When I was planning my trip to St. Petersburg and Clearwater in Florida, I wanted to go beyond the usual tourist spots and find some of the less well known activities and places to visit. While the beaches are obviously stunning and the Dali Museum is a must-visit, there are so many unique places in St Pete and its nearby towns.
I’ve been a few times now and I’m constantly impressed by all the varied activities, outdoor pursuits, trendy restaurants & bars and vibrant arts scene. There’s so much to do! Here are some hidden gems in St Petersburg Florida that you don’t want to miss with a few from Clearwater too!
Before we get stuck in, here are some of my recommendations for WHERE TO STAY.
The famous Don CeSar hotel is an icon of the area. Opened in 1928, the huge pink palace like building commands a great spot on the beach. It became famous as the Gulf playground for America’s rich at the height of the Jazz Age and has stood the test of time as a stylish favourite in St Pete.
The recently renovated SkyBeach Hotel & Marina is a popular spot for the party set, and if you’re looking for fun pool vibes or a lively bar scene with friends, this is the place for you. Some rooms have marina views, whilst others overlook the pool & beach area.
A new favourite in Clearwater, The Hiatus which is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton is a modern hotel with a fabulous rooftop pool and a great terrace where they host complimentary sundowners overlooking the beach. Rooms are spacious and there’s a good gym on site.
Hidden Gems in St Petersburg Florida and Clearwater
1. Street Art Tour
Explore St. Pete’s vibrant street art scene with a guided street art tour. The city is known for its colourful murals, many of which have been created by local as well as international artists.
Walking tours take you through the Central Arts District, where you can learn about the stories and inspiration behind the striking public art pieces. It is of course possible to do your own personal walk and I’ve listed some of my favourite pieces here. Or for something a bit different why not try it by bike?
It really is such a vibrant artsy city and the murals on the sides of buildings, bridges & walkways and even on power boxes in the street make for colourful and fun viewing as you walk around.
2. The Brass Dagger Ring Making
Housed in a fairly nondescript building the workshop is a wonderfully styled room giving the air of a luxury study or high end escape room, complete with fireplace and grand art pieces. It’s a jewellery-making experience where you are the silversmith. From start to finish, you’ll size, saw, solder, hammer, and polish your very own sentimental piece with guidance from the lovely owner, Brianna. The Brass Dagger is a true hidden gem in St Petersburg, Florida.
I came away with a lovely silver ring and the joy of trying a new skill. It’s a communal activity and good for groups, with Brianna ensuring everyone is involved and has plenty of one-on-one time.
Address: 433 Central Ave Ste 206, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
@thebrassdagger
3. Dunedin
Don’t come at me…I know Dunedin is a separate city, but it’s such a cute place and very convenient to visit if you’re staying around St Pete, so I had to include it. The name comes from Dùn Èideann, the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh. It’s a quirky, colourful town that’s full of charm.
There are some great shops and boutiques, whilst the famous Strachan’s Ice Cream & Desserts is a favourite if you’re looking for a sweet treat. It’s a lovely town to just meander around but its also home to a local museum, founded in 1970 and housed in a former railroad depot.
Don’t miss the charming ‘Welcome to Dogedin’ mural that has hundreds of cute pups (and a few cats) painted on it!
4. Kayaking at Shell Key Preserve – A Clear Kayak Adventure
Whilst kayaking in the area is pretty popular, clear bottomed kayaking is something a bit different! One of the highlights of my recent visit was exploring the stunning waters of Shell Key Preserve with a clear kayaking tour. The first clear kayaking tour company in the USA, Get Up & Go is a great choice for an eco friendly and fun day out!
We enjoyed the mangrove area, shell beach and spotted numerous birds including an eagle during our tour!
Make sure to bring your swimwear, sunglasses, towel, and reef safe sunscreen.
5. Sunset Tiki Cruise – A Floating Bar Experience
Both St Pete and Clearwater both offer fun and quirky floating tiki boat experiences! I chose to explore the quite literally clear-waters of Clearwater with Cruisin’ Tikis Clearwater!
We ‘boarded’ about 5pm and set off on our private tiki bar along the coastline. You’re able to bring your own drinks on board to put in the cooler, so make sure to pop to the shop before hand. Equally you can connect your phone to the speakers and blast out some fun tunes while you’re enjoying the views!
6. Dinner at Bacchus Wine Bistro
Bacchus Wine Bistro is a great spot for a girl’s evening out or a date night and it balances that line between ‘out out’ and a casual drink that is sometimes hard to find – with plenty of outdoor seating as well as indoor options for colder nights.
There are some great foodie options, including a huge cheese selection. We opted for a cheese plate sharer with breads and chutneys to start, with main course options like lobster salad. Of course there is an excellent wine selection and staff are on hand to make suggestions.
It’s not a huge spot so booking is essential especially over weekends.
Address: 124 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL
@bacchuswinebistro
7. Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail
For any hiking (or biking) lovers this fabulous trail is somewhat a hidden gem in St Petersburg Florida. It actually covers 47 miles, starting in St Pete in the south or indeed from Tarpon Springs in the north and passes through towns including Clearwater, Largo, Seminole and Dunedin. The fact it includes so many towns is quite unusual for a trail and I’ve even heard that some trail users are able to commute to work using the Pinellas Trail!
Of course you don’t have to do the whole thing, I just walked a section of the trail in Dunedin, but it’s a pretty and outdoor activity that you can include within an itinerary or even just to get from one town to another in the area!
8. The Sunken Gardens
If you’re craving some lush greenery, Sunken Gardens is a serene escape right in the heart of St. Pete. This botanical garden is home to over 50,000 tropical plants and is one of the oldest roadside attractions in the state, but given its size and tranquility it still feels like a real hidden gem in St Petersburg Florida.
The Sunken Gardens are 4 acres of well-established botanical gardens, located in the historic Old Northeast neighbourhood of St. Petersburg and have existed for more than a century!
Address: 1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL
@sunkengardensstpete
9. Glass Blowing at Morean Glass Studio
I’m always ‘blown away’ (get it?) by the art scene in St Pete. From galleries, to arty activities & pop ups. Morean Glass Studio which is part of the Morean Arts Center gives you the chance to get behind the scenes and observe resident glass artists creating unique works of art, then dive in and create your own!
It’s a fully guided session, with an expert on hand to take you through each stage of the process, from choosing colours, to handling the molten glass, to learning to blow.
Address: 714 1st Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
@moreanartscenter
10. St. Pete’s Second Saturday Art Walk – A Local Art Scene Experience
On the second Saturday of each month, the local art community comes alive with the ‘Second Saturday Art Walk’. Many of the city’s art galleries and studios open their doors to visitors, allowing you to explore the local art scene often whilst meeting the talented artists.
The experience varies each time but up to date information can be viewed here. Galleries and studios are open from 5-9pm and at some venues this can be the only chance the public have to visit.
The ‘Second Saturday Art Walk” is a real St Petersburg Florida hidden gem experience.
11. Clearwater Beach Yoga
Yoga on Clearwater Beach is a great reason to get up early! Every morning at 8am Clearwater Beach Yoga runs fun and inclusive yoga sessions on the beautiful beach that was recently listed as one of the top white sand beaches in the world by Travel & Leisure!
The sessions are adaptable so if you’re a beginner or much more experienced it’s suitable for all. During my session we even spotted a pod of dolphins in the water!
For more information visit –
https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com @visitspc
