Taking in St. Pete’s sunshine and street art. A creative getaway on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Sun-drenched and stylish, St. Pete is the kind of place that surprises you. Tucked between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, this Florida city, once known for sleepy retirees and spring break beaches, has transformed into one of the state’s most exciting cultural hotspots. Think bold street murals, world-class museums, outdoor markets, immersive galleries, and some of the best food and hospitality we’ve experienced anywhere.
Whether you’re here for sunshine and sea views or a long weekend filled with art, music, craft beer, and olive oil martinis, this four-day itinerary offers the perfect slice of life in St. Pete—and a taste of that unbeatable Gulf Coast charm.
On Arrival: Check in for Downtown Vibes and a Neighbourhood Welcome
Your base is the Avalon Hotel, a stylish Art Deco gem in the heart of downtown St. Pete. With its geometric lines, bold design details, and boutique vibe, it feels both retro and refreshingly modern. While there’s no pool or restaurant onsite, guests get full access to the sister property next door, The Hollander, which offers a sun-drenched pool and the ever-buzzing Tap Room. During our visit, the bar was serving up half-priced beers and packed with friendly (and very chatty) locals—a perfect welcome to the city.
Back at the Avalon, don’t miss the early evening cocktail hour. Each day between 5–7 pm, guests are treated to complimentary drinks—a civilised start to the night and a perfect excuse to shelter from the spectacular (and reliably timed) summer thunderstorms that roll through like clockwork.
Day 1: Getting Oriented
Start with a slow wander down Central Avenue to The Crislip Cafe, a relaxed, art-lined spot known for its matcha green tea lattes and stellar in-house espresso drinks named after popular songs. The Black Magic Woman (a Mayan-inspired mocha with cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne, and dark chocolate) caught our attention, but it was the Purple Rain (lavender latte with local honey and dried lavender buds) that we heard ordered most.
From here, it’s just a short walk to the city’s cultural crown jewel: The Dalí Museum. With the largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s work outside Spain, the museum is an architectural marvel offering everything from classic oils and sculptures to AI-enhanced storytelling and a 360° immersive dome. A highlight during our visit was Outside In, a mural exhibition featuring bold, street-inspired works created inside the museum by SHINE Mural Festival artists, proof that surrealism is alive and well in St. Pete.
Stay for lunch at Café Gala, the museum’s light-filled eatery. Their charcuterie and cheese platters pair beautifully with a cold wit beer from Motorworks Brewing, and the bay views aren’t bad either.
Spend the afternoon exploring the St. Pete Pier, a newly reimagined waterfront space with landscaped parks, art installations, and bustling craft markets on weekends. Make your way to Teak, the rooftop restaurant at the end of the pier, for sunset cocktails and panoramic views of the bay.
For a relaxed evening that still feels a little luxe, head to Lolita’s Wine Market. Tucked into a cosy corner of downtown, it serves up small plates with big flavours, think charcuterie boards, Spanish tapas, and seasonal specials. We were tipped off to try the Fire and Ice ceviche, and it didn’t disappoint.
Finish the evening at 3 Daughters Brewing, a cornerstone of St. Pete’s craft beer scene. The laid-back warehouse taproom serves hoppy IPAs, fruity ciders, and inventive seltzers. We arrived mid-way through the music quiz with no clue what was going on, but stayed for the buzzing atmosphere and cold brews.
Day 2: Street art tours and great food
If jet lag has you up early, head to the pier. Locals say it’s one of the best places to spot dolphins. Sadly, all we saw were impressively healthy joggers.
Just steps from the entrance to the Pier, you’ll find Cassis; a classic, French-inspired bistro with a sprawling patio that fills up fast with locals catching up over brunch. We ordered the salmon omelette, which arrived generously sized (possibly made with a dozen eggs) and packed with flavour. It was so good, but we couldn’t finish it—happily taking the rest to go. As the morning rolled on, the terrace buzzed with conversation, proving it’s a true neighbourhood favourite and a great place to fuel up for the day.
It’s time to work off that breakfast with a walk to the Central Arts District, where a self-guided mural tour will lead you past some of St. Pete’s 600+ public artworks. For a more in-depth experience, join a Saturday walking tour via Florida CraftArt, where expert guides share stories behind the neighbourhood’s vibrant visuals. Expect surreal birds, oversized bugs, and more Instagrammable walls than you can count.
For lunch, Bodega is a great choice, as the Cuban-inspired eatery is famous for its immense sandwiches. We split the Pollo Asada (coconut marinated chicken, mango mayo, avocado, jicama, fresh mango, and cilantro) and still struggled to finish it.
In the afternoon, head to the Warehouse Arts District—a creative hub of working studios and immersive experiences. Don’t miss FloridaRAMA, a psychedelic, interactive gallery blending contemporary art, tech, and whimsical Florida oddities. It’s part dreamworld and part digital playground.
Dinner is best enjoyed at Allelo, a Mediterranean-inspired spot with shareable small plates and a world-class cocktail list. The grilled octopus is a standout, but don’t leave without trying the olive oil martini, it’s savvy, savoury and unexpectedly addictive.
Cap off the night at Club 201, a plush New Orleans-style jazz lounge (not really a club at all) tucked into the Detroit Hotel. With live music, velvet seating and classic cocktails (they mix up a lovely Old Fashioned), it’s the perfect nightcap.
Day 3: Glass and Gulf Breezes
Start your day at Paradeco Coffee Roasters, a pastel-hued café with healthy breakfast bowls, colourful smoothies and standout, very strong coffee. The art deco interiors and lush greenery make it feel like a little slice of Miami meets Bali.
Next, dive into St. Pete’s renowned glass art scene. Head to the Morean Glass Studio where you can watch artists shape molten glass or book your own hands-on session. Then walk next door to the Chihuly Collection, a stunning display of Dale Chihuly’s otherworldly glass installations.
Later, wander through the Central District with its indie shops, retro hand-painted signage and laid-back breweries. It’s a great place to get out of the heat and support some local businesses. While in the neighbourhood, it’s worth dropping into the impressive James Museum with its exhibits of Western and wildlife art, offering a contemporary framing alongside rotating exhibitions. (Tip: On Tuesdays, it’s just $10 discounted admission).
For a relaxing dinner, try Red Thread, a warm, inviting spot that transports you to the Middle East. It’s intimate, low-key, and the Eastern / Arabic food selection is flawless.
Day 4: Beach Time, Brews & a Day Trip to Dunedin
Time to dip your toes in the sand. About a 45-minute drive from downtown, Clearwater Beach offers soft, powdery sands and turquoise waters, the stuff Florida postcards are made of.
For lunch, grab a table at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, a lively local spot famous for garlic and crab-topped fries and a weird fishbone-shaped pretzel. There are a few Frenchy’s to choose from, but Rockaway Grill’s spot is right on the beach and is a great stop for a cool beer.
Up the road, a smaller outtake of the famous 3 Daughters Brewing serves a rotating selection of beers in a spacious taproom that’s popular with both locals and visitors.
Fancy more adventure? Head further north along the coast to Dunedin, a charming coastal town known for its Scottish roots and standout craft breweries. Stay at the historic Fenway Hotel, a beautifully restored 1920s inn with rooftop views, and explore the town’s walkable, laid-back charm.
Whether you’re drawn here by art, beaches, food, or just a good old-fashioned cocktail with a view, you’ll leave St. Pete feeling sun-kissed, inspired, and already planning your return. We are…
When to Go: SHINE a Light on October
While St. Pete shines year-round, October is a particularly magical time to visit thanks to the city’s annual SHINE Mural Festival. This week-long celebration transforms blank city walls into massive outdoor canvases, as local and international artists create new murals live across the city. The festival includes artist talks, walking tours, pop-up events, and parties, making it a brilliant way to experience the city’s creative pulse in real-time. October also brings slightly cooler temps and fewer crowds, making it ideal for exploring the city.
To read more about the art offerings in St Pete, take a look at our rundown here.
For more information, visit: https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/
Fused flew to Tampa International Airport from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic who offer a daily service. Find out more about times and schedules as well as prices here.
If you are looking for more creative Florida inspiration take a look at our guides to Dunedin, Sarasota and the Florida Keys.
