St. Pete Beach (formerly known as St. Petersburg Beach), Florida, United States, is the most southern link in a chain of barrier islands that make up the Tampa Bay Sun Coast in sunny Florida and was voted the 5th Best Beach in the World. In 1994, the community decided to change the name from St. Petersburg Beach to St. Pete Beach so as not to confuse it with the nearby city of St. Petersburg. St. Pete Beach is not only a great place to live thanks to its several heartwarming homes and pet-friendly vacation rentals. It’s also a popular winter residence for people living in other parts of the United States, Canada, and Europe. People love the serenity and peaceful beaches, which is why most of the visiting folks book their stay in beachfront hotels to be closer to the shores. There are a few things to do in St. Pete Beach, but there are also exciting places to visit nearby. Scroll down to learn about the best things to do in and around St. Pete Beach, Florida.
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1. Sign up for an LED illuminated kayaking tour
If you want to have a one-of-a-kind nightlife experience when you’re in St. Pete Beach, then you must book an LED-illuminated kayaking activity immediately! This kayaking tour will have you paddling across protected waterways, and the glass-bottom kayaks will allow you to enjoy underwater views. As this tour takes place in the evening, try it out for a unique date night or an after-dinner activity with friends!
2. Enjoy beach volleyball at Upham Beach Park
One of the prettiest beaches in St. Pete Beach, Upham Beach Park is a great place to spend a spectacular afternoon with friends or family. The white sandy beach, backed by amazing dunes, is a popular spot for surfing and dolphin watching. Invite your loved ones along to swim, play volleyball, and lounge on the beach!
Upham Beach Park
Address: 6850 Beach Plaza, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Website: Upham Beach Park
3. Savor fresh seafood at Shrimpys Blues Bistro
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you’re new to town and you’re looking for a good place to grab a delicious lunch with some drinks, Shrimpy’s Blues Bistro is the place for you! Everything on the menu is made with fresh ingredients. Situated by the waterfront, this dining spot in St. Pete Beach exudes a relaxing vibe, and the service is impeccable. If you’re planning to dine here, be sure to try the coconut shrimp, gator bean soup, crab cake, and scallops.
Shrimpys Blues Bistro
Address: 9524 Blind Pass Rd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Website: Shrimpys Blues Bistro
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 12pm - 10pm; Fri: 12pm - 12am; Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 10am - 10pm
4. Visit Vincent William Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Vincent William Gallery on Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Voted the best gallery on St. Pete Beach, Vincent William Gallery is a haven for artists. The gallery has been operating for the past 27 years and showcases original paintings, glasswork, ceramics, and more. At Vincent William Gallery, visitors can check out pieces by over 40 local artists. Other works on display include raku, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and custom stained glass designs.
Vincent William Gallery
Address: 320 Corey Ave, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Website: Vincent William Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Tue, Thu - Fri: 10am - 5pm (closed on Wed, Sat & Sun)
5. Go on outdoor adventures with Suncoast Watersports
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Suncoast Watersports LLC on Thursday, May 7, 2015
St. Pete Beach, Florida, is a great place to enjoy outdoor adventures. If you’re looking forward to a day at the beach, activities such as parasailing, paddleboarding, and sunset tours are possible. You can even book a banana boat ride or go dolphin-watching. Whatever adventure in the water you’re up for, Suncoast Watersports will deliver!
Suncoast Watersports
Address: 5300 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Website: Suncoast Watersports
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
6. Stop by Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Our museum now has its own functioning lighthouse - that is right - a lighthouse. It is located where the birdbath used...
Posted by Gulf Beaches Historical Museum on Friday, April 12, 2019
This museum is located where the first church was situated in the National Historic District of Pass-a-Grille. Here you will see such things as postcards, photos showing the development of the beach communities, memorabilia of two island schools, church artifacts, and other things that help tell all about the history of the island.
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
Address: 115 10th Avenue, St. Pete Beach, FL
Website: Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
7. View masterpieces at The Dali Museum
Another museum worth visiting in Florida, the Dali Museum is located in St. Petersburg, about 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) from St. Pete Beach. Here you will find many fascinating works by the renowned Spanish artist Salvador Dalí. Year-round, there are special exhibits as well as children’s activities, films, music, and lectures. Stroll through the building and then go outside and check out the interactive gardens and the waterside Avant Garden. Before leaving, be sure to try the authentic Spanish cuisine at Cafe Gala.
The Dali Museum
Address: One Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Website: The Dali Museum
8. Get bait from Merry Pier
Merry Pier in St. Pete Beach is the best shopping destination for bait and fresh fish, as well as both a landmark and a historic place. Here, you will find a number of miscellaneous things from live shrimp, frozen bait, cold drinks, tackle, ice, and sandwiches. The staff is friendly, and you can also inquire about fishing charters and Shell Key Shuttle, which offers boat rides and daily excursions to Shell Key Preserve.
Merry Pier
Address: 801 Pass A Grille Way, St. Pete Beach, FL
Website: Merry Pier
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 5:30pm; Sat - Sun: 7am - 5:30pm
9. Spend the day at Pass-a-Grille Beach
Pass-a-Grille, which is also known as the Old Town of Pass-a-Grille, is a beach that is located at the southern end of St. Pete Beach. There are restaurants here where you can eat while enjoying breathtaking views of the ocean. The locals and tourists alike love it here since it is quiet and peaceful. Besides that, it’s close to several family-friendly resorts and hotels, so a tranquil walk on this gorgeous beach is possible whenever the mood strikes.
Pass-a-Grille Beach
Address: 1000 Pass-a-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach, FL
Website: Pass-a-Grille Beach
10. Challenge your loved ones to a game at Polynesian Putter
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Polynesian Putter is a miniature golf course in St. Pete Beach where you can enjoy a fun day competing with family on the 18-hole miniature golf course. You cannot miss this place since there is a giant snake statue on display. If you’re looking for kid-friendly things to do in St. Pete Beach, add this place to your itinerary!
Polynesian Putter
Address: 4999 Gulf Blvd, 33706 St. Pete Beach, FL
11. Tour Shell Key Preserve with Shell Key Shuttle
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Shell Key Shuttle on Friday, August 24, 2018
This eco-tour agency in St. Pete Beach offers various services such as sunset cruises and private charters, allowing tourists to explore Shell Key Preserve. This preserve is a small barrier island just 15 minutes from St. Pete Beach. Hiking is allowed on-site, except on the Bird Preservation Area, but there are clear indicators for areas where visitors are not allowed to pass. If you’re interested in visiting the area, be sure to reserve a 1.5-hour-long sunset cruise with Shell Key Shuttle!
Shell Key Shuttle
Address: 801 Pass-a-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach, FL
Website: Shell Key Shuttle
12. Sign up for Swim with the Fish at RumFish Grill
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
So many choices so little time! Let us serve you tonight! Visit our website or call to make reservations!
Posted by RumFish Grill on Thursday, August 26, 2021
This is a fun program where you will be swimming in an aquarium located in RumFish Grill. There is artificial seawater in the tank as well as a wide variety of fish. Snorkeling vests are required so participants don’t go below the surface, and touching or feeding the fish is not permitted. Included in the program are a 10-minute immersion experience, an educational session on animals and conservation, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the operation. The “Swim with the Fish” program is only offered from Tuesdays to Sundays.
Swim with the Fish at RumFish Grill
Address: 6000 Gulf Blvd, RumFish Grill at Guy Harvey Outpost, St, Pete, FL
Website: Swim with the Fish at RumFish Grill
13. Go windsurfing or paddleboarding at St. Pete Beach
Did you know that the white, sandy shore of St. Pete Beach is the longest undeveloped public beach in the county? Enjoy various water sports, from parasailing and stand-up paddleboarding to windsurfing and kiteboarding, at this beach. People flock here to enjoy these and more. This beach is especially great for kids and families since the water is quite shallow. There are lots of restaurants nearby as well as many resorts and hotels to choose from. Have a relaxing day on this lovely beach and see for yourself why people love it so much.
St. Pete Beach
Address: 6110 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, FL
Website: St. Pete Beach
14. Order delicious burgers at Boulevard Burgers and Tap House
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Another delicious burger to grace your feed. HAYSTACK BURGER // American cheese, Applewood bacon, and crispy onion...
Posted by Boulevard Burgers & Tap House on Monday, June 21, 2021
After a long day at the beach, take a break and grab some amazing burgers at Boulevard Burgers and Tap House. This go-to burger joint has been a staple in St. Pete Beach for some time now, and repeat customers are the norm! Some of the best sellers to try to include the chili burger and the mac and cheese burger. Enjoy happy hour every day with drinks like 3 Daughters Beach Blonde and Big Storm Wavemaker Amber Ale. Check this superb burger joint off your food bucket list before leaving St. Pete Beach.
Boulevard Burgers and Tap House
Address: 5905 Gulf Blvd | St. Pete Beach, Florida
Website: Boulevard Burgers and Tap House
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am
15. Embark on a dolphin racer speedboat adventure
The seas surrounding West Florida’s coasts are abundant with marine life. And what better way to appreciate this setting than to spend your day on a thrilling dolphin-sighting expedition? This tour is one of the best things to do in St. Pete Beach for a unique experience. It offers a different spin on traditional cruising by taking travelers on a fast-paced adventure so they can spot a crew of bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
Joining alongside the passengers is a captain who has first-hand expertise of who these striking creatures are and their quirks. Not only is this activity a solid pick for curious adults, but kids will thoroughly enjoy it as well.
Book Tours : St. Pete Beach Dolphin Racer Speedboat Adventure
16. Enjoy cruising across the sea aboard a private yacht
Looking for a happening event during your weekend break in St. Pete Beach? A cruise on board a private yacht charter is a great option. This activity offers you and your best friends a joyous experience you’ve always wanted to have. You’ll get to see this gulf-front city from a different perspective as you sail in the direction of endless luxury hotels and celebrity homes that line up the shores.
You’ll also get to cross several canals, pass by beaches and marinas, and even spot dolphins in the wild! Whether you’re taking your sweet time sunbathing on the deck or diving off the yacht for a quick swim with a manatee, you’re guaranteed to gain unforgettable moments by the end of the cruise.
Beautiful St. Pete Beach, Florida
St. Pete Beach is a coastal city in the sunny state of Florida that is famous for its reputation as a lively tourist town. In addition to the pristine and scenic beach, there are lots of places to visit and explore in and around the area, plus a number of hotels and Airbnbs to stay in. Enjoy!
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in and around St. Pete Beach, Florida
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