Planning a vacation on the lovely white sand beaches of Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach should include a checklist of fun things to do in St. Petersburg besides just visiting the beaches. Downtown St. Petersburg, Florida is the heart of this beach town with so many unique attractions alongside the magnificent beaches.
Here are our picks for the top things to do in downtown St. Petersburg.
Museums
St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts
St. Petersburg’s Museum of Fine Arts showcases artistic expressions dating back 5,000 years of civilization to the present. Named one of the best museums in the Tampa Bay area, the Museum of Fine Arts features art from many cultures and communities both local to the area and beyond.
Revel in the mesmerizing masterpieces of Monet and O’Keefe, legends in their own right. Ponder the one-of-a-kind sculpture pieces from around the world and take in the details of the exceptional and highly respected photography collection.
You can stroll through the museum on your own, admiring creative expression at its finest, or join a docent-led tour available on Thursday evenings at 6:00 pm or Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm. St. Petersburg’s Museum of Fine Arts is open for visitors Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00 am-5:00 pm and open until 8:00 pm on Thursdays.
St. Petersburg Museum of History
Continue your journey into history with a visit to the St. Petersburg Museum of History which is a unique representation of Florida, the region, and its past. Visit the Sunshine City’s past by viewing the many exhibitions that focus on its roots.
Imagine the first commercial airline taking shape in 1914 in St. Petersburg or stroll through the history of baseball greats with the largest collection of signed baseballs reported in the Guinness World Records.
You can learn about St. Petersburg’s rich history through their extensive collection of vintage artifacts and antiques that make this waterfront city so unique. The Museum of History also takes you outside to the waterfront to explore the history of this city’s piers. Visitors can visualize the epicenter of transportation around this waterfront location and learn more about its nautical origins. The museum is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM -5:00 PM.
Plan Your St. Petersburg Vacation
Don’t just take our word for it – book your stay with Sandcastle Realty and come experience these amazing attractions for yourself!
Food & Drink
Stillwaters Tavern
Your busy day of touring the museums in downtown St. Petersburg isn’t complete without a trip to Stillwaters Tavern for a drink and a bite to eat. Located just blocks from the attractions around downtown on Beach Drive, Stillwaters Tavern boasts a variety of craft beers, wines, and cocktails and an extensive menu of fresh catches and locally-sourced ingredients.
Their menu features dishes ranging from house-made sausages, seafood pastas, various sandwiches, and more to accommodate a variety of tastes. Known for its friendly service and ideal people-watching views in its outside seating area, Stillwaters Tavern is the perfect place to refuel after a long day of exploring St. Petersburg.
BellaBrava
Looking for authentic Italian cuisine in a casual atmosphere? Bella Brava should be at the top of your list and is one of the best restaurants St. Petersburg has to offer. Your vacation isn’t complete without trying BellaBrava’s cuisine and wine selections right across from waterfront view!
They bring the flavor of Tuscany and other parts of Italy to dining with an urban flair. Enjoy pizzas, calzones, and flatbreads made fresh in woodstone ovens. They also have a variety of pasta dishes such as stuffed gnocchi and pappardelle bolognese. Pair it with a decanter of wine of your choice from their extensive selection or treat yourself to an espresso martini.
After a long day at the beach or visiting the attractions in downtown St. Petersburg, BellaBrava is sure to delight with their inviting atmosphere and delectable menu.
Stay With Sandcastle Realty
When planning your St. Petersburg getaway, look no further than Sandcastle Realty for your vacation rental. With rentals in locations such as Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Indian Shores, and other nearby areas you can be sure to find the perfect vacation accommodations no matter your travel plans. Contact our friendly and experienced agents and we will get right to work finding you your dream rental.
