The S. Saint Petersburg Pier to Egmont Key Cruise is a 60-minute ferry ride to the stunning Egmont Key. Then, head to St. Pete Pier for the best green space near the sea! Snack on some appetizers as you enjoy the end to a perfect day at the beach. This tropical wonderland was created as a hobby garden by a local plumber in the early 1900s on a six-acre piece of land that formerly held a lake. The museum was founded in 1992 by Walter P. Loebenberg, a local businessman and philanthropist. 2023 Atlas Obscura. It is also an ideal place to see plants and colorful butterflies in their natural habitats. The gorgeous Gulf Coast city of St. Petersburg, FL, makes for the perfect destination for couples looking to spice up their relationship. The list below includes 228 free or cheap things to do in or near St. Petersburg, Florida, including 84 different types of inexpensive activities like Parks, Art Museum, History Museums and Music Venue. This makes Devil's Den the perfect place to hang out with family and friends. The Pinellas Trail has some super-scenic stops to visit along the way including Honeymoon Island near Dunedin and Wall Springs Park in Palm Harbor. Fun fact! The museum also has an archive of thousands of photos and over 30,000 artifacts in its collection. There are also picnic benches and public restrooms. For thousands of years, the park was home to indigenous American people who fished and lived on these shores. Now known as The Duke Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater hosts, on any given week, orchestral concerts, Broadway musicals and plays, stand-up comedy shows and touring live bands. Youll find plenty here to explore. If youre looking for fun and educational things to do with kids in St. Petersburg, stimulate their curiosity at the Great Explorations Childrens Museum. This inspiring museum is sure to uplift everyone who visits as it stretches our concept of the applications of glass as a material. With a seating capacity of up to 40 people, enjoy the shows in a small group setting. Save St Petersburg Jazz Celebration to your collection. This is a great place for bourbon and whisky lovers with a large selection to choose from. Located in the Historic Old Northeast neighborhood, the Sunken Gardens are like a slice of heaven in the middle of the city. Think Great Gatsby meets tropical paradise! The local population of bottlenose dolphins are a curious bunch and are drawn to the Dolphin Racer as it powers through the bay. A surefire way to see bottlenose dolphins in Tampa Bay is to take a ride on the Dolphin Racer speedboat. Fairgrounds St. Pete 42 Museums Art Classes Palace where the nearly un-killable Rasputin was murdered. You'll be able to explore the beaches, mangroves, wetlands, and native plants. The areas other large facility, The Florida Aquarium, has some fascinating exhibits with native and exotic wildlife habitats. How empresses used "metamorphosis" to show their male courtiers whos the boss. With beautiful views of the yacht marina as well as some of the citys most attractive buildings, including The Dal Museum and Mahaffey Theater, this quiet park is a great place to just kick back and relax. Visiting this secret garden in the midst of the busy city might be one of the most invigorating things to do in St. Petersburg and is sure to be a big hit with nature lovers. Bay Vista Recreation Center 7000 4TH ST S St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Organized by St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation . Ever wanted to get up close to an alligator? Soak up the Floridan way of life at this hotel, and focus on working on your sun tan in the lounge chairs by the pool, or working up a sweat in the state-of-the-art gym. Though the primary draw of the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center is going to be alligators, there are also plenty of other creatures to get up close to. Hit the mangroves on a kayak in Sarasota, or for the art lovers, head to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art for stunning works of art. St.. Gather together your team of friends and family and test your powers of deduction and problem-solving in one of these themed games. No stop at Fort De Soto Park is complete without a look at the historic fort. Head to Pass-a-Grille for a relaxing day away from the hustle of downtown St. Petersburg. Try the augmented reality sandbox, where a regular sandbox becomes an entire world with gushing rivers and rocky mountains. When the Sunshine Skyway was built in the mid-1980s, the old bay bridge was left in place and quickly became popular with local anglers. Parking:You'll find amix of permit and metered parking in the St Pete Beach area. The huge 3,000-acre Weedon Island Preserve is a must-visit for nature lovers in St. Petersburg. One unusual stop is Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum, 605 11th Ave. Northeast, St. Petersburg, a small free arboretum filled with a vast variety of palms from around the world. You'll find St. Petersburg between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, on the Pinellas peninsula. Take on all the water parks in Kissimmee, from Island H20 Live to Aquatica Orlando, and then wander back in time through Old Town Kissimmee for night fun! In a perfect position looking out over Tampa Bay, Vinoy Park is one of the citys most visited attractions. Cool off from the summer heat at the Splash Pad or stroll around the Benoist Centennial Plaza before relaxing on the Bayfront Health Tilted Lawn, theres something here for the whole family. Know that most of the things to do are free or cheap. A luxuriant botanical garden below sea level. This former factory has been transformed into a technicolor wonderland, where dozens of local artists have collaborated to create a real choose-your-own-adventure experience. Parking:Try the North and South Ends of Pass-a-Grille Beach for the easiest parking options. 4.8 (15 reviews) 91. Whether you're a local, new in town, or just passing through, you'll be sure to find something on Eventbrite that piques your interest. The scenic waterfront road, Coffee Pot Boulevard, which skirts by Coffee Pot Bayou has picturesque views of Snell Isle and could be one of the most enchanting spots in St. Petersburg for a stroll. The Best Things to Do in St. Petersburg. With stores selling everything from clothing, apparel and jewelry to sweets, collectibles and Cuban cigars, theres a lot to see here. safe neighborhoods in st petersburg fl. It's a hidden gem in St Petersburg that not many locals even know about. Do some celebrity spotting while youre in attendance, and check out the other tons of fun available at the event. 2050 62nd Ave N. Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails. If the Florida sun is proving too much for you, why not take a stroll down to North Straub Park. Brown Pelicans are also a common sight in the area with over 600 of the birds calling the island home. Parking: There are time restrictions on most street parking spaces. All the islands are connected by causeways or bridges. Consistently voted one of the best beaches in the United States, St Petes Beach really has it all. Besides turtles, visitors may be lucky enough to spot starfish and fiddler crabs as well as egrets, spoonbills and plovers. A visitor favorite on the island is its large colony of gopher tortoises who definitely arent shy of people and can be seen trudging around the pathways and roads of Egmont Key State Park. You can time your visit during the Bungalow Fest in November when the homeowners open their doors and give tours to visitors. Aside from the (obvious) attraction of sandy shores and coastal views, my husband grew up going here with his grandparents. Hours: Varied, check your destinations for current hours of operation. 25 Fun Things to Do in St. Petersburg With Kids - Mommy Nearest DOWNLOAD THE APP SOUTH FLORIDA NATIONAL SOUTH FLORIDA ATLANTA BAY AREA BOSTON CHICAGO DALLAS DENVER HOUSTON LOS ANGELES NYC PHILADELPHIA PHOENIX SAN DIEGO SEATTLE WASHINGTON DC CATEGORIES SPECIALS SEARCH MOMMY NEAREST PLAYDATES PARTNERS ABOUT US PRESS CONTACT US TERMS STYLE GUIDE St Petes Beach is a great place for families to relax with the calm gentle gulf waters which are perfect for bathing, and action is just a step away. Sleep out under the stars to the sound of the sea lapping the shore and the gentle cry of birds. Another of the citys fantastic waterfront green spaces, Demens Landing Park occupies the space which was formerly the citys first railway pier. The unique pieces collected here display the ingenuity of the individual artists and the wide range of techniques applied in the modern studio glass scene. Look for metered parking garages if you're planning to park for more than a couple hours. There is also a large selection of picnic shelters available and two playgrounds which is sure to keep the kids entertained. It may seem like a dubious title but St. Petersburgs Museum of History is home to the worlds largest collection of autographed baseballs. Miles of white-sand beaches promise days of sun-soaked fun. And you'll want to try your best to get yourself seated on the rooftop bar it's the best sunset view in Pass-a-Grille! Busch Gardens has jaw-dropping ice skating extravaganzas, storytime shows for kids, and live music by No.1 tribute bands. Specimens collected by the author of "Lolita" and self-taught lepidopterist are exhibited in his childhood home. It also has a battlefield cross monument dedicated to the 18 local members of the armed forces who died in the Gulf War. For those that like the more sedate life, take a safari ride and view some of the parks 200 species of animals, including rhinos, elephants and gorillas. Younger kids are sure to love this! With 361 days of sun a year on average, St Pete is known as the 'Sunshine City'. Outerlife Studios is one of the citys premier escape rooms and allows visitors to choose from themed experiences and settings, including a superheros headquarters, a locked apartment with a ticking time bomb or a building set to burn. It is now an important nesting site for sea turtles, tortoises and hundreds of thousands of sea birds. Downtown Florida Live Traffic and Accident Reports . For the avid art enthusiast, theres one place to visit in the city that will appeal above all else the Museum of Fine Arts. Children can attend, but it is held at the discretion of parents. The aquarium also has freshwater creatures such as its adorable river otters, Walle and Boomer. Bottom line: Wine? Top 10 destinations for families in 2023. Take a family tour with lunch on the triple decked ship, Calypso Breeze, or board a tiki bar boat for a relaxing booze cruise around the bay. Beware though, you may come out with something fun and frivolous which you didnt expect. The club hosts many celebrity comedians, as well as locals, from pop culture comedy to crude comedy, and relatable comedy its all here! The Ale & The Witch 231 Bars Music Venues $$Downtown St. Petersburg "Before the Ale & The Witch became so popular, it attracted an extremely laid back crowd, some of." more Outdoor seating 2. What once was an ancient lake became the perfect place to grow beautiful tropical plants. City of St. Petersburg Along with beautiful, award-winning beaches, St. Petersburg is home to the world-renowned Salvador Dali Museum, top-rated restaurants and beautiful Fort De Soto Park. The museum is located in a lovely setting in St. Petersburg's waterfront downtown area. The islands strategic position means it has played a major role in many domestic wars and includes the remains of Fort Dade as well as a 100-year-old lighthouse. Many of the creatures here were in some way injured and cannot be returned to the wild but are well looked after in purpose-built habitats. St. Petersburg Florida has some rainy days in December. Fort DeSoto Park is a state park made up of five offshore keys - Madelaine Key, St. Jean Key, St. Christopher Key, Bonne Fortune Key, and Mullet Key. With its privileged position at the southern end of St. Petersburgs downtown seafront district, Albert Whitted Park has uninterrupted views of those spectacular Florida sunsets. Which one was your favorite? Offering a comprehensive overview of the life and work of Salvador Dali, this museum boasts the largest collection of Dali pieces found outside Spain. On busier days its a good place to watch the citys Firestone Grand Prix or catch sight of old-fashioned biplanes taking off and landing at the nearby waterfront airport. It is now considered the worlds longest fishing pier and gives fishermen unrestricted access to the deeper bay waters. Whatever your preferred way to explore outdoors, be it jogging, walking, cycling or skating you are bound to enjoy the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail. Located in the Grand Central District of St. Pete, this unique spot offers a hybrid between a private dog park and a full liquor, beer, and wine bar. Check. Its position at the heart of the citys waterfront makes it a beautiful venue to visit at any time of the year. Check out a Tampa Bay Rays game or see the website to find out whats happening at The Trop during your time in St. Petersburg. Visitors get the unique opportunity to see alligators up close and pet and hold them under careful supervision. 3. wants to go to Unusual Attractions in St. Petersburg St. Petersburg, Florida Salvador Dal Museum Florida might be at its most surreal in this museum devoted to the famed Spanish artist. I would personally recommend combining a trip to St Pete, with a few days in Crystal River. Try your hand at fishing or visit Splash Harbor Water Park for a wild afternoon on the slides. Your four-legged friend neednt miss out either as North Straub Park has a dedicated dog park and keep your eyes and ears open for year-round events and live music occurring on its permanent stage area. Flying Boat Brewing Co. 26 Breweries Open now By Defiantmonkey More than just a baseball collection though, the museum uses these autographed trophies to tell key moments in the countrys history and tell the story of modern American achievements. Sunken Gardens has been a Florida staple attracting visitors from around the world for over 100 years. These artificial mountains were fast, thrilling, and probably very dangerous. Leaf through over 30,000 artists' sketchbooks in what may be the world's largest collection of doodles. Home to the Major League Baseball team, The Tampa Bay Rays, Tropicana Field is a must-visit for sports fans while in St. Petersburg. Simply choose your departure point, whether from St. Petersburg, Tampa or nearby Clearwater and then enjoy the cruise. Sun . Pro tip: Buy your ticket ahead of time to receive a $2 discount! Best Weird Attractions near me in Saint Petersburg, Florida Sort:Recommended All Price Open: Now 1. Whether you are staying in the area or visiting on a day trip, St Pete is an obligatory stop in anyone's Florida itinerary. If you're dreaming of warm summer sunshine and beautiful white sands then St. Petersburg, Florida might just be your perfect beachside destination. Why not bring some snacks and make use of the picnic shelter and barbecue facilities after taking a stroll along the boardwalk nature trail and enjoying the sights. This Tampa Theme Park and Zoo has been entertaining visitors for over 60 years with its thrilling white-knuckle rides and attractions. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. Mazzaros started out as a coffee roasting business nearly 30 years ago and soon became the locals go-to place for anything Italian stopping by here is one of the essential things to do in St. Petersburg and you wont leave empty-handed for sure. F. M. Dostoyevsky Literary Memorial Museum. 2335 22nd Ave S. Awakening Into Wellness. The arboretum is wheelchair accessible and as part of St. Petersburgs city parks, is free admission. Docent-led tours are available for full museum tours, and visitors can request tours that focus on the areas that interest them most. From Fort De Soto Park to Vinoy Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in St. Petersburg and in nearby cities within 25 miles . While not technically a day trip activity, if you aren't staying at the Don CeSar then you at least need to go take a look at it! Egmont Key will be one of the most interesting things to do for nature and history lovers in St. Petersburg. Scratch below St Petersburg's regal 8. Step back over 100 years just a few minutes from Downtown St. Petersburg. One of the country's largest Holocaust museums is in St Petersburg. Many of the themes include historical subjects and recently the museum has focused on a selection of works by living Native American artists. Age Category Adult Location BVC Multipurpose Room B at Bay Vista Recreation Center Instructor Angela Barbarin . Taste the Shrimp Los Cabos served with avocado, cilantro, sweet tomato cocktail sauce and fresh tortilla chips. Start searching for the best hotels and Airbnbs in St. Petersburg here. If you want to see the other remaining mortars, you'll have to travel to the Philippines! Locals recommend visiting for Sunday brunch as well, or the Jazz concerts on Saturday. Step in for a fun time at the Historic Manhattan Casino, located in the lively Grand Central District. It is a good centrally located place to pick up beers and wines to go. Its collection includes over 1,500 pieces from all over the world as well as a core collection of 500 American studio glass artworks. St Petersburg Jazz Celebration. This popular county park spans five islands and covers over 1,000 acres along the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, I'm Lisa! World War Ii 2. Why not 5,000 you ask? But no matter when you visit, there's plenty to do and see in the area. For classic Mexican dishes and cocktails, Red Mesa Cantina has fantastic traditional dishes and a wide selection of tequila. 101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705. Plant Museum in Tampa, and afterward devour the goodies inside Ybor City for a taste of Tampa. This seaside restaurant chooses products from local farms and breweries to stock its menu. Simply download the app and follow clues and directions to locations around the city. Clearwater Marine Aquarium. 1) Bring Your Dog to Fort De Soto Park. It hosts some of the citys major outdoor shows like the Tampa Bay Blues and Reggae Rise Up music festivals, The Festivals of Speed Car Show and food fests throughout the year. . 6) See wildlife at the Weedon Island Preserve. Its a very unique attraction and you wont find anything like this elsewhere in the state of Florida. All Rights Reserved. DOT Incident Report. Lining up plans in St. Petersburg? Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! Several of the plants at the botanical gardens are hundreds of years old and can't be found anywhere else in the area. With over 120 vendors on site selling everything from fresh vegetables, meats and cheeses, teas and coffees and even artisan vegan popsicles, you know youll find something here youre gonna love. A trip to the Saturday Morning Market is a must-do thing while in the city and you can find it opposite Pioneer Park and a stones throw from Demens Landing. It allows you to choose your own interaction and offers visitors multiple ways to engage. Steeln' Peaches: An Allman Brothers Band Tribute at the Floridian is hosted at "Floridian Social Club". There are a lot and different options for food lovers in St. Petersburg. If youre looking for a one-stop destination for shopping, dining and entertainment in St. Petersburg, Johns Pass will likely fit the bill. If this sounds like your next family getaway, here are the top fun things to do in St. Petersburg with kids to help you sort through the best activities and exciting spots in the city. ARTpool hosts regular creative get-togethers and a monthly independent craft market. Meters typically start at around $1.25 per hour. The sight of a Walker Bulldog tank may not be the most reassuring thing to see in a park but War Veterans Memorial Park is dedicated to honoring the memory of its Military Veterans. We will go over basics and have FUN painting. 800 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Credit: St. Pete Pier Facebook Page 3. A visit to the Sunken Gardens in St. Pete, Florida is a must for any plant lover. Salty's is a particularly great choice if you're in the mood for a frozen cocktail, though they also serve beer and wine. Nightlife, events and open-air fests are cause for year-round revelry. Historically known as a meeting space since the mid-20s, the casino has been renovated to reflect modern times while maintaining its community and history intact. We always make a point of going whenever we're in St Petersburg. Clearwater Beach. My 9 things: John Legend's favorite places during a stay in Washington, D.C. My 9 Things: Questlove's top travel tips. Your email address will not be published. It's time to make an elaborate leprechaun trap! You will cruise over the sparkling waters of Tampa Bay and the luxury beachfront resort, Don CeSar. Shell Key Preserve is accessible only by boat so plan ahead. If you want to escape for a few hours, you can visit for only $12 per person. A tropical paradise in the middle of the city, The Sunken Gardens has been wowing visitors to the area for 100 years. The pier is sure to be your new favorite place to go in St. Petersburg. Beaches in 2019. You can expect tarpon, grouper, cobia, snook, red snapper, pompano, Spanish and king mackerel, sheepshead, and more. Busch Gardens hardly needs any introduction. Here they can meet the Explorasaurus and play and discover through interactive games and exhibits. The shows are typically held Friday-Saturday nights, with some shows taking place on Thursdays and Sundays as well, making it the perfect activity to do in St. Petersburg! Florida; I-st; By Anonymous; 24; 41 minutes ago; Read More. An important habitat for nesting birds, Shell Key Preserve includes one of Floridas biggest areas of undeveloped barrier Islands. 400 S Federal Hwy Downtown, FL DOT Road Conditions and Accidents . Why not take a bike tour of the city to learn a little more about its history and the best places to cycle and walk. Change Your Town Be a . The best hotel to stay for a bachelorette in St Pete is the Don Cesar. There are plenty of great restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg, but the best restaurant (in my opinion) is Annata. These are all perfect ways to enjoy an afternoon at Fort De Soto Beach. If you want to sample the St. Pete nightlife, you should definitely try a pub crawl of the citys best pubs and bars. Courtyard St. Petersburg Downtown is a historic hotel with modern amenities that is sure to tick all the boxes. Maximo Park 76 Parks Open now By joym288 There are picnic areas, boat ramps, a disc golf course, and an observatory tower. We've gone to the Hurricane for years! Check it out while youre in the area. #1 in St. Petersburg, FL Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S Beaches, Free, Parks and Gardens, Sports, Hiking, Recreation TYPE 2 hours to Half Day TIME TO SPEND Spanning five small islands, the. Famous for its fried chicken, PoFolks Restaurant is known for homestyle Southern cooking whether you want vegetables, catfish or barbecue grilled dishes. The park has plenty of shaded walkways so its the ideal place to go for a refreshing stroll in the cool ocean breeze. I absolutely love this house. Here are 12 fun things to do, including a guide to the local beaches, water adventures, historic sights, and fun restaurants (plus accompanying day trip itineraries). Wildlife lovers can spend the day spotting the wide variety of creatures that live in the area. Looking for a peaceful place to camp? Among the 2,400+ works, you'll find everything from oil paintings to sculptures, manuscripts, and even some book illustrations. Fort De Soto is the only local dog park that has a designated area where dogs are allowed on the beach. With a great selection of water fun, boutiques, restaurants, and (of course) a beautiful beach, this is one of my favorite day trip destinations in the area. Why not take some time to rest under the shady trees and play a game of Tocobaga Disc golf on the specially built 18-hole course. Admission is free, so why not take a class or explore the artworks during your time in the city. Paradise! History is hiding at the Morean Center for Clay. For us, it's a family tradition. Head down for a racing good time, witnessing the premier racing series of North America, as you learn about the seasoned drivers, and see some of the new talents on the race car scene. Address: Bayshore Dr. & 2nd Ave. S, 525-549 2nd Ave SE, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA Albert Whitted Park Albert Whitted Park Directly behind the Salvador Dali Museum is a cute airplane-themed park and playground area. Its hard to believe that the lush 2-acre tropical gardens of Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum were a mini-golf course not so long ago. Hit the beachfront bars and restaurants to try out the best fresh seafood dishes or stroll along the waterfront at sunset to experience the best of this low-key beach town. You can stroll along the pier, eat at the marketplace, shop, have the kids play on the colorful and magical playground or even get wet at their splash pad. One of the most fun things to do in St. Petersburg on a weekend is to drop by the Saturday Morning Market. One of the most fun things to do in St. Petersburg is to take a boat tour of the surrounding coastline. The walk over Snell Isle Bridge offers nice views of the historical Renaissance Vinoy Resort and the upmarket neighborhood of Snell Isle. September 20, 2019 By Lisa Leave a Comment This post may contain affiliate links. What are you waiting for?