Florida has many great beach towns, but few deliver the combination of world-class culture and relaxed vibes found in St. Petersburg. Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, you’ll find warm weather and almost daily sunshine at St. Petersburg’s award-winning beaches. Even if you don’t step foot on the sandy shore, the city offers a wealth of activities including sophisticated dining, chic nightlife, standout breweries, and great shopping. If you’re into performing arts, check out the European-style Mahaffey Theater with classic glamour and picture-perfect views of the waterfront.

When you’re ready to head offshore, St. Petersburg’s barrier islands offer miles of gorgeous white sand beaches where you can catch fabulous sunsets.

From October through March, you’ll find quite warm temperatures, little rainfall, and plenty of sun. Summer is a popular time for booking vacation rentals in St. Petersburg as Florida sunshine draws people to the beach, but prepare yourself for Florida’s famous humidity, which makes the heat index rise. Hurricanes are common in August and September, so keep an eye on the weather and be sure to prepare for plenty of rain from nearby tropical storms. Winters are mild and pleasant, but you may still want to bring some layers for the occasional cold night. The area’s biggest event is the annual seafood festival at St. John’s Pass in January, which has been going strong for more than 40 years.

Fort De Soto Park

Comprising five interconnected islands known as keys, and offering over 1,000 acres to explore, Fort De Soto Park is abundant with wildlife, mangroves, and wetlands, and plays an important role in protecting and preserving the region’s natural environment. Fishing is permitted in designated areas, and there are plenty of places to swim, as well as campgrounds and boat rentals. This is an especially great pick for birders as 328 species of birds have been found inside the park boundary.

Sunken Gardens

This beautiful botanical paradise offers a tranquil escape from the city. This 100-year-old garden is home to more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers, some of which are the oldest plants in the entire country. The garden’s winding paths, hidden groves, and waterfalls frame tropical plants from around the world. If you’d like, you can book guided tours or attend one of the special horticultural programs they host throughout the year.

Art Museums

St. Petersburg has a vibrant art scene and is home to a number of notable art museums. Visit the world-renowned Salvador Dalí Museum to see the largest collection of the artist’s work outside of Spain, and stop by the Morean Arts Center for a large permanent collection of masterpieces by a world-renowned glass artist. For more historical artwork viewing, check out The Museum of Fine Arts for art collections and historical objects covering almost 5,000 years of civilization and fascinating traveling exhibitions. When finished with the museums, take a trip down to the 600 Block, where eateries and bars attract crowds in the evening.