Day Trips from St Petersburg. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Clearwater Beach

Famous for its incredibly soft, white sand beaches and clear Gulf waters, Clearwater Beach is a family-friendly destination.

Attractions include Pier 60, hosting a daily sunset festival, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, focused on marine rescue.

Travel Details

Transportation: Drive, Jolley Trolley (local).
Time: Half-day to a full day, depending on activities.
Tip: See Winter the Dolphin at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Activity: Pier 60 features daily sunset festivals with artisans and performers.

Urban & Cultural Day Trips

Explore the diverse offerings of nearby cities and unique cultural towns.

Tampa

Tampa, a larger metropolitan area, has a wide range of attractions.

Travel & Activities

Transportation: Drive, Cross-Bay Ferry (seasonal), limited PSTA bus route.
Activity: Busch Gardens requires a full day.
Exploration: Ybor City or Riverwalk for diverse experiences.

Sarasota

Sarasota features a rich cultural scene and beautiful beaches.

Cultural & Beach Focus

Attraction: The Ringling Museum campus for art and architecture.
Beach: Siesta Beach, known for its pure quartz sand.
Access: Driving is the only practical way.

Cultural Highlights Beyond St. Pete

Tarpon Springs

Visit Historic Sponge Docks.
Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine and bakeries.
Requires driving for access.
Half-day sufficient for exploration.

Dunedin

Explore craft breweries.
Access Pinellas Trail for cycling.
Gateway to Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island ferry.
Discover independent shops and art galleries.

Ybor City Overview

Historical ContextNational Historic Landmark District.
Industry OriginMajor cigar manufacturing center (19th-20th centuries).
Cultural RootsFounded by Cuban, Spanish, and Italian immigrants.
Local CharmWild chickens roam the streets.

AttractionsYbor City Museum State Park.
ConnectivityStreetcars link to downtown Tampa and Riverwalk.
ExperienceDistinct historical and cultural immersion.
Visit LengthConsider a half-day trip.

Note for Visitors

St. Petersburg does not host major international pilgrimage sites. Local churches welcome visitors for services or quiet contemplation.

Natural Escapes

Beyond St. Petersburg’s urban parks and immediate beaches, Florida has numerous natural escapes within a reasonable drive.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Unique state park with live underwater mermaid shows and a spring-fed waterpark.

Myakka River State Park

One of Florida's largest state parks, known for diverse wildlife, especially alligators.

Caladesi Island State Park

Pristine, undeveloped barrier island beach experience, accessible by ferry.

Weeki Wachee Details

Explore the live underwater mermaid shows performed in a natural spring-fed theater.

Activities & Tips

Buccaneer Bay offers a natural spring waterpark.
Kayak or paddleboard on the clear Weeki Wachee River.
Arrive early; park capacity can be reached, especially on weekends.

Myakka River Details

Discover one of Florida's largest and oldest state parks, safeguarding diverse landscapes.

Wildlife & Exploration

Excellent destination for spotting alligators and various birds.
Airboat tours available on Upper Myakka Lake.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching and bug spray.

Caladesi Island Details

AccessFerry from Honeymoon Island State Park.

FeaturesPristine, undeveloped barrier island.

ActivitiesSwimming, sunbathing, shelling, kayaking.

On-IslandNo cars, contributing to untouched feel.

AmenitiesLimited concession stand and restrooms.

PreparationBring all necessary supplies for the day.

Unique Florida Experience

Visit Weeki Wachee Springs State Park to see the mermaid shows.
Kayak on the clear river.
Observe manatee sightings in cooler months.
Transportation for both parks requires driving.
Check park websites for current operating hours and any alerts before visiting.

Multi-Day Extensions

For travelers with more time, St. Petersburg serves as an excellent starting point for multi-day extensions to other iconic Florida destinations.

Orlando Extension

A trip to Orlando has a completely different experience, focusing on world-renowned theme parks.

Theme Park Adventures

Walt Disney World Resort (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom).
Universal Studios Florida (Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay).
Add 2-3 days for park visits.

Florida Keys Journey

For an iconic Florida road trip, extend your journey south to the Florida Keys.

Island Life & Watersports

Unique island culture, snorkeling, and diving opportunities.
Enjoy fresh seafood and distinct island vibes.
Connected by the scenic Overseas Highway.

Everglades National Park

A visit to the Everglades provides an immersive experience in an unique wetland ecosystem.

Nature & Wildlife

Airboat tours for spotting alligators and wading birds.
Explore various visitor centers and boardwalks.
Offers a dramatic contrast to beaches and cities.

Travel Connections

Plan your logical next destinations and transportation connections.

Transportation Details

St. Petersburg to Orlando: Straightforward drive on I-4.
St. Petersburg to Florida Keys: Long but scenic drive via I-75 and U.S. 1.
Consider flying from Tampa to West for quicker Keys access.

Suggested Regional Routes

Beach & Theme Park Combo

St. Petersburg for relaxation, then Orlando for theme park adventures. A balanced vacation.

Coastal & Nature Exploration

St. Petersburg, then south to Sarasota and the Everglades for eco-tourism and pristine islands.

Florida Grand Tour

St. Petersburg, Orlando, and the Florida Keys for a comprehensive journey across diverse attractions.

Maximizing Efficiency

Consider flying into one city (e.g., Tampa for St. Pete) and flying out of another (e.g., Orlando) to optimize travel and minimize backtracking.

Day Trips from St Petersburg