Just across the bay from Tampa sits the bustling city of St. Petersburg, Florida. From world-class museums and local sports teams to legendary Florida restaurants, St. Pete offers visitors arts, culture and plenty of sunshine.
Here's a look at what to explore on a weekend getaway in St. Pete:
Where to sleep
This waterfront resort originally built in 1925 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places featuring an on-site golf course, tennis courts, marina and is just steps away from the city museums and nightlife. Rent a bike to explore the city and local trails; boating and sailing activities are also available from the resort's on-site marina. Take some time to be pampered at the resort's onsite spa. Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club. $230 to $400 nightly. 501 5th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. 727-894-1000, www.vinoyrenaissanceresort.com.
With 18 boutique rooms, The Birchwood is surrounded by plenty of shopping and trendy restaurants all while keeping the original 1920s artistic feel of the hotel. With modern conveniences such as organic bathroom amenities, a rain shower head and Italian tapestries in the rooms, the hotel is also well known for the Canopy rooftop bar overlooking the waterfront. Breakfast is included with stay. The Birchwood. $295 to $400 nightly. 340 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-896-1080, www.thebirchwood.com.
Explore the arts
Explore the colorful works of famed glass artist Dale Chihuly at the Morean Arts Center. Known for its bright colors, this permanent collection features chandelier-like structures and smaller works all housed within the 10,000-square-foot exhibit space. Roaming docents are available for questions and assistance in learning more about the artworks on display. Chihuly Collection presented by the Morean Arts Center. $14.95. 400 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-822-7872, www.moreanartscenter.org/chihuly.
Located along the St. Pete waterfront, the Dali Museum is home to more than 2,000 works of art including sculptures, sketches and watercolors. The museum's building itself is just as impressive as the works found on the inside. Architect Yann Weymouth designed the building to reflect Dali's imagination. Museum docents lead the monthly Breakfast with Dalí event, featuring an interactive tour of the museum for guests. The Surreal Family Guide offers a children's guide to the museum highlighting different works of art. The Dali Museum. $24 adults, $17 students 13-17, $10 children 6-12. One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. 727-823-3767, www.thedali.org.
Enjoy a pint
Spend time with the locals over a pint of craft beer at 3 Daughters Brewing. Enjoy live music, food trucks, minigolf and plenty of games, including oversized Jenga. Favorite brews include the Beach Blonde Ale, Bimini Twist IPA and the Rod Bender Ale. The brewery often features seasonal beers only crafted onsite. 3 Daughters Brewery. 222 22nd St. S, St. Petersburg. 727-495-6002, www.3dbrewing.com.
Where to eat
For a taste of true Florida, the family-owned Ted Peters Smoked Fish House features smoked mullet, salmon and a variety of fish smoked slowly over red oak chips. In the area for over 50 years, this local hot spot is said to go through three million pounds of smoked fish in a year. This unique dining experience is one that keeps diners coming back for more. Ted Peters Smoked Fish House. 1350 South Pasadena Ave. S, St. Petersburg. 727-381-7931, www.tedpetersfish.com.
BellaBrava's Executive Chef Jeffrey Jew brings New World Italian cuisine with a modern flair to the St. Pete area. The menu boasts classic pasta dishes alongside pizzas, calzones and flat breads cooked on a woodstone oven. With outdoor seating overlooking the bay and a view of the bustling Beach Drive, this hot spot is known for its happy hour drinks too. BellaBrava. 204 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. 727-895-5515, www.bellabrava.com.
Root for the home team
Take in a Major League Baseball game at Tropicana Field as the Tampa Bay Rays play throughout the summer. During the game, don't miss the Rays touch tank just beyond the right-center field fence, free to guests and in cooperation with the Florida Aquarium. Tampa Bay Rays. One Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg. 727-825-3137, www.raysbaseball.com.
Soccer fans, don't miss cheering on the Tampa Bay Rowdies, part of the North American Soccer League (NASL), playing their home games at Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Pete. The soccer season takes place from April to October, with playoffs in October. Tampa Bay Rowdies. 230 1st St. SE., St. Petersburg. 813-287-1539, www.rowdiessoccer.com.
For more information on St. Petersburg, go to www.visitstpeteclearwater.com.
