Things to Do in St. Pete Beach, Florida

by Pablo Koch-Schick July 6, 2022

St. Pete Beach, Florida, is a charming beach town on a barrier island off the west coast, known for its clear Gulf waters, lush tropical landscapes, and relaxed pace of life. In this blog, you will know which and when areas to explore, the top attractions include John's Pass Village & Boardwalk with its shops and cruises, Colonel Michael J. Horan Park perfect for dolphin watching, and the historic Don CeSar Hotel.

Visitors can explore local history at the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum and shop at the unique Corey Ave Shopping District. Exciting boat tours, including glass-bottom kayak trips and dolphin tours, offer unforgettable experiences. St. Pete Beach provides a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for everyone.

View of the marina with boats and the city skyline in St. Pete Beach, Florida

Top Three Waterfront Attractions in St. Pete Beach, Florida

St. Pete Beach was formed from the towns of Pass-a-Grille, Belle Vista, and St. Petersburg Beach in 1957. In 1994, it officially changed its name to St. Pete Beach to distinguish it from the city of St. Petersburg, a few miles to the east. Let's scroll down the beach to check out some of the St. Pete Beach waterfront attractions!

#1: John's Pass Village & Boardwalk

Jet skis and boats docked near a pirate-themed ship in the harbor

St. John's Pass Village & Boardwalk is a rustic collection of fun businesses, restaurants, and bars that pays homage to its coastal roots. It is located on the Intracoastal Waterway in Madeira Beach, just a 10-minute drive from St. Pete Beach. A stunning seaside destination with over 50 shops, St. John's Pass Village is a great place to find jet ski rentals, sunset cruises, dolphin tours, pirate-themed cruise and be sure to check out our Johns Pass fishing charters!

The village has its distinct shopping opportunities full of one-of-a-kind treasures to take home. It's an outdoor shopping paradise with walks along the boardwalk, through the village, and past numerous eateries for a scoop of homemade ice cream or a complete meal at one of the waterfront restaurants. The village and boardwalk of John's Pass embrace their coastal roots with a rustic mix of entertainment companies, restaurants, and bars.

If you're a foodie, check out our blog on the The Best Restaurants in St. Petersburg FL.

#2: Colonel Micheal J. Horan Park

Scenic view of a bench under a tree by the water with boats and buildings in the distance

The Intracoastal Waterway and a spectacular view are available from this beautiful park on St. Peter's Lake. Horan park's name was given by Colonel Michael J. Horan, the mayor of St. Peter Beach, from 1992 to 1996. This park is one of the best places to watch dolphins play in their natural habitat. The most active times for dolphin watching are early morning and late afternoon.

This magnificent park is extremely well-kept and immaculately clean. There is plenty of parking, a lovely pool, a playground, and a concert stage for community gatherings—a fantastic location to unwind and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

#3: Williams Pier

The original pier was built in 1907 and recently rebuilt in 2001, with a dedication to Bert and Walter Williams -- key figures in Gulfport's history. The pier is a 2,000-foot-long dock with five new slips that extend into Boca Ciega Bay and provides free access to deeper water fishing with exterior illumination, seats, and fish-cleaning tables. Check the Williams Pier.

Check out more water parks, and amusement parks around St Petersburg, Florida.

Historical Places and Shopping in St. Pete Beach, Florida

Gulf Beaches Historical Museum

The Gulf Beaches Historical Museum is on the grounds of the first church on the barrier islands' shores. Over the decades, the Pass-a-Grille Community Church, constructed out of rusticated limestone in 1917, served as a symbol of the island's growing population. The congregation outgrew its cramped facility in 1959, and a new church was built on 16th Avenue in St. Pete Beach's Pass-a-Grille area.

The museum's permanent collection features hundreds of pictures, postcards, school yearbooks from island schools, Haley's mementos, a WWII exhibit, church artifacts, and a Don CeSar Hotel display. It has a store selling books, local art, vintage-style wares, and island-inspired souvenirs for people of all ages.

Art Expo Custom Framing Gallery

If you're searching for something unusual, there's nothing like the exquisite 'in-house' bespoke picture framing at Art Expo. The owner and artist of this business are well-known for their creative talents, attention to detail, and craftsmanship. The gallery initially only offered original works of art and prints, but handcrafted jewelry, pottery, glassware, and other goods were added over time.

The Don CeSar Hotel

Resort swimming pool overlooking the ocean at sunset with palm trees and lounge chairs

The Don CeSar Hotel opened in 1928. It became known as America's pampered rich's Gulf playground at the height of the Jazz Age. Today, it is still a favorite retreat for the rich and famous.

The Don CeSar was designed in the Edwardian Baroque style and constructed by Henry H. Dupont. The Don CeSar is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Historic Hotels of America program, which is an official program of the National Park Service.

Corey Ave Shopping District

You'll find a shoppers ' paradise between the Gulf of Mexico and Boca Ciega Bay. Visit one-of-a-kind boutiques, specialty shops, art galleries, jewelry stores, clothing outlets, and gift stores to discover unique experiences. You'll be able to discover something for everyone in your family there. After shopping, check out some fresh, local seafood at PJ's Oyster Bar.

The Secret Garden

This little-known gem is a must-see if you're looking for a day of peace in St. Pete Beach. The secret garden is located on the boardwalk, just steps from the beach. With the bright colors of lush tropical plants, the place is a fantastic photo spot for family mementos. This is the place to go if you want to get away from the crowds and traffic on a popular beach.

Exciting Guided Boat Tours in St. Pete Beach, Florida

Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center

The Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center has over 250 species, including lizards, rodents, frogs and toads, fresh and saltwater marine creatures, and alligators. The Center creates awareness about the natural history, significance, and methods for coexisting with the world's many species of animals. Thousands of school kids, scouts, educators, and retirees attend its learning sessions each year.

Glass Bottom Kayaks

This trip is perfect for individuals who want to discover the seas near St. Pete Beach after dark but are afraid to go out on their own due to the area's plethora of marine creatures. This Glass Bottom Kayak LED Night Tour allows you to explore the region and its ecosystem with a competent guide who knows it well and can take you to the most beautiful spots.

The kayaks have clear bottoms so that you can see everything going on beneath you as you paddle around the illuminated waters. The adventure begins in St. Pete Beach, where you'll journey through secure channels with three ports before ending at a mangrove island home to hundreds of birds, including Pelicans, Cranes, Egrets, and Double-Crested Cormorants.

Dolphin Tour in St. Pete Beach

The Dolphin Quest is a 40-foot Pontoon boat that can accommodate up to 24 passengers and will bring you closer to dolphins and the outdoors. On this echo-friendly excursion, you will learn about dolphins, manatees, rays, and sea birds. This trip is available Thursdays and Sundays and lasts about one hour and 15 minutes.

You can also do a private dolphin sunset boat tour with Reel Coquina!

Pirate Ship at John's Pass, Madeira Beach

Get ready to get your sea legs back and leave the landlubbers behind; the fun-loving crew of the Pirate Ship will take you on a pirate cruise you'll never forget - and only ten minutes driving from St. Peter's Beach!

This 90-minute boat excursion is a fantastic way for the family to spend time together. Adults may sit back, recline, and enjoy the show while enjoying the lovely natural environment. Free beer, wine, and soft drinks are available. Reservations are encouraged.

Calypso Breeze Tropical Party Cruise, Madeira Beach

Located approximately 11 minutes drive (or a 20-minutes bike ride) from St. Peter Beach, the Calypso Breeze tropical party cruise takes you to an island paradise where the weather is more relaxed than on the mainland. Enjoy a beautiful sunset from the comfort of your room while dining on a tropical-style buffet and open bar.

The ship docked at John's Pass Village on Madeira Beach offers excursions that depart every night. The tropical-themed Calypso Breeze is perfect for having fun on the water! The Tropical Island Style buffet is a sumptuous spread of cold and hot dishes to suit every palette.

In Conclusion: Things to do in St Pete Beach, Florida

Whether you're looking for a day of relaxation or an adventure, St. Pete Beach has something for everyone. With its many things to do, you'll never be bored in this little slice of paradise.

St Pete beach is also known for the wide variety of fishing options!