St. Pete-Clearwater

St. Pete-Clearwater Attractions

From seeing dolphins and sea turtles at Clearwater Marine Aquarium to strolling the quaint Sponge Docks in charming Tarpon Springs to spending a day out on the water on a boat tour or kayak excursion, there’s so much to see and do on your vacation! Here are some highlights:

St. Pete Pier

A pier of one sort or another has graced St. Petersburg’s waterfront for more than 100 years. The latest iteration is a must-see, with its waterfront restaurants, bayside beach, nature discovery center, waterfront walking paths, splash pad, playground and public art. Situated on sparkling Tampa Bay, the St. Pete Pier was named the #2 new attraction in the country by USA Today when it opened a few years ago.

Boating & Watersports

St. Pete-Clearwater’s sunshine and beautiful weather mean that any day is the perfect day to get out on the water, whether you try kayaking, paddle boarding, kitesurfing, jetskiing or boating. Outfitters are found throughout the region’s coastal communities, but some popular tours include Get Up & Go Kayaking’s tour of Shell Key, and a variety of excursions through Hubbard’s Marina in Madeira Beach.

You can even take a ride on a floating tiki bar, complete with a thatched roof!

Beach Escapes

If soft, white sands and emerald-green waters appeal to you, you’ll find plenty of award-winning Gulf Coast beaches where you can swim, sunbathe and stroll. Water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico remain temperate even in the winter months, meaning you can take a dip any time of year (and this isn’t always true of Atlantic beaches on Florida’s east coast). Check out options such as Clearwater Beach, Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach. These beaches are so close to Orlando, yet they feel worlds away.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

This popular aquarium is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals commonly found in Florida, including dolphins, sea turtles and shore birds. There’s truly something for the whole family to enjoy here, including animal care experiences, behind-the-scenes tours, scenic boat outings, nature-themed movies and special events throughout the year.

Arts & Culture

In St. Pete, aka, “the Sunshine City,” discover unique museums, glass art galleries and thriving culinary scene. Forbes named St. Petersburg one of the “best places to travel in the U.S.,” while Travel + Leisure recently called it out as the “Best Food City in the U.S.”  With its hundreds of colorful murals, it’s also known as one of the best street art cities in the world.

The Dalí Museum

Step inside a surreal world of creativity at The Dalí, home to more than 2,400 works by Salvador Dalí, as well as many special exhibits and events, including special kids’ programming. Don’t miss the immersive Dalí Alive 360, a multi-sensory new exhibit in the Dali Dome. Stop in for a delightful meal of tapas, desserts and coffee at the stylish Café Gala and be sure to check out the delightful and unique museum shop.

The James Museum

With a remarkable exterior shaped like a mesa, stunning bronze sculptures, and artwork depicting the lives and cultures of many Native American tribes, The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art is as much history lesson as it is art appreciation. The museum’s artwork is part of the vast personal collection of Tom and Mary Jones (Tom grew up in St. Petersburg and went on to found Raymond James Financial). Don’t miss this unique museum experience.

The Chihuly Collection

Dale Chihuly famously said “I never met a color I didn’t like,” and that sentiment is expressed boldly in the whimsical glass art at The Chihuly Collection on Central Avenue, St. Pete’s coolest street. The collection is part of the Morean Arts Center, which is also home to a working glass studio where you can see artists at work and hear them explain the fascinating process of creating glass art.

Food Scene

With a blend of iconic restaurants and buzzy newcomers, the Tampa Bay food scene is deliciously dynamic. The freshest locally sourced ingredients highlight menus here, with grouper and other Gulf seafood as the star of the show. Throughout the area, chef-driven restaurants are earning accolades.  St. Peterburg, in particular, has earned a reputation as a foodie hot spot, and was recently named the “Best Food City in the U.S.” Dine at a restaurant with waterfront views to elevate your experience. You’ll also find a thriving craft cocktail culture, as well as a craft beer trail with top-notch breweries, to enjoy on your getaway.

Charming Small Towns

Get off the beaten path and discover several charming small towns in the area, where you can browse local shops and galleries, dine at cafes and attend local events and concerts. Places you’ll want to check out include colorful Safety Harbor, quaint downtown Dunedin and Tarpon Springs, known for its Greek heritage and food.

Where to Stay

You’ll find many accommodation options to choose from, including grand historic hotels like the The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club; award-winning boutique hotels such as The Fenway; and stylish new hotels in the vibrant city of St. Pete. Many visitors choose to stay at a beachfront hotel, with a view of our white-sand Gulf beaches. Or you might prefer a family-friendly vacation rental, with a kitchen and plenty of room for your whole crew. Check out some of these top hotels.