Activities in St. Petersburg, FL:
Things to Do in the Sunshine City
Looking for fun things to do? St. Petersburg is bursting with activities and attractions to keep you entertained every day of the week. From outdoor adventures in nature to world-class museums and family-friendly fun, St. Pete offers a little something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the best activities and attractions in Florida’s Sunshine City.
Iconic Attractions & Tourist Favorites
Home to some of Florida’s most beloved destinations, St. Petersburg blends sunshine, art, and coastal adventure. These iconic attractions aren’t just for visitors — they’re part of the everyday lifestyle that makes living in St. Pete so vibrant.
Beach & Waterfront Activities
It’s no surprise that many of St. Pete’s signature activities revolve around the water. The area is famous for its stunning Gulf Coast beaches, regularly ranked among the best in the U.S. Spend a day swimming and sunbathing at St. Pete Beach or nearby Fort De Soto Park (which also has campgrounds, historic fort ruins, and a dog-friendly beach). You can charter a fishing boat, go dolphin-spotting on an eco-cruise, or try exciting water sports – kiteboarding, jet skiing, and parasailing are popular for adrenaline seekers.
On the bay side, the downtown waterfront offers calmer waters perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. The St. Pete Pier is a destination in itself, featuring a splash pad for kids, a sandbox beach area, fishing spots, and even a marketplace. Boating culture is big here too – you’ll see sailboats and yachts moored in the Vinoy Basin and can rent your own vessel or take a sunset sailing tour on Tampa Bay. From serene sunrise walks along the bay to action-packed days on the Gulf, life in St. Pete is intertwined with the sea.
Parks, Nature & Outdoor Adventures
If you love the outdoors, St. Petersburg will keep your calendar full. The city’s park system is extensive, with waterfront green spaces and inland preserves to explore. Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, a 245-acre park where you can spot alligators, tortoises, and bald eagles along Lake Maggiore. Weedon Island Preserve (just over the bridge in north St. Pete) offers kayak trails through mangrove tunnels and a boardwalk over tidal flats – a must-do for nature enthusiasts.
For family fun, visit the Sunken Gardens, a century-old lush botanical garden hidden in the city, home to flamingos and exotic plants. If you’re into sports and fitness, join pickup volleyball games at North Shore Park’s beach, explore the 40-mile Pinellas Trail on bike (a multi-use trail that cuts through the county), or play a round of golf at the city’s public courses. With 950 miles of bike lanes and trails in Pinellas County, cycling is a popular way to get around and sightsee. And don’t forget – the calm, protected waters of Tampa Bay are ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and even learning to sail at the St. Petersburg Sailing Center.
Arts, Museums & Attractions
St. Petersburg is an art and museum lover’s dream. At the top of the list is the Salvador Dalí Museum, which houses the largest collection of Dalí’s surrealist works outside of Spain. The Dalí’s striking modern architecture and waterfront setting make it worth a visit even if art isn’t your forte. Just next door is the newer Imagine Museum focusing on contemporary glass art, and across downtown you’ll find the Museum of Fine Arts with a broad collection spanning centuries. For history buffs, the St. Petersburg Museum of History offers a peek into the city’s past (don’t miss the preserved two-headed calf or the flight museum honoring the world’s first commercial airline which flew from St. Pete in 1914!).
Families will love Great Explorations Children’s Museum for hands-on play, and Great Explorations is conveniently adjacent to Sunken Gardens – two attractions in one stop. Another unique outing is a visit to the Chihuly Collection, a permanent exhibit of Dale Chihuly’s famous glass sculptures, located along downtown’s Central Avenue. And if you enjoy murals and street art, consider an “art walk” tour: local organizations host guided walks of the many murals, or you can simply wander the city and discover colorful creations on your own.
Sports & Entertainment
There’s always something happening in St. Pete for sports fans and concert-goers. The city proudly hosts the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field – catch a Major League Baseball game and cheer on the home team under the dome (a great way to cool off on a hot summer day). Soccer fans can watch the Tampa Bay Rowdies play at Al Lang Stadium right on the downtown waterfront, with energetic crowds and beautiful views. Throughout the year, Vinoy Park transforms into an event venue for music festivals like Reggae Rise Up and foodie events like the Clearwater Jazz Holiday’s St. Pete extension.
For nightlife entertainment (more on St. Pete’s nightlife in the next section), Jannus Live is an iconic outdoor music venue downtown that hosts national touring bands and local acts in an intimate courtyard setting. Comedy shows, theater performances, and open-air movies are frequently on the agenda too – you’ll never be bored here. From sunrise to well past sunset, St. Petersburg offers activities to suit every interest.
With so many options, you might find your bucket list in St. Pete keeps growing instead of shrinking – but that’s part of the charm of living in an activity-packed city. Explore to your heart’s content, and when you make St. Petersburg home, every day can be a new adventure. If you find yourself falling in love with the St. Pete lifestyle through these activities, perhaps it’s time to browse our main site for your forever home in this exciting city!
Experience All That St. Pete Has to Offer, Every Day
Imagine having world-class beaches, cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly fun just steps from your door. St. Petersburg makes this possible—your everyday adventure starts here.
Find your St. Pete home near your favorite activities at StPeteTampaHomesForSale.com!
