What activities you do at St. Pete Beach, Florida

St. Pete Beach (formerly known as St. Petersburg Beach), Florida, United States is the most southern link in a chain of barrier islands that make up the Tampa Bay Sun Coast in sunny Florida and was voted the #5 Best Beach in the World.

In 1994, the local community voted to officially change the name from St. Peterson Beach to St. Pete Beach so not to confuse it with the city of St. Petersburg, which is located to the east. St. Pete Beach, Florida, is not only a great place to live but also a popular winter residence for people living in other parts of the United States, Canada and Europe.

People love the serenity and peaceful beaches. There are a few things to do in St. Pete Beach, but there are also exciting places to visit nearby.

1. Gulf Beaches Historical Museum

This museum is located where the first church was situated in the National Historic District of Pass-a-Grille. Here you will see such things as post cards, photos showing the growth development of the beach communities, memorabilia of two island schools, church artifacts and other things that help tell all about the history of the island.

2. The Dali Museum

Another museum worth visiting in St. Pete Beach. Please note that the address says Saint Petersburg, but the museum is located in downtown St. Pete Beach. Here you will find many fascinating works of renowned Spanish artist Salvador Dalí. Year round there are special exhibits as well as children’s activities, films, music, and lectures. Stroll through the building and then go outside and check out the interactive gardens and the waterside Avant Garden. Before leaving, be sure to try the authentic Spanish cuisine at Cafe Gala.

3. Merry Pier

This is a fishing store and fresh fish market that is a landmark and historical place. At this place you will find live shrimp, frozen bait, cold drinks, tackle, ice, sandwiches, and a friendly staff to boot. Also available here are fishing charters and the Shell Key Shuttle, which offers boat rides and daily excursions to the Shell Key Preserve.

4. Pass-a-Grille Island

Pass-a-Grille, which is also known as the Old Town of Pass-a-Grille, is a beach that is located at the southern end of St. Pete Beach. There are restaurants here where you can eat while enjoying breathtaking views of the ocean. The locals and tourists alike love it here since it is quiet and peaceful.

5. Polynesian Putter

This is an amusement and theme park in St. Pete Island. Here you can enjoy the day with family playing miniature golf at an old style 18-hole miniature golf course. You cannot miss this place since there is a popular giant snake statue which, unfortunately, at one time had been damaged.

6. Shell Key Shuttle

As mentioned above, this is an eco-tour with low impact on popular Shall Key Island from Merry Pier in Pass-a-Grille Island. As for Shell Key Island, it is a small barrier island just south of Pass-a-Grille and St. Petersburg Beach. You can get there by boat and it is about a 10 minute ride aboard a Corinthian, 49 passenger, Coast Guard inspected vessel. One last thing to note is that sunset cruises are also available, but only on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

7. Swim with the Fishes

This is a fun program where you will be swimming in an aquarium located in RumFish Grill. There is artificial sea water in the tank as well as lots of fish and a large variety of species. You will stay on the surface of the water throughout the experience and snorkel vests are required because they stop participants from going below the surface.

Touching or feeding the species is not permitted. Included in the program is the 10-minute immersion experience, an educational session on animals and conservation, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the operation. The “Swim with the Fishes” program is only offered from Tuesday – Sunday at 10:30am and 2:30pm Eastern time.

8. St. Pete Beach

Did you know that the white, sandy shore of St. Pete Beach is the longest undeveloped public beach in the county? Enjoy various water sports, from parasailing and stand-up paddle boarding to windsurfing and kiteboarding at this beach, for which people flock to the town of St. Pete Beach.

It is especially great for kids and families since the water is shallow. There are lots of restaurants nearby as well as lots of resort hotels to choose from. Have a relaxing day on this lovely beach and see yourself why people love it so much. Also one should try something unique. The best experience will be to board a pirate cruise at St. Pete Beach FL. It is an awesome experience.