A visit to St. Pete is more than a trip to the shore. It’s got beaches, sure, but it’s also got loads of history, culture, pro sports, and more
This might be shocking to someone from outside Florida , but I ’ve never really recollect of St. Petersburg as a beach metropolis . Clearwater Beach and Caladesi Island make regular appearance on lists of the mankind ’s best beach , but if you survive in Florida , where beach are as abundant as gator , St. Pete is something else totally . It ’s a place for kinky art , strange bars , and a relaxed lifestyle compared to many metropolis . It ’s get beaches , sure , but it ’s also got freight of story , culture , and pro sports — a visit to St. Pete is more than a trip to the shore .
I say this because there is some perception that St. Petersburg and Clearwater , the vainglorious cities in Pinellas County , are resort destination where you might check in at a beachside hotel , say a piña colada , and do nothing else for three days . And that ’s totally potential . But if you ’re the type who like to explore all the thing that make a urban center special , St. Pete might be the best place in Florida .
So for the hangout skeptic , the kind who get antsy on a beach chair , here ’s how to spend two packed days ( or more , if time allows ) in St. Pete .
Courtesy Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
Who I Am : I ’ve lived in the Sunshine State my entire adult life and have visited somewhat much every corner of the body politic over 25 year . I can safely say St. Pete is my favorite city in the country , and that ’s where I ’d be if I did n’t live in Miami . I ’ve breed eatery , art , and civilisation in Miami and the sleep of Florida for more than 15 years .
Before you go
Book early on : The greenish blue waters of Tampa Bay beckon , but if you seek to reserve a fishing charter , dolphin watching , or other water hitch you may find out it sold out during busy time . If you ’re planning to search St. Pete and Clearwater by boat , make trusted you solidify your reservations early .
Where to stay
Two Resort-Free Days in St. Petersburg
First affair to do when you shore : Even if you ’re not staying in St. Pete Beach , you ’d be remiss to visit without feeling the magical synergy of a drink in your hand and powdery gumption on your feet . To decompress from a day of travel , head out to St. Pete Beach and take hold of a beer at one of several bars decent on the beach . I ’m a fan ofUndertow Beach Bar , which can skew a little spring rift - y , but it substantiate Florida ’s Gulf Coast ethos and take you in the veracious mindset for your trip .
Day 1
Morning
Take This home
Mid day
Afternoon
Evening
Day 2
If you have three days
All of the above, but add…
If you have four days or more
All of the above, but add….
Extra credit
St Pete pier at sunrise|Courtesy Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
St Pete pier at sunrise|Courtesy Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
Shopping in downtown Dunedin and St. Pete Beach|Courtesy Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
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