With its vibrant arts scene, unique museums, historic neighborhoods, sunny beaches, and lively downtown, St. Petersburg has so much to see and do. The good news is many of the top attractions offer free admission or free activities, making St. Pete an affordable destination for culture, nature and fun.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Stroll the Pier | Scenic walk along the waterfront with city views |
| Beach Time on St. Pete Beach | Relax on the beach, swim, and enjoy sunsets |
| Walk Through Downtown Murals | Explore vibrant murals in the city |
| Visit the Dalà Museum on Thursdays | Free evening access to the museum for Florida residents |
| Stroll Through Funky Kenwood | Wander in a neighborhood with unique architecture |
| Relax at North Shore Park | Enjoy the park and harbor views |
| Mural Tour of the Warehouse Arts District | Discover street art in a vibrant arts district |
| Peruse Downtown Art Galleries | Explore art galleries with monthly exhibit openings |
| Watch a Sunrise or Sunset on the Beach | Experience nature’s display on the beach |
| Mural Tour of Central Arts District | See street art around Central Avenue |
| See the Chihuly Collection on Saturday Evenings | Free admission to view glass sculptures |
| Attend First Friday | Monthly street party with art, music, and specials |
If you’re looking for great free things to add to your St. Petersburg itinerary, here are 12 worthwhile options:
Stroll the Pier
Name and Location: St. Petersburg Pier, located along the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront.
History and Significance: The pier has been a landmark since the early 1900s, with the current inverted pyramid pier opening in 1973. It offers beautiful waterfront views.
What to Expect: Shops, restaurants, fishing spots along the pier. Peaceful waterfront walking and picture-perfect sunset views.
Visitor Information: Free and open daily. Paid parking available nearby.
While the rides and attractions charge admission, entry to the iconic St. Petersburg Pier itself is free. Take a scenic stroll along the winding walkways extending into Tampa Bay. Soak in views of boats gliding across the glittering blue waters with the city skyline in the distance. Benches line the pier so you can sit and relax in the sunshine and sea breezes.
Beach Time on St. Pete Beach
Name and Location: St. Pete Beach, located on a barrier island off St. Petersburg.
History and Significance: This award-winning beach is known for its white sand and calm Gulf waters. A popular recreation destination.
What to Expect: Beachcombing, swimming, sunbathing. Beachfront hotels, resorts, restaurants and beach equipment rentals.
Visitor Information: Public beach access points with parking available. Lifeguarded areas.
You don’t need to spend money to enjoy the soft white sands and tranquil waters of St. Pete Beach, consistently ranked among America’s best beaches. Simply stake out a spot on the public beach, go for a swim, build sandcastles, play volleyball, stroll along the shoreline or watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
Walk Through Downtown Murals
Name and Location: Downtown St. Petersburg features over 30 outdoor murals throughout the area.
History and Significance: St. Pete is known for its thriving public mural arts program dating back to the early 2000s. The murals reflect local culture.
What to Expect: Vibrant large-scale murals in varied artistic styles depicting marine life, nature scenes, abstract designs, and more.
Visitor Information: Free outdoor art trail to explore on foot. Get a mural map at visitors center.
Over 30 vibrant large-scale murals decorate the sides of buildings in downtown St. Pete, making for a fun free walking tour. Download a mural map online or at the visitor center so you can spot them all. Some of the most popular works include surreal dreamscapes, abstract patterns, wildlife scenes and creative portraits.
Visit the Dalà Museum on Thursdays
Name and Location: The Dalà Museum located in downtown St. Petersburg along the waterfront.
History and Significance: This top art museum offers free admission after 5pm on Thursdays. A great budget way to see the largest Dali collection outside Europe.
What to Expect: Viewing DalÃ’s paintings, drawings, sculptures. Docent lectures available in the evenings.
Visitor Information: Free general admission on Thursdays from 5-8pm. Regular admission applies at other times.
Florida residents can visit the incredible Dalà Museum for free on Thursdays from 5-8pm. But you don’t need to be a local to take advantage of this deal. Just show your driver’s license at the door, even if it’s from out of state. Marvel at Salvador DalÃ’s mind-bending surrealist creations and learn about the artist.
Stroll Through Funky Kenwood
Name and Location: Kenwood neighborhood of St. Petersburg, north of downtown.
History and Significance: Known for its historic homes, artsy vibe, indie shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. A fun area to explore.
What to Expect: Architectural charm, hip locally-owned cafes, galleries, boutiques. Mosaic garden installations.
Visitor Information: Historic walking trail maps available. Metered street parking, lots.
Just north of downtown lies the eclectic residential enclave of Kenwood lined with historic Mediterranean revival homes, artsy cottages, mom and pop shops, cafes and galleries. The neighborhood casts a bohemian spell with its quirky painted houses, lush vegetation and laid-back vibe. It’s ideal for leisurely walks admiring the architecture.
Relax at North Shore Park
Name and Location: North Shore Park along the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront.
History and Significance: This scenic park offers views of Tampa Bay and the St. Pete skyline. Popular spot for picnics and recreation.
What to Expect: Green space, playground, basketball courts, open lawn areas. Picnic pavilions available to rent. Stunning bay views.
Visitor Information: Free admission. Open 5am to 11pm daily. Metered parking along Beach Dr.
Pack a picnic and spread out at North Shore Park along the scenic downtown waterfront. There’s plenty of green grass and shade trees, plus tranquil views across the harbor to the towering city skyline. People watch as dog walkers pass by, musicians strum tunes and boats cruise the glittering waters. A city park that feels like an urban escape.
Take a Mural Tour of the Warehouse Arts District
Name and Location: The Warehouse Arts District in downtown St. Petersburg.
History and Significance: This neighborhood is home to over a dozen large-scale outdoor murals in a variety of artistic styles.
What to Expect: Walking tour of vibrant murals depicting abstract art, surrealism, nature scenes and more in the budding arts district.
Visitor Information: Free walking tour, printable maps available online. Daytime exploration recommended.
The Warehouse Arts District between downtown and the waterfront is filled with incredible large-scale street murals by local and national artists. Spot amazing works in a range of artistic styles and themes as you stroll around this area’s restaurants, shops and cafes guided by a handy mural map.
Peruse Downtown Art Galleries
Name and Location: Art galleries in the downtown St. Petersburg arts districts.
History and Significance: St. Pete has a thriving local gallery scene showcasing Florida artists. Clustered downtown districts make browsing easy.
What to Expect: Rotating fine art exhibits, artist receptions on gallery walks. Paintings, sculpture, jewelry and more.
Visitor Information: Most galleries open weekdays and Saturday afternoons. Free admission.
Many downtown St. Pete art galleries like the Morean Arts Center, the James Museum and the ArtsXchange showcase free monthly exhibit openings with complimentary drinks and appetizers. Mingling with fellow art lovers at these lively receptions lets you check out cool new works for free.
Watch a Sunrise or Sunset on the Beach
Name and Location: St. Pete Beach and other nearby Gulf coast beaches.
History and Significance: The beaches offer spectacular views of both the sunrise over the Gulf and sunset over the bay.
What to Expect: Breathtaking scenery as the sun dips below the horizon painting the waves in crimson hues. Perfect for couples.
Visitor Information: Open to the public daily. Arrive early to secure parking and beach spots.
Rise early or stay late to catch a vivid sunrise or sunset on St. Pete Beach for one of nature’s most magical free shows. Both dusk and dawn paint the sky with dazzling hues of orange, pink and purple reflected on the shimmering Gulf waters. Walk the beach or sit on a bench to admire the spectacular colors as the sun appears and disappears.
Take a Mural Tour of Central Arts District
Name and Location: The Central Arts District of St. Petersburg.
History and Significance: Home to the largest concentration of street murals in the city, all within walkable distance.
What to Expect: Guided or self-guided tour of over a dozen diverse outdoor murals throughout the neighborhood. Great photo ops.
Visitor Information: Free exploration. Walking tour maps at visitor center. Daytime hours best.
Over 50 murals and street art installations color the streets and alleys around Central Avenue. The playable Wall of Sound, geometric shapes, and surreal imagery make for eye-catching sights. Use an online mural map to locate all of these amazing works of public art as you explore the neighborhood.
See the Chihuly Collection on Saturday Evenings
Name and Location: The Chihuly Collection museum in downtown St. Petersburg.
History and Significance: This stunning glass art museum stays open late until 8pm on Saturdays. A great time to visit without crowds.
What to Expect: Later hours to immerse yourself in Chihuly’s breathtaking glass sculptures and installations. More relaxed pace.
Visitor Information: Regular admission fees apply on Saturdays. Timed tickets should still be booked online in advance.
The stunning Chilhuly Collection of dramatic glass sculptures offers free admission from 5-8pm every Saturday. Check out exhibits like the wow-worthy Chandeliers Room and Macchia Forest on select Saturday nights courtesy of generous sponsors. It’s a unique chance to see gorgeous works by a premier glass artist at no cost.
Attend First Friday
Name and Location: Throughout the downtown St. Petersburg arts districts.
History and Significance: On the first Friday of each month, the galleries offer extended evening hours and many events. A lively arts celebration.
What to Expect: Art openings and receptions, live music, food and drink specials at restaurants and bars. Festive atmosphere.
Visitor Information: Events centered downtown. Free trolley available for transportation between districts.
On the first Friday evening of each month, downtown venues from bars and restaurants to retail stores and galleries stay open late hosting live music, art, food/drink specials, pop-up shops and more as part of a lively street party. Join First Friday revelries each month to experience the local arts and culture scene.
Conclusion
The “Sunshine City” shines with free activities like mural tours, museum visits, beach sunsets, people-watching downtown, and exploring lively neighborhoods.
St. Petersburg makes an enticing vacation destination even for travelers on a budget. Use this list to enjoy a wealth of top attractions in marvelous St. Pete without spending a dime.