St Petersburg Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best St Petersburg tours and things to do on Florida’s Gulf Coast: cruise to Shell Key and Egmont Key to spot dolphins, snorkel and hunt for shells, paddle a clear kayak through mangrove tunnels, marvel at the melting clocks in the Dalí Museum, sail into a fiery Gulf sunset, and race a jet ski off St Pete Beach. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
rating
Explore St Petersburg by interest
Whatever brings you to St Petersburg — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in St Petersburg
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Dolphins
Gulf cruises.
Shell Key
Barrier island.
Mangrove Tunnels
Kayak eco-tour.
Dalí Museum
Surreal art.
Gulf Sunsets
Sunset cruises.
Watersports
Jet ski & parasail.
Fort De Soto
Island park.
John’s Pass
Boardwalk & boats.
Gulf awayShell Key
Barrier island.
Madeira awayJohn’s Pass
Dolphin cruises.
Downtown awayDalí Museum
Surreal art.
South awayFort De Soto
Island park.
Bay awayWeedon Island
Mangrove kayak.
Bay awayGulf Sunset
Sunset cruises.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every St Petersburg visitor asks before booking.
Winter (Dec–Mar)
Warm, sunny and dry — the best time to visit.
Spring (Apr–May)
Warm and pleasant, with fewer crowds.
For manatees
Cooler months are best for manatee sightings.
Summer (Jun–Sep)
Hot and humid, with afternoon storms.
For value
Late summer is quieter and cheaper.
Best overall
December to April is ideal.
One day
A dolphin cruise and the Dalí Museum.
Two days
Add Shell Key and a mangrove kayak.
Three days
Add sunsets, watersports and Fort De Soto.
For the sea
Dolphin cruises and island trips.
For culture
The Dalí Museum and the St Pete Pier.
With kids
Dolphins, islands and pirate cruises.
By boat
Cruises and ferries reach the barrier islands.
Trolley & tours
Trolleys link downtown and the beaches.
By car
A car reaches Fort De Soto and the beaches.
On foot
Downtown, the Pier and murals are walkable.
Where to stay
Stay downtown or on St Pete Beach.
US dollar
The US uses the dollar; cards widely accepted.
Dolphin cruise
Book a bay cruise to spot wild dolphins.
Shell Key
Take a boat trip for shelling and snorkeling.
Mangrove kayak
Paddle the tunnels for manatees and birds.
Dalí Museum
Book ahead to see the surreal masterpieces.
Sunset cruise
Time a sail for the Gulf sunset.
Sun protection
The Florida sun is strong — bring sunscreen.
Dolphin cruises
Popular cruises sell out — book ahead.
Island trips
Shell Key tours fill up — reserve early.
Kayak tours
Mangrove eco-tours fill up — book ahead.
Dalí Museum
Timed tickets sell out — reserve early.
Sunset cruises
Sunset sails fill up — book ahead.
Winter season
December to April is busiest — book ahead.
Dolphin cruise
Around $35–65 for a dolphin sightseeing cruise.
Shell Key trip
About $45–80 for a Shell Key island tour.
Kayak tour
Roughly $45–75 for a mangrove kayak eco-tour.
Dalí Museum
Around $30–50 for museum admission or a tour.
Sunset cruise
About $45–80 for a sunset cruise.
How to save
Join group cruises and tours to cut costs.
St Petersburg through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Warm & dry.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Pleasant.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lovely.
- Best for
- Beaches.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid.
- Best for
- Quiet & warm.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Fine.