Right along the gulf coast sits the lovely city of St. Petersburg, where the breathtaking vistas and perfect weather allow it to live up to its nickname, the “Sunshine City.” The alluring coastal town is a hotspot for recreation, natural beauty, and cultural influences that are just waiting to be discovered. The city also offers a plethora of romantic endeavors for couples to make unforgettable memories together!
Grab your favorite someone and take a trip down south to embark on the perfect date using this curated list of top attractions and sights.
Things to Do in St. Petersburg
Explore the Outdoors
St. Petersburg is filled with parks and preserves that showcase the area’s natural beauty. From breathtaking nature trails to charming picnic spots, there’s something for everyone to enjoy outdoors.
Explore the area by hiking, biking, or strolling through places like Fort DeSoto County Park, Maximo Park, Northern Weedon Island Territory, Shell Key Preserve, Egmont Key State Park, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, Weedon Island Preserve, Boca Ciega Millennium Park, and Honeymoon Island State Park.
Bask in St. Petersburg’s Views
Take a romantic afternoon stroll along the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and soak in the natural beauty of St. Petersburg. Enjoy unparalleled views of the Gulf of Mexico as you walk.
Enjoy the City’s Culture
Discover the bustling culture of downtown St. Petersburg, where attractions like the Dalí Museum, Mahaffey Theater, and St. Pete Pier give the city life. With quirky shops, famous murals, and breathtaking waterfront views, downtown is something to behold.
Marvel at the Arts
The Dalí Museum is dedicated to the life of Spanish artist Salvador Dalí. It houses a collection of his fascinating works, showcased in special exhibits that inspire both the local and global community. Plan a date at the museum and marvel at the beautiful artwork.
Relax and Unwind
Relaxation awaits you at Spa Oceana, the premier spa retreat by the sea. Rejuvenate at the award-winning spa, which features 16 treatment rooms, whirlpool baths, aroma-infused steam rooms, and a full-service salon. Enjoy the ambiance of seaside bliss as you unwind in this serene setting.
View St. Petersburg from Above
Take in the picturesque views of St. Petersburg from one of Tampa Bay Aviation’s helicopters. Tampa Bay Aviation offers airplane and helicopter training, scenic tours, aerial photography, and dining options for two. You can customize your experience to create the perfect date night ideas.
Visit the Gulf of Mexico
Take in the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, a large ocean basin in the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal city of St. Petersburg allows for open access to the calming waters that visitors can enjoy year-round.
Savor the Taste of the City
Explore the drinking culture of St. Petersburg with your date by touring one of its many breweries. Savor the flavors of hand-crafted beers at places like 3 Daughters Brewing, the Dog Bar, Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill, and Pinellas Ale Works Brewery & Tap Room.
Stroll Along the Pier
26-acres of peaceful waters and vibrant greenery, St. Petersburg Pier is a landmark destination for visitors and locals alike. Indulge in a charming date while strolling, biking, dining, shopping, or taking in the views at this premier pleasure pier.
Enjoy Waterfront Views
Take a stroll through St. Petersburg’s scenic waterfront neighborhood, South Pasadena. You and your date will be charmed by the semi-tropical weather and a wide variety of local cuisines.
Immerse Yourself in a Botanical Paradise
These 100-year-old botanical gardens are home to a carefully curated collection of over 50,000 tropical plants. Sunken Gardens is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the United States. Walking through the vistas of waterfalls, lush flora, and unique animals will make you feel like you’ve escaped to paradise.
Learn About Native American History
Explore one of the best-preserved indigenous archaeological sites in the nation at Jungle Prada. Here, Tocobaga mounds and 900 years of Florida history have been carefully preserved. The historical Narváez expedition landing location is rich in Native American culture and history, with immersive botanical experiences and archeological artifacts on display.
Zip Around Town in Style
Impress your date with a night out on the town in a rented luxury vehicle from Exotic Luxury Rental. As St. Petersburg’s premier location for extravagant models, it’ll make your stay in the city an unforgettable experience.
Reinvent Romance at the Don Cesar
The epitome of luxury and sophistication, the Don Cesar is one of the most glamorous hotels along the Gulf of Mexico. Spend a romantic night taking in the coastal views while enjoying the beachfront pools, fine dining restaurants, and relaxing lounges.
Check Out the Trends of the City
The EDGE District may be an acronym for entertainment, dining, galleries, shops, etcetera but the neighborhood is exactly what the name implies. The district brings the edge with trendy shops, restaurants, and breweries that showcase the diverse range of the city.
Eagle Sail Along the Coast
The beaches of Florida are known for attracting visitors with leisurely recreational activities, so what better way to learn parasailing than on Florida’s very own Madeira beach? Take in the sights of the gulf coast as you eagle parasail through the limitless waters.
Discover Local Marine Life
Uncover all the secrets of Florida’s vast waterways at the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. The non-profit complex exhibits a variety of local marine species and features interactive displays, tours, and sightseeing opportunities.
Stimulate Your Creativity
Excite your mind in a creative environment by paying a visit to the Great Explorations Children’s Museum, Tampa Bay’s first children’s museum. With endless hands-on activities and exploration exhibits, the museum is sure to keep the whole family amused.
Catch a Game at Tropicana Field
The Trop, as locals refer to it, is the perfect date destination to sit back, relax, and cheer on the Tampa Bay Rays.
Immerse Yourself in the World of Art
The Morean Arts Center is a free arts complex showcasing contemporary galleries from artists worldwide. Visitors can admire the art and take affordable year-round classes to enhance their skills.
Dance the Night Away
Take the night off for some much-needed bonding time with your partner and participate in a dance lesson. Book a private lesson in salsa, ballroom, or any style you love at Dance Passion Ballroom Studio or Fred Astaire Dance Studios. These are two of St. Petersburg’s premier dance destinations.
Tour Ancient Ruins
Explore the ruins of the historic Fort DeSoto while learning all about its significance. Part of the National Register of Historic Places, the fort contains four seacoast rifled mortars and two Armstrong rapid-fire rifled guns despite never being the site of any major battle.
Get Your Groove On
Whether it’s improving your vocal abilities with singing lessons or jamming out to live music, Soul City Studios offers a wide variety of services available to everyone!
Score a Bullseye
On the lookout for a romantic date idea that’ll leave a mark? Be sure to check out some of St. Petersburg’s leading axe throwing locations like St. Pete Axe & Ale and Hatchet Hangout, where you can hit the bullseye while making lasting memories with your favorite person.
Spend the Day in the Sun
Plan the perfect beach date along the Gulf of Mexico at premier destinations like East Beach, North Beach of Mullet Key, Skyway Beach, St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island Beach, Upham Beach, and Sunset Beach. Partake in leisurely activities like swimming, sightseeing, shopping, and sunbathing. For adrenaline junkies, parasailing, hiking, and kayaking are fun options to try out. Caladesi Island, Clearwater Beach, Sand Key, Belleair Beach, Indian Shores & Indian Rocks Beach, and North Redington Beach & Redington Shores are also amazing places along the coast to bask in the Florida sun.
Snack and Play
Enjoy a signature cocktail while catching the latest Tampa Bay Rays game at Ballpark & Rec, a two-story arcade bar at Tropicana Field offering tailgate games, good food, and good vibes.
Cruise the Coast
Navigate your way through the waters of the gulf coast on the MV Dolphin Queen, a sensational catamaran experience that will take you and your date around the great city of St. Petersburg.
See the Manatees
Coffee Pot Bayou is the best year-round location to spot the manatees in the favorable Florida weather. Observe marine life while taking in the marvelous views of the waterfront.
Embrace Your Inner Artist
Learn all about pottery and tap into your creative side by making art at one of St. Petersburg’s top-rated pottery studios. Book a class at the Clay Center of St. Petersburg, or the Hive St. Pete for an exciting date.
Peruse the Tampa Bay Area
A short drive from St. Petersburg is the beautiful Tampa Bay area, a large natural harbor encompassing diverse eateries, art experiences, and aquatic adventures. Take in the culture through the many touring options available, including kayak and cruise tours.
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Top-Rated Destinations
Treasure Island Slide Florida
Enjoy the high tides and good vibes at Treasure Island Slide Florida, a public-beach on Florida’s very own Treasure Island where visitors can enjoy biking, swimming, suntanning, and sliding down the beach’s signature Hippo Water Slide.
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
For those in search of creating memories from memories, the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum is the perfect place to learn about the history of St. Petersburg. Located in the first church built on the St. Petersburg barrier island in 1917, the museum is home to artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the local beach community.
Chihuly Collection
Get lost in a sea of art at Chihuly Collection, which showcases world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly’s collection of extraordinary sculptures in a series of galleries and exhibits.
Get Blown Away by Glass Art
St. Petersburg is a hub for glass art. For a mesmerizing experience in the making and history of the practice, be sure to check out locations like the Duncan McClellan Gallery and the Imagine Museum.
James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
Learn stories of the immigrants, pioneers, and indigenous communities that contributed to the history of the great American West. Immerse yourself in a collection of over 500 historic and contemporary art pieces that capture the spirit of wildlife and the civilization of earlier people.
Bask in Nature
Sitting conveniently along the gulf coast, home to beautiful Florida weather, St. Petersburg has a plethora of parks and outdoor areas perfect for recreational activities. Enjoy the green space at local favorites like Sawgrass Lake Park, Vinoy Park, North Straub Park, and Demens Landing Park.
Duke Energy Center for the Arts (Mahaffey Theater)
Right along the waterfront of downtown St. Petersburg rests the Mahaffey Theater at Duke Energy Center, a performing arts complex and concert hall. The facility hosts a variety of live shows and concerts that make a great addition to any romantic date night.
Derby Lane
Plan a date at Derby Lane for a day of signature horse racing and poker. Complete with gourmet dining options and craft drinks, the racetrack makes for an unforgettable experience.
freeFall Theatre
Enjoy a show at freeFall Theatre, Tampa Bay’s leading destination for musicals and plays.
Sundial St. Pete
Experience a day of luxury shopping at Sundial St. Pete, the city’s principal location for first-rate retail. With the addition of exquisite eateries, unparalleled views of downtown St. Petersburg, and lively nightlife, Sundial is the perfect place for couples to unwind.
Floridian Social Club
Indulge in St. Petersburg’s bustling nightlife at the Floridian Social Club, the city’s best location for live music and craft cocktails. Stop by the lounge Thursday through Sunday to experience a date night for the books.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Encounter life in its most natural state with a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The aquarium showcases rescued marine life and educates visitors on conservation efforts to help support our oceans. Home to Winter the dolphin from the Dolphin Tale movies, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a popular destination for those passionate about marine life.
John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk
Looking out into the coastal waters of the gulf coast, John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk offers exceptional fishing spots for those looking to make a big catch. The waterfront village also consists of eco-tours, great dining options, and exclusive stores for a one-of-a-kind boardwalk experience.
Gizella Kopsick Arboretum
Happiness blooms at Gizella Kopsick Arboretum, which allows guests to stroll through their lovely collection of flora from around the globe while taking in the calming ambiance.
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St. Petersburg Museum of History
The St. Petersburg Museum of History is home to a collection that embraces the heart of the coastal city. Founded in 1920, the museum exhibits art and artifacts that tell the city’s story.
Historic Kenwood
Discover the city’s cultural hub in Historic Kenwood, a vibrant arts district. The district is known for its strong LGBTQ+ community and is home to a number of lively gay nightspots and performing centers.
ARTpool Gallery
Explore a unique collection of vintage clothing, records, and locally made goods at ARTpool Gallery. This family-owned vinyl record store offers thousands of new and gently used products for customers to discover and take home.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum
Hear the voices of the St. Petersburg African American community by paying a visit to the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum. Named after the “father of black history,” the museum showcases the history and culture of black Americans on a regional and national level.
Spongeorama’s Sponge Factory
Spongeorama’s Sponge Factory offers the largest and highest quality selection of natural sponges in the nation. It’s a great date spot where you can learn something new and pick up a unique gift to take home. Spongeorama is part of the Tarpon Springs Sponge Industry, which harvests about 90% of sea sponges worldwide. It features a diverse collection of sponges, including wool and yellow varieties.
Replenish Yourself
Pamper yourself with a day of relaxation at one of St. Petersburg’s spas and salt rooms. Premier locations like Botanica Day Spa, Salt Essentials Wellness, the Salt Suite, and St. Pete Salt Works provide an oasis for visitors to replenish themselves and leave behind their stress.
Visit St. Petersburg Distilleries
St. Petersburg is home to a plethora of distilleries featuring locally crafted liquors. Book a tasting tour at top spots like Saint Petersburg Distillery, American Freedom Distillery, or Kozuba and Sons Distillery. Enjoy vibrant flavors crafted from the finest ingredients the city has to offer.
Check Out Local Breweries
Barhop with your favorite person and experience an overflow of great beer at local favorites like St. Pete Brewing Company, 3 Daughters Brewing, Green Bench Brewing Company, If I Brewed the World Brewery and Bayboro Brewing Co.
Breweries such as Cage Brewing, Dissent Craft Brewing Company, and Arkane Aleworks also offer an amazing selection of handcrafted drinks in a charming ambiance that’ll be sure to contribute the perfect night out.
Savor the Wine
Sip on the finest wines as you enjoy quality time with your loved one while visiting some of St. Petersburg’s best wineries. Florida Orange Groves Winery, TRY WINE Bar, CellarMasters Wine Bar and Bottle Shop, and Dracula’s Legacy Wine Bar & Bistro are home to unique tastings and diverse selections.
Plan the Perfect Picnic
St. Petersburg offers great services like St. Pete Picnic Co. and InstaPicnic & Co. that curate the best picnic you’ve ever been on. With customization options and a variety of packages, these companies make it easy to plan a romantic date. Whether you’re at home or away, you’ll be able to create a memorable experience that’s sure to impress your loved one.
Sip Quality Coffee
Savor the taste of some of the best coffee that the city of St. Petersburg has to offer at Paradeco Coffee Roasters and Blush Tea & Coffee, coffee shops that provide a vibrant ambiance and the best roasts along the gulf coast.
Get Ready for Teatime
It’s always time for tea at Joseph’s Tea. Enjoy high tea with amazing quality ingredients in an elegant atmosphere. It’s a great spot serving coffee, tea, pastries, and of course, superb tea!
More Texas Date Ideas
Looking for more fun and memorable ways to plan your next date? From romantic getaways to unique local activities, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for date nights across the Lone Star State. Click through each of the date guides below:
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- Dallas Date Ideas
- Dallas Fort Worth Date Ideas
FAQs
What is Saint Petersburg, FL known for?
Saint Petersburg, or “St. Pete,” is famous for its lively arts scene, beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions. It’s home to the Salvador Dalí Museum, which has an amazing collection of the artist’s work, making it a must-see for art lovers.
Why is St. Pete called the Sunshine City?
St. Petersburg is also called the “Sunshine City” because it holds the record for having the most consecutive days of sunshine in the U.S. — 768 days! With more than 360 sunny days every year, St. Pete is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors all year long.
Date Ideas in St. Petersburg: Final Thoughts
With enriching cultural experiences, amazing food, and stunning coastal weather, St. Petersburg is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. Whether you’re planning a special occasion, a memorable Valentine’s Day, or just a fun evening with your favorite person, this vibrant city has plenty to offer. From must-see attractions to special events, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences. Plan multiple memorable dates in the “Sunshine City” and enjoy your stay!
Last Updated 2 weeks ago by Jessica Serna | Published: May 13, 2022
