The sea, the sand, the 361 days of sunshine each year — there are a lot of things to see in St Petersburg FL, also known as the Sunshine City. This vibrant city offers something for everyone, from the sports fanatic to the art aficionado to the newcomer looking for community and the best city living has to offer. And in the heart of it all, you’ll find Downtown St. Petersburg FL.
Low key days and exciting nights
Downtown St Petersburg FL is a city with energy that moves as easy as the tides, with plenty of low-key, relaxing activities, spaces during the day, and a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene to explore after a famous St. Pete’s sunset.
Kick off your weekends at the Saturday Morning Market in Williams Park, where you’ll find vendors selling fresh produce grown at family-owned farms to delicious, ready to eat cuisine from over a dozen countries, and crafts by local artisans. Before you stop by, grab a coffee and book at Book + Bottle, a hybrid cafe and well-curated bookstore.
There’s no shortage of nightlife and great dining in St. Petersburg’s Downtown area either. Start your night at No Vacancy, an energetic cocktail bar and restaurant serving up everything from Under the Sea Nachos (with lobster, shrimp, and crab) to Mai Tais and shareable punch bowls, all in an Instagram-worthy space with outdoor and indoor seating. Afterward, cheer on the Tampa Rays at Tropicana Field, located in the heart of Downtown St. Petersburg.
Florida’s natural beauty at your fingertips
In 2020, Trip Advisor named the St Petersburg Florida beaches the #1 beach in the United States— but the city’s natural wonders don’t stop at the shoreline. The city has maintained much of the area’s natural beauty and resources, creating true pockets of oasis in the middle of Saint Petersburg’s vibrant energy.
Vinoy Park is an expansive greenspace with a seaside trail perfect for biking or sunset walks. When the park isn’t open for enjoying a picnic or a good book in the shade, it’s probably because it’s hosting one of the city’s many public events, including Ribfest and the Tampa Bay Blues Festival.
the Tampa Bay Blues Festival.
For a truly immersive experience in nature, Downtown St. Petersburg’s Sunken Gardens are a must-see. As the oldest St Petersburg museum, the Sunken Gardens are home to 50,000 tropical plants and flowers, as well as animals and waterfalls. Take a guided tour through the winding pathways and make sure to snap a few photos of the garden’s flamingos on your way!
St. Petersburg’s Downtown area is also a quick drive from Weedon Island, a 3,190-acre preserve in Tampa Bay. Visitors can explore by foot on guided hikes or get aquatic with a rented canoe or kayak. Friends of Weedon Island, an organization that supports the preserve, also offers classes on the area’s wildlife, habitats, and history.
Inspiration everywhere
One of the best parts about living in St Petersburg, FL is the easy access to cultural centers and creation, from open mic nights at local cafes to museums that span cultures and centuries. If you’re looking for your next neighborhood to constantly inspire you, Downtown St. Petersburg is the place to be.
Experience the beauty of the surreal at the Dali Museum, dedicated to the surrealist painter and artist Salvador Dali. Explore a wide collection of Dali’s work in the museum’s permanent collection, including sculptures, paintings, and photographs, or learn about the Dali museum’s featured artist of the moment. This St Petersburg museum also has an outdoor sculpture garden, the ideal spot for turning inspiration into ideas.
Speaking of inspiration: The Imagine Museum is one of St. Pete’s most famous and unique museums. Focused entirely on contemporary glass art, the space houses over 1,500 works spanning from 1960. If you find yourself inspired enough after your visit, head to The Morean Art Center, where you can take classes in glassblowing, photography, sculpture, clay, and more.
Vibrant and growing
St Petersburg Florida Downtown is an ever-evolving, changing, and improving city, with a community that’s invested in making it one of the best places to live. In 2020, the city opened St Pete Pier, a 26-acre district that stretches from Downtown St. Petersburg into the Tampa Bay area.
The space itself is impressive — it was named the #2 best new attraction in the country by USA Today — and offers some of the best restaurants in St Petersburg FL, public art installations, event space, biking, walking trails, and of course, easy access to the ocean. However, it’s also a testament to Downtown St. Petersburg and the community itself. Downtown St Pete is perfect for anyone who gets excited about meeting their neighbor, discovering something new, and taking advantage of all their city has to offer.
The Wayland by Common
If you haven’t fallen in love with Saint Petersburg yet, maybe our first-ever St. Petersburg home can convince you. The Wayland by Common offers beautiful, spacious apartments and convenient amenities, including an outdoor pool, a fitness center, 2,000 sq. feet of coworking space, and a dog park, all in the heart of Downtown St Petersburg Florida and only a short walk or drive from everything we’ve mentioned above.
Plus, as a member of The Wayland by Common, your rent gives you access to all the unique perks of being a Common member, including curated community events and discounts to local and national brands.