Do you know which destination holds the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive sunny days? It’s St. Petersburg, Florida – and the stretch of sunshine lasted for 768 days. Travelers don’t need to hear much more than this in order to choose their vacation spot, especially during the cooler winter months.
However, while pleasant temps almost always draw in visitors, St. Pete’s attractions span much further beyond beautiful weather. This unique destination is home to a host of museums, an endless number of parks and a delicious local culinary scene, and there are activities and attractions available for all ages and interests.
Where To Stay
St. Pete doesn’t lack in hotel offerings, but travelers will first need to figure out which type of atmosphere they’re looking for. Do you want to take a few steps out of your room and land on soft white sand? If so, staying in the resort city of St. Pete Beach might be the best spot. Here you’ll find The Don CeSar, The TradeWinds Beach Resort and Postcard Inn on the Beach, among many others.
Those looking to stay in the walkable downtown area will see several familiar brands including the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront, Hyatt Place St. Petersburg / Downtown and AC Hotel by Marriott St Petersburg. For a boutique property, travelers might choose Avalon Hotel or Hollander Hotel.
Getting to the beach from downtown and vice versa is made easy with the SunRunner. This new Bus Rapid Transit service allows travelers to ditch the parking and instead catch a ride every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and every 30 minutes from 8 p.m. to midnight. It even has its own lane, which means no sitting in traffic.
The Don CeSar at St. Pete Beach (photo via VisitStPeteClearwater.com)
What To Do
Of course, one of the first things people think of when they head to Florida is the beach, and there are plenty of sandy coastlines to enjoy. In addition to beaches, though, travelers have many parks and preserves to explore. Here’s where they’ll find shaded trails, wildlife and peaceful views. This destination also boasts two botanical gardens: Florida Botanical Gardens and Sunken Gardens, St. Pete’s oldest living museum.
When it’s time to take the party indoors, St. Pete has an extensive collection of museums to explore. Some of the many options include Dalí Museum, The James Museum of Western + Wildlife Art, Florida Holocaust Museum, Fairgrounds St. Pete and Great Explorations Children's Museum.
The St. Pete Pier is a favorite spot to hang out throughout the day, and it really comes alive in the evenings. Here visitors will find a splash pad, playground, walking paths, shows and restaurants.
Sunken Gardens (photo by Codie Liermann)
Although you’ll never run out of things to do in St. Pete, it’s worth heading over to Tampa to explore the Tampa Riverwalk along the Hillsborough River. Visitors can grab an attraction pass to save on unique experiences including The Florida Aquarium, Pirate Water Taxi and Glazer Children’s Museum.
What To Eat + Drink
Most people can agree that one of the highlights of any vacation is the dining. Getting to try new cuisine, relaxing with a beverage or two and scouring for desserts along the way are all excellent vacation pastimes – and those visiting St. Pete are in luck, as the gastronomy scene is nothing short of robust.
Whether you’re staying in the bustling downtown area or near one of the many stunning beaches, St. Pete has numerous restaurants available to explore. In this dynamic dining scene, guests are treated to local ingredients which of course include fresh seafood.
Some of the newest restaurants are Lingr, serving up Nordic- and Asian-inspired cuisine; Wild Child, a neighborhood bistro; and the New York-style deli, The Nosh Pit. Visitors can’t go wrong with a stroll down Central Ave, allowing their noses to decide on the next stop. Some of the many eateries on this strip include The Naked Farmer, Brick & Mortar, Zoie's, Hawkers and Tropez St. Pete.
Sunset views from Teak. (photo by Codie Liermann)
If watching the sunset while being on the water and sipping a favorite cocktail is your thing, a stop at Teak and Doc Ford’s should surely be on the agenda.
In addition to the area’s diverse collection of restaurants, St. Pete is also home to a number of breweries. In fact, the “Gulp Coast” has more than 35 locally owned breweries. Visitors can grab their free passport and sip their way through the Gulp Coast Craft Beer Trail.
There’s so much to do that visiting the “Sunshine City” will most likely leave you wanting more. Whether you plan your trip around a specific theme such as a beach and watersports vacation, museum exploration or culinary retreat, or sprinkle in a bit of everything, St. Petersburg and its surrounding areas will be waiting to welcome you back again in the future.
To learn more about this destination, visit www.visitstpeteclearwater.com or contact your travel advisor.
About the Author
comments