Florida’s Gulf Coast is nothing short of one of the most beautiful areas on the planet. While we’re certainly known for our stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Tradewinds’ home of St. Pete Beach has largely remained a popular vacation destination thanks to how many amazing things there are to experience and discover here. With so much to do and see, it can be just a bit overwhelming to plan an itinerary. So if you’re looking for an overview of some of the St. Pete Beach activities you won’t want to miss during your visit, take a look at our picks right here.
Enjoy the Beach
Naturally, the number one thing to do in St. Pete Beach is to enjoy our namesake shoreline! St. Pete Beach is home to some of the most beautiful waterfront in Florida, with nearly endless white sand and shimmering turquoise waters. Whether you want to relax on the beach, go for a swim, or try out watersports like paddleboarding, surfing and kayaking, you’ll find it all here — and in most cases, right on-site at TradeWinds! So go ahead and soak up some sunshine while you dig your toes into the powdery sand.
Visit Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
Located on the former site of the area’s first church, the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum is today dedicated to protecting and preserving the past of the barrier islands. The entirely volunteer-run exhibit hall features photographs, memorabilia, artifacts and displays outlining the area’s rich back story, and also features a book and gift shop.
115 10th Ave, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Explore John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk
The tumultuous history of John’s Pass is a rich stew of stormy weather, secret shipping routes and pirates. After the nearby waterway was created by a hurricane in 1848, a privateer named John Levique made use of the soon-to-be-eponymous passage on a smuggling mission. Today, the area is an entertainment, dining and shopping hub featuring more than 100 businesses, as well as a port for cruises and leisure tours.
12945 Village Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Take a Dolphin Watching Tour
Looking to have an encounter with nature? One of the most popular activities in St. Pete Beach is hopping on one of our many dolphin watching tours. These excursions allow visitors to get up close and personal with some of the ocean’s most playful and intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. As a guest at TradeWinds, you’re welcome to avail yourself of our stunning Shell Island Dolphin Cruise, or the Sunset Dolphin Cruise.
See the Salvador Dalí Museum
Few artists have been so prolific, so creative, and so revered as to warrant the creation of a museum of their own. But famous Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí has more than earned that honor. Some of Dalí’s most famous and studied works are on display here, along with educational exhibits on the artist’s life, process and legacy. Art aficionados of all ages will find this excellent exhibit hall to be a fascinating journey. Not to be missed!
1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Drop Your Hook and Snag a Trophy
St. Pete Beach is an extremely popular fishing destination, and for very good reason. Locals and visitors alike have plenty of opportunities to catch both freshwater and saltwater species here. If you’d like a leisurely day fishing from the shore, we’ll happily direct you to the secret spots where the big ones are biting. Or if you prefer, you can book a charter fishing tour. Take a look at our previous post “The Best St. Pete Beach Fishing Charters” for some fantastic options.
See Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
Boyd Hill is a lush, green 245-acre park space overflowing with things to do, see, and experience. Originally serving as a zoo and botanical garden, the preserve is today a natural habitat for countless species of area wildlife. The grounds also encompass an aviary, more than three miles of picturesque hiking trails, playground and picnic areas, scenic lake, and countless pieces of public art. Bring a blanket, and relax on the shore!
101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Explore Some Natural Beauty
St. Pete Beach is surrounded by the breathtaking natural vistas. And while the beaches are legendarily awe-inspiring, visitors often overlook our abundance of state parks and preserves. Fort De Soto Park (located just south of St. Pete Beach) is a popular destination for nature lovers. The park offers several miles of hiking and biking trails, a dog park, and some of the best bird-watching in the area. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic stroll.
Visit a Local Farmers Market
There’s just something special about a farmers market, and St. Pete is home to some of the best in Florida. These outdoor bazaars allow visitors to enjoy unique shopping experiences, support local growers, save money, and have a great day out. Most markets offer not just just-picked produce, but also fresh-cut flowers, canned goods, arts and crafts, clothing, personal accessories, and even ready-to-eat hot food and live entertainment. You never know what treasures you’ll discover when you go!
Experience The Sunken Gardens
Less a garden and more a living museum, The Sunken Gardens are a botanical haven without equal in the region. Located in the heart of St. Petersburg, the gardens have been home to some of Florida’s most fascinating native plant species for more than a century. Visitors will navigate winding footpaths through lush beds of more than 50,000 tropical flowers, trees and other plants, as well as a waterfall, flamingoes and more.
1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
TradeWinds is Your “Just Let Go” Getaway
Ready to head out to these fantastic local happenings? Stop by the TradeWinds Special Offers page and check out our amazing St. Pete Beach travel deals when it’s time to plan. We’re looking forward to being your home base for adventure.
