This article is in collaboration with Hotels.com and has inspired me to plan a trip to St. Petersburg soon! St. Petersburg is one of the most popular travel destinations in the U.S. It sits between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay in Florida. St. Petersburg is known for having the title of the “most consecutive days with sunshine” – for an impressive 768 days. The area has something to offer every traveler – from some of the U.S.’s best beaches to nearby theme parks. There are hotels in St. Petersburg to fit every budget and traveler, whether you’re heading on a girl’s trip or a family vacation. One on my checklist is the Sandpearl Resort and Spa. I have always wanted to visit there. Here are some tips to plan your own trip to this amazing vacation area.
About St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is the fifth-most populous city in Florida and the second-largest in Tampa. The locals know it as ‘St. Pete’ and it’s earned the nickname of “The Sunshine City”. The city has an average temperature of between 64 and 80 degrees in April, rising to between 76 and 88 degrees in August. St. Petersburg plays host to millions of visitors every year from the United States and beyond. In 2014, the New York Times named it “one of the top places to go” in the world.
Getting to St. Petersburg
If you’re planning on flying to St. Petersburg, you have two nearby airport options. You can fly to Tampa International Airport and jump on a flight to St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport. With its convenient travel links, it’s the perfect weekend vacation or as an extra stop if you’re planning on visiting another area of Florida.
What to Do in St. Petersburg
The downtown St. Petersburg area is perfect for anyone who loves to shop and check out the up-and-coming bars and restaurants. Wherever you plan to stay in St. Petersburg, you can be sure to have plenty of entertainment options right on your doorstep. The city plays host to hundreds of events every year, in every corner of the city. There are hundreds of St. Petersburg hotels to choose from, whether you want a budget-friendly hotel or a luxury suite.
Some of the most famous tourist destinations in St. Petersburg include The Dali Museum, which features 2,000 pieces of art. It focuses on avant-garde art – with the entirety of Salvador Dali’s artwork represented throughout the museum.
If you prefer to hit the waterfront or like to go on a hike, Fort DeSoto Park is made up of 1,136-acres and offers a mixture of recreation trails and fishing piers. Clearwater Beach is one of the best-known in Florida and the United States, offering family-friendly attractions and beautiful sunsets.
For those who appreciate art, the Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most prestigious in Tampa. It is home to over 20,000 pieces of art that reflect more than 5,000 years of civilization. The Museum of Fine Art is conveniently located near St. Petersburg’s downtown area, making it easy to access and a great afternoon activity.
If you’re visiting with children, you’ll want to check out the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. You can see everything from sea turtles to sharks and otters. The aquarium offers tours and special shows.
Traveling During COVID-19
The travel situation remains uncertain in the face of the global pandemic. If you’re planning on traveling to St. Petersburg, keep your safety and that of others in mind. Please be responsible with your travel and follow local state guidelines and regulations.
If you’re planning on traveling during the pandemic, we recommend wearing a face mask and bringing hand sanitizer to clean your hands. You’ll want to regularly check the official websites for St. Petersburg and the surrounding area to stay on top of the latest updates. Book a hotel with a free cancellation policy in case you need to cancel or change your plans at the last minute.
