Last Updated on February 28, 2024
Looking for fun things to do in St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach? You’ve come to the right place.
Pinellas County stretches from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg along Florida’s Central Gulf Coast. Most of the county is a peninsula separating Tampa Bay from the Gulf of Mexico.
Things to Do in St. Petersburg & St. Pete Beach
Its Gulfside edge comprises a series of barrier islands sprinkled with beach towns. This is where the urban pace melts away and a beachy vibe begins to resonate.
Downtown St. Petersburg
Before we tour the beaches, let’s visit downtown St. Petersburg.
Re-envisioned and revitalized, this once frumpy, “old folks” community is now a younger, vibrant, culturally rich district.
Downtown St. Pete hugs the shoreline of Tampa Bay with walking parks, sports venues, a university campus, restaurants, galleries, and shops.
The Salvador Dali Museum, housing the largest collection of the surrealist’s work outside of Spain, anchors several museums.
Other museums include the Fine Arts Museum and the Chihuly Collection, with its extraordinary exhibits of dramatic and colorful glass sculptures.
A short walk through downtown neighborhoods reveals refurbished historic bungalows and cottages lining red brick streets.
Even the downtown St. Pete Shuffleboard Club draws a younger crowd these days.
Don’t miss Sunken Gardens, one of the original roadside attractions in Florida. Besides a beautiful botanical garden, they have a flock of flamingos and a fun building that showcases its history.
There’s plenty to do downtown, including a free trolley system that can transport you from one landmark to another.
Across the county to the Gulf of Mexico lies miles of white sandy beaches, funky shops, local art galleries, restaurants, and nearby protected islands and state parks.
Here you can have a fun weekend in a “real” Florida getaway.
St. Pete Beach
Sensational St. Pete Beach has laid-back, refurbished old motels and resorts with small-town charm.
But if you want to “dial back” your energies even more, head down to Pass-A-Grille.
Pass-a-Grille
Pass-a-Grille sits on the southernmost end of St. Pete Beach.
According to legend, the name is derived from Cuban fishermen who often stopped here for fresh water and a chance to grill their freshly caught fish.
Drive south on Gulf Boulevard. You’ll notice it is largely a residential community with nostalgic old homes and tall, old Florida palms lining the streets.
Packed with charm, Pass-a-Grille offers a collection of off-beat shops, art galleries, and plenty of beachfront.
You’ll want to park the car and stroll down Eighth Avenue for eclectic shopping.
Sea Horse Restaurant
But your tip of the day is to visit the old Seahorse Tavern and Restaurant for breakfast or lunch.
They are known for their pancakes, grits, and key lime pie.
Sea Horse Restaurant Address: 800 Pass a Grille Way, Pass-a-Grille Beach, FL 33706
Hurricane Seafood Restaurant
Later in the day, walk to the Hurricane Seafood Restaurant.
They are known for great grouper sandwiches and hurricane cocktails. While there, enjoy the magnificent sunset views.
Hurricane Seafood Restaurant Address: 809 Gulf Way, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
The Don CeSar Hotel
One can’t possibly reference Pass-a-Grille without mentioning the famous Don CeSar Hotel.
The towering pink “castle” opened in 1928 and became the pampered playground for celebs like F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.
Known as “the Pink” and “the Don”, this beautiful hotel has been the backdrop for many Hollywood films and sets the stage for a first-class romantic getaway.
The Doc CeSar Address: 3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream Parlor
Even if you don’t stay, treat yourself to ice cream at Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream Parlor. Or take a seat at the outdoor beach bar for the ambiance. Plan to be there when the sun sets.
Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream Parlor Address: 3400 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Fort DeSoto Park
Located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, Fort De Soto is a vast county park (covering five interconnected islands) that has plenty to explore.
Miles of white sandy beaches, seven miles of biking, hiking, and walking trails, a historic fort, and waterfront camping.
The historic fort was built during the Spanish-American War to defend Tampa Bay, the port of embarkation for troops heading to Cuba.
From 1899 to 1906, fortifications were built at Fort De Soto and across the channel on Egmont Key.
Fort De Soto Park Address: FT De Soto Park, FL 33715
Egmont Key State Park
Southwest of Fort De Soto is Egmont Key State Park. If you are interested in what a Florida island looked like before housing developments and parking lots, you’ll love Egmont Key.
In addition to being a pristine 440-acre isle, it is also filled with rich Florida history.
This includes a historic 1858 Lighthouse that still guides water traffic into Tampa Bay.
To get to Egmont, you must travel by private boat or catch the Egmont Key Ferry from Fort De Soto Park.
Be sure to pack drinks and lunch for a half-day stay on the island. There are no facilities on the island.
You can explore stunning beaches, fort remnants, outstanding birding, and wildlife viewing, or enjoy snorkeling in the turquoise waters, fishing, shelling, or swimming.
You may encounter giant sea turtles depending on the time of year you visit. They lay their eggs on these beaches at night from May through October.
As you hike around the walkways, you can climb on walls of cannon emplacements. It’s hard not to imagine years of American history spanning periods.
From the Seminole Wars (Seminoles were imprisoned here) to becoming a base for the Union Navy during the Civil War, and later a fortress during the Spanish American War, it’s a step back in time.
The ruins of some old battlements that the Gulf has reclaimed are a good place to snorkel and enjoy the marine life down under.
Egmont Key State Park Address: 4905 34th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Shell Key Preserve
Another island accessible only by boat is Shell Key. Located south of Pass-a-Grille, it’s another rare gem.
Shell Key is an uninhabited and undeveloped protected island – another place where you can find your own slice of paradise.
Take your own boat or a short pontoon boat ride on the Shell Key Shuttle (departing from the Pass-a-Grille Merry Pier).
Walk the beach, admire the outstanding birding, swim in the crystal clear water, and even consider a hike to the backside of the island.
Wade into the water and discover huge whelks, sea urchins, and other marine life. But remember the rule – never take a shell with a live animal inside.
The ultimate treat here is shelling. Sand dollars, sunray venus, tulips, and plenty more can be found.
Be sure to pack food and drinks for a memorable day on this secluded island.
Shell Key Preserve Address: 2187 Oceanview Dr, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Plaza Beach Resort
When vacationing, you’ll need a place to relax and unplug, and to serve as a comfortable base for your explorations.
The intimate Plaza Beach Resort may be just what you may want.
This personable boutique hotel on St. Pete Beach has all the amenities – a spacious beach, pool, and magnificent sunset views.
Accommodations are also available across the street on Boca Ciega Bay, with fishing docks, a lovely sunrise view, a pool, and spacious rooms.
Plaza Beach Resort Address: 4506 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Ted Peters Smoked Fish Restaurant
The aroma of smoked fish will pull you off the beach and to this 50-year-old classic fish house.
Ted Peters smokes the fish on the premises while locals pack the outdoor bar and picnic tables.
They also have great hamburgers and a wide range of beverages.
Ted Peters Smoked Fish Restaurant Address: 1350 Pasadena Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33707
Historic Sunken Gardens
Not far from downtown St. Petersburg, and just a short ride from the beaches is Sunken Gardens, a lush tropical oasis, and botanical landmark, in business since the 1920s.
Easy walking pathways cross over ponds while guests admire the tropical birds and flamingos.
You can enjoy this shady, beautifully maintained garden sanctuary for the bargain price of $8.00.
Sunken Gardens Address: 1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
If you enjoy a beautiful garden make sure to Tour Four Florida Gardens.
Mazzarro’s Italian Market
This neighborhood market on 22nd Avenue in St. Petersburg is a Mecca for foodies.
If you like real Italian delicacies including homemade pasta, you will feel like you traveled to Italy with a combination of fresh meat and deli market, a sin-full bakery, and a cappuccino counter.
Mazzaro Italian Address: 2909 22nd Ave N, Saint Petersburg, FL
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