi Sho Rexley offers an intimate omakase experience, and Elliott Aster serves wood-fired steaks in a warm, refined setting at the Vinoy Resort & Golf Club.
Some of the best shopping in town lines Beach Drive, and you’ll find more at the nearby Sundial.
Gorgeous places to stay here include the boutique hotel, the Birchwood Inn, and the Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, a bright-pink grand dame resort that first opened in 1925. History buffs will want to reserve a guided tour at the Vinoy (tip: you don't need to be a hotel guest to take advantage of the experience).
Murals in the Waterfront Museum District
It's no surprise that St. Pete's Waterfront Museum District is home to wonderful museums. You'll find its colorful array of murals and street art intriguing, too.
Explore the Waterfront Museum District
You can easily explore the district on foot, bike, scooter or trolley. If you're traveling by car, there are several downtown parking garages, as well as metered street parking.