St. Petersburg Open-Air Trolley City Tour with Distillery Tasting
A breezy narrated ride through downtown St. Petersburg on an open-air trolley, with waterfront views, neighborhood history and a local distillery tasting to finish.
Florida
St. Petersburg & Clearwater
St. Petersburg and Clearwater make up the sunny west shore of Tampa Bay, a place where a walkable downtown of museums, murals and breweries sits twenty minutes from some of the best beaches in Florida.
The Dali Museum, a pier that reaches out over the bay and a street-art scene that has turned whole neighborhoods into galleries give the city its creative reputation, while the barrier islands offer pink-hued resorts, dolphin cruises, clear-kayak paddles and sunsets that locals applaud. Clearwater adds its own wide white beach, a lively pier and a sailing tradition, and day trips reach Tarpon Springs, Weeki Wachee and the island parks. This guide brings together open-air trolley tours, mural rides, boat trips and the hotels that make the best bases.
Don't miss
St. Petersburg Open-Air Trolley City Tour with Distillery Tasting
A breezy narrated ride through downtown St. Petersburg on an open-air trolley, with waterfront views, neighborhood history and a local distillery tasting to finish.
St. Pete Street Art Mural Trolley Tour
A trolley ride through the neighborhoods where St. Petersburg's large-scale murals live, with a guide explaining the artists, the stories and the annual festival that keeps the walls changing.
The Dali Museum
One of the world's great single-artist collections, in a striking waterfront building with a glass bubble facade, a spiral staircase and a garden to wander before or after.
Egmont Key Ferry Tour from the St. Pete Pier
A ferry from the St. Pete Pier to the wildlife refuge island at the mouth of Tampa Bay, with a lighthouse, old fort ruins, beaches, gopher tortoises and snorkeling.
Things to do in St. Petersburg & Clearwater
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
St. Pete Street Art Mural Trolley Tour
A trolley ride through the neighborhoods where St. Petersburg's large-scale murals live, with a guide explaining the artists, the stories and the annual festival that keeps the walls changing.
The Dali Museum
One of the world's great single-artist collections, in a striking waterfront building with a glass bubble facade, a spiral staircase and a garden to wander before or after.
The St. Pete Pier and Waterfront Parks
The reimagined pier district: a long walk out over Tampa Bay with restaurants, a playground, a beach, a fishing area and some of the best sunset views in the city.
1 to 3 hoursDetails →
Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art
A bright, easy-to-love museum of contemporary studio glass in the heart of the arts district, with sculptural pieces that range from delicate to enormous.
Central Avenue Food, Drinks and Cultural Walking Tour
A guided stroll with tastings at several independent restaurants and shops along St. Petersburg's main street, with stories about the neighborhoods you pass.
St. Pete Mural Biking Tour
A guided bicycle ride between the city's best murals and creative neighborhoods, a slower, more active take on the street-art circuit.
Egmont Key Ferry Tour from the St. Pete Pier
A ferry from the St. Pete Pier to the wildlife refuge island at the mouth of Tampa Bay, with a lighthouse, old fort ruins, beaches, gopher tortoises and snorkeling.
Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve
A guided paddle in clear-bottomed kayaks through mangrove channels and shallow flats to an undeveloped barrier island known for shelling, birds and quiet beaches.
St. Pete Beach Dolphin Watching Tour
A short, easy boat trip from the Gulf beaches into the channels and open water where bottlenose dolphins hunt and play, a hit with families and first-timers.
Skyway Bridge Light Show Cruise
An evening boat trip to see the Sunshine Skyway Bridge lit up after dark, with the sunset over Tampa Bay on the way.
Tiki Boat Cruise from the St. Pete Pier
A floating tiki bar that cruises the downtown waterfront, with music, sunshine and skyline views for a laid-back hour on the bay.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
$$$$The Don CeSar
St. Pete Beach
The pink Mediterranean-style landmark on the Gulf at St. Pete Beach, a grand historic resort with a wide beach, a spa and a long list of dining options.
Check rates →
$$$$The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort and Golf Club
Downtown Waterfront
A pink 1920s Mediterranean Revival grande dame beside Tampa Bay, with a pool, spa and restaurants and an easy walk to downtown museums and the pier.
Check rates →The Hotel Zamora
St. Pete Beach
A smaller, stylish hotel on the St. Pete Beach strip, a quieter alternative to the big resorts with a walkable location near restaurants and the sand.
Check rates →Postcard Inn on the Beach
St. Pete Beach
A casual, retro-flavored beachfront hotel on St. Pete Beach with a laid-back bar scene, a pool and sand steps from the door.
Check rates →
$$$The Birchwood
Downtown
A boutique hotel in a historic downtown building near the waterfront, with a rooftop bar, stylish rooms and a short walk to museums and restaurants.
Check rates →Hyatt Place St. Petersburg Downtown
Downtown
A reliable, modern downtown hotel with free-flowing public spaces, practical rooms and an easy walk to the waterfront, museums and Central Avenue.
Check rates →Sandpearl Resort
Clearwater Beach
A polished beachfront resort on Clearwater Beach with a spa, multiple pools, waterfront dining and a quieter feel than the busiest part of the island.
Check rates →Opal Sands Resort
Clearwater Beach
A modern, design-forward beachfront resort on Clearwater Beach with a full spa, pools, several restaurants and rooms with Gulf views.
Check rates →Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa
Clearwater Beach
A large resort at the south end of Clearwater Beach, with Gulf and marina views, a spa, pools and walkable access to boat tours.
Check rates →Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa
Clearwater Beach
A large, well-located Hilton right on the Gulf at Clearwater Beach, with a spa, pools and easy access to Pier 60 and the beach village.
Check rates →St. Petersburg & Clearwater guides
St. Petersburg and Clearwater in Three Days: Museums, Murals and Beaches
A three-day plan that splits time between downtown St. Petersburg's museums and murals and the Gulf beaches of St. Pete Beach and Clearwater, with boat trips to tie it together.
Trolleys in St. Petersburg and Clearwater: Tours, Free Loops and Getting Around
A guide to trolley tours, free downtown loops and beach shuttles in the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area, plus tips for getting around without a car.
St. Pete's Murals and Art: A Guide to the Sunshine City's Creative Side
How to see St. Petersburg's murals, glass art and Dali collection, with tips on tours, neighborhoods and the best way to build an art-focused day.
Where to Stay in St. Petersburg and Clearwater: Downtown, St. Pete Beach or Clearwater Beach
A guide to choosing between downtown St. Petersburg, the St. Pete Beach strip and Clearwater Beach, with notes on hotels, atmosphere and trade-offs.
Beaches of St. Petersburg and Clearwater: Where to Swim, Shell and Watch the Sunset
A practical guide to the best beaches on the Pinellas coast: Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille, Fort De Soto and the quiet island options.
Boats, Dolphins and Wildlife on the St. Petersburg and Clearwater Coast
A guide to the best boat trips, kayak tours and wildlife encounters around St. Petersburg and Clearwater, from dolphin cruises to Egmont Key.
