St. Petersburg is embraced on three of its sides by the turquoise waters that Florida is justly famous for. Yet there is much more to St. Pete than fishing, diving and relaxing on the beach - the city has steadily created a name for itself as a centre of the arts. This culturally savvy Southern belle can now be seen at her finest along the redeveloped waterfront, stunning historic district and surreally superb Dali Museum. The city’s charms don’t stop there, though: she knows how to let her hair down and party and her sophistication is increasingly in evidence along Central Avenue where top quality restaurants, craft breweries, farmers markets and artsy galleries attract admirers by the dozen. Come and see what you’re missing!
Areas & Neighbourhoods in St. Petersburg
Downtown Waterfront – Strolling along this atmospheric renovated waterfront offers dining opportunities, arts venues, romantic views and a rather surreal twist indeed in the shape of the magnificent Dali Museum. Housing huge canvases, sculptures and portraits of the Spanish artist, this museum hosts the largest collection of Dali artwork in the United States. Be careful your timepiece doesn’t melt!
St. Petersburg Centre – In the heart of the city you will find quirky shops and bohemian boutiques in Snell Arcade and the Pier, as well as some great entertainment venues. There is also a rather refreshing opportunity to get away from it all within the welcoming grounds of the Sunken Gardens. This lush oasis of plant life offers a maze of paths through dense vegetation that takes you 15 feet below street level.
Fort DeSoto Park – To really escape the city you needn’t travel too far. The stretch of isolated beaches and wilderness at the city’s southwest edge is perfect for a spot of fishing, gentle strolls and enjoying the coast all to yourself.
Gulfport – The colourful and attractive waterfront town of Gulfport about six miles southwest of St. Petersburg offers lots of great cafes, enough art galleries to turn you into a connoisseur and a monthly market offering crafts and the nest, affordable wares from local artists.
Things to See in St. Petersburg
The atmospheric waterfront is the place to people-watch the night away whilst the vistas from the beaches that stretch away from St. Pete to Clearwater offer uninterrupted loveliness by day. There are many art galleries you can idle the afternoon away in but leave yourself plenty of time to explore the surreal gems contained in the Dali Museum. Baseball fans can catch the Tampa Bay Rays at home in Tropicana Fields and theatre fans can always take in an evening’s show at one of the city’s arts venues.
Things to Do in St. Petersburg
Take a fishing trip from the waterfront or hop on a cruise round the nearby islands. Relax in the Sunken Gardens or enjoy an afternoon in the bohemian cafes and bars of Baywalk. Take a trip to nearby Tampa for a lively night out or book a pirate ship cruise for fun on the ocean waves. Make a splash with a dolphin cruise or plug your ears for a concert at Jannus Landing, the oldest, and for many the best, outdoor concert venue in Florida. Whatever you want to do, St. Pete has got you covered.
