Things to do in St. Petersburg / Clearwater, FL

Known for Greek restaurants and culture, this lovely town is the sponge capital of the world. Visit the Spongeeorama or Konger Tarpon Springs Aquarium and be sure to eat a ton of souvlaki, spankopita and gyros while enjoying this unique village.

Like Dunedin and Gulfport, this small town jewel's Main Street is exceptional and unique. You can take a day of serenity at the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, enjoy a Thursday farmers market, 3rd Friday music series and dine/drink at Whistle Stop Bar & Grill, Besa Grill, Nantucket Bucket, Green Springs Bistro and so many more.

Known for Greek restaurants and culture, this lovely town is the sponge capital of the world. Visit the Spongeeorama or Konger Tarpon Springs Aquarium and be sure to eat a ton of souvlaki, spankopita and gyros while enjoying this unique village.

Like Dunedin and Gulfport, this small town jewel's Main Street is exceptional and unique. You can take a day of serenity at the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, enjoy a Thursday farmers market, 3rd Friday music series and dine/drink at Whistle Stop Bar & Grill, Besa Grill, Nantucket Bucket, Green Springs Bistro and so many more.

Aside from Native American Timucuans who lived in the area, the first white men to touch Florida's western coast were 16th century Spanish explorers. In search of gold, new territory, and the elusive Fountain of Youth, they stayed only long enough to realize that nothing lucrative could be easily had and then moved on. In the 19th century, settlers came to farm, to extend the railroad to the Gulf coast, and to benefit physically from the climate. Among them were John C. Williams, a former Union army general, and Peter Demens, a native Russian involved in land speculation.
The two collaborated on linking the railroad to the peninsula and then competed to title the region. Ultimately, Demens won, naming the town after his Russian birthplace. In successive years, St. Petersburg gained a reputation for its healthful environment, and vacationers began to flock to the area and its developing beaches. Early in the 20th century, passenger airline service originated in St. Petersburg and helped spur the area's growth.
Today, the city loves and depends on its tourism industry and Gulf Coast allure. But there's more than beaches. Visitors find plenty to compete for their attention. Resorts, museums, sunsets, water sports,...  Read more »

Aside from Native American Timucuans who lived in the area, the first white men to touch Florida's western coast were 16th century Spanish explorers. In search of gold, new territory, and the elusive Fountain of Youth, they stayed only long enough to realize that nothing lucrative could be easily had and then moved on. In the 19th century, settlers came to farm, to extend the railroad to the Gulf coast, and to benefit physically from the climate. Among them were John C. Williams, a former Union army general, and Peter Demens, a native Russian involved in land speculation.
The two collaborated on linking the railroad to the peninsula and then competed to title the region. Ultimately, Demens won, naming the town after his Russian birthplace. In successive years, St. Petersburg gained a reputation for its healthful environment, and vacationers began to flock to the area and its developing beaches. Early in the 20th century, passenger airline service originated in St. Petersburg and helped spur the area's growth.
Today, the city loves and depends on its tourism industry and Gulf Coast allure. But there's more than beaches. Visitors find plenty to compete for their attention. Resorts, museums, sunsets, water sports, concerts, baseball spring training, festivals, golf courses and dolphin watching captivate locals and tourists alike. Whether you come for business with Franklin Templeton, Raymond James Financial or the Home Shopping Network, or whether you just want to collect seashells at the beach, St. Petersburg/Clearwater can make it happen.
Season runs from January to May, but there's year-round fun. When in town, don't miss a Devil Rays game at Tropicana Field, exploring the diverse neighborhoods and indulging in our city's incomparable grouper or Cuban sandwiches.