Moving to a new city can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding fun things to do. Luckily, there’s no shortage of exciting activities and attractions for people newly living in St. Petersburg. From world-class museums to beautiful beaches and delicious dining, there are tons of fun things to do in St. Petersburg, FL.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 17 can’t-miss activities that’ll help new residents get to know the area and fall in love with all it has to offer. Whether you’re moving to a house or an apartment in St. Petersburg, you’re sure to find something interesting. So, grab your sunscreen and sense of adventure, and let’s dive into the fun-filled world of St. Petersburg, Florida.
1. Spend a day on the St. Pete Pier
“The St. Pete Pier is a gem on St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront,” shares Anne Core, VP of Marketing & Communications at St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation. She continues, “Enjoy local shopping and the world’s largest collection of signed baseballs. Experience a touch tank and learn about marine preservation. Play at parks for whatever you want to do – splash fountains for kids, green space for nature, or beach for sun. Admire award-winning sculpture and pose Titanic-style at the end of the Pier above the water to feel like the king of the world.”
Looking for food while visiting the Pier? Heather Lorenz, Marketing Coordinator at Teak, shares some delicious restaurants to try out. “There’s something for the whole family to enjoy (on the St. Pete Pier). Start your day with breakfast and coffee at Driftwood Cafe. Relax with rooftop views and tropical cocktails at Pier Teaki. End your day with a picturesque dinner at Teak with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the St. Pete skyline. If you still have room, swing by Driftwood Cafe again for their house-made ice cream.”
2. Visit the Dali Museum
The Salvador Dali Museum houses the largest collection of Dali’s artwork outside of Spain. This unique museum showcases the artist’s surrealistic works, including paintings, sculptures, and prints. Visitors can explore the galleries, take a guided tour, or attend a special event. Don’t forget to check out the “Avant-Garden” outside, featuring a collection of plants that Dali himself would have loved.
3. Experience Fairgrounds St. Pete
“Escape reality when you visit Fairgrounds St. Pete, Tampa Bay’s first immersive art and technology museum. Find clues to a mysterious narrative, go on an immersive scavenger hunt, or enjoy the work of over 60 local and international artists – perfect for date night or a day of family fun.” – Julie Coker, Marketing & Collaborations Coordinator at Fairgrounds St. Pete
4. Stroll through Sunken Gardens
Sunken Gardens is a beautiful oasis in the heart of St. Petersburg. This 100-year-old botanical garden features more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers, as well as exotic birds. Take a leisurely walk through the winding paths, or attend one of the garden’s special events, like Yoga in the Gardens or a guided birdwatching tour.
5. Grab a bite in Treasure Island
Daniel Glenn, Managing Partner at Clear Vision Media suggests visiting Treasure Island, Florida for newcomers. He states, “Most people come to historic Treasure Island, Florida, to enjoy the white sand beaches and spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. But did you know there is a growing crave-worthy foodie scene as well? If great Mexican fare is your thing, stop by VIP Mexican Restaurant. Start off with a fresh-made bowl of guacamole, their Mexican pizza (best I ever had), and of course, a margarita.”
6. Explore the Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is a must-see for art lovers. The museum’s permanent collection features over 20,000 works of art, including European, American, and pre-Columbian pieces. Visitors can also attend special exhibitions and events, like the popular “Art in Bloom” floral show. After touring the galleries, stop by the museum’s café for a bite to eat or a glass of wine.
7. Support the community with Seaside Seabird Sanctuary
“The Seaside Seabird Sanctuary is located directly on the beautiful Indian Shores, and this wonderful nonprofit conducts 3,600 rescues a year, with over 51% of those birds being treated and rehabilitated.” Shares Marketing Manager of Florida Lifestyle Vacation Rentals, Lisa Brown. She continues, “Their conservation efforts extend well beyond just rescues. With a huge focus put on education and awareness, they also run programs to help with beach conservation efforts. Stop by and support our friends as they continue to do great work on our beaches and local community.”
8. Catch a Tampa Bay Rays game
If you’re a sports fan, catching a Tampa Bay Rays game at Tropicana Field is a must. This Major League Baseball team has been playing in St. Petersburg since 1998, and their home stadium is just a short drive from downtown. In addition to watching the game, fans can enjoy a variety of food and drink options, and even take a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium.
9. Celebrate the weekend with First Friday St. Pete
Kristen Lee from First Friday St. Pete shares how you can celebrate the end of the work week the way St. Petersburg locals do. “Stemming from a history going back 20 years, First Friday St. Pete was created to celebrate the end of the work week and start the month off on the right foot with a gathering of friends. This event is located in beautiful downtown St. Petersburg and brings about a lively atmosphere of live music, along with food, beverage, and merchandise vendors. This stretch of Central Avenue is also lined with local bars and restaurants serving up delicious specials just for the occasion. Grab a drink and dance in the street to the best of local live bands.”
10. Get creative at Romp n’ Roll
If you’re looking for fun things to do in St. Petersburg for parents and children, Trish Gibbs, Head of Marketing at Romp n’ Roll St. Petersburg has the perfect recommendation for you. “Romp n’ Roll St. Petersburg is where curiosity meets creativity! We are the ultimate playdate destination for kids ages 3 months through 5 years old. Their imagination takes flight, and learning feels like play.”
11. Relax on St. Pete Beach
Of course, no visit to St. Petersburg is complete without a visit to one of its beautiful beaches. St. Pete Beach is one of the most popular, with its wide expanse of sugar-white sand and crystal-clear waters. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or just relax with a good book, this beach has it all. Don’t forget to stay for sunset – it’s one of the most beautiful on the Gulf Coast.
12. Take a dolphin-watching tour
St. Petersburg is home to a variety of dolphins, and there’s no better way to see them than on a dolphin-watching tour. Several companies offer boat tours that take you out into the waters of Tampa Bay to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Along the way, you may also spot manatees, sea turtles, and a variety of bird species.
13. Visit the Morean Arts Center
The Morean Arts Center is a community-focused art center that offers classes, workshops, and exhibitions. The center’s galleries feature contemporary art from both local and national artists, and visitors can watch glass blowing demonstrations at the nearby Morean Glass Studio.
14. Take a food tour
Looking for fun things to do in St. Petersburg, FL for foodies? Good news – St. Petersburg is home to a diverse and vibrant food scene, and taking a food tour is a great way to experience it. Several companies offer guided walking tours that take you to some of the city’s best restaurants and food markets. You’ll get to sample a variety of cuisines, from Cuban sandwiches to locally caught seafood, and learn about the city’s culinary history along the way.
15. Visit the St. Petersburg Saturday morning market
The St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market is a lively open-air market that takes place every Saturday from October to May. The market features over 200 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Visitors can enjoy live music, street performers, and food from a variety of local vendors.
16. Tour the St. Petersburg Museum of History
The St. Petersburg Museum of History is dedicated to preserving and sharing the city’s rich history. The museum’s exhibits cover a range of topics, from the city’s founding to its role in the aviation industry. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the nearby historic Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, which was once a popular destination for celebrities and politicians.
17. Take a craft beer tour
St. Petersburg has a thriving craft beer scene, and taking a beer tour is a great way to sample some of the city’s best brews. These guided tours take you to a variety of local breweries, where you can taste everything from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts. Along the way, you’ll learn about the brewing process and the history of beer in St. Petersburg. Some tours even include food pairings, like artisanal cheeses or locally made chocolates.
With its beautiful beaches, thriving arts scene, and diverse culinary offerings, St. Petersburg is a city full of exciting activities and attractions that are sure to impress new residents. Whether you’re strolling through the stunning botanical gardens, catching a game at Tropicana Field, or sampling local craft beers, you’re sure to find plenty of fun things to do in St. Petersburg, FL.
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