St. Pete was founded as a resort town in 1888 and was named for the birthplace of its first official tourist – a shoe salesman from St. Petersburg, Russia. Spring training, the rise of commercial flight, and the construction of the first bridge across Tampa Bay all contributed to the growth of the area as a gorgeous tropical retreat and a suburb of the bigger city of Tampa. After the invention of air conditioning, St. Pete became a prime destination for retirees from all over the world. Recently, it has shed its reputation as a place only for old folks and is now a bustling, hip metropolis that boasts international events, fine art, and top cuisine, all easily accessible from your St. Petersburg apartment abode.
No matter where in St. Petersburg you call home, there are always plenty of options for having fun. Maybe you love to play outside in the sunshine or would prefer to find more adventurous nighttime activities – either way, you'll find loads of ideas for a perfect date in this area. Here are some of our favorites:
Walk the Downtown Waterfront
St. Pete's world-famous downtown waterfront is one of the most breathtaking sights in all of Florida, especially at night. A romantic stroll down Beach Drive would be great for getting some exercise and working up an appetite for a tasty, intimate dinner. Begin your amorous amble at stunning Vinoy Park, which features over 10 acres of lush Florida landscape, as well as the impressive Mediterranean Revival architecture of the Vinoy Renaissance Resort and Golf Club. Head down Bayshore Drive Northeast next to linear North Straub Park, and take in the magnificent view of the bay. You'll meander past two of the region's finest museums and mysterious groves of distinctive Banyan trees that have stood for over a hundred years. Make your way to 2nd Avenue Northeast, and behold the enormous, historic St. Pete Pier and its new crowning glory. This locale offers several dining options, such as Fresco's Waterfront Bistro and the Stillwaters Tavern, as well as the new establishments at the far end of the pier.
Hit the Beach
The Gulf beaches of Pinellas county are known around the world for their immense beauty, and if your special friend is a fan of that beach life then this is the ideal destination date. Be sure to check the weather – in Florida, you should always be prepared for wind and rain, even if it looks sunny outside. But hey, sharing an umbrella is sexy! There are plenty of adorable beach communities to choose from – Madeira, John's Pass, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, and Pass-A-Grille are all chock full of boutiques, seafood spots, and tiki bars. If you want to impress your date with your mad planning skills, go ahead and download the ParkMobile app on your phone in advance so finding beach parking is fast and easy. Upham Beach features stunning amazing views and a rare Florida rock formation that's the perfect place to snap some Insta-ready pics. Catch an ice-cold beverage at the Swigwam or the Undertow while watching the waves, then wander down to Caddy's Waterfront for some fresh seafood and frozen drinks with your toes in the sand!
Get Some Culture
St. Pete has a well-deserved reputation as a city of the arts. From Clearwater down to Gulfport, there are a plethora of arts venues to enjoy in southern Pinellas County. The renowned Salvador Dalí Museum is an enchanting example of modern architecture with a nod to Dalí's surreal aesthetic. The museum also features a gift shop with unique and unusual items your special someone would love. Head away from the waterfront towards one of St. Petersburg's many arts districts around Central Avenue. One of the most dazzling displays is the Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center. This legendary glass artist creates unbelievably colorful sculptures and revolutionized the art world's views of glass as a medium. Florida CraftArt presents Walking Mural Tours where the intrepid tour guide will introduce you to over thirty murals in the neighborhood and share fascinating backstories about their creation. Private tours can be arranged for a small fee, so contact Florida CraftArt directly for your romantic art walk reservation.
This is just a tiny taste of all the wonderful experiences St. Pete has to offer. This area abounds with opportunities to have fun, commune with the great outdoors, and plan amazingly romantic dates for your special someone. Be sure to check RentTampaBay for more ideas on how best to enjoy this paradise we call home!