Walking Central Avenue

Question

We’re planning a stay at Mint House. We would like to go to Pulpo for dinner. To walk there we have to go under 275. Is it safe? Is it creepy? It’s less than a mile, hate to pay for an Uber…

Answer

Walking along Central Avenue in St. Petersburg is generally considered safe during daylight hours and early evening. The area around Mint House toward Pulpo is an active part of downtown St. Pete with restaurants, bars, and small businesses, which means there is usually pedestrian traffic and activity.

The portion under I-275 is a typical underpass. While underpasses can sometimes feel slightly isolated, this particular section is short and well-lit. Most locals and visitors walk it without issue, especially if you’re going during dinner hours when there is still some activity on the street.

Some tips to make the walk feel safer and more pleasant:

Walk during daylight or early evening when there are other people around.
Stick to the sidewalks and well-lit paths; avoid cutting through any alleys or empty lots.
Walk with your group — since you’re a party, staying together will make it more comfortable.
Keep your phone handy for navigation and for quick access if needed.

Alternative options if you prefer not to walk under the interstate:

Use a rideshare or Uber/Lyft — short ride costs in St. Pete are generally inexpensive.
Check if Mint House offers any shuttle service or can recommend a safe walking route.
Consider taking the slightly longer route along surface streets; it may add a few minutes but avoids the underpass entirely.

Overall, walking the underpass to Pulpo from Mint House is not generally considered dangerous. Most visitors report it as a standard urban walk — a little “industrial” feeling but not creepy, especially in a group and during active hours.

Walking Central Avenue

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