Day Trips from St. Petersburg

These long summer days just scream "road trip!" St. Petersburg is in the perfect part of the state to allow for some amazing day trips. Whether it's rain or shine, there's so much to do in a short radius from the Sunshine City! From museums to trails, read on to find inspiration for your next day off.

Ringling Museum of Art
Distance from St. Petersburg: 45 min

This pink, Renaissance-style palace in Sarasota is a great way to spend an afternoon in the air conditioning admiring art. On the grounds, they also have a courtyard with replicas of iconic sculptures. After spending an afternoon at the museum, you can try one of these new restaurants in Sarasota or local breweries in Sarasota!

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
Distance from St. Petersburg: 45 min

The Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs are a wonderful way to explore a little slice of Greece right here in the 727area. It's famous for the world's finest sponges, but in addition to sponges, you'll be able to find Greek restaurants, bakeries, sightseeing cruises, and tons of shops.

Hiking Trails
Distance from St. Petersburg: 40 min - 1 h 51 min

There are several state parks within an hour or two of St. Petersburg, and even a national forest! If you have an open afternoon and feel like going for a walk in the woods, consider hopping in the car and heading to Little Manatee River State Park, Myakka River State Park, and if you're willing to go a bit further, Ocala National Forest.

Ride the Pinellas Trail
Distance from St. Petersburg: 2 h 15 min bike ride

If cycling suits your fancy, you can grab your wheels and hit the Pinellas Trail for the day. Riding from St. Pete to Dunedin is a bit over two hours each way, but you can stop along the trail as you go to eat at 727area restaurants close to the trail. When you arrive in Dunedin, reward yourself with a pint at one of these breweries in Dunedin!

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Distance from St. Petersburg: 1 h 40 min

Inspired by an 11th-century feast and tournament, this family dinner theater near Orlando is the only place you can spend the day enjoying staged medieval-style games, jousting, and sword-fighting. While you watch the festivities, you can chow down on a roasted chicken dinner.

Bok Tower Gardens
Distance from St. Petersburg: 1 h 40 min

Located north of Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens is a 250-acre garden and bird sanctuary with a 205-foot singing tower. They have a children's garden on the property with fun family activities, and their acres of ferns, palms, and oaks provide a wonderful way to reconnect with nature.

NASA's Kennedy Space Center
Distance from St. Petersburg: 2 h 20 min

Just beyond Orlando, you can explore the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and learn about specific times and achievements in space exploration. If you can time your visit right, you could even see a rocket launch!

Springs
Distance from St. Petersburg: 1 h 10 min - 2 h

Not too far from St. Petersburg, you could inflate some tubes and float down some natural springs to escape a hot afternoon. Wekiwa Springs State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs are both no more than two hours from St. Pete and allow you to experience Florida's beautiful natural settings.

Living where others vacation goes beyond just the 727area. We're surrounded by so many amazing parks, museums, and attractions, it's hard to figure out what to do first! For more inspiration for travel in St. Petersburg, register on 727area for your free local guide to this side of the bay.

Cover photo courtesy of Unsplash