Why Go to St. Petersburg, FL
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
St. Petersburg, Florida, is the Sunshine City, and it once held the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine. It blends a classic Gulf Coast beach getaway with a lively, artsy downtown, making it one of Florida's most well-rounded destinations.
Spend your days on the nearby white-sand beaches, including St. Pete Beach and the beautiful Fort De Soto Park, known for its beaches, trails and kayaking, and watch spectacular sunsets over the Gulf. The city has more than 130 parks for walking, biking and paddling. Downtown is buzzing with creativity, home to the world-class Salvador Dali Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Chihuly Collection and hundreds of colorful murals. Stroll the revitalized St. Pete Pier, with its restaurants, playgrounds and waterfront views, and enjoy the city's craft breweries and nightlife. St. Pete hosts more than a thousand events each year, including Florida's largest Pride celebration.
St. Petersburg is close to Tampa's airport and attractions like Busch Gardens. I'll plan a beach stay, an arts-filled weekend or a pre-cruise night before sailing from Tampa.
BEST FOR
Art lovers, foodies, couples and beach travelers
BEST MONTHS
November–April
EXPLORE
Downtown centers on Central Avenue, Beach Drive and the St. Pete Pier; the Edge District features independent businesses; St. Pete Beach lies across the bay-side city on the Gulf barrier island.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
St. Petersburg, FL
North America › Southeast › USA › Florida
Waterfront galleries, murals and Gulf Coast sunshine
Urban & Culture
Art
Museums
Sunset
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Cluster the Dalí Museum, St. Pete Pier and downtown waterfront into one day; reserve another for nature and Gulf beaches.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Advance ticket purchase is recommended; allow time for the galleries.
The Dalí Museum
Explore a major collection of Salvador Dalí works in a distinctive downtown waterfront museum.
Visit close to sunset for pleasant temperatures and changing light.
St. Pete Pier
Walk a waterfront destination with bay views, green spaces, dining and public art.
Bring insect repellent and check special-event closures.
Sunken Gardens
Wander a long-established tropical botanical garden in the Old Northeast neighborhood.
Pair it with the nearby waterfront parks.
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
See art spanning different cultures and historical periods in a waterfront museum.
Review the admission arrangements and current displays.
Chihuly Collection
Admire colorful glass installations by artist Dale Chihuly in a dedicated gallery.
A historic pink resort near parks, galleries and Tampa Bay waterfront attractions.
The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection
Downtown waterfront
Hotel Tags
A boutique hotel close to downtown dining and the waterfront promenade.
The Birchwood
Beach Drive / downtown
Hotel Tags
A characterful boutique hotel convenient for downtown museums and restaurants.
Hollander Hotel
Downtown
Hotel Tags
A modern hotel close to the pier district and Central Avenue attractions.
Hyatt Place St. Petersburg / Downtown
Downtown
Hotel Tags
An iconic Gulf-front resort on nearby St. Pete Beach with a broad stretch of sand.
The Don CeSar
St. Pete Beach
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in St. Petersburg, FL
High 77°F · Low 62°F · Rain 2 in
The busy season begins as snowbirds return.
Fall through spring is often comfortable for outdoor activities; summers are hot with thunderstorms and tropical-weather risks.
Best Times to Visit St. Petersburg, FL
WHEN TO GO
06
Regional Day Trips
A rental car simplifies Gulf beaches and Tampa attractions. Allow time for bridge congestion.
05
Parking
Downtown garages and beach parking may charge fees or fill quickly on weekends.
04
Beach Transfers
St. Pete Beach and other barrier island beaches are separate from downtown and generally need a bus, car or rideshare.
03
Waterfront Walking
The downtown waterfront, pier and nearby museums are easy to connect on foot, but Florida heat can be intense.
02
Downtown Trolley and Buses
PSTA routes and selected downtown circulators connect parts of St. Petersburg. Verify current routes and fares.
01
Tampa Bay Airports
Tampa International and St. Pete–Clearwater International are nearby gateways; compare their routes and transfer distances.
Downtown is walkable, with local transit and trolley options; driving or rideshare is convenient for beach trips.
Getting Around St. Petersburg, FL