Welcome to the Sunshine City, where retirement doesn't mean retreating! St. Petersburg has transformed from a sleepy beach town into Florida's coolest cultural playground—and frankly, it's about time more people discovered what locals have known for years. Whether you're trading in snow boots for flip-flops or just landed in paradise, here's your insider's guide to living your best life in St. Pete.
Spoiler alert: You're going to want to move here after reading this.
Table of contents:
- › 1. Stroll Through the Sunken Gardens
- › 2. Visit the Dalí Museum
- › 3. Explore the Museum of Fine Arts
- › 4. Attend a Show at Mahaffey Theater
- › 5. Visit the Chihuly Collection
- › 6. Catch the Saturday Morning Market
- › 7. Browse the Gulfport Art Walk
- › 8. Walk the St. Pete Pier
- › 9. Relax at St. Pete Beach
- › 10. Catch a Sunset at Pass-a-Grille
- › 11. Cruise Boca Ciega Bay
- › 12. Explore Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
- › 13. Take a Day Trip to Fort De Soto Park
- › 14. Golf at Mangrove Bay or Pasadena Yacht Club
- › 15. Shop & Dine on Central Avenue
- › 16. Enjoy Happy Hour at The Birchwood Rooftop
- › 17. Attend the St. Petersburg Jazz Festival
- › 18. Join a Historic Walking Tour
- › 19. Tour the Florida Holocaust Museum
- › 20. Explore The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
1. Stroll Through the Sunken Gardens
Step into what feels like a secret garden that's been hiding in plain sight for over 100 years. These 4 acres of botanical bliss will make you forget you're in the middle of a city. Pro tip: visit early morning when the light filters through the canopy and you'll understand why photographers are obsessed with this place.
Where to Live Nearby: Old Northeast is where the cool grandparents live—think tree-lined streets, historic homes with actual character, and neighbors who still wave from their front porches. It's like stepping back in time, but with good WiFi.
2. Visit the Dalí Museum
Holy melting clocks, Batman! This isn't just any art museum—it's a mind-bending journey through the world's largest collection of Salvador Dalí's work. The building itself looks like something Dalí might have dreamed up during a particularly vivid siesta.
Where to Live Nearby: Downtown condos put you in the heart of the action. Think sophisticated urban living where you can walk to world-class art, then grab craft cocktails without moving your car.
3. Explore the Museum of Fine Arts
This elegant gem has been quietly impressing visitors since 1965. It's the kind of place where you go to see "just one exhibit" and emerge three hours later wondering where the time went. The sculpture garden is perfect for contemplating life's big questions—or just enjoying your coffee.
Where to Live Nearby: Bayshore Boulevard offers that perfect blend of residential calm and cultural proximity. Plus, you get to say you live on one of the world's longest continuous sidewalks—great conversation starter!
4. Attend a Show at Mahaffey Theater
From Broadway touring shows to symphony performances, the Mahaffey delivers culture with a capital C. The best part? Those stunning bay views during intermission will make you remember why you moved to paradise in the first place.
Where to Live Nearby: The Arts District is where creativity meets convenience. You’ll be surrounded by galleries, studios, and neighbors who know good wine and aren't afraid to share recommendations.
5. Visit the Chihuly Collection
Chihuly Collection features stunning glass art installations—including the Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier—housed in a purpose-built downtown gallery with glass-blowing demonstrations across the street.
Where to Live Nearby: Warehouse Arts District – trendy lofts, creative energy, and walkable to museums.
6. Catch the Saturday Morning Market
Saturday Morning Market is a vibrant weekly gathering of farmers, artisans, and musicians at Williams Park (Oct–May) and Al Lang Stadium (summer)—a true St. Pete community hub.
Where to Live Nearby: Historic Kenwood – charming bungalows, community feel, and easy access to the market.
7. Browse the Gulfport Art Walk
Gulfport Art Walk happens twice monthly, turning Beach Boulevard into a lively open-air gallery with 40+ local artists, live music, and community atmosphere.
Where to Live Nearby: Gulfport – waterfront living with small-town charm and creative spirit.
8. Walk the St. Pete Pier
The rebuilt St. Pete Pier is more than just a walkway—it's a culinary destination, playground, event venue, and the city's most iconic sunset lookout (selfie obligation: 100% required).
Where to Live Nearby: Central Core high-rises—wake up to waterfront views, walk to the pier, dining, and more.
9. Relax at St. Pete Beach
Consistently rated one of America's top beaches, St. Pete Beach offers sugar-white sand and calm Gulf waters perfect for swimming. Beach bars, parasailing, paddleboarding—you name it, they’ve got it.
Where to Live Nearby: St. Pete Beach condos or inland neighborhoods—bike to the beach in flip-flops and live the vacation life year-round.
10. Catch a Sunset at Pass‑a‑Grille
Pass‑a‑Grille is a historic beach town with pristine sands, boutique charm, and sunset views so stunning you'll stop mid-conversation just to stare.
Where to Live Nearby: Pass‑a‑Grille’s Old Florida cottages and condos—you'll hear the waves at night and walk to dinner the next day.
11. Cruise Boca Ciega Bay
Take a dolphin‑watching, sightseeing cruise through calm Boca Ciega Bay. With high chances of dolphin sightings, this relaxing tour is perfect for families and nature lovers alike.
Where to Live Nearby: Isla del Sol marina-view homes—live where your boat is already in the water and dolphins might swim by.
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12. Explore Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
This 245‑acre urban wilderness offers boardwalks through swamps, pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, and lakeshore habitat. You’ll see birds, turtles, alligators—and be reminded nature can thrive in the city.
Where to Live Nearby: Lakewood Estates—peaceful suburban homes with wildlife on your doorstep and easy access to downtown St. Pete.
13. Take a Day Trip to Fort De Soto Park
This award-winning park combines Civil War history, miles of sandy beaches, kayak trails, camping, and birdwatching across five interconnected islands. The historic fort and serene bays make it a must‑visit.
Where to Live Nearby: Tierra Verde — exclusive island living just minutes from the ferry, beaches, and Fort De Soto’s natural paradise.
14. Golf at Mangrove Bay or Pasadena Yacht & Country Club
Both courses offer beautiful layouts, waterfront views, and the kind of leisurely walk-and-ride hybrid play that embodies relaxed Florida club life.
Where to Live Nearby: Communities around Pasadena and Gulfport—great golf-course homes with reasonable commutes to downtown St. Pete.
15. Shop & Dine on Central Avenue
This eclectic corridor is like a treasure hunt—vintage shops, local art, and some of the city's best restaurants and bars line this walkable stretch. Wander it often, and you'll still uncover something new.
Where to Live Nearby: Grand Central District—historic homes updated for modern life, steps from arts, eats, and neighborhood charm.
16. Enjoy Happy Hour at The Birchwood’s Canopy Rooftop
Sophisticated cocktails with 360° bay views—arrive early to snag sunset seating at one of St. Pete’s most Instagrammable rooftops.
Where to Live Nearby: EDGE District—urban sophistication meets walkable convenience, with the city’s best bars and eateries just outside your door.
17. Attend the St. Petersburg Jazz Festival
This annual event—March 31 to April 3, 2025—features world-class jazz across five nights and includes educational workshops, all set in intimate venues throughout downtown.
Where to Live Nearby: Downtown and Historic core neighborhoods—ideal for culture lovers who want front-row listening and walkable nightlife.
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18. Join a Historic Walking Tour
Explore St. Pete’s storied past on a guided Downtown tour or bicycle tour of historic districts like Old Northeast and Waterfront, available most Saturdays.
Where to Live Nearby: Old Northeast or Historic Downtown—for residents who value history and charming architecture.
19. Tour the Florida Holocaust Museum
One of the nation’s largest Holocaust museums, located downtown with rotating exhibitions and deep educational programming—recently renovated and reopened.
Where to Live Nearby: Warehouse District or Central Core—for thoughtful residents who appreciate cultural institutions and modern urban amenities.
20. Explore The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
Opened in 2018, this downtown museum offers immersive exhibitions showcasing Western and wildlife art, including contemporary works and educational tours.
Where to Live Nearby: Downtown condo living—immersed in art, walkable streets, and cultural vibrancy.
FAQs About Living in and Exploring St. Pete
Is St. Petersburg, Florida a good place to live for retirees?
Yes! St. Pete offers a perfect blend of walkable neighborhoods, cultural attractions, great weather, and low-maintenance coastal living—ideal for retirees who want more than just golf and beaches.
Which St. Pete neighborhoods are best for walkability?
Downtown St. Pete, Old Northeast, Grand Central, and the EDGE District are some of the most walkable neighborhoods, with easy access to restaurants, parks, art museums, and weekly events.
What is there to do in St. Pete besides going to the beach?
St. Pete is packed with museums, galleries, food festivals, rooftop bars, farmers markets, historic walking tours, and live performances. The city has earned a reputation as Florida’s cultural capital.
How much does it cost to buy a home near downtown St. Pete?
As of 2025, condos in the downtown core typically start around $500K, with luxury high-rises and historic homes reaching well over $1M depending on location, size, and views.
