Best things to do in St. Petersburg

For a glimpse at the creative process of a master of Surrealism, visit The Dali Museum. Here you'll see the largest collection of Salvador Dali's works outside Europe. The museum contains works from the private collection of Albert and Eleanor Morse, Dali's patrons and friends for over four decades. The collection includes 96 oil paintings, 100 watercolors and drawings, and over 1,000 graphics, photographs, and sculptures. Pay special attention to the seven works considered Dali's masterpieces, including a metaphorical representation of Christopher Columbus' discovery of America, which took nearly four years to complete. For a taste of traditional Spanish fare, stop by the on-site restaurant, named after Dali's wife Gala.

Both a theme park and a zoo, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a mixture of roller-coaster rides, live shows, dining, shopping, and interactive activities with animals. Opened in 1959 with an African theme, the park now shelters nearly 12,000 animals, spread over 130 hectares (330 acres). You can choose to be an animal keeper for a day or take guided, behind-the-scenes tours of the animal care center, where you can learn how the park's veterinary staff cares for the zoo's residents. The theme park also offers ziplines and water rides. Take advantage of considerable savings by booking your tickets online, and choose from a range of dining and park experiences.

A heaven for Lego lovers, Legoland Florida Resort features over 50 interactive rides, shows, and attractions, all designed with small children in mind. Opened in 2011, the park encompasses 60 hectares (145 acres), making it the second largest Lego-themed park in the world. Kid-friendly attractions include roller coasters with indoor dark ride portions, wave pools, waterslides, multi-level tree and rope climbs, medieval-themed jousts with Lego horses, and outdoor games where visitors build and test their own Lego cars. You can also take a rotating platform ride, providing 360-degree views of the entire park, or join a guided factory tour for a firsthand look at the creative process behind the popular Lego brick sets. Save money and time by booking your tickets online.

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art is a museum located in St. Petersburg, Florida. The museum was founded by businessman Thomas James, and opened in 2018. The museum has thousands of pieces from the James' collection, including both contemporary and traditional works. Tom and Mary James spent $75 million creating the Museum.

Spend a day on the white sands and in the gentle waters of Clearwater Beach, noted for its proximity to restaurants, shops, and hotels. You can choose to fish, kayak, swim, or snorkel in the calm surf, or stroll along the waterfront promenade and hop on a dolphin-watching cruise in the gulf. Quieter and less crowded than many of its neighbors farther south, this beach attracts visitors interested in grabbing a good spot on the silky sand and spending a tranquil day in and out of the warm water. Take advantage of the drinking fountains, shower nozzles, and bicycle paths, all part of a 2008 upgrade to this public beach.

Noted for its wide stretch of white sand, Siesta Beach is lapped by the calm Gulf of Mexico waters. Located just minutes from Sarasota, the beach features public restrooms, snack bars, picnic shelters, gazebos, volleyball courts, and showers. The powdery sand never gets too hot for a walk, so you can intersperse your dips in the gentle waves with long walks along the water's edge. Lifeguards patrol the beach all year, every day of the week, making this one of the safest spots for visitors of all ages and swimming abilities. Parking can become a challenge as the day goes on.

Over 100 years old, Sunken Gardens hosts some of the oldest tropical plants in the area, with over 50,000 different types of plant life spread over 1.6 hectares (4 acres). Stroll the pathways lined with exotic species, waterfalls, and demonstration gardens. The large building in the gardens, constructed in 1927, is part of the National Register of Historic Places. Originally the Sanitary Public Market, the building has also been home to the Coca-Cola bottling company, and what's thought to be the world's largest gift shop and wax museum. Try to book a guided tour or take part in workshops on-site.

Chihuly Collection houses the only permanent collection of artist Dale Chihuly, whose glass sculptures have graced the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre. Highlights include the Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier, commissioned specifically for the museum, which hangs from the ceiling. With spikes poking out at all angles, the chandelier resembles a sea anemone. For an in-depth look at Chihuly’s work, take a tour led by one of the museum’s knowledgeable docents. You can buy a combination ticket, which will allow you to finish the experience by stopping by the Glass Studio & Hot Shop to watch glassblowers create new works.