The Underrated Florida Destination Every Tourist Should Visit At Least Once
Nestled along the west coast of Florida is a booming city with small town vibes. St. Petersburg is part of the broader Tampa Bay area along with several other communities, but it's a tourist destination worthy of at least one visit. Possibly its most alluring feature is its 244 miles of white, sandy coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, also known as the Gulf of America.
Perhaps the most famous beach in St. Petersburg is within Fort De Soto Park, a protected area of five connected islands that covers more than 1,100 acres. This string of islands has been ranked one of America's best beaches and includes campgrounds, picnic areas, fishing piers, restrooms, and the park's historic namesake fort, which is open for exploration. It's also a prime location to catch views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, one of St. Petersburg's iconic landmarks.
To the city's west is the St. Pete Municipal Beach, which sits on nearby Treasure Island and provides 500 feet of waterfront access along the gulf. The city is also just 30 miles from Honeymoon Island State Park, considered one of the best U.S. beaches of 2026. For waterfront fun closer to the city's bustling and artsy downtown district, there's the St. Pete Pier, which stretches into the waters of Tampa Bay and connects easily to the city's shops, entertainment venues, and museums.
There's so much more to St. Petersburg than its beaches
St. Petersburg is called the "Sunshine City," as it enjoys an average of 361 sunny days each year. While that sunshine and warm climate bodes well for beachgoers, there is much more to the city than its sandy shores. For one, the city has a thriving arts district, complete with more than 100 colorful murals on its downtown buildings. These pieces of art were commissioned by local artists and are celebrated each fall during the SHINE St. Pete Mural Festival.
There's plenty of art to see indoors as well. St. Petersburg is home to the waterfront Dalí Museum, pictured above. It showcases the works of famed artist Salvador Dalí and presents different exhibitions throughout the year. Nearby, the Mahaffey Theater provides concerts, live performances, touring Broadway shows, and more. The historic Palladium Theater also hosts live music performances, and the theater's Side Door Cabaret listening room offers an intimate ambiance for jazz and blues shows.
Sports fans will find plenty to keep themselves busy in St. Petersburg. The Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team has called the city home since 1998. Every year, the city hosts the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, which transforms several downtown streets into an IndyCar racetrack. Bibliophiles will also be excited to learn that the city is home to the Mirror Lake Community Library, considered among the most incredible libraries in the southern U.S.
When to visit St. Pete and how to get there
Choosing the right time to visit St. Petersburg is subjective to personal interests. Yes, the city is a tropical-like paradise nearly all year long, and its vibrant downtown has plenty to keep every member of the family entertained. But throughout the year, the city hosts festivals and events that brings visitors from around the world.
As we know, St. Pete has an affinity for the arts, and it boasts some of the top fine art and design shows in the country: the St. Petersburg Fine Art Festival in February and the Mainsail Art Festival in March. In the summer, St. Petersburg hosts one of the biggest Pride celebrations in the Southeastern United States. Music takes center stage during the city's popular Rise Up Reggae Festival in March and Tampa Bay Blues Festival in April. If you're planning a beach vacation in St. Pete, keep in mind that hurricane season runs from early June to late November, and peaks in August and September.
Reaching St. Petersburg from out of state is easy, thanks to the two international airports nearby. The larger Tampa International Airport (TPA) is 20 miles away and is considered the top airport for food and travel. St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is about 12 miles away and serves as a hub for budget airlines and domestic flights. Both TPA and PIE offer access to car rental facilities as well as ride share options. Traveling from the airport to the city by public transit can be a hassle, but St. Petersburg itself has a reliable bus system for getting around.