Moving to a new city can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding fun things to do. Luckily, for people newly living in St. Petersburg, there’s no shortage of exciting activities and attractions to explore. From world-class museums to beautiful beaches and delicious dining, there are tons of fun things to do in St. Petersburg, FL.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 11 can’t-miss activities that’ll help new residents get to know the area and fall in love with all it has to offer. Whether you’re moving to a house or an apartment in St. Petersburg, you’re sure to find something interesting. So, grab your sunscreen and sense of adventure, and let’s dive into the fun-filled world of St. Petersburg, Florida.
1. Visit the Dali Museum
The Salvador Dali Museum houses the largest collection of Dali’s artwork outside of Spain. This unique museum showcases the artist’s surrealistic works, including paintings, sculptures, and prints. Visitors can explore the galleries, take a guided tour, or attend a special event. Don’t forget to check out the “Avant-Garden” outside, featuring a collection of plants that Dali himself would have loved.
2. Stroll through Sunken Gardens
Sunken Gardens is a beautiful oasis in the heart of St. Petersburg. This 100-year-old botanical garden features more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers, as well as exotic birds. Take a leisurely walk through the winding paths, or attend one of the garden’s special events, like Yoga in the Gardens or a guided birdwatching tour.
3. Explore the Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is a must-see for art lovers. The museum’s permanent collection features over 20,000 works of art, including European, American, and pre-Columbian pieces. Visitors can also attend special exhibitions and events, like the popular “Art in Bloom” floral show. After touring the galleries, stop by the museum’s café for a bite to eat or a glass of wine.
4. Catch a Tampa Bay Rays game
If you’re a sports fan, catching a Tampa Bay Rays game at Tropicana Field is a must. This Major League Baseball team has been playing in St. Petersburg since 1998, and their home stadium is just a short drive from downtown. In addition to watching the game, fans can enjoy a variety of food and drink options, and even take a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium.
5. Relax on St. Pete Beach
Of course, no visit to St. Petersburg is complete without a visit to one of its beautiful beaches. St. Pete Beach is one of the most popular, with its wide expanse of sugar-white sand and crystal-clear waters. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or just relax with a good book, this beach has it all. Don’t forget to stay for sunset – it’s one of the most beautiful on the Gulf Coast.
6. Take a dolphin watching tour
St. Petersburg is home to a variety of dolphins, and there’s no better way to see them than on a dolphin watching tour. Several companies offer boat tours that take you out into the waters of Tampa Bay to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Along the way, you may also spot manatees, sea turtles, and a variety of bird species.
7. Visit the Morean Arts Center
The Morean Arts Center is a community-focused art center that offers classes, workshops, and exhibitions. The center’s galleries feature contemporary art from both local and national artists, and visitors can watch glassblowing demonstrations at the nearby Morean Glass Studio.
8. Take a food tour
Looking for fun things to do in St. Petersburg, FL for foodies? Good news – St. Petersburg is home to a diverse and vibrant food scene, and taking a food tour is a great way to experience it. Several companies offer guided walking tours that take you to some of the city’s best restaurants and food markets. You’ll get to sample a variety of cuisines, from Cuban sandwiches to locally caught seafood, and learn about the city’s culinary history along the way.
9. Visit the St. Petersburg Saturday morning market
The St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market is a lively open-air market that takes place every Saturday from October to May. The market features over 200 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Visitors can enjoy live music, street performers, and food from a variety of local vendors.
10. Tour the St. Petersburg Museum of History
The St. Petersburg Museum of History is dedicated to preserving and sharing the city’s rich history. The museum’s exhibits cover a range of topics, from the city’s founding to its role in the aviation industry. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the nearby historic Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, which was once a popular destination for celebrities and politicians.
11. Take a craft beer tour
St. Petersburg has a thriving craft beer scene, and taking a beer tour is a great way to sample some of the city’s best brews. These guided tours take you to a variety of local breweries, where you can taste everything from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts. Along the way, you’ll learn about the brewing process and the history of beer in St. Petersburg. Some tours even include food pairings, like artisanal cheeses or locally made chocolates.
With its beautiful beaches, thriving arts scene, and diverse culinary offerings, St. Petersburg is a city full of exciting activities and attractions that are sure to impress new residents. Whether you’re strolling through the stunning botanical gardens, catching a game at Tropicana Field, or sampling local craft beers, you’re sure to find plenty of fun things to do in St. Petersburg, FL.
