Things to do & places to visit in St. Petersburg, Florida, United States

The sun almost always shines on St. Petersburg, the "Sunshine City" that enjoys an average of 361 days of clear skies per year. Combine that with 244 miles of glimmering coastline along Tampa Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, Boca Ciega Bay and the intra coastal waterways and you have one hot beach destination. Catch the sun, surf and sand at Ft. De Soto Park, or take a hike up the 37-mile Pinellas Trail. Enjoy a Devil Rays game during baseball season or escape to the shady oasis of the Sunken Gardens.

St. Petersburg city in Florida, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 8:16.

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 C Ponies Beach Horses (3.502 reviews)
- Great experience for all!
Spent 1-2 hours Horseback Riding Tours

Come ride majestic gypsy horses on the beach or on the trails. Ride as dolphins swim by and even ride your horse while it swims. Most of our horses are rescues, so each ride helps rehabilitate another horse. We are also offering trail rides, just a short drive from Tampa. See more..
5.0 Duncan McClellan Gallery (633 reviews)
- Working glass art gallery don’t miss it
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Speciality Museums • Art Museums

Unique contemporary glass art gallery and working hot-shop (glass blowing facility). Featuring over 100 internationally acclaimed artists, we sponsor monthly rotating exhibits. Come for live glassblowing demonstrations and wonderful art! Facility is also a dramatic events venue and home to educational non-profit 501(c)3 DMG School Project. See more..
5.0 Hatchet Hangout - Axe Throwing St Pete (556 reviews)
- Great fun!
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Sports Complexes

We’re bringing the sport of indoor axe-throwing to the Downtown St Pete area! Hatchet Hangout is the city’s newest downtown attraction. Inspired by the growing popularity of this outdoor sport, we’ve created a causal urban atmosphere for an experience you won’t forget. Join our professional instructors as they show you how to throw axes. See more..
5.0 freeFall Theatre (404 reviews)
- They're Back!!
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

freeFall Theatre is Tampa Bay's most exciting professional theatre! The mission of freeFall Theatre is to pursue art’s greater purposes and the transformative power of theatre – as a builder of community, a source of upliftment, and a builder of cultural legacy. We will present a varied range of classical and new works that are bold, daring, and diverse. Our work will strive to be accessible, and we will present it in ways that invite, entertain, and challenge our audience. We are committed to improving the lives of the citizens of Tampa Bay through our efforts to provide broad access to theatre that represents a high level of artistic achievement, and through educational programs that increase the community’s understanding and enjoyment of live theatre. See more..
5.0 Imagine Museum (309 reviews)
- BEST VALUE IN TAMPA BAY
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

Our glass Museum showcases major works of contemporary American and International art by founding and leading artists in the field of studio glass and art expression. #ImagineMuseum See more..
5.0 James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art (305 reviews)
- A Fabulous Museum with mesmerizing pieces of art
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art will revive interest and passion about the history of the American West. The tenacious spirit of Native American, pioneer and immigrant cultures embodies the history of our country. We will engage the community, through programs and public events, in meaningful ways to connect and make this narrative relevant to civilization today. The museum features over 500 modern and historic works of art that evoke the spirit of a wide-open frontier and the beauty of life in the American West. See more..
5.0 St. Petersburg Distillery (138 reviews)
- Locally made definitely worth a visit.
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Distilleries

St. Petersburg Distillery is St. Pete’s own homegrown distillery. Our story is really the story of St. Pete itself, a community actively creating and continually crafting – our story builds on a rich history without being stuck in the past – it’s alive and ever-changing, vibrant, compassionate, creative, resilient, respectful – we are forward thinking doers and makers. See more..
4.5 The Dali Museum (8.431 reviews)
- Thursdays 5 to 8 PM is half price
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums

An unparalleled collection of Salvador Dali artworks, spanning his life and career, featuring works in many media. #TheDali See more..
4.5 Chihuly Collection (2.389 reviews)
- Beautiful artistry
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

The Chihuly Collection presented by the Morean Arts Center is a stunning, permanent collection of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork in a magnificent 10,000 square foot gallery. See more..
4.5 Sunken Gardens (2.061 reviews)
- 100 year old gardens started in a sinkhole
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM Gardens

The Sunken Gardens is a beautiful place that was begun 100 years ago by a family who purchased a sinkhole. There was no botanists or horticulturists in the family, only people with a green thumb. The place is beautiful and my husband and I totally enjoyed strolling on the shaded pathway through the gardens. We had a delightful time looking at the colorful flowers, the pink flamingos, and the brightly colored koi swimming in the water gardens. There were also parrots and a kukaberra bird. We enjoyed it and didn't mind the fee of 15.00 a piece as I am sure it goes towards the upkeep of the gardens. See more..
4.5 Museum of Fine Arts (960 reviews)
- An Enjoyable Museum to Spend an Afternoon
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums

From a legendary permanent collection, to compelling traveling exibitions, the MFA is ready to inspire with diverse and ever-changing opportunities to experience art. Discover over 4,500 years of civilization in thousands of objects ranging from antiquity to the present- the only comprehensive art collection of its kind on Florida's west coast. See more..
4.5 Sawgrass Lake Park (731 reviews)
- 5 Gators this time...
Parks

We love Sawgrass Lake Park and visit each time we vacation in the area. I was quite pleased to see much less trash in the water and on the grounds as we have usually seen. A wonderful place to view birds, turtles, gators, dragonflies, butterflies, lizards, etc... Really nice strolls along the stream or on elevated boardwalks. Bring insect repellant and sunscreen and have a great time. Great for the kiddies too. We saw a total of five gators this time, all about 1 year old to about 4 or 5. And we saw a Gopher Tortoise for the first time here too! Always cool to see them. See more..
4.5 Florida Holocaust Museum (596 reviews)
- Please do not miss this on your trip
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

Heartbreaking but we all need to remember the past to prevent the future. The timing of our visit was perfect as I've been in to reading many books on the personal accounts of holocaust survivors. It was chilling to see all of the items in person. What the population endured and the strength of those that survived is just incredible. The biggest chill came when we walked into the room that displayed a box car used. To imagine 140 people, men, women and children, squeezed into this small area for days. Being taken away from their home. Going to an unknown world. Separated. Sometimes knowing the stories of what was to come but often misled to thinking that it would get better at the next stop. Just heartbreaking. I truly recommend families who are visiting the area to take advantage of this history lesson. See more..
4.5 Downtown St Petersburg (492 reviews)
- Paradise Found
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Piers & Boardwalks

I really love the look and feel of downtown St Petersburg. I’m not sure what it is, maybe its the architecture or the salt sea air, but it’s definitely got a Mediterranean flavor to it: sort of a mix between between Nice and Monica but on a smaller scale. People were out and about early enjoying coffee and a croissant at the sidewalk cafe’s much like they do in the south of France. Others were strolling along the harbor or sitting under the banyan tree soaking up the sun. And lets not forget the swish boutiques where one can easily part with ones hard earned money. I haven't even started on the Dali or Chihuly Museum or the free Downtown Looper Trolley that takes you there, Dang but I want to move here. See more..
4.5 Weedon Island Preserve (469 reviews)
- Peaceful walk
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

Weedon Island Preserve is a 3,190-acre natural area located on Tampa Bay. This coastal ecosystem is home to native plants and animals, an educational facility, and a rich cultural history. Indigenous peoples occupied this site for thousands of years. Today, the Preserve protects this wide diversity of natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. The Preserve encompasses 4.7 miles of natural and paved trails, boardwalks, and a 45ft. tall Observation Tower. Visitors may also experience the Preserve by renting kayaks or canoes on-site and paddling a 4-mile loop trail. Weedon Island Preserve is a well-known birding site and is included in the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. No pets are permitted. See more..
4.5 Florida Orange Groves and Winery (449 reviews)
- Fun, relaxing, convivial, extensive wine tastings.
Sunday: 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

Fortunately, we just happened to arrive at the time of a testing. MANY wines were tasted, and a charcuterie plank was available for purchase as an accompaniment. The alcohol content of the wines is low, so tasting so many wines was not intoxicating. Sometimes we were given a choice of what to taste, and sometimes not. The experience was fun, partially due to the owner, partially due to the other tasters, among whom were some celebrating their birthdays, and partially due to the antics of a squirrel on a ledge outside the window behind the bar! There is a cozy, comfortable seating area where you can order wines to sip as you chat and unwind. The menu illustrates many wines, some fortified ports or sherries, many which were not part of the tasting experience but which were nicely photographed and described. See more..
4.5 Vinoy Park (433 reviews)
- Always a good time
Parks

Whether you bring a hammock and relax near the water, or dolphin watch, Vinoy Park is always a good time. You will see bikers, roller skater, skateboarders, walkers runners and people watchers. There is no 1 reason to come and enjoy a day to relax. See more..
4.5 Boyd Hill Nature Preserve (395 reviews)
- Welcoming and friendly, celebrating Florida’s natural beauty. Easily accessible, well-marked trails.
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Parks

My mother and I visited this beautiful nature preserve and were lucky enough to have a guided tram tour around the entire park. They offer 2 tours per day. Thank you to all of the friendly staff and volunteers and to our tour guide, Dave. Meeting "Honey the Bunny" in the welcome center was a real treat, too. She is so beautiful and friendly. The volunteers also fed the owls, other birds of prey and vultures while we were there, which was exciting and educational. We enjoyed our morning at Boyd Hill very much and would recommend this to anyone visiting the St. Petersburg area. See more..
4.5 Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater (368 reviews)
- Shen Yun at the Mahaffey!
Sunday: Theaters

Located in the heart of beautiful downtown St. Petersburg, Duke Energy Center for the Arts—Mahaffey Theater is a 2,031 seat cultural jewel featuring elegant ballroom space, spectacular waterfront views, and European box-style seating. Just steps away from the culturally vibrant downtown and minutes away from white sandy beaches and world-famous museums, the Mahaffey hosts top-quality national and international artists and performances – Broadway, classical, pop, rock, comedy, dance, family, and the renowned Florida Orchestra. Additionally, the theater supports the highly successful Class Acts program, which enables school children to experience the performing arts through in-theater performances as well as in-school outreach and extension programs. See more..
4.5 Morean Art Center (335 reviews)
- Could watch glass blowing all day
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

This review is for the glass blowing observation activity only. This activity is memorizing. There were 3 glass artist working together to create the work. It was amazing to see how they all worked together as a symbiotic machine knowing exactly what each needed in the process. There are benches to sit on and I was surprised it wasn’t sweltering hot (actually cool). There are 2 great murals right outside studio too. I can’t comment on the art exhibit. We were disappointed we couldn’t see. Online they advertise that healthcare workers can get a discounted admission, but it says nothing about providing prof - who brings their work IDs on vaca? When I called prior to leaving home about the medical worker discount the lady I spoke to said to just let the ticket person know (said nothing about bringing prof). Who would lie about this? So, we didn’t see the art exhibit. $20/ person was steep for a family of 4, so we opted to just do the free glass blowing observation. See more..
4.5 St Petersburg Saturday Morning Market (327 reviews)
- Terrific Market
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Flea & Street Markets

The largest Farmers Market in the southeast United States, with over 170 vendors rotating through 135 spaces. An extraordinary selection of prepared food, great crafts, plants, flowers, and more. A wonderful selection of produce straight from the farm, including 2 large organic farms. Be sure to come hungry - we have 13 countries and styles of ready-to-eat food (e.g. French, German, Italian, Belgian, Indian, Thai, Ethiopian, Ecuadorian, Mexican, Jamaican, BBQ, Soulfood and more!) Live music and a variety of entertainers every week. Lots of tables to hang out and enjoy the great sense of community. Come see what many people say is the best thing to ever happen in St Petersburg. The Market runs from October - May. (9am - 2pm) The smaller nearby Williams Park Summer Market runs from June - August (9am - 1pm) See more..
4.5 Skyway Fishing Pier State Park (185 reviews)
- Fishing pier with great views
State Parks • Piers & Boardwalks • Parks

We were really excited to cross this engineering masterpiece spanning the Tampa Bay. There are two fishing piers on each side of the bridge. We stopped at the southern one in Mantee County rest area. This pier is longer and takes you closer to the central pylons. Entry fee for one hour tourist visit without fishing is around 3$. From the pier's end there are great views of the entire bridge and bay. See more..
4.5 Green Bench Brewing Company (166 reviews)
- Craft Beer Heaven
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Green Bench produces delicious and unusual craft beer. So if your typical adult beverage is a Miller lite try and expand your horizons. The brewery offers all types of beer from sours to saisons that are aged in wine barrels. Staff is friendly and helpful. They tend to be busy on the weekends and during the week is less busy. All different ages and types of people along with families. The staff is friendly and helpful. See more..
4.5 Florida CraftArt (141 reviews)
- Do the mural walking tour!
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries

Expect to be dazzled by the finest contemporary ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber, metal, wood and mixed media handcrafted by over 250 Florida artists. It is Florida’s only state-wide nonprofit retail gallery exclusively dedicated to fine craft. It is free and open to the public seven days a week. See themed, curated shows in the Exhibition Gallery. Be sure to visit the second floor where you’ll discover 20 working artists studios. The best time to catch the artists is on Second Saturday ArtWalk from 5 to 9 p.m. Held the weekend before Thanksgiving, the free annual CraftArt Festival features over 100 artists from around the country. Enjoy a MURAL TOUR in Downtown St. Petersburg: “Hear the inside stories of the artists and the making of over 30 murals.” The four-block, 90-minute Walking Tour starts at Florida CraftArt Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. Two-hour Bike Mural Tours are on first Saturdays. Book online at FloridaCraftArt.org. Groups can arrange for special tour times and pricing. See more..
4.5 St. Pete Pier (127 reviews)
- That VIEW
Piers & Boardwalks • Scenic Walking Areas

I loved this Pier so much!! It’s definitely the place to visit in St. Pete. You can park on the street ( some places are even free the rest you pay with your phone’s app) or at a public parking lot. As you walk towards the three story pier you will enjoy the gorgeous view and breeze of this impecable place. On the first floor the have a cool coffee shop and on the other floors they have restaurants. I got the opportunity to seat on the last floor’s restaurant and enjoyed delicious drinks with the breathtaking view. See more..
4.5 North Straub Park (125 reviews)
- Beautiful
Parks

We had a beautiful picnic set up for us by our son for our wedding anniversary. The park was absolutely beautiful. I was a bit concerned about the homeless man, karate chopping the air around him and he kept coming towards us. After awhile he dug through the trash can and left. But still a very beautiful park. See more..
4.5 Demens Landing Park (120 reviews)
- Great view - parking a little difficult
Parks

We went for a walk here on a Saturday. It was a little difficult to find parking - because many of the parking spots were reserved for the marina. The path around the park is about a mile long. There are a few benches by the water - which were nice to sit at and watch the planes land and the boats coming and going. See more..
4.0 Tropicana Field (2.371 reviews)
- $$$$$
Sports Complexes • Arenas & Stadiums

Home of the Tampa Bay Rays, this major league park is the first to feature naturally looking FieldTurf. See more..
4.0 Win! Derby (288 reviews)
- Enjoyed poker room with no dog races.
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Dog Tracks

Welcome to Win! Derby at Historic Derby Lane! Derby Lane held its final Live Greyhound Race on Sunday, December 27th. We hope you continue to visit us for your off-track betting. Visit our website for our current Racing schedule. The Win! Derby Poker Room offers Live Action and Tournament play Monday through Wednesday from 10am-4am, and 24 hours Thursday thru Sunday. We have many restaurants for you to enjoy some of the best food in St. Pete, including our new Track Menu . We also offer simulcast racing. Stop by for lunch and catch your favorite Thoroughbred or Harness race. You can even watch and wager on a Jai Alai game. See more..
4.0 Great Explorations Children's Museum (263 reviews)
- Very interactive!
Speciality Museums

Great Explorations Children’s Museum has served the children and families of the Tampa Bay area since 1987. Designed for children 10 and under, the 23,000 square foot museum is filled with exhibits and activities to stimulate learning through creativity, play and exploration. The museum also offers a national award winning preschool, camps and afterschool programming, field trips and community outreach programs. See more..