Planning your St. Petersburg, Florida Vacation

St. Petersburg has earned its name as "Florida's sunshine city". It holds a Guinness World Record for logging the most consecutive days of sunshine, 768. Boasting 361 days of sunshine a year and average annual temperatures of 73 degrees St. Petersburg is the perfect vacation destination. As the birthplace of scheduled aviation and Major League Baseball Spring Training, St. Petersburg has been attracting visitors for close to a century. The city’s close proximity to a strip of beautiful sandy white beaches referred to as a slice of heaven and its rich cultural offerings keep visitors coming back for more. St. Pete, the short name for the fourth largest city in Florida, has a population of about a quarter of a million people. St. Petersburg still maintains a "small town" feel and a plethora of offerings in all areas. The city is devoted to the arts. It has three city and three community performing arts venues hosting plays, musical performances, fundraisers, and so much more. Home to six museums, including the Salvador Dali Museum, and many galleries the city is a dream for art lovers of all kinds. The unmistakable Pier is a city landmark. Looking like a giant upside down pyramid sticking out into Tampa Bay for a half mile, it is unlike anything you have ever seen before. The city is a shopper's paradise, from outlet malls to unique boutiques, the city runs the gamut. When it comes to dining experience, visitors may have a hard time choosing between the over 2,000 restaurants of the area. Whether you want a gulf side bite to eat or a world class meal overlooking the waters of the bay, you will find it all here. The city offers up a nightlife that will leave you waiting until you get home to sleep. You may even find yourself wanting to stay forever.

St. Petersburg Travel Tips

The St. Petersburg beaches are its main attraction, so beach safety is of utmost importance for vacation planners. Be sure to wear sunscreen with a high SPF, as the sun can be quite intense, even on cloudy days. Reapply after swimming, activity, or after several hours on the beach. While you want to return home with a great tan, a bad sunburn can put a damper on your vacation. Build your tan slowly during your stay. Some St. Petersburg area beaches are patrolled by lifeguards, and families with young children would be advised to frequent these. St. Petersburg is a very safe place to visit, but visitors should use common sense. Don't leave valuables in your vehicle, or on the beach unattended. Numerous banks are located throughout the area that offer currency exchange, and ATM's are plentiful.