20 Attractions to Explore Near St. Petersburg

Lake Seminole Park is an outdoor oasis that locals and visitors alike flock to. Its trails, which wind around the lake, provide ample opportunity for wildlife viewing - expect to spot dozens of different bird species while you walk! The park also features a disc golf course, picnic spots, and boat launch areas that cater to both experienced anglers and those wanting to learn more about fishing.

John's Pass Village & Boardwalk is the perfect vacation spot. With attractions such as pirate cruises, deep sea fishing charters, parasailing experiences and water sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The boardwalk itself offers a host of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues with stunning views of Madeira Beach. From the best beach wear to souvenirs, over 130 merchants have something that will capture your interest.

John's Pass, is an incredible and unique spot full of fun activities. Located just south of Madeira Beach, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations on Florida's Gulf coast. Visitors here can explore the galleries and shops where they'll find everything from souvenirs to fishing gear, enjoy a variety of fabulous water activities including jet skiing, take a sunset Cruise along Boca Ciega Bay or spend the day deep sea fishing.

Sunset Beach, is an idyllic beach getaway with a plethora of fun activities both on land and in the sea. This picturesque beach offers great swimming, fishing, and even snorkeling - so you can take in the wonders of the Gulf of Mexico's crystal blue waters. There is also a long pier which allows for miles of unobstructed sunset viewing. Those that prefer to stay on land can enjoy the many shops, restaurant options and amenities available here year-round.

Heritage Village, is an outdoor living museum which seeks to bring the past to life. Across its 8 acres of lush grounds, visitors can experience displays from early Florida settlers: wooden houses from the 1880s; a two-room school house; a country store with artifacts and tin signs; and even a cemetery. In addition to these historic landmarks, Heritage Village also offers visitors educational programs on local history and cultural heritage.

Spanning over 175 acres, the Florida Botanical Gardens is one of the area’s greatest treasures. Here visitors can explore natural wildlife, a world-class collection of palms, and breathtaking butterfly gardens. A variety of workshops and classes, such as botanical illustration, are offered for those looking to learn more about plants and ecology. Additionally, there are 11 distinct displays including a bromeliad garden and showcase herb garden highlighting aromatic greenery.

St. Pete Beach in Pinellas County is a vibrant and bustling vacation mecca. Filled with miles of white-sand beaches, sparkling aquamarine water and plenty of activities to enjoy, St. Pete Beach has something for everyone from the avid sun seekers to outdoor explorers. Of course the beach itself is a must visit, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, kayaking and more; but nearby there are lush parks, historic landmarks and even art galleries for visitors to explore.

The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing a unique journey into the history of cars. Home to an array of automobiles from some of the earliest models through to the present day, this museum celebrates the evolution and ever-changing advancements in automobile technology. It traces over one hundred years of vehicular innovations and gives visitors the chance to explore these fascinating cars while learning about their historic background.

Central Park of Pinellas county is a park featuring activities for both children and adults alike, this large park is home to 500 acres of green space and many recreational activities. From picnics, to hiking, golfing, and even zip-lining across its lush landscape, there are plenty of activities inside the park's boundaries. In addition, visitors can also find two lakes where swimming and fishing are allowed. The lakefront also offers beach access due to its soft sandstone shore.

Indian Rocks Beach with its white sandy beaches, it serves as the perfect getaway, allowing visitors and locals alike to find relaxation and indulgence. Enjoy beachfront cabanas, kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals, parasailing over the Gulf of Mexico, or take some time to explore many popular local restaurants. As an added bonus in your visit to Indian Rocks Beach, you can experience unique sunsets being cast across the horizon that will take your breath away!

Eagle Lake Park, is a stunningly beautiful and serene place that offers visitors plenty to do. Its 844 acres are filled with activities like hiking trails, picnic areas and playgrounds for children. It also has an observation tower with a 360 degree panoramic view which is the ideal spot to watch stunning sunsets. In addition to enjoying the park on their own terms, everyone can attend the annual events that take place at Eagle Lake such as Bird Fest in March and Paddlepalooza in October.

Tropicana Field, is one of the most interesting stadiums in Major League Baseball (MLB). Constructed in 1990, it is the only MLB stadium with a fixed roof and artificial turf instead of natural grass. Tropicana Field also has a unique feature; its East-West alignment inside the dome instead of North-South like other stadiums. The field offers some great features such as a water wall located behind centerfield, high definition video boards and an interactive fan section.

This popular museum houses numerous interactive exhibits, designed to be both fun and educational. Children of all ages can learn about science, technology and the arts through hands-on activities in the Tot Spot, Airmaze, Pinniped Place and much more! Along with daily events like Storytime With Miss Gina that helps develop language skills and art projects like Play Dough Rainbows which teach color concepts, It also offers workshops to help students exploring outside their comfort zone.

This spectacular 4-acre strolling garden features a whimsical collection of exotic plants, flowers, trees and shrubs, as well as charming statues and waterfalls that make it an idyllic place for visitors to explore. Established in 1903, it was once part of the estate of George Turner's aviary. With its tropically themed design, it offers a year-round refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life where visitors can relax and simply enjoy soaking up nature's beauty.

The Florida Holocaust Museum is a powerful reminder of the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust and an inspiring testament to the strength and courage of its survivors. Located in St. Petersburg, this museum spans 70,000 square feet and includes unique themed galleries and interactive experiences. The museum's permanent exhibits also include historical displays about the persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany through photos, personal narratives, documents and other artifacts.

St. Pete Pier™, is an iconic waterfront destination offering locals and visitors alike some of the best attractions the area has to offer. A 26-acre public waterfront complex, complete with restaurants, fishing, boat charters and cruises, retail establishments and plenty of activities for children. At St. Pete Pier™ you can treat yourself to echelons of culinary experiences ranging from casual outdoor dining to mouthwatering seafood -all with a vista overlooking Tampa Bay.

Pass-a-Grille Beach is the ultimate beach destination. Located at the far south end of St. Pete Beach, this serene and picturesque spot has something for each and every beachgoer. The crystal blue waters, gentle waves, and soft white sands combine to make this 8-mile gulf-side paradise perfect for swimming, sunning, shelling, and simply taking a romantic stroll. For those wanting to dip their toes in other activities, the nearby shops offer all kinds of souvenirs, crafts and more.

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, is a stunning attraction that caters to art lovers and nature-lovers alike. From Native American cultures to present-day western art and extraordinary wildlife exhibits, this museum offers the most comprehensive collection of Western and wildlife art in the southeastern United States. With seven galleries displaying more than 10,000 artifacts from some of America’s greatest artists and sculptors, there’s something for every visitor to explore.

The comprehensive collection of more than 20,000 objects includes major works by the French artists Monet, Morisot, Barye, Rodin, Corot, and Bourdelle, and the Americans Inness, Hassam, Bellows, O’Keeffe, Pearlstein and Andrew Wyeth. Also on view are ancient Greek and Roman, Egyptian, Asian, African, pre-Columbian, Native American art and objects.

This wonderful museum tells the story of Pinellas County from its early Native American settlers to colonization, growth, and contemporary life. From precise timelines that line the walls to interactive displays and exhibits, visitors can immerse themselves in a journey through St. Petersburg's past. Educational resources include a genealogy library and research center, exhibitions featuring important figures in the area's history, and even a recreation of Stadtler Hall General Store.