St. Petersburg Attractions: Top 5 Places for Weekend Trips

Not everyone can take a week-long or two-week vacation. Sometimes a long weekend provides enough time to unwind and explore a new place. And St. Petersburg welcomes visitors to do just that. From natural areas and award-winning beaches to a rich art scene, the city has attractions perfect for short trips. See our picks for the top St. Petersburg attractions.

Top 5 St. Petersburg Attractions for Weekend Trips

John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk

Located west of St. Petersburg, John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk offers family-friendly fun and entertainment. Play games, see alligators, go deep-sea fishing and hop aboard a pirate ship. When not playing, shop and dine. The boardwalk houses dozens of restaurants and boutiques worth checking out.

If in the St. Petersburg area, keep up to date with the new St. Pete Pier. Scheduled to open in 2019, the new pier will feature new attractions, businesses and things to do. Stay up to date with the St. Pete Pier project.

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

Measuring 275-acres full of natural oasis, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve also features the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center. Visitors may observe alligators in the wild as well as turtles, fish, raccoons, bald eagles, hawks, owls, bunnies, snakes, gopher tortoises and coyotes. The preserve also offers a number of walking, running and biking trails. While exploring, see over 60 species of amphibians and reptiles, 50 butterfly species and and 165 types of birds.

Salvador Dali Museum

The Salvador Dali Museum features an imaginative one-of-a-kind design. The facility hosts one of the most distinguished collections of renowned artist Salvador Dali’s works in the U.S. Tickets grant access to all galleries, a free audio guide and public tours. Don’t forget to check the schedule for upcoming events and classes.

The Sunken Gardens

The Sunken Gardens is a botanical wonderland located in the heart of the city. As the first living museum in the region, the gardens feature a 100-year-old garden, waterfalls, paths and demonstration gardens. Guests may explore over 500,000 lush and exotic plants from around the globe. The Sunken Gardens also offers tours, special events, horticultural programs, field trips, and space for weddings and other events.

Mahaffey Theater

See performances and plays from all over the world. With 2,031 European box-style seats, waterfront views and elegant ballrooms visitors will find a can’t-miss theater experience. Featured performances include Broadway favorites, comedy, classical, rock, pop, family and dance entertainment, as well as the world-renowned Florida Orchestra.

Don’t plan to see all of these St. Petersburg attractions in a couple of days. Pick two or three, and book a weekend rental in St. Pete.