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First impressions say a lot but with St Pete, there is so much to uncover besides the white sand on your feet on one of the famous gulf coast beaches. There is also the city side filled with locals who take pride in their restaurants and businesses. Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. From hip and funky shops to the cute and cozy cafes, cultural museums, ethnic dining, or nightlife, you will not leave this city without experiencing the blend of hippie beach town and modern big city that makes St Pete so attractive. A weekend in St Petersburg wouldn’t be complete without visiting both the downtown and the beachside. In this guide on how to spend a quick 48 hours in St Petersburg, I will be covering the main two parts of the city and showing you ALL of the best things to do in St Petersburg and how to do them efficiently! If you are someone who likes to pack as many activities into one day as possible you’ll have no issues following along with this jam-packed 2 day St Pete itinerary but if you are someone who likes to go at a slower pace then you will be able to pick our your favorites and narrow down each of the days into an itinerary that works best for you! Without any more delay let’s get into what I think is the perfect 2 days in St Petersburg. Weekend in St Petersburg: Day 1 Downtown St Pete Day one will be all about eating, shopping, and seeing the murals while walking to the best viewpoints in downtown St Pete, before spending the night immersed in either a tiki cruise, a live show, bar hopping, or dancing at the club. I’ve laid out this itinerary to simulate what my ideal Saturday and Sunday would look like but if you are going to visit during the week note some events or hours may differ! Begin Your 2 Days in St Petersburg With Coffee at Crislip CafeIf you’re a coffee lover like me you’ll agree that there would be no better way to kickstart a weekend in St Petersburg than by enjoying the local coffee. The Crislip Cafe is a St Pete coffee shop located at the back of the gift shop called The Merchant. You can enter from the giftshop entrance off of central or walk through the Crislip Arcade (an alleyway full of other shops) and enter directly from the entrance there. I love their coffee so much, their menu has so many unique flavor options on top of offering breakfast, sandwiches, and locally made baked goods – grab a quick bite before doing a few activites before brunch. The whimsical decor in the space just adds to the uniqueness of this coffee shop. When finished pop back over to the gift shop for some locally made souvenirs or gifts to take back to friends and family. If you’re sensitive with time then the Crislip Cafe is a great two-in-one stop. My Finding’s Tip: You can also visit the Crislip Cafe on this mural tour! I talk about it again later on in this guide. Mural Bike Tour
Being that St Pete has a heavy influence of art from local artists, the street art in downtown St Petersburg is prevalent and murals can be found on just about every street and street corner. If you only have 2 days in St Petersburg the best way to find all of the best pieces is to go on this mural biking tour which lasts 3.5 hours. It starts on the west side of downtown where you will leisurely make your way east past 30 different murals. You will also stop at the Crislip Cafe for coffee and truffle, I had mentioned this coffee shop earlier so if you go on this tour you will not need to visit it separately. Midway through the ride, there will be another snack/bathroom break at The Burg Bar & Grill for an appetizer and a drink. You could also drive yourself through town but the perk of going on this mural tour will allow you to see them up close stop for pictures and learn more about the mural artists and history of murals in St Pete. Saturday Morning Market: a Local Staple for Your Weekend in St PetersburgIf your 48 hours in St Petersburg fall over the weekend you will not want to miss out on the Saturday Morning Market which is made up of over 125 vendors selling all different types of foods, produce, flowers and plants, and homemade jewelry and art. When I walked through this market for the first time I was thoroughly impressed, it’s massive! The thing I particularly love about it is how many healthy and local food items that can be found here. It happens every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm at its normal location at 3223 62nd Ave N and from 9 am to 1 pm in its summer location in Williams Park from June – September. The Saturday Morning Market speaks to the culture of St Pete which has a quote that says “Keep St Pete local”. I love supporting the people and their businesses that are the core of this city. Have Brunch Inside a “Library” at The LibraryThe Library is a one-of-a-kind place to enjoy brunch on a weekend in St Petersburg. Adorned with blue-toned books from floor to ceiling and cozy two-seater dining nooks this interior takes my breath away each time I enter the restaurant. Inspired by the George Peabody Library in Baltimore The Library was built inside the John Hopkins Children’s Hospital in downtown St Pete and designed by John Hopkins himself. Order whichever rotating pancake flavor they have or the eggs benedict paired with a latte from an in-house espresso bar that uses Buddy Brew coffee, a local Tampa Bay favorite. Note: If going for brunch make reservations in advance, spots fill up quick! My Finding's Tip: For something a bit more casual and affordable you’ve got to try the crepes and coffee from The Wooden Rooster! Shop until you drop at the Boutiques on CentralThere are soooo many great local businesses to check out on Central Ave, they pretty much go for 2 miles all the way to Beach Drive which also has more great shops of its own but Central has my favorites! Some of my most visited shops are:
Grab Latin-American Food From BodegaWith the roots of the Cuban sandwich being invented in Tampa just across the bridge, there are some restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Latin-American flavors in St Pete, so far my favorite has been from Bodega! You order at the window outside and typically there’s always a line – it moves fast though! You can’t go wrong with their original Cuban sandwich but I’ve been stuck on repeat ordering the Pollo Asado sandwich or plate – the Cuban bread on the sandwiches is so fresh and crispy! Don’t leave without trying a Chi Chi (not on the menu) – half limeade half tea, you’ll thank me later! If you would rather explore a wider range of the food scene during your quick weekend in St Petersburg I would recommend this Gourmet Food and Tasting Tour instead for an early dinner or late lunch option. It covers 4 different popular local restaurants and includes generous sample portions of entrees, a coffee, and a dessert. Dali Museum for lovers of Art or Architecture
I am not a lover of most art museums but I do appreciate strong architectural design which is why I can personally recommend a visit to the Dali Museumat least once even if you don’t resonate with Surrealism. The outside bubble glass design catches the eye from both the inside and outside. It doesn’t stop there, from the base of the ground floor there is an impressive spiral staircase that takes you up to the first-floor landing that has a view of the bay. This is where the art exhibit entrance is to see the works of Salvador Dali, one of Spain’s most famous artists of the 20th century. During my visit, I spent almost all of my time outside of the exhibit photographing and enjoying the building and staircase design. There was lots of intricate artwork but like I said earlier it’s not really my thing so I just walked through it briefly but I saw many people absorbed in the surrealist paintings so I’m sure you will enjoy it too if you like art. You can also use the Dali Museum app which uses AR (augmented reality) technology to give you deeper insights into his work. You can book your ticket online in advance to reserve a timeslot! If you only want to see the building from the outside parking at the Dali Museum is $5. Go on a Tiki Boat Tour Around the St Pete Pier
For some incredible views on your 2 days in St Petersburg take your group on a Tiki Boat Tour that goes out on Tampa Bay and rides around the St Pete Pier! These tours operated by Crusin Tikis are sooo much fun for small groups and there’s a high probability of spotting dolphins. BYOB for the cooler and play your own music over the speaker! Our captain was such a fun guide and let us steer the boat too. I recommend booking a private tour so it will really be your group’s own experience. Check out the booking times here, I would personally recommend the sunset tour if it fits into your plans! Walk and Dine on St Pete Pier During Your Weekend in St Pete
A visit to the St Pete Pier is something that just has to be done during your 48 hours in St Pete! This pier is far from most ordinary wooden boardwalks. From the start, the concrete structure stretches for 3,000 ft and at the end, you’ll be met with the impressive 5-story modern revision of the previous upsidedown pyramid that took 3 years to be built. From the rooftop bar, Pier Teaki, you’ll get the best views of downtown St Petersburg. The cocktails here are actually quite excellent and fairly priced. The food on the other hand may be a little underwhelming but is convenient if you don’t have the time to go somewhere else! But if you plan well in advance you could dine at Teak which is the restaurant on the floor below. Don’t bank on getting a table as a walk-in. We thought we might be able to get in recently on a rainy day and it was still over a 2-hour wait! Otherwise, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille or Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro are the next closest dining options back towards the beginning of the pier. Sit and Gaze at the Bending Arc After Night FallsDuring the daytime, you might instinctively find this large floating piece of netting feel a little bit out of place inside the rest of the rather structured pier. However, at night, the Bending Arc lights up and transforms into such a dramatic yet calming sculpture. Whenever I stand underneath it or sit in the chair circle below I am mesmerized as I look up and see the changing colors and shadows as it effortlessly sways changing its shape in the night breeze. Experience the NightlifeFor not being a major city and primarily visited by tourists for the beaches you may be shocked to learn that the nightlife is bumping most nights of the week. I am not the type of person who goes out every weekend but when I do I actually look forward to it because the crowd is younger which is why the nights are lively! Even if you don’t like the party scene there are other alternatives to take part like wine tasting, live music, or fine dining. Bars to visit on your weekend in St Petersburg
If you’re a beer lover and want to try popular spots to grab beer from then you can book this Trolley Pub Mixer which hits 4 different bars. The Dog Bar is usually the most memorable for first-time visitors! I mean who wouldn’t want to play with dogs while drinking a cold one? Fine Dining from a Melting Pot of RestaurantsThe food scene in Tampa Bay had increasingly gained traction for being one of the best areas in the country for endless dining options. In fact Tampa just had several restaurants recognized in the Tampa MICHELIN guide. There are also several restaurants in St. Pete that match Tampa’s standards but don’t overlook the more casual dining options in downtown St Pete, a high-priced menu doesn’t always mean it’s the best. 48 Hours in St Petersburg: Best Restaurants for DinnerIt’s almost impossible to narrow down the best downtown restaurants into a compact list but below are my recommendations for first-time visitors.
See the full list of my favorite St Pete restaurants here! More Downtown Things to do in St Petersburg in the EveningIf you happen to have any extra time in the evening or night or want a more variety of things to do in St Petersburg that can easily be done in downtown here are my personal recommendations:
Weekend in St Petersburg, FL: Day 2 St Pete BeachDay two of your weekend in St Petersburg will go beachside! After a long day exploring downtown you will probably want some time to relax so your final day will be a little bit slower paced but of course, if you can’t sit still for too long I’ve added plenty of ideas for another full day. Breakfast at La CroisetteYou’ll want to start off day 2 of your 48 hours in St Petersburg with a strong American / French breakfast from La Croisette. This restaurant was started 35 years ago by a French couple who fell in love with St Pete Beach. In 2020 they decided to sell it to another younger French couple who decided to keep the name and maintain the traditional french pastries served on the menu. I have yet to try this place for myself but I am dying to try one of their croissant sandwiches. La Croisette was recently featured by ABC news and it’s a great glimpse into the history of this restaurant. Give it a watch below! Corey Ave Sunday MarketIf you missed the Saturday Morning Market on your first day downtown then this is another great opportunity to visit a local market on your 2 days in St Petersburg. This market is open year-round from 9 am to 1 pm. There’s live music, fresh flowers, art, jewelry, food stalls, and even massages! Morning eSUP Tour to Shell KeyIf you have the energy and want to be active in the morning before relaxing on the beach all day then I personally think that one of the best water activities around St Pete Beach you can do is this Electric Paddle Board Tour that goes out to Shell Key Island Preserve. What makes this particular tour unique is first that you will visit an island! Secondly, there is an electric motor attached to the back of each board so you will have the option to turn on the motor if the wind is making things challenging, if you are feeling tired, or just want to cruise a bit. I had never gone paddleboarding before this experience but I gotta say having the motor really helped compensate for my lack of skill on the board. It takes around an hour max to get out to Shell Key Island and my goodness it is stunning! It’s the perfect private white sand oasis that you can explore for a little bit before heading back to where you came from. You can choose your time slot and book here in advance! If paddleboarding isn’t really your thing but you like being out on the water check out my guide that covers many other boating and water activities on St Pete Beach. Grove + Surf & CoffeeAfter your morning paddle boarding tour or shopping at the Sunday Morning Market you’ve gotta stop in to Grove + Surf Coffee for a mid-day pick-me-up! It’s in the same area where La Croisette and Sunday Market are on Gulf Blvd. It’s also one of my favorites St Pete coffee shops, not just on the beachside but in all of St Pete for that matter. The beachy retro vibes this space has is perfection! It has a combined space with the retail side which has men’s and women’s boutique brand clothing and high-quality swimwear. There’s also local handmade jewelry and other small goods. We got our beach sand-resistant towels from here and they work so well. Friends compliment me on mine all the time! Enjoy one of Many White Sand BeachesA requirement for any weekend in St Petersburg is a visit to the beach! Which beach you end up going to will depend on if you are coming with a car or not. If you don’t have transportation then the hotel you choose will drastically narrow down which beaches are close enough to walk to. However, if you do have a car then you’ll be able to easily pick your hangout spot! My personal favorite beach near all of the restaurants and shops is Upham Beach but my all-time favorite beach for relaxing is the less touristy Fort DeSoto. I do have a separate blog on the best beaches on the Tampa Bay gulf coast so check it out to learn the differences between each beach. It will also help you decide which hotel on St Pete Beach is close by to the beach you want to go to. Day Drinking at St Pete Beach Beach BarsWhile at the beach a weekend in St Petersburg wouldn’t be complete without day drinking at some of the beach bars. The hotspot for them is St Pete Beach and Treasure Island. There are quite a few beach bars to choose from but all with drastically different vibes. Let me elaborate… Coconut Charlie’s is a great (my favorite) spot to grab some fun cocktails and elevated bar food and just hang out and enjoy the atmosphere. I personally fell in love with the tiki bar layout and live music (DJ on afternoons) out on the deck space. The hammocks are great if you want a quiet space to talk and there’s also a volleyball court. You can easily access the beach from here and there are cabana rentals available. Jimmy B’s has a small dance floor and 3 full bars, it can be really fun depending on which type of music is being played – don’t expect much quality from the food and drinks though. Postcard Inn on the Beach is the place to be if you want to socialize and party with the DJs! It’s usually packed with a young crowd during the day on weekends. Currently, on Sunday you can take part in their brunch buffet party that includes a live DJ, delicious food, bottomless mimosas, and a Kettle One bloody mary bar. This event starts at 10 am and goes until 1 pm. If by chance you are not visiting over the weekend in St Petersburg there is Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 3 to 6 pm. Caddy’s Spa or Pool Day at Don CeSarGet pampered at the Pink Palace! Even if you don’t splurge on a room at the Don CeSar you can still enjoy the space and services inside the historic hotel. Besides their traditional services like massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, and salon services. They also have spa packages that are the ultimate way to pamper yourself. Making a booking for any service from the spa menu grants you access to the whirlpool, steam room, luxurious locker rooms, and rooftop terrace. Eat Dinner at a Revolving RooftopIf you want a sunset dinner view like no other, dine at Spinners, you’ll be able to see 360-degree views from the 12th floor of the restaurant as it slowly rotates. As far as I can tell you it’s the best dinner view anywhere on the beach! The food is tasty but not mind-blowing for the price you’ll pay, you’re 100% coming for the view, especially during sunset! Make sure to make reservations at least a couple of days in advance because they don’t accept walk-ins for the tables with the views. There’s also a more casual outdoor patio and bar on the floor below if you want to feel that ocean breeze! This is where I will go if I don’t want to pay a premium for dinner but still want to enjoy drinks with a view. How to extend your 48 hours in St Petersburg – Day 3If you have more time and end up adding another day to your 2 days in St Pete or if you have a little bit of time to spare before heading home on Monday or Tuesday here are some additional fun things to do in St Petersburg! I’ve included some options for both the beachside and downtown. You could also refer back to any of the restaurants, activities, and tours I had mentioned above like the eSUP Tour, Mural Tour, Food Tasting Tour, Pedal Pub, or Tiki Cruise. Wine Tasting at Sip St Pete BeachSip St Pete Beach is right in between Treasure Island Beach and St Pete Beach and just a few minutes walk from Upham Beach so it’s easy to get to. Their wine offerings from around the world are always changing so you are likely to discover some new to you wines! I don’t know about you but falling in love with a new wine is so fun! You can pair any glass with one of their charcuterie boards, flatbreads, or sandwiches. It’s a small space but there is seating on the front and back patios. Ferry From Ft Desoto to Shell KeyTime needed: Flexible Cost: $40 round trip Departs: Fort De Soto Boat Ramp, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S Take a day trip out to one of the gulf coast’s beautiful and uninhabited island preserves with bright blue water and white sand. There are several islands around but one of the closest to St Pete Beach is Shell Key Island which can easily be reached by ferry. The Shell Key Ferry, is located at the Fort DeSoto boat ramp. You can pay in person or take advantage of booking in advance online which is highly recommended, especially in peak season around spring break or holidays. The ticket cost is $40 but it includes a parking pass and the online booking fee in the price.
Book your ferry ticket here! Note: It costs $5 to enter Ft Desoto park. To make the most of your money you could plan to enjoy the park, fort, and beach here before or after your ferry over to the key. Egmont Key Charter From Downtown St PeteTime needed: 4 hours Cost: $69 per person Location: 400 2nd Ave NE Another opportunity to visit an island is by taking the Pier to Egmont Key charter that departs from downtown St Pete and heads an hour from the Pier along the coastline making a pass underneath the famous yellow Skyway Bridge before anchoring up at Egmont Key. The biggest perk of this tour is that they give you 2 hours to explore the island, beach, lighthouse, and ruins of Ft Dade. Another thing I like about this option is that it’s priced per person which isn’t typically the case, normally charters are a high flat rate so you need a bigger group to get the cost down. So if you are a couple or a small group this tour option is great. You can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the relaxing ride over and might even spot dolphins! Helicopter Tour of St Petersburg
A perfect experience to round out your extended weekend in St Petersburg is a helicopter tour of downtown and the St. Pete Beaches! Even if you only have a few hours of downtime this is an exhilarating experience you can squeeze into a short window. While pricey it will definitely be a memorable ride if you can afford to splurge. The flight departs from the Albert Whitted Airport in downtown St Pete where you will see the city from above before flying along the coast past the Sunshine Skyway and Ft Desoto en route to Treasure Island. The great thing about this tour is there are plenty of start times available daily. Private Bird Tour in Ft Desoto Park
This Private Bird Tour in Ft Desoto Park is one of the super unique things to do in St Petersburg with a focus on birds! Ft Desoto Park happens to be one of the best places in all of Florida to see a variety of different birds, particularly during the months of April and October. The Piping Plovers are one of my all-time favorite birds, they are so cute but very rare in the US. I am originally from Michigan where they can be found in select areas in the summer so I was super excited when I spotted them on Ft Desoto Beach where they happen to migrate to! The Plovers are just one of the many types of shorebirds you will see in addition to the waterbirds, songbirds, and even tropical birds from the Caribbean, Central, and Southern America. Keep your eye out for the Quaker Parrot. This tour is pricey and private with a flat rate of $250 for up to 2 people so this tour is really only for those who have a soft spot for birds and want to learn about them or for photographers who enjoy photographing wildlife! Accommodations During Your Weekend in St PetersburgWhether you want to spit up your time and stay in both downtown and on the beach or stay put on one side or the other I have recommendations below for each part of St Pete! You can also browse all of the St Pete Beachand downtown St Pete hotel options too! Where to Stay Downtown During Your 2 days in St Petersburg
Where to stay near St Pete Beach for Your 48 Hours in St Petersburg
How do I spend a day in St. Pete?How to spend one day in St Pete, Florida. Discover St Pete's passion for street art.. Explore the coolest neighbourhood in town.. Try the best Cuban sandwich in Florida.. Immerse yourself in the surreal world of Salvador Dalí. Stroll along the seafront and see the giant banyan trees.. Indulge in fish tacos and delicious cocktails.. Does St. Petersburg have a nightlife?Even well after the sun goes down, St. Pete/Clearwater's lively spirit won't quit. Whether your ideal night on the town involves belting out your favorite karaoke tunes, dancing the night away or sampling flights of craft brews, you'll find a great nightlife scene here.
Is St. Pete a party Beach?Re: Is St. Pete Beach a Party Town? St Pete Beach is not a big Spring Break destination . There are some bars where you can find a party if you want one, but there is plenty of peace and quiet.
What time are fireworks on St Pete Beach?The excitement will start at 8 pm with our traditional First Fireworks display. Make sure you have the best spot in the park for the Firework Finale at midnight….
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Fun things to do in st pete this weekend
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