Itinerary 2025

Question

We will be staying in downtown Sarasota in November and will visit St Pete. We will have a car. We are 2 mature adults.

We’ve visited before and that trip included Fort De Soto, The Sunken Gardens, The Dali Museum & the nearby waterfront area, , we had a wonderful meal at BellaBrava on Beach Dr, & drove over to Clearwater to explore.

What should we include on this visit? We prefer walking, exploring, beautiful landscapes, and unique local treasures. Thank you!

Answer

Since you’ve already explored some of St. Petersburg’s most popular spots on a previous visit, this trip can focus on hidden gems, scenic walks, and unique local experiences. With a car, you have the flexibility to reach areas outside the immediate downtown, while still enjoying walkable neighborhoods and waterfronts.

Suggested Activities and Areas:

St. Pete’s Waterfront Parks: Consider walking along Vinoy Park and Straub Park, which offer beautiful waterfront views, manicured landscapes, and often feature local art installations or weekend markets.
North Shore and Crescent Lake Neighborhood: A charming area for a quiet walk with historic homes, tree-lined streets, and lakeside paths. Ideal for photography and a relaxed morning stroll.
Sunken Gardens Alternative: Visit the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo, just a short drive. Less crowded than Sunken Gardens, with native plant collections and peaceful walking trails.
St. Petersburg Pier District: Although you may have visited before, the new Pier area has updated walkways, gardens, small shops, and public art. Take time to explore the surrounding waterfront restaurants and outdoor seating areas.
Historic Old Northeast District: Walk through this neighborhood near the waterfront for beautiful architecture, hidden courtyards, and local cafés. It’s especially pleasant in the late afternoon or evening.

Unique Local Experiences:

Saturday Morning Market: If your visit coincides, this open-air market in downtown St. Pete features local artists, food vendors, and live music.
St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club: A quirky, historic local spot offering shuffleboard games and a taste of classic St. Pete culture. Fun even if you just watch and enjoy the atmosphere.
Local Galleries and Studios: Beyond the Dali Museum, check out smaller galleries like Morean Arts Center or the Studio@620 for contemporary art and local crafts.
Sunset at Pass-a-Grille: Drive over to this historic beach village for a charming walk, unique shops, and some of the best sunset views on the Gulf Coast.

For dining, besides BellaBrava, you might explore Brick & Mortar for inventive small plates, or Locale Market for casual eats and locally sourced items. Both offer opportunities to enjoy the local vibe without a crowded, touristy atmosphere.

With this itinerary, you can combine scenic walking, local treasures, and beautiful landscapes while keeping the pace relaxed and enjoyable for mature travelers. Having a car makes it easy to mix downtown exploration with short drives to nearby parks and coastal gems.

Itinerary 2025

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