Top 5 Things to Do in St. Pete, Florida

by Pablo Koch-Schick

If you’re dreaming of a spot with a little bit of everything. Award-winning beaches, vibrant downtown streets, wild outdoor adventures, and unforgettable seafood - welcome to St. Pete, Florida. Nicknamed the Sunshine City for a reason (seriously, we average 361 days of sunshine a year), this Gulf Coast gem blends culture, nature, and laid-back vibes in all the best ways.

Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a full-blown Florida vacation, St. Petersburg is packed with experiences that’ll have you saying, “Why didn’t we come here sooner?”

And if you're the type who likes your adventures with a side of saltwater and screaming drag reels? Then trust us, Reel Coquina Fishing Charters should be at the top of your list.

Let’s get into the top 5 things to do in St. Pete - explore, enjoy, and experience the city like a local.

1. Downtown St. Pete: Walk, Eat, and Explore

Downtown St. Petersburg is where artsy energy meets small-town charm. It’s walkable, weird (in the best way), and packed with things to do - from quirky boutiques to some of the best food in Florida.

  • Explore the arts scene: The murals alone are worth a walking tour. Check out the SHINE Mural Festival or browse local galleries for bold, funky Florida vibes.

  • Dine like a local: Downtown St. Pete’s restaurant scene is low-key fire. Whether you’re grabbing a Cuban sandwich or going full fine dining, there’s something for every craving.

  • Sip and stroll: From rooftop bars with sweeping views to laid-back breweries pouring local craft beers, it’s a great place to grab a drink and people-watch.

  • Get your culture fix: Pop into local museums like the Florida Holocaust Museum or check out rotating exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts.

Bonus? You’re never far from the water. Walk a few blocks and you’re standing at the edge of peaceful blue waters, with boats bobbing in the breeze and pelicans flying overhead.

2. St. Pete Pier & Waterfront: Views and Vibes

You haven’t really done St. Pete until you’ve walked the St. Pete Pier. It’s not just a pier; it’s a full-blown 26-acre waterfront destination where you can eat, shop, fish, and even let the kids loose in the splash pad (you’ll wish there was an adult version, trust us).

What makes the St. Pete Pier so popular?

  • Gulf views for days – Whether you’re looking out over Tampa Bay or back at the city skyline, the views here are unreal - especially at sunset.

  • Walking paths, playgrounds & splash pads – Great for families, joggers, and stroller-pushers. It’s got walking paths, shaded benches, and a laid-back energy that’s peak Florida.

  • Waterfront restaurants – Hungry? Grab a bite at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar, Teak, or Driftwood Café. From fresh seafood to burgers and beers, you won’t go hungry here.

  • Fishing & boat-watching – Cast a line off the pier or just watch boats cruise by while you sip something cold.

Check out the full lineup of activities at the official St. Pete Pier site.

More Waterfront Action

If you’re not quite done soaking up the salty air, good news: St. Pete is loaded with waterfront fun beyond the pier:

  • Take a boat tour of the area to explore Tampa Bay and spot dolphins or manatees (they show up when you least expect it).

  • Jump into water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet skiing at Spa Beach or Vinoy Park.

  • Visit the St. Petersburg Marina, just a stone’s throw from downtown, which is ideal for catching your charter (you know where this is going).

  • Linger longer at spots like North Shore Park or St. Pete-Clearwater Beach because there's no such thing as too much Vitamin D.

3. Museums and Culture in St. Pete

Sure, St. Pete’s beaches get all the love, but the city’s museums and cultural attractions pack a serious punch. Whether you’re an art nerd, a history buff, or just someone who likes air conditioning after too much sun, there’s plenty to explore indoors.

Florida Holocaust Museum

This isn't your average museum visit; it’s a deeply moving experience that leaves a lasting impact. The Florida Holocaust Museum houses one of the largest collections of Holocaust artifacts in the country. From personal stories to haunting exhibits, it’s a sobering but important stop that brings history to life in a way few places can.

You can take a self-guided tour or join a docent-led one if you want the full experience. Either way, bring tissues and maybe take a quiet walk along the waterfront afterward to reflect.

More Must-See Museums

  • The Dali Museum – Home to the world’s second-largest collection of Salvador Dali’s work, this waterfront museum is as trippy and surreal as the artist himself. The building alone is worth seeing.

  • Museum of Fine Arts – From classical paintings to contemporary photography, it’s a mix of beauty, brains, and beachfront views. Pro tip: Don’t miss the giant kapok tree outside.

  • Chihuly Collection – This one’s for the color lovers. Dale Chihuly’s blown-glass sculptures are like candy for the eyes - bold, bizarre, and oddly hypnotic.

  • Imagine Museum – A hidden gem focused on contemporary glass art. Way cooler than it sounds. Plus, it’s less crowded than the big-name spots.

Why It Matters

Exploring St. Pete’s museums gives you a real feel for what makes this city tick. It’s not just about beaches and boats; it's about creativity, history, and the stories that shaped the Sunshine City into what it is today.

4. Outdoor Parks and Nature Spots

If you thought St. Pete was all about white sand and palm trees, well, you’re not wrong. But there’s so much more to the outdoor scene than just the beach towel shuffle. From tranquil gardens to nature preserves that feel a million miles from downtown, St. Petersburg’s parks and green spaces deliver some serious fresh-air therapy.

Sunken Gardens

Right in the middle of the city, you’ll find Sunken Gardens - a lush, tropical escape with over 100 years of history. Think waterfalls, koi ponds, flamingos, and winding paths shaded by towering palms. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for couples, families, or anyone wanting a break from the bustle.

More Outdoor Gems Worth the Stroll

  • Boyd Hill Nature Preserve – Get off the grid (without leaving the city). This 245-acre preserve offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and lakefront views that are pure zen.

  • Florida Botanical Gardens – It's A bit north in Largo, but it's worth the drive. Orchids, roses, fruit trees—you name it. It’s a beautiful place to wander.

  • Vinoy Park & Spa Beach – Right along the downtown waterfront, these two spots offer scenic walking paths, picnic areas, and prime people-watching.

  • Pinellas Trail – Want to bike your way through the city? This 75-mile trail runs right through downtown St. Pete and connects to nearby coastal towns.

Whether you're into birding, biking, or just soaking up some vibrant greenery, the parks and natural areas around St. Pete offer a change of pace and a perfect lead-in to a beach day or evening charter.

5. Festivals and Events Year-Round

St. Pete doesn’t just sit still. This city keeps the good times rolling all year with festivals, concerts, markets, and more. Whether you’re into music, food, art, or just a good excuse to stroll around in the sun, there’s always something on the calendar.

Local Favorites You Shouldn’t Miss

  • Jannus Live – This iconic open-air venue downtown hosts everything from indie rock to reggae under the stars. Great vibes, cold drinks, and intimate crowds. Check the Jannus Live schedule to see who’s playing during your visit.

  • Saturday Morning Market – Every Saturday (October–May), downtown explodes with local food vendors, farmers, live performers, and crafts. It's part festival, part farmer’s market, and all Florida charm. Check out the market info here.

  • Mural & arts festivals – From the annual SHINE Mural Festival to smaller neighborhood pop-ups, St. Pete’s art scene shows up big during event season.

  • Seasonal events at the Pier – The St. Pete Pier keeps a stacked schedule with everything from yoga at sunrise to seafood fests and live music nights. Follow the calendar here.

  • Food & drink fests – Beer gardens, taco fests, wine tastings… if you can eat or drink it, there's a St. Pete event built around it.

The best part? Many of these events are family-friendly and free, making it easy to discover the local flavor without breaking the bank. Grab a bite, sip a craft beer, enjoy the street performers, and make it a full-day affair.

Ready to Explore, Enjoy, and Experience St. Pete?

St. Pete isn’t just a beach town; it’s a full experience. You’ve got vibrant streets in downtown St. Pete, museums packed with history and bold creativity, peaceful gardens and walking paths, live music under the stars, and year-round festivals that bring the city to life. Whether you're here to sightsee, relax, or dive headfirst into something new, St. Pete delivers.

But to truly experience this Florida destination, you’ve got to get out on the water. That’s where Reel Coquina Fishing Charters comes in. Offering deep sea, inshore, and tarpon fishing trips, Reel Coquina gives you access to the Gulf like no one else. It’s perfect for first-timers, seasoned anglers, families, or anyone who just wants to trade the city scene for open water and the thrill of the catch.

With easy access from downtown St. Pete, Reel Coquina Fishing Charters makes it simple to go from city streets to open water in no time. Launching out of Tierra Verde Marina, just a short drive from the St. Pete Pier and central St. Petersburg, our trips are a hassle-free way to experience the Gulf like a local. You’ll spend less time getting there and more time doing what you came for, such as fishing, relaxing, and soaking in the Florida coast.

Ready to reel in something unforgettable? Call us at (404) 438-8732 to book your charter today!

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