St. Petersburg has undergone one of America's most remarkable urban transformations over the past two decades. Once overlooked in favor of its Tampa and Clearwater neighbors, "St. Pete" has emerged as Florida's most cultured and creative city — home to an extraordinary concentration of art museums, galleries, James Beard-nominated restaurants, and a beach-meets-city lifestyle that's uniquely its own.
The Arts District
St. Pete's arts scene is extraordinary for a city of its size:
- Dalí Museum — The largest collection of Salvador Dalí works outside Spain, in a stunning building designed by HOK architects
- Museum of Fine Arts — Comprehensive collection spanning 5,000 years
- Morean Arts Center — Contemporary art with a spectacular glass-blowing studio
- Chihuly Collection — Permanent installation of Dale Chihuly's extraordinary glass art
- 200+ murals — St. Pete has become one of America's foremost mural cities
The Food Scene
St. Pete's restaurant scene has exploded:
- Birch & Vine — Sophisticated farm-to-table at the Vinoy
- Intermezzo — Italian-inspired fine dining
- Stillwaters Tavern — Local seafood, outstanding wine list
- Red Mesa Cantina — Celebrated Mexican/Latin fusion
- The Iberian Rooster — Portuguese cuisine, beloved locally
- Garden — Creative cocktails in stunning outdoor setting
Central Avenue
Central Ave is the spine of St. Pete's cultural life — stretching from the waterfront through downtown and into the Grand Central arts district. Walk it for independent boutiques, galleries, coffee shops, and the city's most creative bars.
The Waterfront
Downtown St. Pete's waterfront is among Florida's finest:
- Vinoy Park and Renaissance Vinoy Resort
- North Straub Park and South Straub Park
- The Pier — Completely redeveloped attraction opening 2020, excellent dining and views
- Al Lang Stadium for soccer and events
Getting to St. Petersburg
- From TPA Airport: 20-25 miles via I-275, 25-35 minutes, from $50
- From PIE Airport: 18-20 miles, 25-30 minutes, from $48
- From Tampa Downtown: 20-25 minutes via Gandy or Howard Frankland bridges, from $50
- From Sarasota: 55-60 miles, 65-80 minutes, from $75