MileHacker Logo
Things to Do in St Petersburg

Things to Do in St Petersburg

St Petersburg Florida, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

St. Petersburg’s coastal location and numerous parks create a perfect setting for various outdoor adventures, fitting different activity levels.

Hiking & Cycling Routes

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

Over 6 miles of relatively flat, easy-to-moderate trails through various ecosystems.

Weedon Island Preserve

Boardwalks and shell mound trails for easy walking through mangrove forests. Observation tower.

Pinellas Trail

47-mile paved multi-use trail for long-distance, safe cycling through St. Petersburg.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Kayaking/Paddleboarding: Rentals at Fort De Soto Park, Weedon Island. Explore mangroves.
  • Jet Skiing: Rentals along St. Pete Beach for a thrilling Gulf experience.
  • Parasailing: Offered at St. Pete Beach, aerial views of the coastline.
  • Fishing: From The St. Pete Pier, Fort De Soto Park piers, or deep-sea charters.

Birdwatching

  • Fort De Soto Park is a renowned destination.
  • Especially during migration seasons.
  • Attracts hundreds of species.
  • Weedon Island Preserve offers good opportunities.

Manatee Viewing

  • During cooler months (Nov-Mar), manatees seek warmer water.
  • Not guaranteed in St. Pete itself.
  • Nearby Manatee Viewing Center (Apollo Beach) is reliable.
  • A unique wildlife encounter.

Dolphin Sightings

  • Dolphin watching tours almost guarantee sightings.
  • Spot bottlenose dolphins in the bay or Gulf.
  • Also visible from The St. Pete Pier.
  • Or along the waterfront.

Important Note on Manatees

While manatee sightings are possible, guaranteed viewing requires visiting specific, dedicated centers like the Manatee Viewing Center near Apollo Beach during cooler months. Respect wildlife and observe from a distance.

Cultural Immersion

St. Petersburg makes cultural engagement simple, offering many experiences.

Workshops & Classes

  • Glassblowing: Morean Arts Center's "Hot Shop" for hands-on experience. Book ahead.
  • Art Workshops: Local galleries offer painting, pottery, drawing. Check schedules.
  • Cultural understanding through direct participation.
  • Engage with local artists and their creative processes.

Cultural Performances

The Mahaffey Theater

Hosts Broadway shows, concerts by national and international artists, comedy, and dance.

American Stage in the Park

Outdoor theater productions in Demens Landing Park (typically spring), an unique cultural experience.

Local Music Venues

Bars and clubs in Edge and Grand Central Districts feature live local bands (blues, jazz, rock).

Cultural Festivals

Many festivals and events throughout the year celebrate St. Petersburg's diverse culture. Review local event calendars.

Community Initiatives

Farmers Markets (like St. Pete Saturday Morning Market) and Art Walks offer direct interaction with local vendors and artists.

Language & Exchange

While English is main language, engaging with locals at markets or community events provides informal cultural exchange.

Relaxation & Wellness

St. Petersburg offers several ways for relaxation and wellness, from tranquil spa treatments to peaceful outdoor settings.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • Numerous day spas and resort spas in St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach.
  • Many luxury hotels (e.g., The Vinoy Renaissance) feature full-service spas.
  • Offer massages, facials, and body treatments for rejuvenation.
  • Research options based on preferred treatments and budget.

Yoga & Meditation

Yoga Studios

Numerous yoga studios operate, specifically downtown, Edge District, and Grand Central areas. Many offer drop-in classes for visitors.

Outdoor Sessions

Outdoor yoga sometimes happens in public parks, along the waterfront, or on the beaches, providing a scenic backdrop.

Traditional Healing

Find practitioners of alternative and holistic healing (acupuncture, chiropractic, massage) in private clinics.

Natural Therapy & Beach Clubs

Natural Stress Reduction

The peaceful environments of Sunken Gardens, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, or a walk along the beach offer natural stress reduction.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Many beachfront hotels on St. Pete Beach offer expansive pool areas and direct beach access. Some resorts may offer day passes.

St. Pete Pier Beach

The St. Pete Pier also features a small, family-friendly beach area with calm waters, suitable for relaxation and swimming.

Entertainment & Nightlife

St. Petersburg features a lively and diverse entertainment and nightlife scene, especially downtown and in arts districts.

Live Music Venues

  • Jannus Live: Outdoor concert venue for national touring acts.
  • Floridian Social Club: Restored historic venue with diverse music acts.
  • Local Bars/Pubs: Many feature live local bands, acoustic sets, or DJs.
  • Discover emerging talent in the Central Arts, Edge, and Grand Central Districts.

Theater & Performance Spaces

The Mahaffey Theater

Premier performing arts venue. Hosts Broadway touring productions, concerts, comedy shows, and classical performances.

American Stage

Professional regional theater company. Has "American Stage in the Park" (outdoor Shakespeare/classic plays) in spring.

St. Petersburg City Theatre

A community theater offering various productions throughout the year, supporting local talent.

Nightclubs & Dancing

Venues focused on dancing are mainly concentrated downtown along Central Avenue and in the adjacent Edge District.

  • Different music styles: pop, hip-hop, electronic dance music.
  • Varying ambiances for different preferences.
  • Late-night options available.
  • Explore different vibes.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

Central Avenue offers a high concentration of bars and pubs with lively atmospheres. Many establishments feature outdoor seating.

  • Edge District: Known for craft breweries and unique bars.
  • Grand Central District: Mix of LGBTQ+-friendly bars and independent pubs.
  • Pub Crawls: Organized tours guide visitors through multiple bars.
  • A social way to experience the nightlife.

Late-Night Entertainment

Beyond bars and clubs, some establishments offer late-night comedy shows or open mic nights for evening entertainment.

  • Late-night eateries serve casual fare or desserts.
  • Cater to those seeking a bite after the bars close.
  • Variety of options for post-bar activities.
  • Something for everyone after dark.

Entertainment Planning Tips

Pre-Book Shows:
  • For major concerts or Broadway shows, book tickets in advance.
  • Check venue websites for schedules and availability.
  • Use platforms like GetYourGuide for experience bookings.
Explore Districts:
  • Wander through Central Avenue, Edge District, or Grand Central for different vibes.
  • Many places offer happy hour specials.
  • Consider a guided pub crawl for a social experience.

Nightlife Highlight

Many downtown bars and pubs often offer live music. This provides a lively atmosphere for evening enjoyment.

Activity Planning Summary

What to Do

  • Engage in water sports: kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, or fishing.
  • Explore nature preserves like Fort De Soto Park or Boyd Hill for hiking.
  • Participate in art workshops or experience glassblowing at Morean Arts Center.
  • Enjoy live music, theater performances, or explore the nightlife.

Things to Note

  • Book popular tours or classes in advance, especially during high season.
  • Check local calendars for festivals and events during your visit.
  • Consider outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day in summer.
  • Respect natural habitats and wildlife during outdoor excursions.