Stay and Play St. Petersburg
One of Florida’s most unique and artsy cities, St. Petersburg is beautiful bayside destination where you can play all day - and all night if you want to - and stay in some of the finest hotels in the world. Spend an afternoon gazing at Spanish art or a 20 foot glass sculpture, or perhaps take a tour of the city’s breathtaking murals. And as for food and drink, St. Pete offers everything from cider to cocktails and burgers to seafood. Sleep easy when you stay in a waterfront mansion…or a waterfront castle!
Play During the Day
The Dali Museum cares for and shares an expertly curated collection of Salvador Dali works to delight and educate their visitors and to provide unique inspiration for events, programs and special exhibits. The Museum contains the largest collection of Dali’s works outside of Europe, housed in a completely unique facility whose facade resembles a Dali work itself. In addition to the famous works by Dali, the Museum serves as an active resource in the cultural life of the St. Petersburg community and the world at large. Special events encourage the community and visitors to engage in hands-on art projects, particularly for children and families.
thedali.org
The Morean Arts Center offers people of all ages and diverse cultural backgrounds the opportunity to experience and participate in the arts. The Center has been a leader in the revitalization of the downtown area, anchoring a thriving arts district composed of galleries, museums and businesses and is the oldest arts organization in the Tampa Bay area with the roots dating back to 1917 as the Art Club of St. Petersburg. The Center has been a part of the St. Petersburg cultural landscape for a century! Visit one of its four locations located throughout the downtown: the Morean Arts Center, Morean Glass Studio & Hot Shop, Morean Center for Clay, and the Chihuly Collection. The Chihuly Collection is a unique arts experience, showcasing the work of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly. The building in which the Collection is showcased was specifically built to create an immersive experience for visitors, beginning with a 20 foot sculpture made specifically for the entrance of this site.
moreanartscenter.org
You can also see art while simply walking around the downtown St. Pete area, thanks to the St. Pete Mural Tour, started in 2014 by Florida native Michael S. Novilla. This tour takes you on a walk through downtown to enjoy all the fabulously unique murals this city has to offer. It will give you a real taste of the urban art scene and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the community. Don’t forget to take pictures - some of the murals also make a great backdrop for selfies.
stpetemuraltour.com
Another great place to find top quality ingredients is the Saturday Morning Market, which occurs every week in downtown St. Pete. Here, you will find natural produce, handmade treats, and crafted local goods including accessories and apparel. During the market, you can enjoy live music, good food, and of course the warm Florida sunshine.
saturdaymorningmarket.com
For a traditional shopping experience, The Mall at Sundial St. Pete is the place to go. Just steps from the world famous waterfront, Sundial is right in the middle of bustling downtown St. Pete and keeps in theme by offering a unique selection of art shops, restaurants and spas special to the area. The center is an art piece in and of itself with its sleek, clean design meant to capture the modern beachy feel of St. Petersburg. The centerpiece of it all is the nearly three-story functioning sundial and fountain art piece by Emmy Award-winning production designer René Lagler, surrounded by bronze dolphins from the mind of St. Pete artist Mark Aeling.
sundialstpete.com
The 600 block of St. Petersburg’s Central Ave is the epicenter of the shopping culture. With dozens of shops and restaurants filled with everything from handmade jewelry and palm reading to a hot cup of joe or some vegan pad Thai, you’ll find yourself in the presence of everything you need to satisfy your hipster and thrifty needs. The street life is booming in this vibrant downtown district and offers shopping experiences like Strands of Sunshine, a cutesy shop filled with all sorts of locally handcrafted gifts such as jewelry, clothing, and art items. Or maybe you want to grab a bite to eat; don’t worry, the options won’t disappoint! Stop in Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops for a tasty treat on the go or kick back at the Cider Press Café for some unique raw, gluten-free, vegan dishes that are sure to leave you satisfied and energized for another round of shopping.
strandsofsunshine.com
thehyppo.com
ciderpresscafe.com
Play at Night
Part of the Tampa Bay community but also an arts destination in its own right, St. Petersburg offers the Duke Energy Center for the Arts - The Mahaffey Theater. Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg showcases the city’s love for arts and culture. The theater is a 2,031-seat cultural jewel featuring elegant ballroom space, spectacular waterfront views, and European box-style seating. Just steps away from the culturally vibrant downtown and minutes away from white sandy beaches and world-famous museums, The Mahaffey hosts top-quality national and international artists, and hosts Broadway and comedy shows, classical, pop, rock and dance concerts, and performances by the renowned Florida Orchestra. Additionally, the theater supports the highly successful Class Acts program, which enables school children to experience the performing arts through in-theater performances as well as in-school outreach and extension programs. Weddings are, of course, a grand choice here; The Mahaffey features dazzling architecture, elegant ambiance and dramatic views of beautiful Tampa Bay. The spacious Grand Ballroom, stunning East Atrium and surrounding patio areas provide a variety of elegant options for the most important ceremony in your life.
themahaffey.com
With all of the city’s nightlife arranged in the downtown’s ideal grid pattern, it’s easy to walk from one location to another. We recommend starting off at MacDinton’s, a classic Irish bar with insanely good burgers and live music some nights. Then, head to any of the nearby nightclubs and bars in St. Pete for some sophisticated cocktail tasting or great people-watching: Tryst Gastro Lounge, with cozy outdoor seating and an elegant bar; and The Mandarin Hide, a speakeasy style bar with delectable drinks. Oh, and don’t forget the pop-up block party with exclusive clubs and live music that happens on First Friday St. Pete (which, yes, only happens on the first Friday of every month).
macdintons.com/st-pete
dinetryst.com
mandarinhide.com
firstfridaystpete.com
Stay at Night
Downtown St. Pete also offers comfortable but unique places to stay without having to compromise location or comfort. The Mansion Inn is settled on the waterfront in the historic district of Old Northeast, within just five blocks of all that downtown has to offer. This urban wonder puts a diverse mix of restaurants, shops, museums, and parks within easy reach but offers a getaway from loud bars and busy nightlife. The mansion offers 13 unique, newly renovated rooms overlooking a quiet poolside courtyard; perfect for couples, families, or anything that might bring you to this downtown gem.
mymansioninn.com
Another cultural jewel to be found here is The Birchwood. Originally constructed as apartments in 1924, the nationally registered property underwent historically-accurate renovations to modernize it and turn it into the three-floor, 18-room boutique Inn that is presented today. It provides a quaint history-touched stay while still maintaining a fresh feel with modern amenities, holding you in the heart of the downtown nightlife. It even offers world-class dining from its very own lunch-and-dinner restaurant, the Birch & Vine, which boasts a diverse menu filled with delicious creativity and unique spins on Florida classics. Between the inn and the restaurant, this stay offers an experience like no other.
thebirchwood.com
Uniqueness in hotels does not always mean small; in the case of the The Don Cesar, it is its grandness that in fact makes it unique. A breathtaking “Pink Palace” that sits on the crystalline sands of St. Pete’s beach, facing the Gulf, this hotel was originally erected in 1928 and exudes an aura of Roaring 20s glamour. Once a playground for distinguished celebrities, the seaside Don CeSar Hotel continues to charm and impress guests today with service preserved from the Great Gatsby era of pampering. Renovated guestrooms, refreshed public spaces, sugar-sand beaches, Spa Oceana, poolside activities and award-winning dining await visitors who return season after season. And, for the ultimate beach getaway, the Don Cesar also offers Beach House Suites. This coastal cool collection of 70 all-suite accommodations is just one-half mile down the beach from the dining, shopping and amenities of the legendary Pink Palace itself. Ideal for families, groups or those looking for extended stay comfort, spread out with spacious gathering areas and home-like amenities. Savor superb views of tropical gardens, the outdoor heated pool and sparkling Gulf of Mexico.
doncesar.com
More of St. Petersburg to Enjoy
When it comes to music, the two venues housed within the historic Romanesque Revival-style Palladium Theater in downtown St. Pete seem to leave no stone unturned. The 850-seat Hough Hall and the far more intimate candlelit 175-seat The Side Door cabaret affordably deliver classical, jazz, blues, rock, country and opera performed by St. Petersburg Opera Company. But there’s more: dance, comedy and literary events flesh out the robust of-ferings. For a big night out, check out the headliners at nearby Clearwater’s ultra-modern Ruth Eckerd Hall. The venue’s near-perfect acoustics receive rave reviews from artists and audiences alike and there’s simply not a bad seat in the house. Join legions of avid fans who flock to hear such Rock and Roll legends as Ringo Starr and Peter Frampton. The nation’s most popular per-formers wouldn’t consider skipping this venue when they’re on tour.
mypalladium.org
rutheckerdhall.com
When it comes to live music surrounded by locals, St. Pete has plenty: Dunedin Brewery, which claims to be Florida’s oldest craft brewery, offers small-batch beer, a brewery tour, or a night-time musical performance. In any given week, the local and national acts span the gamut from funk and jazz to rock and bump. The Hideaway Cafe is a music cafe and production studio serving craft beers, fine wines, pizzas, salads and sandwiches to compliment our fantastic menu of local (and national) talent. Special evening performances are often hosted with highly ac-claimed artists in the intimate space.
dunedinbrewery.com
