Saint Petersburg (Florida) - city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States

Saint Petersburg sits at the base of the Tampa Bay peninsula in Pinellas County, Florida, and enjoys a more subdued social atmosphere than its larger cousin, Tampa. The city has tried to characterize the downtown as an arts and entertainments destination and you will find no shortage of arts and crafts stores, galleries, & museums along with cafes and boutique food shops all within a couple blocks of the Tampa Bay waterfront. With water on three sides of the city, St. Pete is a superb location for fishing, sailing, and wandering beaches.

Understand

In 2020, the city was home to 258,000 people, with 2.1 million in the metropolitan area.

The city publishes the free "Downtown St.Petersburg Guide & Map" booklet, updated each season, that contains maps, trolley routes, and listings for hundreds of museums, events, restaurants, & hotels along with coupons. You can find the guide in dispensers throughout downtown and in many businesses.

History

Saint Petersburg was founded by John C. Williams from Detroit, Michigan, who purchased the land in 1876. The town began with the help of Peter Demens, who was instrumental in bringing a railroad connection there in 1888. Saint Petersburg was named after the Saint Petersburg in Russia, the birthplace of Peter Demens. A local legend says that John C. Williams and Peter Demens flipped a coin to see who would have the honor of naming the city. Peter Demens won and named the city after his birthplace, while John C. Williams named the first hotel after his birthplace, Detroit. The Detroit Hotel still exists downtown, but it was converted into condos in 2002.

Get in

By plane

• Saint Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (IATA: PIE), 27.91°, -82.6875°. Served mostly by budget airlines and used for private aviation. It is a hub for Allegiant Air which operates flights from about two dozen small airports throughout the Midwest & Northeast. Sunwing Airlines from Toronto; Sun Country Airlines from Gulfport-Biloxi. 2022-02-27
• Tampa International Airport (IATA: TPA), 27.979818°, -82.534845°. Has a much wider selection of airlines and more frequent arrivals and departures and is 10 mi (16 km) across the bay. TIA can be reached by taking I-275 across the Howard Frankland bridge and taking the first exit, State Road 60/Veterans Expwy, north.
• Albert Whitted Airport (IATA: SPG), 27.765°, -82.626944°. It is used for general aviation and features in the annual Honda Grand Prix during which the runway and taxiways are part of the course.

By train

While Saint Petersburg has no railway station on its own, nearby Tampa is served by Amtrak via its Silver Service between Miami and New York City. A thruway bus service is available, arriving at Corner of US 19 and 110 Ave near Pinellas Park Square Shopping Center.

By car

The primary route in and out of the city is Interstate 275. I-275 runs north to Tampa and connects with Interstate 4 (Orlando, East Coast) and Interstate 75. I-275 runs south over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to Bradenton and connects with Interstate 75 heading south to Sarasota, Ft.Meyers, Naples, and South Florida.

By bus

Greyhound Bus Lines has a stop at 180 Dr Martin Luther King Jr St N St. Phone number: +1 727-898-1496. You can walk four blocks south to catch the Central Avenue trolley to the beach or east towards the pier.

Get around

• CrossBay Ferry, +1 727 273-6877. W-Su; no service M Tu (except for Lightning hockey games). Ferry service from downtown Tampa to downtown St. Petersburg. Adult $8; senior, military, college student $5; youth (5-18) $3 2020-02-16

By bus

• Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, +1 727 540-1900. The county-wide bus system called PSTA. The buses run Su-Th 6AM-8PM, F Sa 6AM-midnight. The price is $2 per ride. Daily unlimited-ride cards are available on board for $4.50. The PSTA bus system can transport you all over St. Petersburg and to other towns in Pinellas County. They also allow small domestic animals as long as they are in carriers.

By trolley

There are trolley-styled buses , on two separate lines:

• The city-run Downtown Looper makes a loop around downtown and connects rides with most destinations between 5th Avenue N-6th Avenue S and east of 5th Street N/S. Fare is 50¢ for adults & youth; 25¢ for seniors (65+), disabled, & Medicare cardholders; and free for children 5 and under. The fare is paid every time you board with no free transfers.
• The PSTA-run Central Avenue Shuttle runs along Central Avenue and also connects to the Pier, Williams Park, and St.Pete Beach. The fare is free between The Pier and Baywalk, 50¢ between Baywalk & Grand Central Station, and $2 west of Grand Central Station. Seniors (65+), disabled, & Medicare cardholders travel for half price (25¢ or $1) and children 5 and under are free. When the trolley is traveling west, you pay when you exit. When the trolley is traveling east, you pay when you board. GO Cards are accepted on this line.

The two lines connect at (no free transfers): Baywalk & The Pier. Connections with PSTA bus routes are available at Grand Central Station & Williams Park. The city also runs a free "Baseball Shuttle" between downtown parking garages and Tropicana Field for certain games where large crowds are expected.

By car

There are over 25,000 available public parking spaces in St. Petersburg. Metered parking spaces along streets in downtown and at parking lots along the bay. There are also several public parking garages in downtown. As of Feb 2021, the rates along the Pier are $1/hr. You can pay via coin or the Parkmobile app.

Rental Cars are available from:

• Dollar Rent A Car. 5005 Gulf Boulevard, St Pete Beach +1 727 367-3779

• Enterprise Rent A Car. 297 75th Ave, St Petersburg +1 727 363-380 1

• Payless Car Rental. 2350 34th Street North, St Petersburg +1 727 321-6352 (Corporate office only)

• Avis Rent A Car. 5300 Gulf Boulevard, St Pete Beach +1 727 367-2847

• Hertz Rent A Car. 333 1st Street South, St Petersburg +1 727 823-5895

By taxi

• BATS Taxi, +1 727-367-3702

By bicycle

The Pinellas Trail starts in downtown and runs the entire length of Pinellas County.

• Coast Bike Share. St. Pete's official bike share program. Available in many places downtown. $0.25/minute (daily rates available) 2022-02-27

See

• Salvador Dali Museum, One Dali Blvd. South, 27.766°, -82.6315°, +1 727 823-3767, info@salvadordalimuseum.org. M-W Sa 9:30AM-5:30PM, Th 9:30AM-8PM, F 9:30AM-6:30PM, Su noon-5:30PM. In 2011 the Dali museum opened in a new building on the downtown waterfront between the Mahaffey Theater & Albert Witted Airport and built to protect the collection from a Category 5 hurricane! From huge canvases to portraits of the Spanish artist, this museum hosts the largest collection of Dali artwork in the United States. Admission, as of 2011, is: $21 adults; $19 seniors 65+; $15 students 18+ (with acceptable student ID); $15 youth (13-17); $7 children (6-12); and free for children 5 and under. On Thursdays, admission is just $10 from 5PM to closing.
• Sunken Gardens, 27.79°, -82.638333°. A lush oasis of plant life in the heart of Saint Petersburg. The garden offers a maze of paths through dense vegetation, with the lowest point in the garden at least 15 feet below street level. It began as a lake drained by a plumber who charged nickels to enter, but became a roadside attraction for many years until falling into disrepair. In 1999 the city of Saint Petersburg bought the property and began restorations. The Great Explorations Children's Museum now inhabits a building on the property as well. $15 per person 2022-02-27
• Fort De Soto Park, 27.615499°, -82.735902°. A grand stretch of beaches and wilderness at the southwest edge of Saint Petersburg. Named for the historic Fort DeSoto, the park offers fishing, camping, recreation areas, and several miles of undeveloped beach area. 2022-02-27
• Don CeSar Hotel, 27.708889°, -82.7375°. This majestic pink colossus radiates gold as the sun sets over the Gulf. Once used as a R&R hospital during World War II, this high-scale resort offers boutiques, an ice-cream shop, and beautiful beach access along Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete Beach. 2022-02-27
• Florida Holocaust Museum, 55 Fifth Street South, 27.7705°, -82.6406°. 10AM-5PM with the last admission at 4PM. Lounded by Walter and Edie Loebenberg, the museum opened in 1992. It moved to its current site in 1998.
• Chihuly Collection presented by Morean Arts Center, 720 Central Ave, +1 727 896-4527. M-W F Sa 10AM - 6PM; Th 10AM - 8PM; Su noon - 6PM. A permanent collection of glass art by the world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly. $20 2022-02-27
• Church by the Sea, 495 137th Ave Cir, 27.793659°, -82.790561°. The bell-tower of the church looks like a surprised duck. 2016-05-08
• Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, 27.678056°, -82.678056°, +1 727-865-0668. 24 hrs. A Florida State Park located on the north and south sides of the mouth of Tampa Bay. When the new Sunshine Skyway Bridge was built on I-275 (US 19) after one part of the old bridge collapsed due to a barge accident, the approaches to the old bridge were turned into the longest fishing pier in the world. The bridge is lighted at night, and the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The only activity is fishing. Common catches include snook, tarpon, grouper, black sea bass, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, sheepshead, red snapper, and pompano. Snacks, drinks, bait, and fishing supplies can be purchased at the park. No pets allowed on the fishing piers. $4/vehicle, plus $4/adult, $2 child (age 6-12) 2023-02-26
• Cathedral Church of St. Peter, 140 4th St. Historic Episcopal cathedral built in 1889. 2021-07-21
• First Methodist Church of St. Petersburg, 212 Third St. 2021-07-21

Do

• Pier District. The 26-acre Pier District opened in 2020, and contains green space, the Marketplace, a variety of restaurants, and several public art installations, including a massive aerial net sculpture, Bending Arc. 2022-08-02
• Gulfport Art Walk. 6PM–10PM on the first Friday and third Saturday of each month. Local artists show and sell their wares, with refreshments and dining for the community.
• Tampa Bay Times Festival of Reading. A celebration of reading hosted at Eckerd College annually in November. Acclaimed authors, journalists, and critics join in panels and give talks while children enjoy theater, storytelling, and games.
• First Friday. On the first Friday of every month there is a Street party on Central Ave. from 2nd to 3rd St. 5:30PM to 10PM. It is free and usually has live music.
• Central Avenue's Monthly Gallery Walk – Second Saturday of every month. Extended evening hours at participating galleries throughout downtown, 5:30PM to 9PM. See and acquire some of the area's finest art; meet gallery owners and artists.
• Jannus Live, 27.7717°, -82.6361°. Built in 1888 Jannus Live is the oldest outdoor concert venue in Florida. Some of the largest bands come to play the small venue because of its unique look and feel. Formerly known as Jannus Landing. 2022-02-27
• The Sundial. Includes places to enjoy the areas fine dining, shopping and entertainment
• Gulf Beaches. Beautiful sandy beaches from Fort DeSoto Beach to St. Pete Beach to Clearwater. All beaches are a short 10-15 minutes west of the city of St. Pete.
• Jet Fighter flight, +41 44 500 50 10. The customer can fly the Aero L-39 Albatros Jet fighter itself under close watch of the pilot. $3400 for a 30 min flight 2022-02-27
• Island Boat Adventures, 6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane, +1 727 871-2628. Daily dolphin watching / snorkeling trips to Egmont Key Island, a magnificent island and a Florida state park, just a few miles offshore at the mouth of Tampa Bay, accessible only by boat. $37
• Pier Dolphin Cruises, 400 Second Avenue N.E. Slip 46, 27.7732°, -82.6305°, +1-727-647-1538, CaptFred69@juno.com. M-Sun 1 to 6:50 PM (3 tours a day). This tour boat accommodates 40 people. Dolphin sighting is guaranteed. The 90-minute boat tour takes your south from the St. Petersburg Pier area along Tampa Bay. You get to see dolphins, the city skyline, landmarks and upscale housing along the coast. Child $14.98, Adult $23.54 2017-05-15

Sports

• Tampa Bay Rays. A Major League Baseball team in the American League East. They play at Tropicana Field west of downtown.
• Tampa Bay Rowdies. A soccer team in the second-tier North American Soccer League; they identify with the original iteration of the team, which was one of the most popular American pro soccer teams in the 1970s and 1980s. They play at Al Lang Field (Progress Energy Park) in downtown. 2022-02-27
• Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, 27.766389°, -82.629167°. Takes place on a course running through downtown. The start/finish line and main grandstand are located on the main runway at Albert Whitted Airport. A portion of the course is named in memory of Dan Wheldon, an IndyCar driver and St. Petersburg resident who won the race in 2005.

Buy

Art

• Bernies & Son Jewelers, 154 Beach Dr. NE, +1 727 823-2000. Jeweler with 33 years of selling St. Petersburg estate, as well as unique one-of-a-kind handmade custom jewelry. Quality repairs & personalized service.
• Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave, +1 727 821-7931. M-Sa 10AM-5:30PM. The gallery offers fine craft for collectors of traditional materials & innovative designs in clay, wood, fiber, glass & jewelry. This statewide organization features exhibitions of regional, national & emerging artists.
• Shapiro's Gallery of Contemporary Arts, 300 Beach Drive NE, +1 727 894-2111. Shapiro's is a gallery on Beach Drive and features jewelry, clay, glass, wood, metal and Judaica. Mobiles, kaleidoscopes and outdoor art for the patio and garden.

Books

• Haslam's Bookstore, 2025 Central Ave, 27.771341°, -82.66082°, +1 727 822-8616. Feb 2023, still closed since Covid. Florida's largest bookstore with over 300,000 books. A large selection in nearly every category and many old and/or collectible sets. Their prices are high for used books and many of the new books are previous (5+ year old) editions in new condition (i.e. 8-10 year old travel guides in new condition sold for their retail price). Nonetheless, with the huge selection, you should be able to make many interesting finds. 2023-02-03
• book + bottle, 17 6th St N, 27.771667°, -82.641561°, +17272407448. A nice bookstore / wine bar. often has events. 2023-02-03

Gifts

• 400 Beach, 400 Beach Drive, +1 727 897-9699. Includes a chocolate shop, a gallery & dining. 1 block north of Parkshore Plaza.

Markets

• I. C. Sharkets Seafood Market, 13040 Gandy Blvd. (Gandy Blvd. Go east on the left after Derby Lane), +1 727 498-8568. Fresh seafood market, steamed blue crabs, boat rentals, bait & tackle, Marina on Tampa Bay
• The Saturday Morning Market, Al Lang Stadium parking lot (1st Ave. S and 1st St, downtown), +1 727 455-4921. 9AM-2PM. Fresh fruits and vegetables, arts and crafts, hot/cold food, live entertainment, and other vendors. Open from Early October to Late May.

Eat

Budget

• El Cap's Burgers and Sandwiches, 3500 4th St N, +1 727 521-1314. A local legacy. Cap's is wallpapered with awards for Best Burger from every conceivable publication. Excellent sandwiches, family friendly, popular with local sports fans.
• Evos, 2631 4th Street North, +1 727 571-EVOS. A chain that offers healthier alternatives to most fast-food joints, Evos offers healthy burgers, wraps, shakes and "air fries" in a fun, friendly environment. Everything is either hormone free or organic and there are plenty of choices for vegetarians and vegans.
• Mazarro's Italian Market, 2909 22nd Avenue N, +1 727 321-2400. Extensive deli, delicious meats and sandwiches, prepared meals, soups, salads - all very reasonably priced. Coffee/espresso bar, extensive wine cellar with selections from all over the world. Nice craft brewed and imported beer selection too. Eat in or take out. Just off of I-275 on 22nd Ave N.

Mid-range

Splurge

To be classified

• Hurricane Restaurant. Seafood restaurant & bar overlooking beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Located at the southern end of Passegrille. Can be very busy around sunset. Get there early if you want to dine before they convert the restaurant to a nightclub.

• Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish. Bring in your fresh catch and have them smoke it for you, or have a bite of theirs, with a side of their famous German Potato Salad. Located 1350 Pasadena Ave., South Pasadena.

• 9 Bangkok are just a few of the Thai restaurants found in the downtown section of Central Avenue.

• Habana Cafe, 5402 Gulfport Blvd, +1 727 321-8855. Gulfport. Excellent Cuban food in a restored old St. Petersburg home. The lechon and the butterfly shrimp are can't-miss menu items.

• Coco Wood Grill, 17814 Gulf Boulevard, Redington Shores, +1 727-498-6005. Highly acclaimed, considered one of the best seafood restaurants in the area. $$

• Lucky Star Chinese Restaurant, 4175 66th St N, +1 727 381-8888. The most authentic Chinese food available in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. This restaurant serves up authentic Cantonese style food - with a special emphasis on freshness and authenticity. $

• The Oyster Bar, 249 Central Avenue, +1 727-999-4257. Fresh seafood, steaks, chicken and pasta dishes cooked to perfection.

• Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant, 332 Beach Dr NE, +1 727 209-2299. Original Spanish recipes from Northern Spain. The most unique dining experience in the area! Over 100 hot & cold tapas available with an incredible wine list. Live music Tu-Su.

• Fresco's Waterfront Bistro, 300 2nd Ave NE, +1 727 894-4429. Seafood, pasta & chops. Saturday and Sunday brunch. Happy hour every day. Award-winning wine list.

• Parkshore Grill, 300 Beach Drive NE, +1 727 896-DINE. Superb contemporary cuisine on Downtown St. Pete's waterfront. Sidewalk dining overlooks the beautiful Vinoy Yacht Basin. Savor fresh seafood, salads, paninis & burgers for lunch or enjoy dinner of lobster, filets, king crab or sumptuous chef-prepared meals.

• Red Mesa, 4912 4th St. N, +1 727 527-8728. Ceviche, Cerveza, Sangria. 5 minutes north of downtown, "the" place for regional Mexican & Southwest cuisine. Fresh steaks and seafood served in a casual upscale atmosphere. Lunch and dinner daily. Sunday brunch. Beer & wine.

• Brick and Mortar, 539 Central Ave, +1 727-822-6540. Classic French cuisine, affordable to all. Prix Fixe menu just $19 nightly, 5-6:30PM. Full bar, drink checks 1/2 price & $5 appetizers during happy hour, 5-7PM.

• 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House, 400 Beach Drive, +1 727 896-2400. Fresh seafood daily, Raw Bar, indoor/outdoor seating, lunch & dinner; Sunday brunch. 24 beers on tap, 48 wines by the glass, full liquor bar. Banquet/meeting rooms & private dining rooms available. Sports on 12 flat screens. 2022-02-27

• Sweet Divas Chocolates, 400 Beach Drive, +1 727 379-4567. Offering fine chocolates, cupcakes, muffins, ice cream, coffees, teas, wines, champagnes, flowers, and gifts. Bistro type seating overlooking Beach Drive and the waterfront.

Drink

There are many small bars on the beaches to the west side of the peninsula and scattered throughout the area. Downtown bars of choice include: Mastry's, Pelican, Fortunato's (after dark), and Three Birds Tavern.

• Lucky Star Lounge, 2800 Central Ave. Small neighborhood bar.
• The One Night Stand, 149 1st Ave N, +1 727-350-5822. Plenty of bull riding and beer drinking games.
• Noble Crust of St. Petersburg (formerly Hideaway Bar), 8300 4th St N. Italian restaurant with happy hour and bar/patio.
• Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria 241 Central Ave. Wine bar with a good selection, open evenings, also serves light eats.

Sleep

Several beach front and cityside hotels, from chain to locally owned & operated. The Spring Break period of March-April is typically the peak time for rates and crowds. The St. Pete area gets its share of Spring Breakers but many seem to flock to other parts of the state.

Other beachfront communities have their own motel/hotel areas as well. St. Pete Beach, Sand Key, Clearwater, Madeira Beach, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, John's Pass, and several other communities are in Pinellas County and located along the beach. There is also the city of Pinellas Park.

Travellers might find deals at many hotel/motel locations along 34th Street in St. Pete. This is U.S. 19. These are inland hotels but are just a short drive to the beaches or the city.

• Bay Palms Resort, 4237 Gulf Boulevard, +1 727 360-7642, frontoffice@baypalmsresort.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. St. Pete Beach. directions: From I-275 take exit 17 (Pinellas Bayway) WEST to St. Pete Beach, then RIGHT on Gulf Boulevard, 3/4 mile to Property will be on the right. Bay Palms Waterfront Resort is a boutique resort (Gay and Pet Friendly), with only 15 rooms. This property is directly on Boca Ciega Bay and has one of the largest privately owned fishing piers in St Petersburg which is 1500sq feet. You can enjoy great fishing, watch for Manatees and Dolphins, or dock your boat.
• The Exchange Hotel, 234 3rd Ave N, +1 727-777-5988. This 1926 historical hotel is in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. Within walking distance to all local attractions including the Salvador Dali Museum, The Pier, Tropicana Field, etc. Put on your walking shoes, step outside our front door, and enjoy all that downtown St. Pete has to offer.
• Don CeSar Hotel. This majestic pink colossus radiates gold as the sun sets over the Gulf. Once used as a R&R hospital during World War II, this high-scale resort offers boutiques, an ice-cream shop, and beautiful beach access along Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete Beach. $1,000+/night
• Gulfside Resort, 565 70th Avenue, +1 727 360-7640. St. Pete Beach. St. Pete Beach hotel near shopping, dining, and nightlife. Very affordable, clean rooms, nice pool.

These hotel locations are in downtown St. Petersburg and despite not being within walking distance from beaches, they are walking distance to many museums, restaurants and shops.

• Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront, 333 1st St S (From Interstate 275, take Exit 22: Interstate 175, which is the same exit as that for the Bayfront Center. At fourth traffic light turn left onto 1st Street S. Hotel two blocks on left.), +1 727 894-5000.

These resort/hotel locations offer travellers lodging directly on St. Pete Beach. Walk right out of the hotel onto the white sandy beach; room views of the Gulf of Mexico and plenty of nearby entertainment.

• Bellwether Beach Resort, 5250 Gulf Boulevard, +1 727-249-0227. St. Pete Beach resort on the Gulf of Mexico, 3 restaurants including Spinners Revolving Restaurant, beach theme weddings and conference centers.
• Best Western Beachfront, 6200 Gulf Boulevard. Best Western Hotel on St. Pete Beach, discounted loding directly on the beach, restaurants and live entertainment.
• Dolphin Beach Resort, 4900 Gulf Boulevard, +1 727 360-7011. St. Pete Beach. Florida beach front resort, the Dolphin Beach Resort is located right on the Gulf of Mexico.
• Alden Beach Resort, 5900 Gulf Boulevard, +1 727 360-7081. St. Pete Beach. The St Pete Alden Beach Resort overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and is only 30 minutes from St Petersburg, Clearwater, and Tampa International Airport. Special features include 900 sq. feet of meeting space, two heated pools, two whirlpool spas, two lighted tennis courts, a children's playground, basketball court, an arcade room, and direct beach access.
• Bayview Plaza Waterfront Resort, 4321 Gulf Blvd, +1 727 367-2791. Family owned and operated since 1988, sits directly across the street from the beach and is on the Boca Ciega Bay, small property
• Plaza Beach Hotel, 4506 Gulf Blvd. Family owned and operated since 1988, our collection of beach and waterfront resorts are characterized by small-by-design, family-focused lodging - that means plenty of space and a variety of amenities at a real value.
• The Ponce De Leon Hotel, 95 Central Ave (From I-275 take exit 23A for I-375 which puts you onto 4th Ave N. When it ends at Beach Drive Make a Right. Make another Right on Central Ave. Is on the Right Side.), +1 727 550-9300. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. This stylish Mediterranean boutique hotel's decor captures the epitome of sleek style with the comfort of home for business and leisure travelers alike. For those looking for travel to the warm weather that Florida has to offer year round; The Ponce De Leon welcomes you with air conditioned rooms featuring flat screen cable TV, wireless internet, microwaves, refrigerators, mini-bars, in room coffee and on-premises Laundry. Start at $89
• Magnuson Hotel Marina Cove, 6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane, +1 727 867-1151. Magnuson Hotel Marina Cove is located 5 minutes from Fort Desoto Park and the Gulf beaches.

Stay safe

Statistically, Saint Petersburg is a safe community. Like any city, there are parts to avoid, but the majority of St. Pete is a modern city full of nice people and hospitable places. Cities that are tourist attractions are also attractions to those that prey on tourists.

Cope

The weather is warm year round here with highs typically in the 60s and 70s in the winter and 80s and 90s in the summer. Summers are very hot and humid. Sometimes when it rains in St. Pete, it literally pours!

The hurricane season runs through summer and fall with the peak of the season in September. It has been many years since St. Pete has been directly hit by a hurricane.

Being on a peninsula, the city is surrounded on three sides by water. There are also three very long bridges that access the area, the Sunshine Skyway rises to a height of 17 stories above the Tampa Bay. The Howard Frankland Bridge and the Gandy Bridge are much lower rise as bridges grow. If a person fears long bridges, they should be prepared to deal with this aspect of the area.

Go next

The port of Tampa is the launchpoint of Caribbean and other cruises. The port is now limited to smaller (relatively speaking) cruise ships since many of the largest vessels on the Caribbean cannot navigate under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge (approximately 17 stories high) to enter the bay.

St. Petersburg is about 90 minutes west from Orlando and the various theme parks near Orlando like Disney World and Universal Studios. Three hours northeast from St. Petersburg is Daytona Beach and Cape Canaveral.