Things to Do in St. Pete Beach

Upham Beach Park

6850 Beach Plaza

A family-friendly beach park with soft white sand and gentle surf, Upham Beach Park offers a relaxing backdrop for both downtime and playful moments. Spot dolphins leaping offshore on a clear day, or let the kids test their first wave-rides while you sip a frozen drink in the shade. Grab a picnic table, and enjoy the sunshine and sea breeze—it’s the perfect beach-day escape for families looking for low-key fun.

Sunset Beach Pavilion

8000 W Gulf Blvd

Set at the tip of Treasure Island, the Sunset Beach Pavilion invites you to soak up stunning Gulf views, stroll the sand at your leisure, and wrap up your day with an unforgettable sunset. With showers and picnic tables on site, it’s ideal for families winding down after play-time. Whether you're building sandcastles or sharing laughs with girlfriends, this spot brings relaxation and postcard-perfect moments.

St. Pete Pier

800 Second Ave SE

For a change of pace off the beach, head to the newly revived St. Pete Pier: 26 acres of waterfront parks, dining, shopping and live entertainment. Stroll along the boardwalk, take in bay views, grab a drink with your crew, or pause at an outdoor concert. It’s easy, breezy, and full of energy—just what you need when you’re ready to explore beyond the sun lounger.

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Saturday Market

Each Saturday, downtown St. Pete comes alive with this vibrant market full of fresh produce, global cuisine, artisan crafts and live music. Wander leisurely with a frozen treat in hand, support local artists, and soak up the lively atmosphere. It’s a great outing for families or girls’ getaway alike—relaxed, colorful and full of new finds.

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Parasailing

There’s nothing quite like flying high above the Gulf while strapped to a parasail. Launch off a speedboat and float up to 500 feet over turquoise waters—take in the coastline, spot marine life, and make a memory that’s a little more adventurous than sand and sun. Perfect for the thrill-seeker in your group (or if you want to surprise your family with something fun).

LOCAL PARASAILING OUTFITTERS

Sunken Gardens

1825 4th St N

Just a short drive from the beach, this lush tropical garden hideaway offers a calm contrast to ocean buzz. With cascading waterfalls, towering palms and exotic plants, Sunken Gardens feels like a secret retreat. Ideal for a relaxed stroll, quiet reflection, or a moment away from the surf—plus the kids will enjoy the flamingos too.

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Kayaking

When you want water time without the speedboat roar, kayaking is a smooth option. Paddle along calm coastlines, explore mangroves or just drift under the Florida sun. Stop for a refreshing swim mid-route and make the outing your pace—whether it’s family-friendly or part of a girls’ day out.

KAYAK RENTALS

Boat Tours

Embark on an island boat adventure throughout St. Pete Beach. Since St. Pete Beach is surrounded by water on both sides, you’ll have plenty to explore. See the dolphins with Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center. Put the pedal to the medal with Tampa Speed Boat Adventures. Or get a brief history of the area on Adventure Cruises.

LOCAL BOAT TOURS

John's Pass Village

12901 Cortez Rd E

Just over the bridge from St. Pete Beach, John’s Pass is the quintessential Florida fishing-town experience. Historic fishing shacks now house boutiques, seafood spots, charter tours and Sunday markets. It's ideal for a casual shopping stroll, souvenir hunting, and dinner while you watch boats drift by.

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Grand Central District

Do you enjoy an afternoon full of art, food and drinks? The Grand Central District is a combination of all of these! The 15-block district offers a variety of galleries, shops and restaurants. It's also the original location of all the St. Pete Pride festivals. It's the perfect place too enjoy St. Pete as a local, and discover why St. Petersburg has recently named as one of the most pet-friendly cities in the country.

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St. Petersburg Clay Company

2010 1st Ave S

Take a break from sand and surf and get your hands a little messy! This ceramic studio offers experiential classes where you can throw a pot, make art and bring home your creation. Perfect for a creative mom’s day out, or even a fun family activity if the kids are up for it.

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Holocaust Museum

55 Fifth Street South

A beach vacation may not scream “history,” but The Florida Holocaust Museum is worth the visit. As one of the largest Holocaust museums in the country, the FHM serves as a living memorial to those who suffered during the Holocaust. Visit the museum to hear Second Generation Survivors share their personal stories, or guide yourself through exhibits featuring artifacts like a boxcar.

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Museum of Fine Arts

255 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg

Located in the heart of the city and with world-class temporary exhibitions, the Museum of Fine Arts highlights human expression across all time periods and cultures from a collection covering almost 5,000 years of civilization. If you happen to be in St. Pete on a Thursday, the museum offers reduced admission and live music at night!

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The Chihuly Collection

400 Beach Dr NE

Explore this stunning and unique artwork of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly; a magnificent 10,000 square foot gallery located on Beach Drive. The Collection is marked at the entrance by an iconic 20-foot sculpture created especially for the site. Inside the collection, each space has been designed individually to complement each installation producing unique visual experiences.

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Corey Avenue 
Shopping District

Located on St. Pete Beach, this lively strip blends beach town charm with local flavor: cafés, boutiques, seasonal events and the popular Sunday market. Whether you’re grabbing a latte or browsing for a souvenir, the district has easy energy and relaxed stroll-ability—ideal when you want low effort but good fun.

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Fort de Soto Park

3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde

This may very well be the most unique park you’ve ever visited. Fort de Soto covers 1,136 acres spread across five interconnected islands. Go hiking, biking, or shelling, all within this scenic county park. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available within the park.

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Riding Waverunners

Waverunners are a popular option for exploring the waters around St. Pete Beach. Whether you want to go solo during an afternoon or tour with a local guide, you'll have the chance to discover hiddenislands along the inter-coastal waterway or even finding pods of dolphins playing in the water.

WAVERUNNER RENTALS

Great Explorations Children’s Museum

1925 4th St N

Perfect for curious minds, this hands-on museum encourages kids to learn through play. From creative workshops to science exhibits and storytime with local authors, every activity sparks imagination and discovery. Parents will love how easy it is to spend a few hours here while the kids explore, build, and laugh their way through each interactive exhibit.

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Fairgrounds St. Pete

800 28th St S

Considered one of the most colorful museums in Tampa Bay, the Fairgournds St. Pete features the stunning artwork of local artists, as well that old Florida feel in some of the exhibits. Through a range of events, exhibits and workshops, the museum showcases the creative innovations of artists and makers working in all mediums. It's also a great place to take fun pictures!

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Salvador Dalí Museum

1 Dali Blvd

From iconic melting clocks to imaginative visual illusions and avant-garde symbols, the Salvador Dalí Museum is a must do during your visit. Play, wander and quench your curiosity throughout various exhibits that capture all phases of Dalí's life and art. For the music lovers, the Museum has monthly live performance where The St. Petersburg Saxophone Quartet plays a blend of jazz, classical and popular arrangements.

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