33+ Best Things to Do in Downtown St. Petersburg, Florida

This post contains affiliate links which means that I will make a small commission if you purchase a product after clicking on any of them, at no extra cost to you.

Welcome to downtown St. Pete—aka the Sunshine City and hands down one of the coolest neighborhoods in Florida! If you’re looking for things to do in downtown St. Pete, you’re in for a treat. From world-class museums and galleries to trendy restaurants and bars, there’s so much to see and do in this eclectic and energetic city.

I’m all about the chill yet lively vibe of St. Pete—it’s definitely one of my favorite spots in Tampa Bay. So grab your sunscreen, comfy shoes, and let’s dive into all the must-see places and things to do in downtown St. Pete!

Fun Things to Do in Downtown St. Pete

1. Brewery Hop

Brewery hopping is such a fun way to spend the day, and trust me, there are tons of amazing breweries in downtown St. Pete! Most places are dog-friendly, which means you get to hang out with adorable pups while enjoying some of the best beers around.

3 Daughters is hands down my favorite. It’s got a huge space with games, live music, and an impressive variety of beers, hard seltzers, and ciders. If you see blueberry peppercorn cider on tap, definitely grab one—it’s a must-try! And if you want to sample a bit of everything, a flight is the way to go.

Other spots worth checking out include Overflow, Cage Brewing, and Right Around the Corner. Honestly, I haven’t come across a brewery in St. Pete I didn’t enjoy!

And if you’re into exploring more local brews, you might want to check out top breweries in Dunedin, the best breweries in Tampa, and fun breweries in Clearwater!

2. Trolley Pub

If you’re looking to add some extra fun to your brewery-hopping adventure, hop on the Trolley Pub! It’s a unique way to explore downtown St. Pete’s best breweries while cruising through the city with your crew.

You can rent the whole bike or just grab a seat, and you’ll pedal your way between four of the coolest bars and breweries in town. The tours last about two hours, and you’re allowed to bring your own drinks and snacks (just no hard liquor or glass).

Get a discount on Groupon here!

Related read: Ultimate St. Pete Bach Party Guide & Best Florida Bachelorette Party Destinations

3. Support Some Local Restaurants

St. Pete’s food scene is seriously fire, so if you’re craving something delicious, you’re in luck! Here are a few of my go-to spots that you’ve got to try:

• The Library – Perfect brunch spot. Their menu and adorable vibes will make you want to stay all day.
• Grattzi – For Italian food lovers, plus the best limoncello cake you’ll ever have.
• Red Mesa Mercado – Amazing Mexican eats. Definitely worth a visit.
• Fresco’s – Waterfront views and fresh seafood, need I say more?
• The Lure – If sushi’s your thing, you’ll love this spot.
• Perry’s Porch – This one’s adorable, vibey, and tasty.
• Parkshore Grill – Such amazing food. More for special occasions. Get “The Parkshore”, trust me.

Seriously, these are just the highlights. If you’re craving even more delicious options, I’ve got a full list of the best restaurants in downtown St. Pete!

4. Have a Picnic

There are so many amazing places to have a picnic in downtown St. Pete, but my favorite spot has to be Vinoy Park. It’s the perfect balance of park and ocean views, and you might even catch a local performance—whether it’s someone singing, juggling, or a dolphin putting on a show!

For extra fun, you can grab a picnic package from Parkshore Grill and enjoy a lovely day outside, sipping your favorite drink while enjoying the view!

5. Escape Room

Looking for something fun to do in downtown St. Pete on a rainy day? Grab your crew and head to an escape room! If you’ve never done one before, they’re such a blast!

Basically, you get locked in a room with clues and puzzles, and you’ve got to solve them to escape before time runs out. It’s the perfect activity to test your teamwork and problem-solving skills. Just a heads up, reservations are required, so if you’re planning for a rainy day, make sure to book ahead.

You can choose from a variety of themed rooms, like “SCORCHED“ and “DISARM,” depending on your vibe.

6. Candle Pour

If you’re looking for one of the more fun but relaxing things to do in downtown St. Pete, check out Candle Pour! You get to make your own custom candle—how cool is that?

Start by browsing the scent wall, where you can pick from a ton of different fragrances. Then, an expert will help you blend 3-4 scents to create a candle that’s totally YOU. Watching your candle come together as you pour the wax and mix the scents is such a satisfying process!

7. Vinoy Park

Vinoy Park is not only perfect for a picnic but also a great place for some fun outdoor activities! If you’re feeling active, you can rent a bike through Coast Bike Share and cruise around the park or the waterfront.

Or if you’d rather, bring out those Rollerblades! It’s a bit of a workout, but with the scenic views at Vinoy, it’s totally worth it. If you’d rather take it easy, find a shady spot, hang up a hammock, and enjoy some relaxation in the park.

8. Toast the Hostess

Looking for a shopping experience that feels like a mini celebration? Toast the Hostess is a must-visit! This super cute store offers a curated selection of stylish home items and unique gifts that are perfect for finding something special.

What makes it even better? You can sip champagne while you browse! Whether you’re on the hunt for something to jazz up your space or looking for the perfect gift, Toast the Hostess gives you the chance to shop in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

9. Check Out Some of the Adorable Bookstores

Okay, confession time: I have a total obsession with cute bookshops, and lucky for me, downtown St. Pete has some of the best. If you’re a book lover like me, you’ll definitely want to swing by Book + Bottle.

Not only can you pick out your next read, but you can sip on a glass (or bottle) of wine while you do! Genius, right? It’s one of the best wine bars in St. Pete! They’ve got coffee too, in case you’re more of a caffeine kind of person.

If you’re in the mood for more bookstore vibes, make sure to stop by Tombolo Books, which is conveniently located right next to Black Crow Coffee (seriously, could the location get any better?). This indie spot has such a cozy bungalow feel, and you’ll totally get lost in their wide variety of books.

10. Get Your Game On

If you love a little friendly competition with your drinks, St. Pete has you covered! 3 Daughters Brewing, Around the Corner, and Overflow Brewing all have fun games to play while you sip on some local brews.

If you’re looking for more of a bar scene, Park and Rec is the place to be! We’re talking Skee-Ball, air hockey, basketball, cornhole, and more—plus fun retro-themed drinks and a killer playlist that keeps the energy up.

For something a little different (but just as competitive), axe throwing is also a thing here! Axe and Ale at Ferg’s and Hatchet Hangout next to Grand Central Brewhouse both let you channel your inner Viking and chuck some axes at a target—because why not?

11. See a show at Jannus Live

If live music is your thing, Jannus Live is an absolute must. It’s an outdoor courtyard venue right in the middle of downtown, making it super easy to hit up the bars after the show.

The lineup is always stacked with a variety of artists—I saw Gryffin here, and it was one of the best concerts of my life! Definitely keep an eye on their calendar to see who’s playing while you’re in town.

12. FloridaRAMA

FloridaRAMA takes art to a whole new level. Instead of just looking at art, you step inside it. This immersive experience features different rooms created by local artists, making it feel like you’re walking through a dream world of colors, lights, and wild creativity.

If you love interactive art (or just want some seriously cool photo ops), this is a must for your list of things to do in downtown St. Pete!

13. Sing Your Heart Out in a Karaoke Room

Good Fortune is the spot if you’re ready to unleash your inner pop star! Their private karaoke rooms give you the perfect stage to belt out your favorite bangers with your friends—without the pressure of a whole bar watching.

The song selection is endless, and the drinks? Let’s just say they definitely help with the stage fright!

14. Have a Beach Day

You can’t come to St. Pete and not have a beach day! St. Pete Beach has that sugar-white sand that makes you want to kick off your shoes and stay forever. Whether you’re beach bar hopping, grabbing a bite in Pass-a-Grille, or hopping on a boat tour to explore the gorgeous turquoise waters, there’s no wrong way to spend a beach day here.

15. Check Out a Local Festival

There is always something going on in downtown St. Pete! From art festivals and food fairs to craft markets and live music, this city knows how to keep things exciting. Keep an eye on local event listings and social media to stay in the loop!

One of my favorite events is Savor St. Pete! Every November, this festival brings together some of the best local flavors, and the best part—your ticket includes unlimited food, wine, and beer tastings. Plus, a portion of ticket sales supports the Children’s Cancer Center, so you’re having a blast and helping a great cause!

16. Visit Mazzaro’s Italian Market

Mazzaro’s Italian Market is legendary—and if you haven’t been, it’s time to change that. This place is massive, and you could spend hours wandering through their freshly roasted coffee, handmade pasta, gourmet baked goods, wine, cheeses, deli sandwiches, and so much more.

The bakery? Unreal. Fresh Tuscan, Ciabatta, Focaccia, and a dessert case packed with tiramisu, cannolis, and sfogliatelle. Their cheese selection? Over 300 varieties (including fresh, house-made mozzarella). Oh, and if picking out a bottle of wine feels overwhelming, they host free wine tastings on Fridays and Saturdays.

17. Enjoy As Many Cute Coffee Shops as You Can

St. Pete is stacked with adorable coffee shops, and I used to make it my mission to visit a different one each week. A few favorites:

• Daycation – Cute little shop with delicious and unique coffee options.
• Paradeco – Aesthetic perfection with a killer matcha oat milk latte.
• Patrona – Adorable coffee shop on the water with amazing matcha. Not technically in downtown St. Pete, but near the Gandy Bridge.

Want even more coffee recs? Check out my full list of amazing coffee shops in St. Pete!

18. Cruisin Tikis

This might be one of the most fun things to do in downtown St. Pete! Imagine a floating tiki bar, cruising around the bay, drinks in hand, and maybe even spotting some dolphins. That’s exactly what Cruisin Tiki‘s is all about!

You bring your own booze and snacks, and the captain takes care of the rest. They have morning, afternoon, and sunset cruises—I did the sunset tour, and it was absolutely stunning. You even get to stop by a sandbar, where you might see some baby sharks (don’t worry, they’re harmless)!

Definitely book this one in advance—it’s a popular one!

19. Floridian Social Club

The Floridian Social Club is such an iconic historic venue, and wow—it’s a whole vibe. Think old-timey theatre meets modern elegance, with some of the best live jazz, cover bands, and even aerial performances.

The bartenders whip up some seriously good craft cocktails, and if you’re feeling something specific, they’ll make you a custom drink! If you love a mix of good drinks, live music, and stunning architecture, Floridian Social Club is a must.

20. Mural Tour

One of my favorite things about St. Pete is how artsy it is—seriously, everywhere you turn, there’s a stunning, colorful mural! And the best part? New ones pop up every year thanks to SHINE Mural Festival, so even if you think you’ve seen them all, you probably haven’t.

If you’re curious about the artists, meanings behind the murals, or how to find them all, check here. You can make a day of it by walking, biking, or even rollerblading your way through the city’s street art scene!

Want a little more insight? Check out this guided tour—it’s totally worth it!

21. Sunken Gardens

If you’re in the mood for something a little more zen, Sunken Gardens is the perfect escape. This hidden oasis is home to 50,000 tropical plants and flowers, some of which are over 100 years old!

Wander along the lush, winding trails, soak in the beauty of towering palms and exotic blooms, and say hi to the flamingos and butterflies along the way.

Looking for something extra fun? Try an eco segway tour through the gardens—it’s a super unique way to explore one of the best botanical gardens in Tampa Bay!

If you're enjoying this guide, be sure to check out my ULTIMATE Tampa guide including the best things to do, coffee shops, restaurants, bars, hotels, and more!

22. Visit a Speakeasy

Dirty Laundry is hands-down one of my favorite speakeasies in Tampa Bay. By day, it looks like a trendy little laundromat, but once you figure out how to get in (hint: it might require a little dirty talk 😉), you’re transported into a Havana-inspired cocktail lounge with live music and delicious drinks.

The cocktails here are top-tier, and the atmosphere makes it such a fun spot for a night out. If you love a good hidden bar, this one’s a must!

23. The Dali Museum

Even if art museums aren’t usually your thing, The Dali Museum is different. St. Pete is home to the largest collection of Salvador Dali’s work outside of Europe, and his dreamlike, surrealist paintings are seriously fascinating.

It’s the kind of art that makes you stop and stare—trying to figure out what’s going on, and realizing it could be a million different things. Plus, the museum is always bringing in new exhibits, so even if you’ve been before, there’s something fresh to check out!

24. Visit another St. Pete museum

While The Dali might steal the spotlight, St. Pete is packed with other amazing museums that are totally worth a visit!

If you’re into art, check out:

• Museum of Fine Arts – A mix of everything from African art to European paintings and American photography.
• Imagine Museum – Showcasing contemporary glass art that’s seriously mesmerizing.
• Chihuly Collection – Home to stunning glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly, plus live glass-blowing demos!

If you’re more of a history buff, head to:

• St. Petersburg Museum of History – The oldest museum in Pinellas County, highlighting Florida’s past with a focus on St. Pete.
• Florida Holocaust Museum – One of only three Holocaust museums accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and one of the largest in the country.

Oh, and if you end up at the Museum of Fine Arts, make sure to stop by Cafe Clementine for one of their famous baby cakes—the flavors change all the time, but trust me, they’re as delicious as they are pretty!

25. Check Out a Rays Game

Sports fan or not, who doesn’t love a good tailgate? Ferg’s is the spot before a game (or honestly, even if you don’t have tickets). It’s always a party with good food, cold drinks, and a lively crowd. Plus, you can walk straight from Ferg’s to Tropicana Field and keep the energy going!

The Rays used to be one of baseball’s best-kept secrets, but after their 2020 World Series appearance, the hype is real. Games are way more exciting now, and the energy in the stadium has definitely picked up.

If you need a break from the game, head to Ballpark & Rec inside Tropicana Field—they’ve got games, drinks, and a fun atmosphere to mix things up!

26. St. Pete Pier

The St. Pete Pier has to be on your list of things to do in downtown St. Pete! Whether you go during the day and catch people fishing or head there in the evening for a killer sunset, there’s always something happening. You’ll find a mix of art, history, great food and drinks, and even some fun pop-ups throughout the year.

Around the holidays? There’s an ice-skating rink. Warmer months? They’ve had pickleball pop-ups and other fun events. It’s just one of those places where you never know what you’ll stumble upon, but you’re pretty much guaranteed a good time.

There are also plenty of great picnic spots, so grab some takeout, lay out a blanket, and soak up those waterfront views!

27. Visit One of St. Pete’s Adorable Markets

One of my favorite things about St. Pete is how many cute markets pop up on the weekends! Not only are they fun and unique, but they’re also an awesome way to support local businesses.

If you’re into handmade crafts, jewelry, art, and vintage finds, you have to check out the Indie Flea Market. It’s one of those places where you always end up finding something cool and unexpected.

Another market that’s a total must is the Saturday Morning Market—aka the largest weekly fresh market in the Southeast U.S.. Like, how cool is St. Pete?! Every Saturday, over 125 vendors come together with live music, fresh local produce, delicious food, and handcrafted goods.

It’s such a fun way to spend the morning, and let’s be real—who doesn’t love a good market stroll?

28. Shop at Amazing Boutiques

Fellow shopaholics, this one’s for you! Downtown St. Pete is a dream if you love boutique shopping, and two of my absolute favorites are Shoreline Sugars and Vogue Society.

Both of these spots are filled with trendy, fun, and effortlessly cute pieces—think flowy sundresses, statement jewelry, and stylish accessories that you need in your closet. Trust me, you won’t leave empty-handed. (And if you do, you have way more self-control than I do!)

29. Visit a Kombucha Tasting Room

Thirsty for something refreshing? Beech Kombucha is St. Pete’s first and only kombucha tasting room!

Whether you’re already obsessed with kombucha or just curious about the fizzy, fermented goodness, they have a flavor for everyone. You’ll find everything from classic kombucha to unique, bold blends that are seriously addicting.

Not drinking? This is a great alcohol-free option! But if you are in the mood for something stronger, they’ve got boozy kombucha too—because balance, right?

30. Get Creative

If all of St. Pete’s artsy vibes inspire you, why not get creative yourself? There are so many fun experiences where you can make your own masterpiece:

• Sugar Cream Clay – Make your own pottery! (I had so much fun here—highly recommend!)
• Practically Pikasso – Paint-your-own pottery for a cute and creative activity.
• Zen Glass Studio – Try a glass-blowing workshop and make your own wine glass!
• Painting with a Twist – A classic—because wine and painting is always a good time.

31. Get Out on the Water

You don’t have to head all the way to the beach to get out on the water! Right in downtown St. Pete, you can hop on a snorkel and dolphin tour or sunset cruise with optional dinner!

Check out all the best boat tours in St. Pete to see which one fits your vibe!

32. Weedon Island Preserve

Feeling like escaping the city for a bit? Weedon Island Preserve is the perfect spot to get some fresh air and enjoy nature.

With miles of boardwalks and trails, a Cultural and Natural History Center, and even kayak and SUP rentals, there’s plenty to do whether you want to explore on foot or hit the water.

33. Experience the Nightlife

When it comes to going out in St. Pete, downtown is the place to be. The bar scene is super fun, and there’s something for everyone. Some of my go-to spots:

• Good Night John Boy – Retro vibes, disco ball, colorful dance floor—so fun for dancing!
• Saigon Blonde – Cool ambiance, vibey decor, and great cocktails.
• The Estate – EDM vibes if you’re looking to dance the night away!

And if you need even more ideas, check out my full guide to the best bars in downtown St. Pete!

Getting Around in Downtown St. Petersburg

Downtown St. Pete is super walkable, but if you want to mix it up, you’ve got options! Biking and e-scooters are easy ways to get around, and they’re actually pretty fun too.

The SunRunner can also be used! It’s a rapid transit that runs every 15 minutes and gets you from downtown to St. Pete Beach in just 35 minutes, with plenty of stops along the way.

If you need a rental car, Discover Cars is worth checking out. They compare 500+ trusted providers, offer 24/7 support, and even have free cancellation—because flexibility is key when you’re traveling!

Depending on when you go, you might find metered parking, but downtown can get busy. We usually skip the hassle and park at the Sundial Garage—it’s in a solid location and has decent rates!

Where to Stay in Downtown St. Petersburg

If you’re looking to stay right in the heart of downtown, you’ve got plenty of options—from stylish boutique hotels to luxury waterfront stays. Check out the Booking.com map widget below to see what’s available during your visit!

Here are some of my personal favorites:

• The Vinoy – Expect luxurious rooms and gorgeous waterfront views—it’s got that perfect mix of classic charm and modern elegance. It’s a pink icon in downtown St. Pete.
• The Birchwood – A boutique hotel with chic rooms, a rooftop lounge overlooking the Gulf, and a popular restaurant that locals love just as much as visitors.
• AC Hotel by Marriott – Modern, sleek, and centrally located, this spot is great if you want to be within walking distance of all the action. Plus, they’ve got a rooftop bar with some seriously good vibes.
• Hollander Hotel – A fun and quirky boutique stay with a lively pool area, charming courtyard, and artsy decor. It’s got historic character with modern comforts, making it a fave among both visitors and locals.
• The Moxy – This trendy and playful hotel brings major personality, with stylish rooms, a social vibe, and a prime downtown location that puts you close to everything.

Are you ready to experience the best things to do in downtown St. Pete?!

Downtown St. Pete is truly the ultimate playground, whether you’re exploring its art scene, sipping craft drinks, shopping at cute boutiques, or catching an epic sunset by the water! I hope this list gave you some fun ideas for your next visit! Which of these fun things to do in downtown St. Pete are you most excited to check out? Let me know in the comments!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Florida blog posts:

Guide to Dunedin, Florida

Free things to do in Tampa

Best rooftop bars in St. Pete