A Destination Guide for Clearwater Harbor Vacations Guests
Overview
Known as “The Sunshine City” for holding the Guinness World Record of 768 consecutive days of sunshine, Downtown St. Petersburg offers an incredible mix of world-class museums, vibrant waterfront dining, urban murals, craft breweries, and cultural attractions. Located about 30 minutes from our vacation rental, it’s the perfect day trip destination for art lovers, foodies, and families alike.
Hours & Admission
Downtown St. Petersburg is a walkable urban district with attractions, restaurants, and shops operating on various schedules. Most attractions are open daily, with some closing on Sundays or having reduced hours. The St. Pete Pier is open 30 minutes before sunrise until 11 PM daily and is free to visit.
Top Attractions
The Salvador Dalí Museum
Home to the world’s largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s work outside of Spain, this stunning waterfront museum features a geodesic glass atrium and spiral staircase designed by Yann Weymouth. The collection includes seven of Dalí’s 18 masterwork paintings, along with sculptures, drawings, and rotating special exhibitions. The museum also features the immersive Dalí Alive 360° experience in the Dalí Dome (additional $15), and free docent tours and audio guides are included with admission. Don’t miss Café Gala for authentic Spanish tapas.
Address: 1 Dalí Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Hours: Daily 10 AM – 5 PM (closed Sunday mornings, Thanksgiving, Christmas)
Admission: Adults $32, Youth (6-12) $12, Children 5 & under free. Pinellas County residents receive discounted local rates with valid ID. Museums for All participants: $3 with EBT card.
The St. Pete Pier
This award-winning 26-acre waterfront destination is the crown jewel of downtown. Walk, bike, or take the free tram along the pier to discover restaurants, playgrounds, splash pads, a beach, fishing spots, and stunning views of Tampa Bay. The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center offers interactive marine exhibits ($5 adults, $3 children), and you can watch dolphins from the pier—locals say to look for them around midday and sunset.
Address: 600 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Hours: Daily, 30 minutes before sunrise to 11 PM. Marketplace: Friday–Sunday 10 AM – 6 PM
Admission: Free
Sunken Gardens
St. Pete’s oldest living museum is a 100-year-old botanical paradise tucked away in the heart of the city. Created in 1911 when a plumber drained a sinkhole and planted exotic seeds in the rich soil, it now features over 50,000 tropical plants, cascading waterfalls, a flock of Chilean flamingos, macaws, cockatoos, and koi ponds. The winding paths through this 4-acre oasis make for a peaceful escape. Pro tip: Check Groupon for discounted admission.
Address: 1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
Hours: Monday–Saturday 10 AM – 4:30 PM, Sunday Noon – 4:30 PM (last admission 4 PM)
Admission: Adults $15, Seniors (62+) $12, Children (2-17) $6
Chihuly Collection
This 10,000 square-foot gallery at the Morean Arts Center showcases 18 stunning installations by world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. The building was designed specifically for his work, and highlights include the 20-foot entrance sculpture and the Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier created exclusively for this collection. Admission includes a live glassblowing demonstration at the nearby Morean Glass Studio (Wednesday–Sunday).
Address: 720 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Hours: Daily 10 AM – 5 PM (closed Sunday mornings, last admission 4:30 PM)
Admission: Adults $22, Seniors (65+) $18, Students $12, Children (5-12) $10
Street Art & Murals
Downtown St. Pete is an open-air art gallery with miles of colorful urban murals, many added during the annual SHINE Mural Festival each October. Florida CraftArt offers guided Walking Mural Tours every Saturday from 10–11:30 AM, or you can explore on your own using the SHINE mural map available online. The Central Arts District has the highest concentration of street art.
Where to Eat
On The Pier
Teak – Elevated casual dining on the 4th floor with stunning Tampa Bay views. Known for their crab cakes and seafood. Great for special occasions. Pier Teaki – Rooftop tiki bar above Teak with craft cocktails and breathtaking sunset views. 21+ after 8 PM. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille – Casual waterfront spot inspired by the novel series, famous for Yucatan shrimp and laid-back party atmosphere. Perry’s Porch – Coastal eatery at the pier entrance with wraparound porch seating and beautiful park views. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Spa Beach Bistro – Quick casual bites (pizza, chicken tenders) near the playground and splash pad—perfect for families.
Beach Drive & Central Avenue
Parkshore Grill – A Beach Drive icon since 1996, voted Best Chef of Tampa Bay 2025. Contemporary American with sustainable seafood and organic produce. The patio is perfect for a romantic evening. Ceviche – Spanish tapas and wine bar with a vibrant atmosphere. Fortu – Japanese-inspired cuisine that earned Michelin-recommended status in 2025. Reservations highly recommended for weekend brunch. Bella Brava – Italian favorites including wood-fired pizza and excellent chicken parm, with waterfront views across from the pier. Bodega on Central – Family-owned Cuban spot legendary for their Cuban sandwich. Perfect for a quick, affordable lunch. The Hyppo – One of Florida’s most famous gourmet popsicle shops with creative seasonal flavors.
Craft Breweries
St. Pete has a thriving craft beer scene. Cycle Brewing features an industrial cycling theme with excellent IPAs. Green Bench Brewing on Central Avenue offers both a classic brewery and barrel-aged taproom side by side.
Don’t Miss: Saturday Morning Market
If you’re visiting on a Saturday, the Saturday Morning Market at Al Lang Stadium parking lot (230 1st St SE) is a must. Running from 9 AM to 2 PM (October–May, with summer hours 9 AM–1 PM June–August), it’s one of the region’s best farmers markets with local produce, fresh-cut pineapple, artisan crafts, live music, and prepared foods. Arrive early for the best selection and easier parking.
Parking
Downtown St. Pete has over 25,000 off-street parking spaces. Your best options:
Sundial Garage (2nd St between 1st Ave N & 2nd Ave N) – First hour FREE, then $1/hour. After 5 PM, just $1 for 4 hours. Over 1,295 spaces, EV charging on floors 2 and 4. Best for pier, dining, and Central Ave shopping.
SouthCore Garage (101 1st Ave S at Beach Dr) – $1/hour, $9 daily max. Over 1,100 spaces. Best for Dalí Museum, Mahaffey Theater, and Saturday Morning Market.
St. Pete Pier Lots – $2-$2.50/hour. Often full on weekends. Free tram runs to the pier head. Download the ParkMobile app before you go.
Dalí Museum – $10 flat rate in their dedicated lot.
Street Meters: $1-$2/hour throughout downtown. Most have 2-hour limits.
Practical Tips
• Downtown is very walkable—park once and explore on foot.
• The Downtown Looper and Central Avenue Trolley offer free transportation around the district.
• Book Dalí Museum tickets in advance, especially on weekends—it often sells out.
• Best time to visit: October through May. Summers can be hot and stormy, but attractions provide air-conditioned relief.
• For Sunken Gardens, bring bug spray and plan about 1-2 hours.
• Vinoy Park offers free waterfront walking with great dolphin-spotting opportunities—look for them at midday or sunset.
• Plan at least 2-3 hours for the Dalí Museum to fully appreciate the collection.
Driving Directions from Clearwater Harbor Vacations
Distance: Approximately 25 miles / 35-45 minutes depending on traffic
1. From 1731 Clearwater Dr, Largo, head south on Clearwater Dr toward Rosery Rd
2. Turn left onto East Bay Dr
3. Continue on East Bay Dr to US-19 S and merge onto US-19 S
4. Take the I-275 S exit toward St. Petersburg
5. Continue on I-275 S for approximately 12 miles
6. Take exit 23A for I-175 E toward Tropicana Field/Downtown
7. Continue on I-175 E, which becomes 5th Ave S
8. Turn left onto 2nd St S for Sundial Garage, or continue to Beach Dr for SouthCore Garage and the Dalí Museum
GPS Addresses:
• Sundial Garage: 153 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
• St. Pete Pier: 600 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
• Dalí Museum: 1 Dalí Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
• Sunken Gardens: 1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
• Chihuly Collection: 720 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
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Clearwater Harbor Vacations
1731 Clearwater Dr, Largo, FL 33756
