Adventure Awaits in Sunshine City
Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay is stunning St. Petersburg, Florida, a waterfront city that over 260,000 Floridians call home. What makes this sun-soaked destination such a draw?
St. Petersburg, or St. Pete to locals, offers those dreamy vacation temps sought out by many from across the nation. Indoor and outdoor activity is aplenty. Before we look to the highlights—first, a brief snapshot of the history of St. Pete.
History Quick Facts1
- The City of St. Petersburg was founded nearly 150 years ago! Before St. Pete became the city we see today, it was home to generations of Indigenous tribes.
- Although people began to populate the area starting in the 1830s, it wasn’t until 1875 that founder John Constantine Williams came to the Tampa area from Detroit to purchase 2,500 acres of waterfront land—land that would eventually become St. Pete.
- There is a legend that Williams and Peter Demens, an ex-Russian aristocrat who received some land from Williams, flipped a coin to determine who would get to name the city. Demens came out victorious, naming St. Pete after Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Visitors and residents alike will always uncover fun in and around St. Pete, with plenty of dining and entertainment options. Throughout the city, you can enjoy a variety of delicious bites to suit your mood, from sushi to German to Creole. Attend one of the city’s major events that take place throughout the year, such as their Pride celebration. Visit any of the seven art districts for delightful theaters, amazing museums, unique galleries, and more. Take advantage of the city’s prime waterfront locale, starting with the benches, perfect for sunbathing, volleyball, sandcastle creations, and walks along the water. Take to the sea by boat or by paddle and let the cool waters of the Gulf surround you. Golf greens are in no short supply either—tee off at one of St. Pete’s many golf courses from Vinoy Golf Club to Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club. Can’t get enough of the great outdoors? You’ll love the canoeing, kayaking, cycling and walking trails that the city provides. To get you started on your St. Petersburg adventure, check out just a few of their many offerings.
For the Foodies
Cali: Fresh and sustainable ingredients are calling your name! Cali offers homemade plant-based recipes while also putting their profits back into their local community. Stop info for a Spicy Rio Burrito or a Lean n’ Clean Epic Bowl.
Noble Crust: This St. Pete staple melds Italian with southern ingredients to crease what Noble Crust calls “Deep South Italian.” With changing menus each season, you will always find fresh plates, like their Andouille Sausage Sandwich or Spinach and Goat Cheese Frittata.
Cassis St. Pete: A delicious mix of traditional European and relaxed American, Cassis is sure to delight. Pick up a pastry or cake from the bakery, or dine in for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner. Come for the dishes, stay for the drinks! Cassis also offers an extensive cocktail and wine list.
For the Creatives
The Dali Museum: Get up close and personal with renowned artist Salvador Dali at the Dali Museum. Visitors can shop, play, and marvel at the works of Dali, as well as a host of rotating exhibits that celebrate creativity and the avant-garde.
American Stage: Fancy a show? Check out what American Stage has to offer! Since the late 1970s, the Tampa Bay area’s longest-running, critically acclaimed professional theatre company has put on shows that you know and love. Grab tickets to their latest performance!
Palladum: Indulge in a show at Palladum, St. Pete’s own historic theater just blocks from Downtown. Buy tickets to shows throughout the year, whether you’re an opera fan, a classic rock lover, or a jazz afficiando—Palladum has it all.
For the Nature Lovers
Sunken Gardens: Plan a trip to St. Pete’s oldest living museum! The more than 100-year-old Sunken Garden houses over 50,000 tropical plants and flowers, as well as waterfalls and walking paths
Maximo Beach & Park: Visit Maximo Beach in South St. Pete for a variety of outdoor options, including a nature boardwalk, 47 wooded acres with bike and nature trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a 10-foot observation towers with sweeping views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Gulf of Mexico, and Boca Ciega Bay.
Pete Pier: New to the city, The St. Pete Pier offers 26 acres of waterfront views mixed with walking, biking, dining, shopping and swimming options. Whether you’re into soaking up the sun beachside or getting in a scene bike ride, there’s something for everyone.
For Fans of Events
Localtopia: Held in February for nearly a decade, Localtopia celebrates all things St. Pete with over 300 independent businesses and organizations. Enjoy food, vendors, music, and live like a local!
Pete Pride: Welcome to the Southeast’s largest Pride celebration. 2022 will see the the city’s 20th Pride, complete with colorful floats, events, and much more. Over 265,000 people attended 2019’s Pride event!
Grand Prix of St. Petersburg: Gear up for top speeds at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, with races from Indy Pro 2000, SRO GT America, and Mazda MX-5 Cup. Attendees can also imbibe at festival beer gardens, geek out at the IndyCar Series Fan Village, and take to interactive games and exhibits throughout the weekend.
Arte Luxury Apartments in St. Petersburg, FL.
Want to call St. Pete home? Consider becoming a resident of Arte, Avanti’s luxury apartments nestled in St. Petersburg. Experience luxe home amenities, from energy efficient appliances and modern wood-style flooring to 9-foot ceilings and private balconies. In the community, you’ll have access to Arte’s rooftop deck, 24/7 fitness center, maker’s space, community courtyard, sparkling swimming pool—the list goes on! Visit us at artebyavanti.com to find out what we’re all about and schedule a tour today!