Your Dream St. Petersburg, Florida Vacation Guide
Photo: SkyBeach Resort in St. Petersburg, FL
If you’re dreaming of a tropical paradise vacation without traveling to the other side of the world, St. Petersburg, Florida should be at the top of your list.
With its white-sand beaches, warm Gulf waters, vibrant food scene, and endless sunshine, St. Pete offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Whether you’re planning a laid-back beach getaway or a fun-filled Florida vacation packed with great food and outdoor activities, this guide covers exactly where to stay, eat, and explore.
Where to Stay
SkyBeach Resort
SkyBeach Resort is one of those places that instantly puts you into vacation mode. Located right on the water, this resort offers a peaceful, tropical escape while still being close to everything St. Pete has to offer.
One of the things I loved most about SkyBeach Resort is that you truly don’t have to leave the property to have an amazing day.
Between the beach, pools, food, and activities, it’s easy to spend your entire day soaking it all in without going anywhere.
If you don’t want to stay overnight, you can also use ResortPass to purchase a day-use ticket and enjoy all of the amenities for the day.
At SkyBeach Resort, you have access to:
A private beach
2 large resort style pools
Hot tub
Full bar & restaurant ( with amazing views)
Tennis & pickleball courts
So much more!
I thoroughly enjoyed lounging at the pool, with a pina colada in hand, and reading on the beach in the late morning.
There were plenty of beach chairs to sit at and I didn’t feel like I had to fight the crowds to secure a spot, which was nice.
I also really like that there was a restaurant so I didn’t have to leave to get lunch. And I didn’t have to change out of my swimwear since the restaurant is outdoors and located directly on the beach.
I had a great experience and would definitely come here again!
Where to Eat in St. Petersburg
Patrona Coastal Cafe
If you can only go to one cafe or coffee shop during your visit, it HAS to be Patrona Coastal Cafe.
This coffee shop has been transformed into an outdoor tropical paradise right on the water.
Tables are tucked away in the palms and under cabanas with the sand right under your feet.
They serve breakfast, lunch, and have a full coffee & tea menu.
This is the perfect place to sip your drink slowly, relax, and soak in the coastal atmosphere for a while.
Paradeco Coffee Roasters
Paradeco is a super cute coffee shop located in the heard of downtown St. Petersburg.
It’s evident the owners put a lot of thought into the space design and decorations because the interior is absolutely gorgeous.
It’s a great stop for a quality latte or espresso while exploring the city.
I would just recommend going here for drinks though, because I heard the food service can be slow sometimes.
Eat Art Love
If you want the best brunch in town, then dining at Eat Art Love, a 5-star restaurant and home of celebrity chef Mario Brugnoli.
They offer a traditional breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu with a southern flare.
You’ll find menu items like biscuits & gravy, fried chicken sandwiches, and duck & grits.
Super warm and friendly staff.
Playa Bowls
There’s nothing more refreshing after a day on the beach than a nice, cold smoothie bowl loaded with fresh fruit.
Fortunately, there’s a Playa Bowls located near St. Pete beach.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s both delicious and healthy, you have to stop here.
The Getaway
The Getaway is exactly what you need on your Florida vacation—great for brunch, lunch, or dinner!
They serve up your classic burgers and sandwiches, but also your seafood favorites like Mahi tacos, seared tuna, coconut shrimp, among other seafood dishes.
Enjoy your meal under the palm trees while listening to the waves crash against the dock—it doesn’t get much more Florida than that.
Good Fortune
Good Fortune is a Japanese restaurant that serves up a variety of Asian fusion plates like dumplings, sushi, and noodle dishes.
I enjoyed the small dishes and liked sampling a bunch of different things as opposed to having one meal.
The interior décor is stylish, modern, and very Instagram-worthy—perfect for a fun night out.
Noble Crust
Who doesn’t love a good pizza? If you’re a pizza lover, you’re going to want to check out Noble Crust.
Known for its elevated comfort food and creative pizza combinations, it’s a great spot for a casual yet satisfying meal.
Nitally’s ThaiMex
If you’re torn between Thai food and Mexican, Nitally’s ThaiMex solves that problem beautifully because they have both.
The menu contains the traditional Thai curry and rice dishes as well as popular Mexican meals like tacos and burritos.
But what’s really unique about this menu where there are dishes where there is a fusion of both Thai and Mexican, like chipotle pad Thai, which I think is super creative.
Our meals were delicious and aesthetically pleasing.
Cane & Barrel Rooftop Bar
Cane & Barrel Rooftop Bar is a great place to grab a drink and enjoy views of downtown St. Pete.
It’s perfect for a relaxed evening cocktail or a fun night out with friends.
Things to Do in St. Petersburg, FL
Go kayaking or paddle boarding with Urban Kai
Spend a day soaking up the sun on the water and exploring the unique waterways in the area!
Urban Kai has three launch locations around St. Pete and Tampa you can choose from to rent paddle boards and kayaks: Gandy, Salt Creek, and downtown Tampa.
The Gandy launch spot is conveniently located next to Patrona Coastal Cafe and the Getaway restaurant & bar (both mentioned above), so you can get there early and get a coffee before you go or grab a bite to eat before or afterwards.
This is a fun and active way to see the area from a different perspective.
I was fortunate enough to see some dolphins during my paddle, so maybe you will too if you’re lucky!
Pass-a-Grille Beach (St. Pete Beach)
When in Florida, you have to have multiple beach days—relaxing in the soft, white sand and taking the occasional dip in the warm gulf waters to cool off.
Pass-a-Grille Beach is the most southern beach on St. Pete Beach and it’s about a 20 minute drive from downtown St. Petersburg.
It’s known to be one of the more laidback beaches in the area.
Upham Beach (St. Pete Beach)
In the opposite direction you have Upham Beach which is at the northern end of St. Pete Beach.
It’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
St. Petersburg Pier
The St. Pete Pier is a must-visit attraction featuring waterfront views, walking paths, shops, restaurants, and plenty of photo opportunities.
You can’t leave the pier without getting an ice cream cone from the Driftwood Cafe!
There is also a trolley that runs up and down the pier if you want to avoid walking the length of the pier.
Things To Do Outside of St. Pete
Visit Walt Disney World— EPCOT
If you’re up for a day trip, EPCOT at Walt Disney World makes for an unforgettable experience—especially if you love food, culture, and themed attractions.
Go clear kayaking with manatees
One of the most unique experiences in Florida is clear kayaking with manatees.
You can schedule a guided kayaking tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking located about an hour north of St. Pete.
The waters are crystal clear and if you’re lucky, the manatees will swim right under your boat!
Clearwater Beach
Just a short drive away, Clearwater Beach is famous for its powdery white sand and vibrant beach atmosphere.
If you don’t mind driving a little bit further, it’s a great addition to your St. Petersburg itinerary.
Enjoy your epic Florida vacation this year!
