If your perfect weekend includes sandy toes, sunset views, and a little adventure mixed with a lot of chill then St. Pete Beach is the place for you.
This place brings the sunshine and the surprises, with way more to do than just laying on a beach towel (though there’s plenty of that too).
We’re talking secret islands, cool art, fruity wine, and spots where you might see dolphins while eating a grouper sandwich.
Grab your flip-flops because we’ve planned the ultimate weekend that’s fun, easy, and packed with cool stuff you’ll actually want to do.
1. Sunken Gardens
Sunken Gardens is a more than 100-year-old botanical garden in St. Petersburg, just a 20-minute drive from St. Pete Beach.
It’s packed with over 50,000 exotic tropical plants, waterfalls, and flamingos that basically live their best lives right in front of you.
You can stroll along winding paths through 4 acres of lush greenery, giant palms, butterfly gardens, and even a cactus garden.
Fun fact: the gardens sit 15 feet below street level because it was created in a drained lake formed over an ancient sinkhole, hence the name Sunken Gardens!
2. The Dalí Museum
Just a few minutes from Sunken Gardens, The Dalí Museum brings a whole different kind of wild with melting clocks, giant mustaches, and mind-bending art everywhere you look.
This place holds the largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s work outside of Spain, with over 2,400 pieces including paintings, sketches, sculptures, and surreal surprises.
The building itself is a total showstopper, with a giant glass bubble called the “Enigma” and a spiral staircase that looks like something out of a dream.
Make sure to try the augmented reality tour which literally brings the art to life right in front of your face.
3. John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk
When you’re ready to swap art galleries for salty air and boardwalk snacks, head straight to John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk in Madeira Beach.
This waterfront spot has over 100 shops, restaurants, and little beachy boutiques packed into a laid-back, old-school fishing village.
You can watch pelicans perch on the docks, hop on a dolphin cruise, or munch on fresh grouper sandwiches at The Friendly Fisherman.
Oh, and if you’re into unique souvenirs, there’s a shop here packed with fiery finds, from hot sauces and salsas to wing sauces, glazes, seasonings, and BBQ sauces.
4. Florida Orange Groves Winery
After soaking up the sun and sea breeze, swing by Florida Orange Groves Winery for a fruity twist on your weekend.
This family-owned spot in St. Pete makes 100% tropical fruit wines—think mango, watermelon, pineapple, and banana.
You can do a tasting flight right in the shop and sample their famous Hurricane Class 5 Sangria, which is basically Florida in a glass.
It’s casual, colorful, and totally fun—no fancy wine talk, just good vibes and sweet sips.
5. Upham Beach Park
When it’s finally time to kick back on the sand, Upham Beach Park is the go-to spot for an easy beach day without the crowds.
It’s located at the north end of St. Pete Beach and has super convenient walkways that take you right over the dunes and onto soft white sand.
There’s a snack shack called Paradise Grille where you can grab a breakfast sandwich or a frozen drink with your toes still in the sand.
Plus, the beach has rock jetties that are perfect for spotting dolphins or just zoning out while the waves crash around you.
6. Pass-a-Grille Beach
If you want that quiet, old-Florida feel with pastel cottages and zero high-rises, Pass-a-Grille Beach is where it’s at.
This chill little beach town sits at the very southern tip of St. Pete Beach, and it’s got serious charm without trying too hard.
You can explore cute shops on 8th Avenue, grab a grouper sandwich at Paradise Grille (yep, there’s one here too), and catch a dreamy sunset from the seawall.
Crowds are light and the whole place feels like a secret you’ll want to keep to yourself.
7. Shell Key Preserve
Ready to go full nature mode?
Shell Key Preserve is a totally undeveloped barrier island just 15 minutes south of Pass-a-Grille, and it’s only reachable by boat, kayak, or the Shell Key Shuttle.
This place is all about soft sand, clear water, and wild vibes—no bathrooms, no snack bars, just dolphins, seashells, and the sound of the Gulf.
Bring your own gear if you wanna snorkel, paddleboard, or have a beach picnic, and don’t forget to pack out everything you bring in.
8. Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park is an action-packed park with everything you could ever need.
This massive park covers five interconnected islands and has kayaking trails, fishing piers, a historic fort you can actually climb on, and one of the best dog beaches in Florida.
There’s a 7-mile paved trail for biking, and the North Beach area has calm, shallow water that’s perfect if you’re traveling with kids.
You can even catch a ferry from here to Egmont Key, where there’s a lighthouse, ghost-town ruins, and the chance to spot sea turtles.
9. Egmont Key State Park
Egmont Key State Park feels like a hidden island adventure waiting just offshore.
You can only get there by ferry or a private boat, and once you land, it’s all about exploring quiet beaches, a 19th-century lighthouse, and the crumbling remains of Fort Dade.
There are no roads or shops—just sandy trails, shady trees, gopher tortoises waddling around, and some of the clearest water you’ll see all weekend.
Bring snorkel gear if you’ve got it, because the beautiful blue-green waters will keep you coming back for more.
Please note that while Egmont Key State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, the historic structures around the lighthouse remain closed to the public due to storm damage and safety concerns.
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