unusual things to do in st petersburg, florida

Sunken Gardens Escape into a tranquil forest surrounded by lush exotic plants, towering palms, and friendly flamingos. The beach is famed for its perfect white sand, fun water activities, and spring break vibes. What are you waiting for? This place may be so laid-back that flip-flops are the default footwear here, but St. Pete/Clearwater sure has a lot going on. Its a very unique attraction and you wont find anything like this elsewhere in the state of Florida. Located in the city of Clearwater to the west, Clearwater Beach is one of the finest beaches in the Tampa Bay area. More than just a baseball collection though, the museum uses these autographed trophies to tell key moments in the countrys history and tell the story of modern American achievements. With the bay at your doorstep and the Florida sun shining down, visiting the local beaches is one of the best things to do when living in St. Petersburg, Fl. Uncover the history of the city, explore at your own pace and enjoy working together in these light-hearted and informative challenges. Looking for Things to do in St Petersburg in 2023? Take a night hike through the park or catch a speaking presentation on the natural history of the area. Ever wanted to get up close to an alligator? Address: 421 4th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701-2805. Green Bench Brewing Company Go people-watching at the famous Pier 60 in Clearwater as the sunset rolls in, or better yet, set sail on a Pirate Cruise full of non-stop fun activities! There are so many different tours to try that there is bound to be something to suit your tastes. 800 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Experience The Sunken Gardens. The Dog Bar The Dog Bar in St. Petersburg, FL, is a combination of a private, off-leash dog park and a full-service sports bar. One of the most fun things to do in St. Petersburg on a weekend is to drop by the Saturday Morning Market. Based in a former fish and tomato packing facility, its 7,800 square foot of exhibition space displays work by some of the leading internationally known glass artists. The nearby citys of Tampa and Clearwater, with their world-famous theme parks and attractions, are always just a stones throw away. Fairgrounds St. Pete is an immersive and explorable art and technology exhibition that is a collaboration of 60 artists. Not to mention a wide and varied selection of cheeses from all over the world. Annata is a must-visit when you're in the area. Younger kids are sure to love this! Explore the boardwalk trails and climb the 50-foot observation tower to glimpse some amazing panoramic views of the park. The choices are huge and youre sure to find great fresh seafood, tasty grill and barbecue dishes and all your fast food favorites. Check it out while youre in the area. The bridge extends for over 4 miles and at places is towers 190 feet above the water to give the necessary clearance for boats traveling beneath it. 2023 Atlas Obscura. If you are looking for more unusual things to do in St Petersburg Florida, then add the Sunken Gardens to your list! We will go over basics and have FUN painting. The Canopy Rooftop Lounge, located on the top floor of the Birchwood Hotel, has beautiful views over North Straub Park and the North Yacht Marina. Its hard to believe that the lush 2-acre tropical gardens of Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum were a mini-golf course not so long ago. . Take to the skies in an air-conditioned chopper and see the sites in a truly unique way. Are you an adventurous speedboat kind of traveler, or a laid-back tiki bar boat kind of person? This tropical wonderland was created as a hobby garden by a local plumber in the early 1900s on a six-acre piece of land that formerly held a lake. Shows are typically held every 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, so be sure to plan ahead! A day in Pass-a-Grille isn't complete until you've enjoyed a grouper sandwich at the Hurricane. The park is spread out over five islands sitting in the mouth of Tampa Bay and features coastal areas, wetlands, forests and meadows, as well as one of the regions finest beaches. Now known as The Duke Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater hosts, on any given week, orchestral concerts, Broadway musicals and plays, stand-up comedy shows and touring live bands. The aquarium also has freshwater creatures such as its adorable river otters, Walle and Boomer. Hours: Varied, check your destinations for current hours of operation. Dont leave without getting your drivers autograph! (Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island and Coligny Beach on Hilton Head Island also made the list). When soaring high above the barrier islands, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and other wildlife in the waters below. All the islands are connected by causeways or bridges. If youre in search of exploring other incredible cities and things to do in Florida, then look no further! The unique pieces collected here display the ingenuity of the individual artists and the wide range of techniques applied in the modern studio glass scene. I would personally recommend combining a trip to St Pete, with a few days in Crystal River. History 2. Join other party-goers to pedal your way around the city, stopping at the best drinking holes on the way. Historically known as a meeting space since the mid-20s, the casino has been renovated to reflect modern times while maintaining its community and history intact. Experience one of the most beloved sports in the U.S.! 5) Go on a snorkeling tour. There are plenty of great restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg, but the best restaurant (in my opinion) is Annata. Stationary traffic on US-1 N - FL-5 from E Camino Real (US-1) to FL-798/E Palmetto Park Rd (US-1) due to roadwork. Taste the Shrimp Los Cabos served with avocado, cilantro, sweet tomato cocktail sauce and fresh tortilla chips. My 9 Things: What I packed to travel with my pet. Whatever your preferred way to explore outdoors, be it jogging, walking, cycling or skating you are bound to enjoy the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail. Pick up some history on the areas most famous residents, including the Native American princess Pocahontas, and see historic sites, including the departure point of the worlds first commercial flight, the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat. Stuck out on its own in the mouth of Tampa Bay, Egmont Key has been an important ecological preserve since 1974. When the Sunshine Skyway was built in the mid-1980s, the old bay bridge was left in place and quickly became popular with local anglers. I absolutely love this house. Mind-blowing museums and galleries immerse you in art and culture. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! Cap off your day with a cocktail at Salty's Tiki Bar and Beach Lounge. Tombolo Books, off 1st Avenue S, is a cute shop full of delightful reads. Built in the late 1920s, this popular beachfront property has been hosting travelers for almost a century! This eclectic place has something for everyone even for your furry friend like The Dog Bar. You'll be able to explore the beaches, mangroves, wetlands, and native plants. A visit to the Sunken Gardens in St. Pete, Florida is a must for any plant lover. Ready to start planning your St. Petersburg, Florida vacation? Parking: Daily parking fees of $5, though there are also annual parking passes available. The calm waters of Floridas Gulf Coast offer some of the countrys best conditions for boating. No stop at Fort De Soto Park is complete without a look at the historic fort. There is also a large selection of picnic shelters available and two playgrounds which is sure to keep the kids entertained. If this sounds like your next family getaway, here are the top fun things to do in St. Petersburg with kids to help you sort through the best activities and exciting spots in the city. Toes in the sand and maybe even a little live music what could be better?! Taxidermy 2. One of the country's largest Holocaust museums is in St Petersburg. The market also has stalls selling freshly cooked international dishes so you better bring your appetite. The park has plenty of shaded walkways so its the ideal place to go for a refreshing stroll in the cool ocean breeze. This Florida museum dedicated to western artwork is entered through an artificial sandstone canyon. Medical Museums 2. It hosts some of the citys major outdoor shows like the Tampa Bay Blues and Reggae Rise Up music festivals, The Festivals of Speed Car Show and food fests throughout the year. Think Great Gatsby meets tropical paradise! Head to Pass-a-Grille for a relaxing day away from the hustle of downtown St. Petersburg. For the keen fisherman, the park has seven boat ramps giving access to the bay water as well as shoreline fishing areas for those who prefer it. The Duncan McClellan Gallery is another of the citys major exhibitions of studio glass and it resides in the most unlikely of places. The first custom-designed building to showcase the works of Dale Chihuly is a wonderland of glass and light. Art lovers wont want to miss this one. Saturday, February 25, 1-4 pm, 2390 5th Ave S. Simply download the app and follow clues and directions to locations around the city. Soak up the Floridan way of life at this hotel, and focus on working on your sun tan in the lounge chairs by the pool, or working up a sweat in the state-of-the-art gym. Perfect for a morning or afternoon away from the beach. The sight of a Walker Bulldog tank may not be the most reassuring thing to see in a park but War Veterans Memorial Park is dedicated to honoring the memory of its Military Veterans. The fun location is entirely dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating various marine animals. World War Ii 2. It is a popular stop for migrating birds in the spring and fall seasons and, as such, the park attracts a large number of bird spotters who are eager to catch a glimpse of rare wildlife. It has a rotating program of temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection and hosts a monthly series of lectures, talks and even cinema screenings. Busch Gardens hardly needs any introduction. Part of the reason people return to St. Petersburg year after year is for the abundance of unspoiled natural environments it offers, Shell Key Preserve is one such place. If you need a little break from all the sun and surf, try spending an afternoon at The Dali. Or perhaps its the stunning beaches like Fort De Soto Park? The Bayou is a great year-round place to spot manatees but especially in the cooler months of the year when the water remains warmer than the surrounding Gulf of Mexico. The Urban Stillhouse. Hosted in the streets of Baum Avenue behind Intermezzo, the monthly Mezzo Market is one of St. Pete's best places to find handmade goods, vintage clothing, local art and so much more. Check availability now! How empresses used "metamorphosis" to show their male courtiers whos the boss. It is home to the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Centre which teaches visitors about the many natural marvels of the preserve. Admission is free, so why not take a class or explore the artworks during your time in the city. Save St Petersburg Jazz Celebration to your collection. I love sitting on the sofas on the beach around a fire pit table, kicking back as I watch the sunset. Address: 1060 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767, United States. This Tampa Theme Park and Zoo has been entertaining visitors for over 60 years with its thrilling white-knuckle rides and attractions. Among the 2,400+ works, you'll find everything from oil paintings to sculptures, manuscripts, and even some book illustrations. Over nearly 50 years, the collection has grown to include 150 species of palm and cycads and 500 individual plants. Rent includes pool care and mowing . An intrinsic part of the St. Pete art community, the Gallery is located in the center of the citys Warehouse Art District. Explore up to 150 species of palm and cycads, as well as the nearly 500 different plants at Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum. The new recreation center of the city, St. Pete Pier has a lot to discover, from shopping, dining and entertainment to sports and parks youll find it all here. The trail starts in St. Petersburg and runs all the way to Tarpon Springs, covering a distance of 50 miles. Start searching for the best hotels and Airbnbs in St. Petersburg here. Your four-legged friend neednt miss out either as North Straub Park has a dedicated dog park and keep your eyes and ears open for year-round events and live music occurring on its permanent stage area. If you're dreaming of warm summer sunshine and beautiful white sands then St. Petersburg, Florida might just be your perfect beachside destination. Join a helicopter or light aircraft tour for a unique tour youll never forget. The permanent collection covers almost 5,000 years of human history and creativity and is represented in thousands of objects in various media. Paradise! With an average of 361 days of sunshine each year, you're likely to have fantastic weather during your stay. Which one was your favorite? Busch Gardens has jaw-dropping ice skating extravaganzas, storytime shows for kids, and live music by No.1 tribute bands. The park covers 1,136 acres. Some of the citys other great rooftop bars include Pier Teaki, at the end of the 2nd Ave NE Pier, Level 11 over at St. Pete Beach and The Cambria Hotel at Madeira Beach. (Self-Guided) St. Petersburg Area - Pop Up Picnic Park Date for Couples! Here are the 32 best and fun things to do in St. Petersburg, Florida. Locals say the recent boom has centered along Beach Drive (facing the bay) and Central Avenue (lined with galleries . ). Its newest ride, Iron Gwazi, is the tallest hybrid roller coaster in North America as well as the fastest and steepest in the world. It is now considered the worlds longest fishing pier and gives fishermen unrestricted access to the deeper bay waters. Whichever it is, let us know! The city has a thriving downtown district with a distinctly bohemian culture and many arts and cultural places to visit, including some of the countrys top museums and galleries. This former factory has been transformed into a technicolor wonderland, where dozens of local artists have collaborated to create a real choose-your-own-adventure experience. Making St. Petersburg and the country laugh since 1984, the Bonkerz Comedy Club has won the hearts of many, including a few celebrities, as one of their favorite comedy clubs, originally started in St. Petersburg. Visit the beaches! What once was an ancient lake became the perfect place to grow beautiful tropical plants. In fact, you may find something here that is so unique it defies explanation. Sleep out under the stars to the sound of the sea lapping the shore and the gentle cry of birds. Chihuly Collection 720 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 896-4527 The Chihuly Collection features 18 otherworldly glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly. Perfect if your pup enjoys splashing around. 2) Visit the Sunken Gardens. Pinellas Countys largest public park, Fort De Soto Park covers over 1,100 acres and has a huge amount of things to see and do. Wildlife lovers can spend the day spotting the wide variety of creatures that live in the area. Powered by Mai Theme, 15 Places With The Clearest Water In Florida (Beaches, Springs, and More! The Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center allows visitors to do just that, you can even kiss one if you really want to?! We've gone to the Hurricane for years! You can expect tarpon, grouper, cobia, snook, red snapper, pompano, Spanish and king mackerel, sheepshead, and more. You'll find this gem of a restaurant and wine bar on the harbor, near North Straub Park. The scenic waterfront road, Coffee Pot Boulevard, which skirts by Coffee Pot Bayou has picturesque views of Snell Isle and could be one of the most enchanting spots in St. Petersburg for a stroll. With two large swim centers, picnic areas and campgrounds, as well as the Quartermaster Museum, youll definitely fall in love with Fort De Soto Park. Create the perfect picnic to enjoy at Bok Tower Gardens in Orlando, or learn more about some of the local marine life in Crystal River. texas tornado deaths per year, controlling and coercive behaviour sentencing guidelines,