If you plan to venture out onto the water while in the city, the park is a good launch point and has a boat ramp that is available for use. There are also picnic benches and public restrooms. Take to the skies in an air-conditioned chopper and see the sites in a truly unique way. Whether you are staying in the area or visiting on a day trip, St Pete is an obligatory stop in anyone's Florida itinerary. 6) See wildlife at the Weedon Island Preserve. Whatever your preferred way to explore outdoors, be it jogging, walking, cycling or skating you are bound to enjoy the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail. Glimpse famous landmarks such as St. Petes Pier, Johns Pass and Treasure Island as only a few people get to. Taste the Shrimp Los Cabos served with avocado, cilantro, sweet tomato cocktail sauce and fresh tortilla chips. The Preserve is a great place for wildlife spotting and is a nesting site for sea turtles. Leaf through over 30,000 artists' sketchbooks in what may be the world's largest collection of doodles. One of the most fun things to do in St. Petersburg, for those who like thrills, puzzles and games in equal measure, is to try an escape room challenge! Or perhaps its the stunning beaches like Fort De Soto Park? Beware though, you may come out with something fun and frivolous which you didnt expect. Saturday, February 25, 1-4 pm, 2390 5th Ave S. If you would like to make the most of your time in St. Petersburg and explore the very best of the citys natural landscape, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a great place to start. The scenic waterfront road, Coffee Pot Boulevard, which skirts by Coffee Pot Bayou has picturesque views of Snell Isle and could be one of the most enchanting spots in St. Petersburg for a stroll. This beach is great for more than just families though. Wildlife lovers can spend the day spotting the wide variety of creatures that live in the area. The gallery portion is not restricted to paintings and prints but reflects the eclectic tastes of its owners. This place may be so laid-back that flip-flops are the default footwear here, but St. Pete/Clearwater sure has a lot going on. Step back over 100 years just a few minutes from Downtown St. Petersburg. Historically known as a meeting space since the mid-20s, the casino has been renovated to reflect modern times while maintaining its community and history intact. Age Category Adult Location BVC Multipurpose Room B at Bay Vista Recreation Center Instructor Angela Barbarin . See as the golden sun sets behind the water, and the lights of the Skyway Bridge begin as you enjoy fresh fruit and refreshments. The food court is another popular place to eat in St. Petersburg. Its collection features contemporary works, mostly created since the 1980s and includes, paintings, sculptures, jewelry and more. On entering, visitors to the gallery are met with a 20-foot sculpture created specifically for the site. The mile of the North Bay Trail along Coffee Pot Boulevard has waterfront views on the east and the handsome homes of the tree-shaded Historic Old Northeast on the west. Crescent Lake Park is a scenic park on North 5th St. You can expect around 6 rainy days, with on average 1.3 inches / 33 mm of rain during the whole month. Aside from the (obvious) attraction of sandy shores and coastal views, my husband grew up going here with his grandparents. You'll be able to explore the beaches, mangroves, wetlands, and native plants. Dedicated to remembering the millions of murdered men, women and children, Floridas Holocaust Museum is one of the largest of its type in the country. This centrally located park is a great place to visit and soak up the atmosphere. With its privileged position at the southern end of St. Petersburgs downtown seafront district, Albert Whitted Park has uninterrupted views of those spectacular Florida sunsets. It contains some of the best established tropical plants in the region and its collection includes 50,000 specimens including plants, flowers and grasses. While at the St. Pete Pier, visit Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center for a pit stop to all things marine life. Maximo Park 76 Parks Open now By joym288 There are picnic areas, boat ramps, a disc golf course, and an observatory tower. The Best Things to Do in St. Petersburg. Are you an adventurous speedboat kind of traveler, or a laid-back tiki bar boat kind of person? The area has charming old waterfront homes with European and Spanish designs and cool tree-lined avenues to explore. PHS Girls Basketball High School Tryouts is hosted at "Northside Christian School". The perfect place to escape reality, even if just for a while, this playful self-contained world has exhibits based on the weird and wonderful stories and history of the region. 19 Best Things to do in St. Petersburg Florida 1. Salvador Dal Museum Sean Pavone / Shutterstock The Salvador Dal Museum is home to the world's biggest collection of the late, great artist's works outside of the man's own hometown. It is a popular destination for people who want to relax and do some exercise. September 20, 2019 By Lisa Leave a Comment This post may contain affiliate links. Saturday, February 25, 11 am - 4 pm, 1111 Central Avenue. Hit all the best sites, including the Victorian-style homes of the Old Northeast, the Tampa Bay area, and the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Fun fact! Welcoming guest with rows of palm trees, large pools, and beautiful and clean rooms is the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park. Built in the late 1920s, this popular beachfront property has been hosting travelers for almost a century! It's great for shelling or simply lounging, and even though it's popular with locals and travelers alike, there's always room for everyone without the beach feeling over-crowded. This former factory has been transformed into a technicolor wonderland, where dozens of local artists have collaborated to create a real choose-your-own-adventure experience. The museum displays both permanent and temporary exhibitions and visitors can opt to join a tour of the gallery to gain a deeper insight into the artworks on display. With stores selling everything from clothing, apparel and jewelry to sweets, collectibles and Cuban cigars, theres a lot to see here. The rich and fertile soil of the lake bed made the perfect environment for The Sunken Gardens botanical collection. Commonly referred to as The Trop by locals, the stadium is the only indoor venue in Major League Baseball capable of hosting events all year long. A visitor favorite on the island is its large colony of gopher tortoises who definitely arent shy of people and can be seen trudging around the pathways and roads of Egmont Key State Park. Pack your beach bag, because here are the best things to do during a day spent in the Fort De Soto area. Take a family tour with lunch on the triple decked ship, Calypso Breeze, or board a tiki bar boat for a relaxing booze cruise around the bay. We will go over basics and have FUN painting. Take an Afternoon Walk at Crescent Lake Park. This is especially great for young campers who can learn all about the fascinating web of nature and how it functions inside the preserve. This makes it particularly great for snowbirds and other winter getaways. What once was an ancient lake became the perfect place to grow beautiful tropical plants. Get nerdy at the Henry B. Take a night hike through the park or catch a speaking presentation on the natural history of the area. You can catch a wide selection of fish here. Join one of the free wine tasting sessions every Friday and Saturday lunchtime and get top recommendations from the staff. My favorite? It was actually named the#4 U.S. beach on TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Top 25 U.S. If youre looking for fun and educational things to do with kids in St. Petersburg, stimulate their curiosity at the Great Explorations Childrens Museum. Once at Egmont Key, youll enjoy 2 hours on its shores to explore the historic lighthouse, nature, and wildlife. Unique souvenirs are simple to find in downtown St. Petersburg, thanks to the abundance of boutiques and unique bookstores downtown. Is it the mouthwatering restaurants, or the historic homes of Kenwood? Parking:Try the North and South Ends of Pass-a-Grille Beach for the easiest parking options. If youre looking for a one-stop destination for shopping, dining and entertainment in St. Petersburg, Johns Pass will likely fit the bill. Look for metered parking garages if you're planning to park for more than a couple hours. 2023 Atlas Obscura. The forecast for December 2023 is based on historical data and are averages. Above the cave there are huge cabanas, charcoal grills, pavilions, lawn games, and a heated swimming pool. They are botanical gardens where you can find plants, flowers, ponds and even flamingos! City of St. Petersburg Along with beautiful, award-winning beaches, St. Petersburg is home to the world-renowned Salvador Dali Museum, top-rated restaurants and beautiful Fort De Soto Park. Required fields are marked *. Most fun & popular experiences in St. Petersburg Theme parks See all 4 activities Wildlife & nature See all 25 activities Water activities See all 31 activities Food, drink & nightlife See all 6 activities Private & custom tours See all 17 activities What to do in St. Petersburg For free Free Things to Do in St. Petersburg 4) Go kayaking or boating near the Shell Key Preserve. The poignant exhibitions include one of the few surviving boxcars which were used by the Nazis to transport Jews and political prisoners to the death camps of Auschwitz and Treblinka. Pick up a little history from your trolley captain and best of all, dont worry about driving. The shows are typically held Friday-Saturday nights, with some shows taking place on Thursdays and Sundays as well, making it the perfect activity to do in St. Petersburg! St. Petersburg is a vibrant city with lots of street art to entertain locals and visitors alike. For thousands of years, the park was home to indigenous American people who fished and lived on these shores. If you are looking for more unusual things to do in St Petersburg Florida, then add the Sunken Gardens to your list! Mazzaros cellars include the largest selection of Italian wines in Florida. But no matter when you visit, there's plenty to do and see in the area. It also offers stunning views of the north shore and Tampa Bay and you can take a seat right on the waterfront to check out the yachts in the harbor. Why not take some time to rest under the shady trees and play a game of Tocobaga Disc golf on the specially built 18-hole course. Though they may look tricky to maneuver, segways are suitable for everyone and youll get the hang of it in no time. Music 2. And with award-winning beaches, world . Why not take a bike tour of the city to learn a little more about its history and the best places to cycle and walk. We recommend: 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House Gratzzi Italian Grille Oak & Stone Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701 BellaBrava More things to see in St. Petersburg Sunken Gardens The nearby citys of Tampa and Clearwater, with their world-famous theme parks and attractions, are always just a stones throw away. Posted at 09:48h in are miranda may and melissa peterman related by The cool breezes blowing in off the bay and sea views are sure to give you all the inspiration you need to get outside and run. Think outside the box as you solve problems and gather clues in these immersive adventure games. If your heart is at the beach, you're in the right place. The calm waters of Floridas Gulf Coast offer some of the countrys best conditions for boating. It's time to make an elaborate leprechaun trap! Paradise! Our guides, Nicole and Misty, were awesome. It has a rotating program of temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection and hosts a monthly series of lectures, talks and even cinema screenings. For us, it's a family tradition. Coral Springs: Humpty Dumpty Statue Cortez: Old Hitler: 25-Foot-Long Shark Crawfordville: Ford Truck Collection Crawfordville: Old Joe, Stuffed Alligator Crystal River: Big Gorilla: Sit in Hand Dade City: Muffler Man: Bunyan with a Wrench Dade City: Statue of Liberty Lifted by Soldiers Dania Beach: Big Orange Dania Beach: Watch Giant Boats I would personally recommend combining a trip to St Pete, with a few days in Crystal River. Enjoy the best, safe, friendly neighborhood within 15 minutes of fun downtown St. Petersburg and the beaches! Stationary traffic on US-1 N - FL-5 from E Camino Real (US-1) to FL-798/E Palmetto Park Rd (US-1) due to roadwork. There are plenty of great restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg, but the best restaurant (in my opinion) is Annata. Mind-blowing museums and galleries immerse you in art and culture. If you are looking for unusual things to do in St Petersburg Florida then I recommend a visit to the St Pete Shuffleboard Club. You can expect tarpon, grouper, cobia, snook, red snapper, pompano, Spanish and king mackerel, sheepshead, and more. Stroll along brick sidewalks and imagine the old times, as you admire their well-kept landscapes and rows of trees lining the streets. Historic Kenwood is a charming neighborhood with bungalows built in the 1920s when real estate in Florida first flourished. wants to go to Common varieties caught at the pier include grouper, Spanish mackerel, red snapper and black sea bass and the bridge is even lit up after dark so you can fish late into the evening. It's a hidden gem in St Petersburg that not many locals even know about. There is information throughout the park about the tribes that once settled here. Lounging, people-watching, and even finding seashells (perfect for crafts and coastal decor). The titular St. Pete beach was ranked consistently by TripAdvisor for being one of America's Top 25 beaches for over 10 years, but St. Pete's presence on their ranking doesn't stop there. A local favorite, Bodega on Central is a hole in the wall known for its Cuban sandwiches and freshly squeezed fruit juices. Florida; I-st; By Anonymous; 24; 41 minutes ago; Read More. Sunken Gardens Escape into a tranquil forest surrounded by lush exotic plants, towering palms, and friendly flamingos. Use these short half-day and full-day itineraries to mix and match your way to your best beach vacationyet! St. Patrick's Day. Satisfying your taste buds is part of the deal when youre in town. The sight of a Walker Bulldog tank may not be the most reassuring thing to see in a park but War Veterans Memorial Park is dedicated to honoring the memory of its Military Veterans. DOT Incident Report. Visitors can see ceramics and porcelains from all over the globe and the museum features a large collection of decorative arts as well as folk art, artworks from indigenous cultures and ceremonial pieces. The best hotel to stay for a bachelorette in St Pete is the Don Cesar. There is also a large selection of picnic shelters available and two playgrounds which is sure to keep the kids entertained. Swim with Manatees While in St. Petersburg you have to take a cruise over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to see the exceptional views of Tampa Bay and the nearby cities. From sketch, stand-up, and improv, enjoy the different comedic stylings of St. Petersburgs local comedians as well as national ones at the Spitfire Comedy House! The transformation began in 1976 after a donation of 60 palms of ten different species was gifted by longtime palm admirer, Miss Gizelle Kopsick. Though the primary draw of the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center is going to be alligators, there are also plenty of other creatures to get up close to. St.Petersburg is home to a very unique and cool fishing spot in the shadow of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge which spans Tampa Bay. The walk over Snell Isle Bridge offers nice views of the historical Renaissance Vinoy Resort and the upmarket neighborhood of Snell Isle. Youll have to work together to make sure you crack all the puzzles in time and escape the room. Egmont Key will be one of the most interesting things to do for nature and history lovers in St. Petersburg. I love sitting on the sofas on the beach around a fire pit table, kicking back as I watch the sunset. In a perfect position looking out over Tampa Bay, Vinoy Park is one of the citys most visited attractions. Explore the best attractions, sightseeing spots, fun activities, and other handpicked places to visit in St Petersburg on this weekend. You'll find St. Petersburg between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, on the Pinellas peninsula. All the islands are connected by causeways or bridges. Part of the reason people return to St. Petersburg year after year is for the abundance of unspoiled natural environments it offers, Shell Key Preserve is one such place. 3) Sunset Cruises. Suggested Pass-a-Grille day trip itinerary: Make sure to save a little time to enjoy the heart of St. Petersburg, Florida. Pick up some history on the areas most famous residents, including the Native American princess Pocahontas, and see historic sites, including the departure point of the worlds first commercial flight, the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat. (Self-Guided) St. Petersburg Area - Pop Up Picnic Park Date for Couples! Its secluded barrier isles are an ideal place to get away from it all and a trip to its many lush parks and preserves are just some of the best things to do in St. Petersburg. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. Natural History 2. It houses the first permanent collection of works by American artist, Dale Chihuly in a purpose-built facility. If you're dreaming of warm summer sunshine and beautiful white sands then St. Petersburg, Florida might just be your perfect beachside destination. Wherever you choose to go, youll be greeted with beautiful sea views to make an evening worth remembering. The Bayou is a great year-round place to spot manatees but especially in the cooler months of the year when the water remains warmer than the surrounding Gulf of Mexico. The fun location is entirely dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating various marine animals. Suggested St. Pete Beach day trip itinerary: While Pass-a-Grille is officially part of St. Pete Beach, this hidden gem offers a distinctly different vibe. These artificial mountains were fast, thrilling, and probably very dangerous. Making St. Petersburg and the country laugh since 1984, the Bonkerz Comedy Club has won the hearts of many, including a few celebrities, as one of their favorite comedy clubs, originally started in St. Petersburg. In fact, you may find something here that is so unique it defies explanation. Fairgrounds St. Pete is an immersive and explorable art and technology exhibition that is a collaboration of 60 artists. Your email address will not be published. There are so many options you are really spoiled for choice. This eclectic place has something for everyone even for your furry friend like The Dog Bar. Explore the creativity in all of us by imagining what simple tools like a pencil and paper can create. The Urban Stillhouse. Sleep out under the stars to the sound of the sea lapping the shore and the gentle cry of birds. While you'll have plenty of sand and sunshine to enjoy, these 12 places and activities are spread across four key areas in and around St. Petersburg: Each spot could be a day trip on its own, but these destinations are all close to one another, so you can easily combine parts of these itineraries for a little beach-hopping weekend getaway. Pure and soft white sands, turquoise water and a relaxed and laid-back vibe, what more could you need? With a great selection of water fun, boutiques, restaurants, and (of course) a beautiful beach, this is one of my favorite day trip destinations in the area. See amazing gardens and get some inspiration, while checking out independent locally-owned coffee shops, restaurants, bars and boutique stores. Scratch below St Petersburg's regal The Arboretum was dedicated to Miss Kopsick one year later to celebrate her 100th Birthday. World War Ii 2. How empresses used "metamorphosis" to show their male courtiers whos the boss.