3 Days in St Petersburg Florida | Sustainable City Itinerary

Nicknamed “The Sunshine City”, St Petersburg Florida blends award-winning laid-back beaches with vibrant hipster vibes.

The downtown St. Pete FL area boasts cool street art, trendy restaurants, artisan breweries, and hidden gems.

This itinerary for 3 days in St Petersburg Florida invites you to explore the city’s low-impact activities such as wildlife watching, outdoor adventures, and supporting community-led locally-owned businesses.

Whether you wish to spend a week or a weekend in St. Pete Florida, I hope you enjoy this ultimate guide for a sustainable city break.

Day 1 | St Pete FL

Kayaking on Weedon Island Preserve

Starting the 3 days in St Petersburg Florida with exploring Weedon Island offers a serene escape into Florida’s natural beauty.

The Preserve has 4.7 miles of natural and paved trails, boardwalks, and a 45-foot-tall observation tower. The Cultural and Natural History Center displays archaeological remains, and natural resources from the early people of Weedon Island, as well as information on the diverse ecosystem.

The best way to immerse yourself in the environment is by kayaking with ECOmersion. Paddling through quiet mangrove tunnels teeming with wildlife is a delight. Keep an eye out for herons, egrets, white ibis, double-crested cormorants, mangrove tree crabs, and harmless marsh snakes. The open waters will surprise you with playful dolphins.

Kayaking on Weedon Island Preserve is a guaranteed memorable experience, especially with an ethical company that cares about the environment. Book your paddling adventure with ECOmersion.

|| LOCATION: ECOmersion Kayak & SUP Rentals || OPEN: Daily 9am – 5pm

Visit the DALI Museum

The collection at the DALI Museum is the largest of Salvador Dali’s iconic pieces outside of Europe. Each painting, sculpture, and drawing is a captivating insight into his eccentric creativity with symbolic gestures seen throughout.

Set in a distinctive architectural gem, the museum is a sustainable, resistant structure that provides stunning views of Tampa Bay through its freeform dome window. Perch on the bench outside featuring his signature melting clock, and imagine what life was like in Dali’s mind. Good luck with figuring that out!

A visit to the DALI Museum to explore the intriguing work of the surreal master is a must in St Pete FL.

|| LOCATION: Dali Museum || OPEN: Daily 10 am – 6 pm (Thursdays until 8 pm)

Visit the Chihuly Collection

The Chihuly Collection in Downtown St. Pete celebrates the mesmerising glass artistry of American Dale Chihuly. Housed in a contemporary space, the gallery showcases Chihuly’s vibrant and intricate glass sculptures that represent flamboyant plants and undulating landscapes. The dazzling display of colours and forms certainly took me by surprise!

Walk over the road to the Morean Arts Center for temporary art exhibitions, gallery shop, and art-lovers can immersive themselves in glass art classes and innovative workshops for all skill levels- if only I’d known in advance to try these creative classes.

|| LOCATION: Chihuly Collection || OPEN: Daily Monday-Saturday 10 am–5 pm, Sundays Noon–5 pm

Sample the beer at Cycle Brewery

Founded in 2013, Cycle Brewing is the first craft brewery in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. As a family-owned establishment, they prioritise community support by sourcing local ingredients, fundraising for charities, and actively engaging in local causes.

The award-winning, bike-themed brewery invites patrons to enjoy a welcoming taproom with draft beers, sidewalk seating, and complimentary samples. While renowned for its IPAs and barrel-aged beers, their porter stands out as my personal favourite.

|| LOCATION: Cycle Brewery | Central Avenue || OPEN: Daily Mon-Thurs 3pm-10pm, Fri-Sat Noon-12am, Sunday Noon-9pm

Day 2 | St Pete FL

Catch the sunrise at Vinoy Park

Experience a magical sunrise at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg, Florida, while anticipating the playful presence of dolphins in the bay, or even a manatee if luck is on your side. As dawn breaks, watch the sky transform into a canvas of vibrant hues. Meanwhile, the park’s trees host mischievous squirrels, and the panoramic view of St. Pete Pier creates a picturesque scene of the city’s waterfront charm.

|| LOCATION: Vinoy Park

Explore Boyd Hill Preserve

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a 245-acre protected area in St. Petersburg, Florida, which beckons nature enthusiasts with its diverse ecosystems and serene landscapes.

The trails wind through pine flatwoods, bald cypress, and red maple trees, and the boardwalks lead across the marshes and waterways offering glimpses of wildlife like alligators and birds such as moorhens, herons, cormorants and anhingas.

The Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center has interactive exhibits and an aviary with rehabilitated birds of prey are homed. In my humble opinion, this urban oasis needs to be explored if you visit St Pete FL.

|| LOCATION: 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg FL || OPEN are closed on Mondays, 9am – 7pm from March 1 – October 31, and close at 6pm the rest of the year

Wander around Gulfport

Discover the charm of Gulfport, Florida, by wandering its vibrant streets and down Beach Boulevard. Explore art galleries showcasing local talent with their paintings, pottery, sculpture, jewellery and woodwork. 

Sample the Southern flavours at Stella’s, known for its delicious banana nut bread, and grits. Grab a table on the terrace for a little people-watching, it will give you a taste of the eclectic culture in this quaint Gulfport town.

If you have a little longer to spend in Gulfport, you can take a walking tour with the Gulfport Historical Society or take a stroll in Clam Bayou Nature Preserve.

Take an e-bike tour at Fort de Sota

Embark on a fun e-bike tour through the picturesque beaches of Fort De Soto in Tierra Verde, Florida – one of the best things to do in St Petersburg FL.

Guided by a knowledgeable leader at Bay E-Bikes, pedal along sandy shores, stunning Mullet Bay, and scenic trails adorned with Osprey nests, oak trees, and mangroves, offering insights into local bird species and plants.

Named after the 16th-century Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto, Fort De Soto boasts a storied history. Constructed in the late 19th century to safeguard Tampa Bay strategically, the park preserves the original fort and battery.

This historic site is a testament to Florida’s exploration and military significance, as a reminder of its protective role in the region. Climb to the cannons’ vantage point, and relish panoramic views. As the e-bike tour ends, you can catch the beauty of sunsets across the bay.

|| LOCATION: Fort de Sota FL || BOOK your tour with BAY E-BIKES

Day 3 | St Pete FL

Kayak in Boca Ciega Bay

Boca Ciega Bay, accessed through War Veterans Memorial Park in St. Pete, offers one of the most vibrant paddle spots in the Tampa Bay area with its lush seagrass beds full of wildlife. You’ll see dolphins, osprey, sharks, and many other animals as you paddle through the mangrove island-filled bay. Don’t forget to stop and stretch your legs on Archie’s island, a small private island named after a local pup!

This is one paddle destination in St. Pete you won’t want to miss.

Visit the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

Discover the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, a haven for injured and rehabilitated birds in Indian Shores, one of the best beaches in Florida.

Stroll around observing pelicans, herons, and other coastal species that have been treated and recovering until they are strong enough to be released back into the skies. into the wild. Several permanent avian residents are showcased at the sanctuary as they will not survive in the wild due to injury.

This sanctuary provides a tranquil escape, promoting both environmental awareness and the rehabilitation of our feathered friends. A great opportunity to get close to these birds whilst supporting this worthwhile cause.

|| LOCATION: Seaside Seabird Sanctuary – Gulf Blvd || OPEN: Daily 8am-4pm

Visit the Sunken Gardens

The Sunken Gardens is a beautiful historic landmark in St Pete FL that began 100 years ago by George Turner who purchased a sinkhole. Today, it is alive with a high density of tropical plants, a canopy of trees, and a small flock of flamingos.

I love that Sunken Gardens offers educational opportunities for the local community, and it is a little piece of zen amidst the hustle and bustle of the inner city!

|| LOCATION: Sunken Gardens | 4th St. N || OPEN: Daily Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm, Sunday Noon-4.30pm

Admire Murals in St Pete

St. Petersburg, FL, bursts with urban creativity, boasting captivating murals and street art throughout its downtown area, particularly along Central Avenue. Artists such as Donnelly and BASK, have transformed St. Pete’s walls into a dynamic display of expression, creating a visually stunning outdoor art gallery.

The annual SHINE St. Pete Mural Festival further enhances the city’s artistic landscape, showcasing large-scale works by local, national, and international artists in downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

To take a tour of the street art in St Pete FL, either on foot or on wheels. Florida Craft Art is a non-profit offering Walking Mural Tours on Saturday mornings. Alternatively, learn about the artists of the striking murals on an E-Bike Sightseeing Tour.

Green Hotels in St Petersburg Florida

Experience eco-friendly hospitality in St. Petersburg, Florida, with hotels participating in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Lodging Program, Tripadvisor GreenLeaders Program, or score Level 3+ on Booking.com Travel Sustainable Program.

These sustainable accommodations prioritise environmental responsibility, making your stay both enjoyable and planet-friendly, and the list starts with the lowest price first.

|| Tru By Hilton St. Petersburg Downtown Central Ave offers modern comfort, a shared lounge, a sun terrace, and water sports facilities. || Check Prices + Availability

|| Hampton Inn & Suites St. Petersburg/Downtown features an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre, serves a complimentary hot breakfast, and is located close to the waterfront and main attractions. || Check Prices + Availability

|| The Don CeSar is affectionately called “The Pink Palace,” and features two heated pools, three lounges, six restaurants, and a prime beachfront location. || Check Prices + Availability

|| Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection, nestled along the Tampa Bay coast, this upscale luxurious hotel offers an on-site spa, heated pools, and four restaurants. || Check Prices + Availability

Where to eat In St Pete Florida

Your St Petersburg Florida itinerary needs to include places to eat and drink. Eateries are abundant in St.Pete Fl, many are locally-owned, source local produce and contribute to the community.

Being a coastal city, the option for a fresh catch straight from the Gulf is caught by local fishermen. such as Snappers, Walt’z Fish Shak, and Salt Rock Grill.

Vegan and vegetarian eateries in St Pete Fl are plentiful – try the much-loved Naked Farmer, Love Central Cafe, and Kraft Cafe Downtown.

There is no shortage of organic coffee shops in St.Pete Florida where sustainability is front-of-mind. Popular hangouts are Black Crow Coffee, Kahwa Coffee, and Foxtail Coffee.

Sampling the infamous craft beer scene in St Pete is a must when visiting Florida. Some firm favourites are 3 Daughters, Cycle Brewery, and Green Bench Brewing Co.

FAQs: Visiting St Petersburg Florida

Is it worth visiting St. Petersburg Florida?

Absolutely! St. Petersburg, Florida, offers a vibrant blend of art, culture, and coastal beauty. Explore museums, enjoy stunning beaches, and nature preserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. With a thriving arts scene, craft beer culture, and welcoming atmosphere, 3 days in St Petersburg Florida is a must.

Is 3 Days in St Petersburg Florida enough?

A weekend in St. Petersburg Florida is doable but it would be rushed. Three days in St. Petersburg Florida, may not cover every detail, but it provides ample time to enjoy key attractions. If you can spare 4 days or more time for your trip to St. Pete Florida, you will never be bored!

What is a fun fact about St. Petersburg Florida?

St. Petersburg boasts a Guinness World Record for the longest continuous stretch of sunshine, starting in 1967 and lasting for an impressive 768 days. Given this remarkable feat, it’s no wonder Florida earned its nickname, the Sunshine State.

Is St. Petersburg Florida safe?

St. Petersburg, Florida, is generally safe for visitors, with crime considered below average compared to other US cities. As with any city, be aware of your belongings, and stay in well-trafficked areas, like the beach and downtown to minimise risks.

Visitors should also consider hurricane risks and plan accordingly, as weather may impact flights and travel plans. Ensure you have travel insurance to cover all eventualities. I have used all the insurers below on previous trips so choose the best to suit your needs.

• GET 5% OFF with HeyMondo Travel Insurance
• GET 5% OFF with IATI Travel Insurance
• REMOTE WORKERS & NOMADS: SafetyWing

LIKE this 3 Days in St Petersburg Florida post? PIN IT!