fun things to do in downtown ST. Pete
What are fun things to do in downtown St. Pete?
Creativity flourishes in downtown St. Pete. It’s ranked as a top arts and cultural destination among cities its size. But just as equal to art, is the education learned from visiting its world-famous museums. That’s not all! St. Pete is also ranked among the top beaches in the nation. So whether you’re looking for relaxing beach days, exploration, or education, St. Pete has it all!
Are you looking for something fun for the whole family?
St. Pete Pier: The ultimate urban experience coupled with lush greenery! Located along the city’s picturesque waterfront, St. Pete Pier includes 26 acres of greenery and parks with a clear view of the vibrant waters of Tampa Bay and the cityscape of downtown. You can walk, bike, dine, drink, shop, swim and enjoy a concert in this area. There’s even a marketplace where you can shop and meet local sellers with unique items on display – all under the shade of a solar roof! Other attractions here include:
- Splash pad
- Discovery Center and Wet Classroom
- Bending Arc
- Glazer Family Playground
- Spa Beach
- Coastal Thicket
- First Airline Monument
- Pier Point Restaurants
What’s for the nature seeker?
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve: Step away from the building and concrete and onto this beautiful campus with picnic areas, camp sites, walking trails and a lake. You can also bike along the paved trail that loops through the park. Just inside the park entrance is a wild bird aviary.
Sunken Gardens: If you love to see all the tropical plants that flourish in Florida’s climate, you will enjoy visiting the oldest living museum in Downtown, St. Pete! At the Sunken Gardens you can meander on paths through 50,000 tropical plants and flowers. What’s more? Cascading waterfalls and flocks of flamingos are visible. Photo opportunities, new discoveries, and a paradisaic feeling await you here!
Where can you learn about history?
The Florida Holocaust Museum: Bring the history books to life and truly understand what took place during the Holocaust by visiting this museum. Note the mission and vision statements on their website: “MISSION STATEMENT: The Florida Holocaust Museum honors the memory of millions of innocent men, women and children who suffered or died in the Holocaust. The Museum is dedicated to teaching the members of all races and cultures the inherent worth and dignity of human life in order to prevent future genocides. VISION STATEMENT: The Florida Holocaust Museum is a leader in developing and delivering unique strategies empowering people to make positive change in the world.”
What’s for the art lovers?
The Dali (Salvador Dali Museum): This museum is in a picturesque location overlooking the Tampa Bay waterfront. An excerpt from the history section of the Dali’s website states: “The Dalí Museum celebrates the life and work of Salvador Dalí (1904-1989) and features works from the artist’s entire career. It is home to an unparalleled collection of over 2,400 Salvador Dalí works, including nearly 300 oil paintings, watercolors and drawings, as well as more than 2,100 prints, photographs, posters, textiles, sculptures and objects d’art.” In addition to their impressive permanent collection, the Dalí hosts rotating exhibitions, tours, and events. So just one visit may not be enough!
Chihuly Collection: If you are fascinated by glass creations, you will enjoy the assortment presented at the Chihuly Collection. The Morean Arts Center website describes it this way: “A pioneer of the studio glass movement, Chihuly is credited with transforming the methods of creating glass art and thereby leading the development of complex, multi-part glass sculptures and environmental art. The CHIHULY COLLECTION is a stunning, permanent collection of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork. This presentation is unique as it is the first installation of Chihuly art in a building designed specifically for that purpose. Designed so that the art and architecture work together to create a visitor experience unlike any other exhibition of Chihuly’s art. The Collection is marked at the entrance by an iconic 20-foot sculpture created especially for the site.”
Imagine Museum: Contemporary glass art masterpieces bring intricate shapes to life in a beautiful display of color and light at the Imagine Museum. You will l earn where glass comes from, how art is created and learn about the artists who have taken this medium and turned it into inspiration, innovation, and creativity. Guided tours are available.
Mural Tour: Experience this artsy city outdoors with a self-guided tour. Check out this Map of St. Pete Murals to locate murals near you as you are walking around downtown. You can do this multiple times because each year St. Pete hosts ‘ Shine’ which is a mural painting festival where several new murals go up!
Do you like theaters?
American Stage: Experience captivating stories told with passion Their website states: “Since 1977 American Stage has been dedicated to telling meaningful, compelling stories with integrity and professionalism. As the area’s longest-running, most critically-acclaimed professional theatre company, we seek to bring the power of quality live theatre to each generation in our community.”
The Palladium Theater – Do you like variety? If so, you will be a regular guest at the Palladium Theater. With a lineup of events that rotates among jazz, blues, opera, Celtic, comedy, dance, literary and community events, you’ll want to stay up to date with their schedule. It’s consistently ranked as one of the area’s most affordable venues.
What beaches should you visit?
Maximo Beach and Park – Located in South St. Pete, Maximo Beach provides visitors with boat ramps, recreation trails, playgrounds, picnic shelters, shoreline fishing, miles of bike and nature trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, and plenty of shade trees on a 70-acre archaeological site. From its 10-foot observation tower, beachgoers can enjoy a breathtaking view of Florida’s famous Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the Gulf of Mexico, and Boca Ciega Bay.
North Shore Beach – Located in the heart of downtown, North Shore Beach has a playground, an Olympic-caliber year-round swimming pool, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, and a dog park for your furry friends.
St. Pete Municipal Beach – Located at Treasure Island, it is one of St. Petersburg’s hidden gems. This beach offers public access to white sand beaches. Visitors can also enjoy the snack bar, playground and beach volleyball courts. Amenities include bathrooms with full shower and changing facilities and beach accessible wheelchairs.
What can you do out on the water?
Pier Dolphin Cruises– Go on a dolphin tour. Seeing a dolphin is guaranteed! If you don’t see one, your next ride is free. It’s said that local dolphins recognize the sound of the Dolphin Queen cruise and swim right alongside it. You’ll be under a shady canopy, have access to a bathroom, along with snacks and drinks.
Catamaran Cruises – This is the ultimate experience on the beautiful waters of Tampa Bay. Enjoy a Day Sightseeing Cruise or a Champagne Sunset Cruise. The 52 ft catamaran is equipped with sunning nets and shaded coverage as well as a beer and wine bar.
What activities are for kids in downtown St. Pete?
Great Explorations Children’s Museum: Bring creativity to life! Offering 18,000 square feet of hand-on exhibits and workshops for kids, Great Explorations has a long history of stimulating learning through creativity, play, and exploration. Some exhibits include the Lego Wall, Live on Air, Kid Science Lab, My Checkup, Imagination Playground, Express Yourself Art Studio, and much more!
Do you love beer?
Cage Brewing – You’ll have a fun experience at this brewery. Here’s an excerpt from their website “We are a microbrewery with 18 taps of our own craft beers. We have 2 tap rooms, pinball machines, old school video games, foosball table, corn hole, and a nice relaxing atmosphere. Our beers include but not limited to: amber ale, IPA, double IPA, porter, brown ale, session IPA, coffee brown, blonde ale, stouts and a number of pale ales. We also have a couple guest ciders and Mother Kombucha tea on tap. We are dog-friendly in our outside areas. We are also kid friendly and family oriented so bring the kids!”
Where can you get fresh food fast?
Toss Salads & Wraps is family owned and operated with a mission to provide fresh and fast food. With a massive menu of fresh veggies, a variety of proteins, crunchy toppings and 18 choices of dressings, there’s sure to be something that you like. Build your own or turn any salad into a wrap. It’s the perfect place to step in for some cool air, or take a meal to go enjoy near the water.
