St. Pete Beach FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near St. Pete Beach, Florida.
1. St. Pete Beach
AWARD-WINNING GULF BEACHES
St. Pete Beach offers visitors the chance to revel in the balmy emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico along beautiful white sand beaches. This coastal paradise features different sections to suit various moods, making it perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking relaxation. Visitors can enjoy calm waters and numerous beachfront amenities while soaking up the Florida sunshine.
2. Pass-a-Grille Beach
CHARMING HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD
Pass-a-Grille Beach features a charming neighborhood atmosphere with serene stretches of sand perfect for shell collecting and sunset viewing. Visitors can explore quaint shops and local eateries while enjoying the authentic coastal vibe this area is known for. The neighborhood also offers live music and an artsy ambiance that distinguishes it from other beach destinations.
3. Upham Beach
CALM WATERS, FAMILY-FRIENDLY
Upham Beach welcomes visitors with its beautiful white sand shoreline and tranquil Gulf waters. Families particularly appreciate the calm swimming conditions and comprehensive amenities available for beachgoers. The beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere while still providing all the natural beauty that makes St. Pete Beach destinations so popular.
4. Merry Pier
HISTORIC FISHING SPOT
Merry Pier serves as a charming waterfront landmark where visitors can enjoy fishing, boat tours, and stunning views of Boca Ciega Bay. This historic pier offers opportunities to watch local fishermen bringing in their catch or to book dolphin-watching excursions and sunset cruises. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse marine life visible from this iconic St. Pete Beach structure.
5. Corey Avenue Sunday Market
VIBRANT LOCAL MARKETPLACE
The Corey Avenue Sunday Market brings together local vendors offering fresh produce, handcrafted items, and unique souvenirs in the heart of St. Pete Beach. Visitors can browse through a diverse array of stalls while enjoying street food and live entertainment in a festive atmosphere. The market provides an authentic glimpse into local culture and makes for a perfect Sunday morning activity away from the beach.
6. John's Pass Village & Boardwalk
HISTORIC WATERFRONT SHOPPING
John's Pass Village & Boardwalk offers visitors a turn-of-the-century fishing village atmosphere with over one hundred merchants selling unique items and local cuisine. This waterfront attraction serves as a hub for exciting activities including dolphin watching tours, shelling excursions, boat rentals, parasailing, and jet skiing. Located a short drive from St. Pete Beach, this charming destination combines shopping, dining, and water adventures in one picturesque setting.
7. Fort De Soto Park
HISTORIC FORT AND BEACHES
Fort De Soto Park encompasses five interconnected islands at the entrance to Tampa Bay, offering pristine beaches, historic military structures, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can explore the historic fort, hike nature trails, camp under the stars, or enjoy various water activities including fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The park's natural beauty and diverse recreational options make it a must-visit destination just a short drive from St. Pete Beach.
8. Fort De Soto Dog Beach
PET-FRIENDLY PARADISE
Fort De Soto Dog Beach and Paw Playground welcomes four-legged visitors to enjoy off-leash beach time in a designated area of the larger park. This popular dog-friendly destination features separate areas for large and small dogs, with fresh water stations and doggie shower facilities available. Pet owners can relax on the beach while their furry companions splash in the gentle Gulf waters and socialize with other dogs in this specially designed canine playground.
9. Salvador Dalí Museum
SURREALIST ART MASTERPIECES
The Salvador Dalí Museum houses the most comprehensive collection of Salvador Dalí's works outside of Spain, showcasing the master surrealist's artistic evolution. Visitors can admire over 2,400 works including oil paintings, original drawings, book illustrations, sculptures, and photographs within a striking architectural marvel featuring a geodesic glass bubble known as the 'Enigma'. The museum offers guided tours, special exhibitions, and interactive experiences that bring Dalí's imaginative world to life for art enthusiasts of all ages.
10. Florida Botanical Gardens
LUSH TROPICAL PARADISE
The Florida Botanical Gardens showcases over 150 acres of cultivated gardens and natural areas featuring Florida native plants and tropical species. Visitors can stroll through themed sections including a butterfly garden, tropical fruit garden, herb garden, and formal wedding garden while enjoying artistic sculptures throughout the grounds. This peaceful oasis offers free admission and educational programs that highlight sustainable gardening practices and Florida's unique ecosystems.
11. St. Pete Pier
WATERFRONT ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
The St. Pete Pier stretches 3,000 feet into Tampa Bay, offering a modern waterfront destination with restaurants, shops, art installations, and recreational spaces. Visitors can enjoy fishing, walking trails, a splash pad for children, and panoramic views of the bay and city skyline from the new pier's observation deck. This reimagined landmark serves as the centerpiece of St. Petersburg's waterfront, hosting events and providing a gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
12. Clearwater Marine Aquarium
MARINE RESCUE CENTER
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine animals, most famously serving as the home of Winter the dolphin who inspired the 'Dolphin Tale' movies. Visitors can observe dolphins, sea turtles, otters, and other marine life while learning about conservation efforts and rehabilitation techniques from dedicated staff. Unlike traditional aquariums, this facility emphasizes education and animal care, allowing guests to witness actual rescue work taking place in a working marine hospital.
13. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
THRILLING RIDES AND WILDLIFE
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines thrilling roller coasters with an immersive African safari experience, housing more than 200 species of exotic animals across 335 acres. Visitors can ride record-breaking coasters like SheiKra and Iron Gwazi, then get up close with giraffes, lions, and gorillas in naturalistic habitats. The park also features live entertainment, seasonal events, and animal encounters that make it a perfect day trip destination from St. Pete Beach.
14. Shell Key Preserve
PRISTINE BARRIER ISLAND
Shell Key Preserve protects a pristine barrier island accessible only by boat, offering one of Florida's most unspoiled natural beach experiences. Visitors can enjoy excellent shelling opportunities, bird watching with over 100 species documented, and swimming in crystal-clear waters without the crowds of more developed beaches. The preserve's 1,800 acres of mangrove swamps, seagrass beds, and sandy beaches provide critical habitat for nesting sea turtles and shorebirds while offering nature lovers a glimpse of Florida's coastline as it once was.
15. TradeWinds Island Resort
BEACHFRONT RECREATION HUB
TradeWinds Island Resort offers visitors access to a wealth of beachfront activities including the High Tide Slide, floating water park, and parasailing adventures. Guests can enjoy paddleboarding, jet skiing, and cabana rentals along with multiple swimming pools and dining options set directly on St. Pete Beach. Even non-guests can purchase day passes to experience the resort's extensive recreation offerings and lively atmosphere that exemplifies the best of Florida beach culture.