There is no shortage of sunny cities in Florida, each with its own unique flair. Amid Miami’s globally-infused sexiness, Orlando’s family-friendly flare, Jacksonville’s vast sprawl, and Tampa’s growing hip factor, it’s easy to overlook Tampa’s southwestern neighbor – which shouldn’t be left out of the Florida destination conversation.
St. Petersburg is loaded with pizzazz that spans a bustling arts scene, delicious breweries, outdoor activities, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Moreover, with more space to explore the ‘Sunshine City’ than in other hotspots, it’s an ideal destination for relaxation and adventure.
St. Petersburg’s ‘Central’ Hub for Arts and Culture
An easy-to-remember destination is Central Avenue. The 600 block of this bustling city artery is a visual spectacle alive with color, featuring vibrant graffiti art, cozy cafes like Brew D Licious, and bars ranging from dive (Emerald Bar) to kitsch (Saigon Blonde tiki bar).
Central Avenue’s nearby neighbor, the EDGE District – located just west between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street South and 13th Street North – offers trendy and eclectic finds like an axe-throwing bar and Latin street food, as well as Buya, a ramen-and-whisky joint.
For museum lovers, St. Pete has an array of compelling offerings. On Central Avenue, the Chihuly Collection at Morean Arts Center features a permanent array of lively pieces by studio glass pioneer, Dale Chihuly. His stunning works are also displayed in illustrious settings like the hotel lobby of the Bellagio in Las Vegas and the New York Botanical Garden, but this is the first space custom-designed to showcase his large-format sculptures.
While it’s true that St. Pete sits southwest of Tampa, you might not expect this coastal Florida city to be a destination for fans of cowboys, gunslingers, and westerns. A few blocks from Tampa Bay on Central Avenue, the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art boasts over 400 pieces that offer a captivating look into the American West. In addition to temporary exhibitions, its six principal galleries – spanning Native Life to ‘the New West’ – each present a distinct perspective. Its Wildlife Gallery, filled with stunning paintings and sculptures, is sure to enchant animal lovers.
St. Pete also features The Salvador Dalí Museum (or ‘The Dalí’), which houses the largest collection of the eccentric surrealist’s works outside of Europe. Among the artist’s eighteen masterworks, the St. Pete museum holds eight, including the famously named ‘Galacidalacidesoxiribunucleicacid’ and his iconic ‘Hallucinogenic Toreador.’ In addition to showcasing these famous Dali works, the museum regularly features temporary exhibitions from other surrealists and master painters who influenced Dali, including the renowned Goya.
What’s Brewing in the Sunshine City
There is perhaps nothing more refreshing on a sweltering Florida day than an ice-cold beer. Fortunately, in St. Petersburg, there are plenty of options, especially when it comes to craft breweries. St. Pete is thriving with inventive brews – the perfect way to cool off after a long day of museum-hopping or lounging on the beach.
Among the city’s top choices is St. Pete Brewing Company. Renowned for their use of citrus, this brewery serves a range of interesting brews, whether it’s an orange wheat ale, watermelon and blueberry Berliner Weisse, or the popular ‘Mangoes Crazy’ imperial wheat.
For those seeking refreshing options, 3 Daughters Brewing features a diverse menu of fruit-infused ciders and hard seltzers that change regularly. In addition to these delightful drinks, there are activities like pinball and giant Jenga to enjoy. Take a stroll in the surrounding neighborhood and encounter colorful murals, charming vintage shops, and further artist hotspots, including the nearby Clay Center of St. Petersburg.
Just two blocks northeast of 3 Daughters, Pinellas Ale Works is a haven for dog lovers. Beyond their delicious homemade brews, this location hosts yappy hours benefiting local animal charities and organizes monthly dog washes in its beer garden, along with other pet-friendly activities.
In the EDGE District, Green Bench Brewing stands out with a large green outdoor area for relaxing. IPA enthusiasts will delight in their Sunshine City brew, which combines notes of tangerine and papaya.
Hitting St. Pete’s Beaches and Beyond
No trip to St. Pete is complete without a day at the beach. Among the barrier islands that host the region’s stunning beaches, there are numerous pristine white sand paradises to explore.
Starting in the north, Madeira Beach (locally known as ‘Mad Beach’) features a buzzing boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants. John’s Pass Village is always ideal for a stroll and, when you work up an appetite, The Boardwalk Grill and Dockside Dave’s are excellent choices for fresh seafood.
Further south, St. Pete Beach is unmissable, boasting expansive white sands alongside the towering, pink Don CeSar luxury hotel. Adventurous visitors can try kiteboarding, windsurfing, and parasailing at various locations. Suncoast Watersports provides a range of rentals and activities, including waverunner and kayak rentals as well as dolphin watch cruises that depart throughout the week.
Fort De Soto State Park consists of five islands (or keys) with over 1,100 acres of recreational space. For those seeking a camping adventure, the park has more than 200 camping sites, though it’s essential to reserve your spot in advance – and don’t forget to bring your rainfly. This area is also a hiker’s paradise, featuring a seven-mile paved trail, a one-mile nature trail, plus piers for fishing and historical Civil War-era military fortifications to explore.
Regardless of where your day may lead you in St. Petersburg, watching the sunset on the beach should be on your agenda. Any beautiful spot along the sandy shores is perfect for carving out your moment of tranquility.
St. Pete Has a Thriving LGBTQ Community
As a whole, St. Pete is renowned for being a warm and welcoming place, including the LGBTQ population. Instead of having a single ‘gayborhood,’ like South Beach in Miami, the queer community is woven into the city’s fabric. In fact, more than 250,000 people attended St. Pete’s 2019 Pride Parade (the largest in Florida). The city’s calendar features year-round celebrations, including a Trans Pride parade, a Hallowqueen drag competition and festival, and a Taste of Pride event that showcases St. Pete’s food, beer, art, and queer scenes.
Additionally, St. Petersburg has its own LGBTQ Welcome Center, which first opened in 2014 and has since expanded to include a cozy ice cream and coffee bar. This center serves as a cultural hub, providing a vibrant space to explore art from local LGBTQ artists, unwind, and connect with various communities and LGBTQ-friendly establishments throughout the city.
