Fun Things To Do In St. Pete, Florida

St. Pete is a west coast destination with sugar-sand beaches, a wide array of resorts, popular eateries and breweries, and great artwork. With world-class art galleries, an impressive local art mural scene, and affordable luxuries, it quickly becomes one of the most sought-after Florida vacation spots. Here are some fun things to do in St. Pete when you visit.

Browse the Dali Museum

The imposing curved glass architecture of The Dali Museum immediately captures your attention. Situated on the waterfront, this renowned museum houses an extensive collection of Salvador Dali’s surrealistic masterpieces, rivaling those found in Spain. Dali’s iconic mustache adorns his imaginative artworks, featuring melting clocks and multidimensional paintings that enchant viewers from different angles.

The Dali Museum proudly displays a predominantly permanent collection, complemented by rotating exhibits. Past highlights have included works by Pablo Picasso, Walt Disney, and stunning haute couture gowns from Schiaparelli.

Don’t miss the opportunity to dine at Café Gala, the museum’s delightful onsite restaurant, offering delectable Spanish cuisine. From the savory delights of gazpacho and caldo gallego to indulgent treats like Crema Catalana and Renoir’s crème brûlée, there is something to satisfy every palate.

Operating hours at The Dali are from 10 AM to 6 PM daily, with extended hours on Thursdays.

Eat Delicious Food

When you visit St. Pete, you won’t leave hungry. An array of great eats awaits you. Here are our three favorites:

In downtown St. Pete’s EDGE District, Bodega is a hip rustic cafe with street seating offering affordable Cuban eats. Each dish at Bodega is made-to-order using quality ingredients and expertly presented in eco-friendly cardboard boxes.

Don’t miss their famous Cuban sandwich on La Segunda bread or their incredible juice bar drinks. Other highlights include the Frita, Guava & cheese pastelitos, and the Cuban cortadito. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available.

Located at the St. Pete Pier, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is a fantastic discovery, offering classic American and Caribbean dishes alongside delightful specialty options. Their extensive lunch and dinner menus, coupled with a creative cocktail selection, are sure to satisfy any craving.

Start with Doc’s baked french bread topped with cheddar, Monterey Jack, bleu cheese crumbles, and diced tomatoes. For a lighter option, the Sanibel Spinach Salad with Granny Smith apples and smoked bacon dressing is a perfect choice. Meanwhile, the Macadamia Nut Crusted Grouper will satisfy those seeking a more substantial dish.

At the Sirata Beach Resort, there are several restaurants to choose from, but Compass Grille stands out as our top pick. For dinner, we recommend trying the Chicken Paillard with bacon, spinach, and ricotta or the Thai Shrimp Bowl in a spicy gochujang chili sauce.

Please note that while the food at Compass Grille is excellent, this is an indoor restaurant. For beachfront outdoor seating, you can visit Harry’s beach bar and Rum Runners Bar & Grille.

See or Stay at Extraordinary Hotels

Discover Sirata Beach Resort, another captivating waterfront gem on St. Pete Beach, offering all the essential amenities of a beach resort and more. Sirata prides itself on impeccable service, multiple onsite dining options, picturesque swimming pools, and ocean-view rooms.

Savor an Instagram-worthy beverage at Rum Runners or relish casual cuisine with live music at Harry’s Beach Bar. Sirata’s alluring fire pits are a definite highlight of this already desirable property. Suncoast Water Sports, an outfitter, provides beachfront services and convenient pick-ups at Sirata Beach Resort’s private beaches.

Although I haven’t personally stayed at the renowned Don Cesar, it’s impossible to miss and not admire the grand pink palace on St. Pete Beach. Affectionately known as “The Don,” this opulent resort nears a century in age and is extravagantly luxurious. Enjoy two heated pools, pristine sandy beaches, stunning waterfront vistas, three lounges, and chic rooms in this timeless Gulf of Mexico landmark.

Check Out the Incredible St. Pete Murals

St. Pete and St. Pete Beach are adorned with murals, vibrant creations that distinguish this Florida city. Each visit reveals new street art, rendering it one of the most enjoyable activities in St. Pete. Here are the neighborhoods where you’ll find mapped artworks as shared by the tourism board: Deuces Live, Central Arts, MLK North, Warehouse Arts, Waterfront Museum, Grand Central, and EDGE District.

Murals we love include “Time to Think” by Derek Donnelly and Sebastian Coolidge in the Central Arts area, exemplifying the relationship between commerce and art. Additionally, the captivating untitled mural featuring cartoon animals can be found at 915 1st Ave. N., St. in the EDGE District. There really isn’t a bad one in the whole bunch.

Admire Dale Chihuly Glass Art Works

Dale Chihuly’s remarkable glass exhibits can be found at the Morean Arts Center in St. Pete, Florida’s Central Arts District. The Chihuly Museum entrance fee is $20, but the captivating pieces make it well worth the cost. Delight in Dale’s chandeliers, sea forms, glass flowers, fishing boats, and more within a relaxed ambiance.

The intricate craftsmanship required to create these stunning, curvaceous glass masterpieces is truly awe-inspiring. The Chihuly Collection showcases the world-renowned artist’s unique artwork and is housed in a specially designed building, making it the first of its kind. Don’t miss the specially commissioned Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier.

Please note that the museum is closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Stroll Downtown St. Pete

Downtown St. Pete boasts a plethora of art, murals, and locally-owned shops. Explore the lively creations, a delightful pastime in St. Pete, which can be appreciated free of charge. Opt for the Downtown Looper trolley for a comprehensive experience. Additionally, you can bring your dog along as St. Pete is extremely pet-friendly.

Step Onto Beautiful Beaches

St. Pete’s beaches boast stunning sunsets and captivating emerald green waters. This affordable Florida vacation spot has even served as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood films. Pass-A-Grille, a charming Old Florida area within St. Pete, offers boutique motels, bungalows, inns, and beach cottages.

With the Intracoastal Waterway on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Uncrowded beaches bordering dunes covered in sea oats provide the perfect backdrop for beach photography.

Take a Dolphin Cruise

The Suncoast Watersports Dolphin Cruise and Shell Island visit is an unmissable experience during your stay. One of the top attractions in St. Pete, this two-hour Gulf of Mexico adventure aboard the Compass Rose boat offers a narrated tour, island music, a complimentary beverage, and a cash bar for snacks and drinks.

You’ll have the chance to capture amazing photos of playful dolphins and explore Shell Island, home to thousands of sea creatures and sand dollars. Don’t forget, you can bring home your treasures. Suncoast Watersports also offers parasailing, Wave-runners, kayaks, and paddleboard rentals.

Sip a Perfectly Good Coffee

St. Pete has a large number of upscale coffee shops. I’ve visited a few, and these two really stood out. Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails is a minimalist-looking shop with strong coffee (hooray!) and specialty drinks. And get this—they also serve cocktails!

Then, at The Merchant: Purveyor of Local Goods, you’ll find an artsy menu with fascinating creations like the Tennessee Whiskey, made a honey latte with bourbon maple syrup. Pair your favorite coffee drink with a Cuban croissant, then browse the treasures in the store the coffee shop sits in. 

Take a Walk

Mirror Lake, nestled in downtown St. Pete, is a picturesque gem. Stroll along the lake, marveling at its avian residents and natural beauty, while embracing Florida’s delightful climate. Be prepared to capture the charm of this photogenic spot in St. Pete.

St. Pete, Florida—A Must See

St. Pete offers a multitude of enjoyable attractions, all within a laidback and welcoming environment. With its trendy yet intimate ambiance, St. Pete is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike. Experience all it has to offer!

Check out some of our other Florida posts: 

Best Things to Do in Jacksonville

Things to See and Do in Delray Beach

A Travel Guide for St. Augustine