Sitting between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, Florida's St. Petersburg is blessed with a warm climate and miles of award-winning beaches. As well as its sandy shores, you can expect to find a cool downtown scene where craft breweries, artisanal food markets and towering skyscrapers happily coexist with the city’s historic districts. St. Petersburg was originally built as a terminus for the Orange Belt Railway and with five preserved neighbourhoods, you’ll get to experience the charm of old American architecture.
You can stay in St. Petersburg hostels right next to the beach. Discover luxury accommodation with pools by the sands, restaurants overlooking the ocean and private rooms with coffee makers. There's a peaceful atmosphere in hostels with a private beach and tropical landscaped gardens. Hostels in St. Petersburg have perks like air con, unlimited Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs that make your visit feel a little more luxe, while on-site bars and restaurants mean that mealtimes are effortless.
At its core, Downtown St. Petersburg is home to art galleries (including the Salvador Dalí Museum) and a string of places to eat and drink. Grand Central District is just west of Downtown and worth a visit for its coffee shops, boutiques and green spaces. Snell Isle is to the north of the city. Once a mangrove island, it’s now an oasis full of dreamy houses and public parks. To see the oldest parts of town, go to Historic Old Northeast, Historic Kenwood and Historic Roser Park.
Head to St. Pete Beach for its swathes of golden sands and bustling atmosphere. You can have a go at parasailing, stand-up paddle boarding and windsurfing. The Museum of Fine Arts houses some impressive paintings and sculpture gardens, while ARTpool Gallery has local art collections and retro clothing to browse. Visiting on a Saturday? Check out the morning markets at Al Lang Stadium where you can pick up gifts, listen to live music, and try out local and global dishes.
Tampa International Airport is 25 minutes north of Downtown St. Petersburg. From the airport you can take a bus into the city. The bus can also connect you to other USA cities including Miami and Orlando. The nearest regional airport is St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, with services to Canadian cities such as Toronto and Ottawa. In town you can get around by trolleybuses, the Clearwater Ferry or by hiring an electric bike.
