Tucked away on Tampa Bay, St. Pete’s got that effortless cool vibe you just can’t ignore. It’s relaxed waterfront, walk-able downtown, artsy influence, nightlife options, and quick proximity to world renowned white sand beached lends itself to be a popular city and close community. As a brand that thrives on the offbeat and the bold (and as nearby residents), Death Metaled is stoked to drop our go-to spots to make sure you experience the best of what St. Pete has to offer.
Things to Do:
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Visit a Local Beach
For beach lovers, St. Pete’s shoreline offers some of the best spots in the country. Pass-a-Grille is a hidden gem with its relaxed vibe and stunning sunsets—ideal for a peaceful day by the water. St. Pete Beach is where the action is, with plenty of beach bars, water sports, and that perfect stretch of sand. Fort DeSoto is a local state park great for the nature lovers that has everything from kayaking to fishing to wildlife sightings, plus some of the most beautiful beaches around. Whether you're chilling at a beachside café or exploring a secluded shore, St. Pete has the perfect spot for every kind of beach day.
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Take the Ferry to Egmont Key
Hop on the ferry to Egmont Key for a quick escape into nature. The ride itself is a treat, with stunning views of the iconic Skyway Bridge stretching across the water. Once you arrive, the island welcomes you with its historic lighthouse and an underwater world perfect for snorkeling to spot colorful fish and maybe even a dolphin or two. It’s an adventure packed into a peaceful day, with plenty of natural beauty and a dash of local history.
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Visit a Museum
St. Pete’s art scene is something you can’t miss, especially with gems like the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) and the Dalí Museum. The MFA offers a diverse collection that spans centuries and continents, from classic European paintings to contemporary works, all housed in a beautiful setting. Just down the street, the Dalí Museum dives deep into the life and works of Salvador Dalí with its extensive collection of the artist's works, making it a must-see for anyone into the weird and wonderful. If you're looking for more, the city is sprinkled with other cool museums like the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art that are worth a visit.
Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, 727-896-2667, mfastpete.org, ~$22
The Dali Museum, 1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, 727-823-3767, ~$32
The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, 150 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, 727-892-4200, ~$23
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Take a Pottery Class
For locals looking to spend a few weeks learning a new skill, St. Pete Ceramics offers class series and individual lessons throwing clay into bowls, plates, mugs, and more. Talented ceramic artist founders Beth Miranda and Ethan Fielder set out to create an inspiring, supportive space to help foster local artists and teach classes of all skill levels.
St. Pete Ceramics, 593 22nd St S St. Petersburg, FL 33712, OR 97215, stpeteceramics@gmail.com, stpeteceramics.com, varies
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See a Ray's Game
Catching a Rays baseball game at Tropicana Field is a must for any visit to St. Pete. Grab a seat, a cold drink, and settle in to watch the action unfold under the iconic indoor dome. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just there for the fun, it’s the perfect way to experience St. Pete's local sports scene.
Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg, FL 33705, mlb.com/rays/tickets, $$
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Visit the Sunken Gardens
A visit to Sunken Gardens is like stepping into a lush, tropical paradise right in the heart of St. Pete. This century-old garden is a hidden gem, boasting winding paths through vibrant flowers, exotic plants, and tranquil waterfalls. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll, snapping photos, or simply soaking in the natural beauty. Whether you’re a plant lover or just looking for a serene escape, Sunken Gardens offers a refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Sunken Garden, 1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704, 727-551-3102, sunkengardens.org, $
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Attend a Local Event
St. Pete is an active city with frequent recurring and seasonal events, like the Saturday Morning Farmer's Market, Fine Arts Festival, sunset yoga at the pier, beer and wine events, art walks, and biking tours. For updates on upcoming exciting events, my favorite resource is 'I Love the 'Burg', who post events, city updates, and features on local stories and businesses on their website and socials linked below.
ilovetheburg.com, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok,
Food to Eat:
No visit to St. Pete is complete without indulging in its vibrant culinary scene. From unique food carts to acclaimed restaurants, the city offers a wide array of dining options to satisfy every palate, cuisine, and budget. Here are some on our 'must-visit' list.
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Cafe Clementine
Want to be transported to Paris without the expensive round-trip ticket? Café Clementine is the answer. Located in the Museum of Fine Arts, this charming waterfront café bakes all of their unique, seasonally inspired menu from scratch with locally sourced ingredients, but I think the secret ingredient is a whole lotta love. My favorite pick is the Salted Honey Croissant, but their cinnamon rolls, quiche, and Turkish Eggs are worthy contenders and I hear the staff will flip a coin if you've having a hard time deciding. Perfect for a leisurely weekday afternoon or a bustling weekend brunch, Café Clementine is a must-visit spot for their St. Pete experience. Outdoor seating is available (dogs allowed on patio) and entry is available with or without a museum ticket.
Cafe Clementine, 255 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, 503-327-8831, leclementinebakeshop.com. $-$$.
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Mazzaro's
Although Mazzaro’s is technically an Italian Market, it's one of my favorite places to grab something to eat, or for ingredients to cook a meal later. No matter the day, this place is packed and with good reason. It's packed with all the good stuff— a bakery, large variety of fresh filled pastas, hot sandwich bar, ready to eat foods, take and bake meals, cheese room, coffee bar, wine cellar, Euro pantry staples, and raw meat counter. My recommendation is to grab a sandwich on the way to the beach or pick out a little of everything to cook and sample.
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Doc Ford's
If you’re looking for a laid-back restaurant with killer waterfront views, Doc Ford’s is the spot. You can enjoy views of the city skyline, marina, and pier, watch the small planes buzz by from the nearby airport, and dig into some solid seafood specials. Plus, the live music on evenings and weekends makes for a good ambiance.
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Good Fortune
Visit this retro, futuristic St. Pete restaurant, who features an Asian fusion menu of small plates, rice and noodle bowls, sushi, and creative cocktails. Pink neon lights light the space, where they also host karaoke in rooms for reservation, so it's a great place to grab a late night dinner, cocktails and have fun singing with friends.
Good Fortune, 260 1st Ave S #100, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, 727-287-3881, goodfortunestpete.com, $$
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St. Petersburg Distillery
St. Pete is filed with local artisans who pour love and skill into their craft, and St. Pete Distillery is no different with their locally inspired liquors. Think classic spirits with a twist- tropical gin, spiced rum, and orange gin. You can attend a tasting or visit their restaurant to sample a drink with a pizza or sandwich.
St. Petersburg Distillery-Trail Garden, 800 31st St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712, stpetersburgdistillery.com, $$
Local Metal Bands:
Tampa is the original birthplace of death metal, and the Tampa Bay area continues to be a hotbed for legendary musicians and a stronghold for local metal talent.
Here are some of our favorite metal musicians based out of Tampa Bay. For local favorite bands, tours, and events, be sure to check out The Brass Mug, a venue in North Tampa.
- Death: Innovative and technical with complex guitar work and philosophical lyrics; credited with pioneering the death metal genre, particularly through their groundbreaking album Scream Bloody Gore.
- Cannibal Corpse: Brutal and relentless with fast tempos, technical riffs, and guttural vocals; one of the best-selling death metal bands known for pushing the boundaries of brutality.
- Morbid Angel: Fast, technical, and dark with intricate guitar solos and occult-themed lyrics; their debut album Altars of Madness is a cornerstone of the death metal genre.
- Deicide: Ferocious and unapologetic with relentless drumming and harsh, blasphemous lyrics; their self-titled debut album is iconic for its extreme stance against religion and is a defining moment in death metal history.
- Nocturnus AD: A band blending death metal with sci-fi themes, known for their technical skill and atmospheric sound.
- Dark Sermon: Bringing a mix of death metal, black metal, and hardcore, known for their intense live performances.
- Sorcerer: Thrash influenced death metal with a dark, occult-driven sound.
