Best Things to Do Near St Pete Beach

This list ranges from barrier-island preserves and parks to museums and attractions across Pinellas County. Use the details below to find a stop that fits the kind of outing you want.

How this list is ranked

The order reflects our editorial judgment about how useful and checkable each entry’s published information is, not a measured score or a claim that one place suits every visitor. See how our rankings work for the method.

Choosing a place to visit

Start with the setting and the details that matter for your plans. The entries describe options for nature, beach time, local history, art, and animal viewing, along with useful information such as access, public areas, or a current closure.

Some locations are beyond St Pete Beach, including attractions in Clearwater and St. Petersburg. Check the individual listing for more detail before you head out, especially when a note describes a restricted area or a facility's current access.

  1. Fort De Soto Park

    Fort De Soto Park

    A large park spread across five interconnected islands, Fort De Soto brings beaches and varied natural habitats together. Loggerhead turtles nest on its beach from April through September. Explore Fort De Soto Park

  2. Shell Key Preserve

    Fort De Soto Park

    This preserve protects marine habitat, including Shell Key, mangrove islands, and seagrass beds. Boating, camping, and beach activities are permitted in public areas; its central conservation core is closed to the public. Explore Shell Key Preserve

  3. Boca Ciega Millennium Park

    Boca Ciega Millennium Park

    In Seminole, this park is accessible to the Pinellas Trail and has an observation tower with views of Boca Ciega Bay. Its habitats and Great Florida Birding Trail recognition make it a nature-focused stop. Explore Boca Ciega Millennium Park

  4. Florida Botanical Gardens

    Walk through formal gardens, scenic landscapes, and native habitats across 150 acres. Admission is free, leashed pets are welcome, and entrances are on Ulmerton Road and Walsingham Road. Explore Florida Botanical Gardens

  5. Weedon Island Preserve

    Weedon Island Preserve

    This natural area on Tampa Bay in north St. Petersburg is made up mostly of marine ecosystems, with some uplands. More than 4.7 miles of trails and boardwalks offer a way to experience the area. Explore Weedon Island Preserve

  6. Sand Key Park

    Clearwater waterfront

    Sand Key has distinct beach and park areas in Clearwater. Its white-sand beach is a nesting site for sea turtles from April through October, and benches overlook the salt marsh. Explore Sand Key Park

  7. Sawgrass Lake Park

    Weedon Island

    In the Lealman community, this park includes one of the Gulf Coast’s largest maple swamps, where visitors can view wildlife. Thousands of birds migrate through during fall and spring. Explore Sawgrass Lake Park

  8. Indian Rocks Historical Museum

    Set inside a historic beachfront house now located in Chic-A-Si Park, the museum presents a timeline of the area. Exhibits cover past landmarks including Pueblo Village and Tiki Gardens. Explore the Indian Rocks museum

  9. Pier 60 Park

    Pier 60 Park

    Pier 60’s lights make the pier suitable for night fishing. The T-shaped end is closed until further notice, while the bait house and fishing area up to the end are open. Check Pier 60 Park details

  10. The Dalí Museum

    The Dalí Museum

    In downtown St. Petersburg, The Dalí Museum celebrates Salvador Dalí’s life and art. Café Gala serves light Spanish-inspired tapas and fare, adding a place to explore Spanish food and history during a visit. Explore The Dalí Museum

  11. Clearwater Marine Aquarium

    Manatee viewing is open to all guests. Plan around the last-entry cutoff, which is 30 minutes before closing; the parking garage connects directly to the entrance on its third level. Explore Clearwater Marine Aquarium

  12. John’s Pass Park

    This Madeira Beach park sits across Gulf Boulevard from John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk. Beach facilities include metered parking, a wooden walkover, restrooms, an outdoor shower, a covered picnic area, and chair rentals. Explore John’s Pass Park