St. Petersburg, Florida holds a special place in our hearts as one of our favorite destinations. Our first visit to St. Pete was five years ago, when Cedrick surprised me with a weekend trip for my birthday. Cedrick's late mother shared his love for the city and had always dreamed of retiring there. Unfortunately, she passed away from stage 4 colon cancer at the age of 53 without fulfilling her dream. In honor of his mother's memory, Cedrick wanted to explore the city she held so dear. We quickly fell in love with St. Petersburg's charm, from its stunning beaches to its lively downtown area, filled with an abundance of restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance of the historic downtown district.
St. Petersburg, Florida is a popular tourist destination, but it's still possible to enjoy all the city has to offer on a budget. Here are some tips for a budget-friendly trip to St. Petersburg:
Look for affordable accommodations: St. Petersburg has plenty of budget-friendly lodging options, including hostels, motels, and Airbnb rentals. You can also consider staying in nearby cities like Clearwater, Tampa, or Bradenton, which may offer cheaper rates.
Visit free attractions: There are plenty of free attractions in St. Petersburg, including the St. Petersburg Pier, the Sunken Gardens, and the Florida Holocaust Museum. You can also take a stroll along the city's beautiful beaches, like Fort De Soto Beach or St. Pete Beach.
Take advantage of happy hour specials: Many restaurants and bars in St. Petersburg offer happy hour specials, which can help you save money on food and drinks. Check out popular spots like The Five Bucks Drinkery, The Ale and the Witch, The Canopy Rooftop Lounge, and The Mandarin Hide.
Rent a bike or walk: St. Petersburg is a walkable and bike-friendly city, so consider renting a bike or taking a walking tour to explore the city's various neighborhoods and landmarks.
Use public transportation: St. Petersburg's public transportation system, PSTA, offers affordable rates and connects the city's various neighborhoods and attractions. Consider purchasing a day pass to save money on transportation costs.
Visit during the offseason: If you're flexible with your travel dates, consider visiting St. Petersburg during the offseason (typically from September to November). You can often find lower rates on accommodations and attractions during this time.
A few of our favorite places....
Captured in this photo is Fort DeSoto beach, featuring an extraordinary sandbar unlike any other. The sandbar extends nearly a quarter of a mile from the shore into the ocean. As we walked out onto the sandbar, we were amazed to find ourselves swimming in the middle of the ocean. It was an incredibly unique and unforgettable experience. Fort DeSoto beach is located in Pinellas County, Florida, and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The beach is situated on Mullet Key, which is part of a chain of islands off the coast of St. Petersburg.
The beach features over seven miles of white sand beaches and crystal-clear water, making it a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing.
In addition to its beaches, Fort DeSoto beach also boasts a historic fort, Fort DeSoto, which was built in the late 1800s and served as a military outpost during World War II. The fort is open for public tours, and visitors can explore the gun batteries, tunnels, and other historic features.
Fort DeSoto beach also has a campground with over 200 campsites, making it a popular destination for overnight stays. The campground is equipped with amenities such as restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.
Overall, Fort DeSoto beach is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the St. Petersburg area, offering natural beauty, history, and outdoor recreation all in one place.
Pier Teaki is a rooftop bar located in St. Petersburg, Florida, on the rooftop of the new St. Pete Pier District. The bar offers panoramic views of Tampa Bay, downtown St. Petersburg, and the surrounding area.
Pier Teaki is known for its tropical drinks, including classic tiki cocktails, and a variety of shareable plates, such as sushi rolls, poke bowls, and bao buns. The bar also features live music and a laid-back, beachy atmosphere.
The rooftop bar is part of the larger St. Pete Pier District, which is a recently renovated and expanded pier complex that features a variety of attractions, including a fishing pier, art installations, an aquarium, and a children's playground. The district is open year-round and attracts both locals and tourists alike.
Overall, Pier Teaki is a popular spot in St. Petersburg for those looking for a fun, tropical atmosphere and great views of the city and the bay.
Jimmy B's Beach Bar is a popular beachfront bar located in St. Pete Beach, Florida. The bar has been a fixture in the area since the 1970s and is known for its lively atmosphere, live music, and beachfront location.
Jimmy B's is situated on the ground floor of the Beachcomber Beach Resort, which is a beachfront hotel. The bar features indoor and outdoor seating areas and offers a variety of cocktails, beer, and wine. The menu also includes a selection of appetizers, sandwiches, and salads.
One of the highlights of Jimmy B's is its live music, which features a variety of local and regional bands playing everything from rock and roll to reggae. The bar also hosts events throughout the year, such as beach parties, karaoke nights, and sports viewing parties.
Jimmy B's is open daily, with hours that vary depending on the season. The bar is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a fun and casual atmosphere with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
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