With its pristine beaches and sunny weather (hence the “Sunshine City” nickname), St. Petersburg is a renowned vacation destination that’s also known for its museums, parks, and gardens.
At the Florida Holocaust Museum, you can learn about the horrors of the Holocaust by viewing original photographs, videos, and a boxcar used during the war. The museum also features an extensive collection of artifacts.
Museums
Whether you're into art or history, there's plenty to see and do in St. Petersburg, with a diverse range of museums to choose from.
The Museum of Fine Arts, located on the downtown waterfront, is home to one of the largest photography collections in the Southeast and a wide array of world-class pieces. It also features a variety of galleries showcasing pre-Colombian, Asian, ancient Greek, Native American and African art.
Another must-see on Vasilevsky Island is the Hermitage, one of the world's most prestigious museums with an estimated 3 million objects to discover. From Impressionist masterpieces to Oriental treasures, it's a fascinating museum that will definitely reward repeat visits!
Alternatively, check out Fairgrounds, which is an interactive museum that allows you to build your own story. Grab a scavenger hunt map and start exploring! The experience is a great way to spend an afternoon with friends or family.
Parks & Gardens
Whether you're looking to enjoy a stroll, catch some sunshine or get a workout in, St. Petersburg has more than 150 parks that offer a little something for everyone.
If you're a nature lover, you'll love the Sunken Gardens. Spreading over four acres, the garden features a wandering maze of trails that take you through tropical plants from around the world.
Another must-visit park is Aleksandrovsky Garden, which stretches across two city blocks and features bronze statues of famous Russian cultural pioneers. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists to take a stroll on the gravelled paths.
The Field of Mars, named after the Roman god of war, is also worth a visit. It's a massive field enriched with military history and national significance. It is used for parades and drills and it houses the Eternal Flame, a monument to those who fought in all of Russia's revolutions and wars. It is open to visitors all year round.
Beaches
Beaches are the perfect places to relax and spend time with your family. They offer plenty of opportunities to build sandcastles, swim, play volleyball, and enjoy picnics with friends.
Clearwater Beach - One of the world’s most famous beaches, this stretch of sand is famous for its shimmering blue waters and white sand. It’s also home to a beautiful Beach Walk area, with stores and restaurants.
Treasure Island - If you’re looking for a quieter and more laid back beach, head to Treasure Island on the next island north of St. Pete.
Sunset Beach – If you’re looking for the perfect beach experience, make sure to visit Sunset Beach. This stunning beach offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and powdery white sand.
It’s a great spot for parasailing, snorkeling, tanning, shelling, viewing the magnificent sunset, and jet-skiing. The best part is that you can do all of these things at your own leisure, without worrying about crowds or chaos.
Nightlife
The city's nightlife is as diverse and vibrant as its cultural offerings. There's everything from lit jazz halls to groovy strip-clubs and dance clubs.
If you're looking for some entertainment, a great place to start is Enigma Bar & Lounge. This glam gay bar features elaborate drag shows, Best of the Bay Music Nights, Open Talent Searches, and more!
There's also a great Happy Hour that includes half off wine, beer, and liquor. The staff here are very friendly and will even let you bring your dog!
It's also a great place to get your fill of Russian rockabilly. This storied venue is one of the top spots to hear this surreal music in Russia.
