Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In St. Petersburg
Ahhhh, St. Petersburg. A popular tourist destination for Spring Break, Snowbirds, and our award-winning beaches. There is much to do in St. Petersburg for tourists and non-tourists. Go where the locals go for non-touristy things to do in St. Petersburg.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton Information
Due to the recent devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Tampa Bay Area is still in recovery mode. Many of my blog’s content has been affected by these disasters. As I work to update the information, please know that some of the attractions, accommodations, beach bars, boating excursions, and beaches may not be open for business. Thank you for your patience and understanding as our area rebuilds and prepares to welcome our beloved tourists, once again. ~Stephanie (October 2024)
Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In St. Petersburg
Saturday Morning Market
A feast for the senses, the Saturday Morning Market has been a staple in downtown St. Pete since 2002. During the summer months, you’ll find the many vendors set up at Williams Park, and during the winter months, at Al Lang Stadium.
There are many bike racks at both market locations and plenty of parking options.
While fostering a community vibe, come hungry for delicious food, stock up on fresh produce, and find a unique one-of-a-kind gift, made locally.
This is a great non-touristy thing to do in St. Petersburg and it truly supports the locals.
Yoga in The Park
Join a FREE Yoga practice at Crescent Lake Park on the first Saturday of every month. Sponsored by Get Fit St. Pete, this event is FREE, digital sign-up is required for attendance. Namaste.
Duncan McClellan Gallery
Open seven days a week, the DM Gallery is a hidden gem in the warehouse district, offering beautiful artwork from national and international artists. Watch artists in the workshop and enjoy the peaceful sculpture gardens around the property. The DM Gallery also participates in the 2nd Saturday Art Walk around St. Petersburg.
The Galley
If you’re looking for a downtown watering hole for the locals, this seaworthy place is it! Nestled just off of Central Avenue, The Galley offers a great nautical-themed place to grab a cold beer or bite to eat.
My friends and I stopped here before heading over to the Dali Museum. Of course, I’m a sucker for nautical-themed places, but we had a great time, the service was excellent and the beer was ice cold!
Stroll Historic Kenwood Neighborhood
The Historic Kenwood Neighborhood boasts oak-lined streets, beautiful old Florida homes, and an inclusive neighborhood that is sought after as a premier place to live. Walking through the neighborhood is a special way to connect to the community and to view the neighbors’ pride in their homes. Each house is different and impeccably maintained from the gardens to the eclectic paint colors.
Coastal Clean Up
Keeping our shorelines clean shouldn’t need an event, however, if you’re looking for something to do and to help the environment, join a coastal clean-up event. Tampa Bay Watch organizes events in St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas. St. Pete Beach also offers special baskets for beachgoers to collect trash during their visit. Feel good about helping out and enjoying the gorgeous scenery!
Green Light Cinema
This independent 80-seat theater features foreign films, film festival finds, documentaries, and more. Grab a snack, beer, wine, and other offerings, and enjoy the show! It’s a perfect idea for a romantic date night.
Tampa Bay Ray’s Baseball
I am thrilled that the Tampa Bay Rays have signed a deal to stay in downtown St. Petersburg, although sad that The Trop will be torn down, eventually. But alas, a new ballpark will be a great addition to the downtown scene. Attending a Rays game is lots of fun and makes for an enjoyable afternoon. Be sure to attend a game before the end of 2027, as the opening day of 2028 is slated in the new ballpark.
Picnic at Crescent Lake Park
There’s a bit of an oasis just north of downtown St. Petersburg. The beautiful Crescent Lake Park boasts a large area to relax, play pickleball, visit the dog park, and have a picnic. Take a walk on the recreation trails, play tennis, or take the kids to the playground. Whatever you decide to do, you will find the park used by locals enjoying this green space.
Sunken Gardens
I just love bringing my guests to Sunken Gardens for a visit. This is one of the hidden gems in St. Petersburg and a great respite for getting out of the hustle and bustle. Visitors will see many varieties of plants and flowers and a group of flamingos! Sunken Gardens has been a staple in the St. Pete community since 1903, and it is one of the first roadside attractions!
Events at Jannus Live
Long before writing my blog, I saw Dropkick Murphys at Jannus Live around St. Patrick’s Day. It was a crazy concert! Jannus Live is an open-air, terrace-like, space that is standing-room, only. Their event calendar is full of upcoming concerts from popular acts that are not necessarily mainstream, but will no doubt, fill the house.
Bike the Pinellas Trail
One of my favorite activities is going for a bike ride on the Pinellas Trail. There is so much to see and do along this 48-mile paved path, it makes for an interesting ride. For easy access to the trail, consider renting a bicycle in St. Petersburg. Pack a small cooler with cold drinks and a snack, there are beautiful parks all along the trail route.
Morean Arts Center
Take an art class, browse the art for sale, watch a demonstration, and view the exhibitions! The Morean Arts Center has a schedule chock full of events, classes, camps, etc. There is certainly something for everyone at the Morean Arts Center.
Vintage Marche
Dubbed as Tampa Bay’s largest vintage market, this once-a-month extravaganza is not to be missed! If you’re looking for a new vintage piece of furniture, decor, clothing, vinyl records, jewelry, or art, be sure to attend the market. Plus, they are dog-friendly!
Shuffleboard Game
Probably the most Floridan thing to do, for over 100 years, the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club has offered this pastime in the community. If you’re not a member of the club, there are limited hours for non-members to try it out. This is a great date night activity, or if you’re hosting an event, the club can be rented.
Weedon Island
Over 3,100 acres of coastal ecosystem are yours to explore just north of St. Petersburg. Bring your kayak, walk the trails, or take a guided hike. Don’t forget your water and picnic for a full day in nature. Weedon Island is home to many animal and plant species, and it has a rich history dating back thousands of years to the indigenous peoples. The educational center contains information and helpful staff to answer your questions.
Local Art Walk – 2nd Saturday
Every 2nd Saturday, galleries, and studios are open from 5-9 pm to explore. The Second Saturday ArtWalk is a great way to mingle with creative folks and perhaps find a new piece of art to take home!
Cage Brewing
This popular microbrewery, featuring 18 taps of their brews, also features pinball machines, video games, and often, live music or trivia. Cage Brewing boasts a relaxing atmosphere to gather with friends to enjoy a beer.
Pass A Grill Beach
Pass A Grill Beach would top most lists if you’re looking for the most non-touristy beach in the area perhaps because it’s the southernmost point on Gulf Boulevard, kind of out of the way. Nonetheless, pack your beach gear and enjoy this pristine slice of paradise without the mass tourists.
Breakin’ It Down: Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in St. Petersburg
Having lived in St. Petersburg for over 20 years, it’s nice to do activities that are not mainstream or where the tourists are at a minimum. These best non-touristy things to do in St. Petersburg will offer a nice activity among the locals.