Soaking In The St. Pete Sunshine

VSPC

North Straub Park

For waterfront cityscape views, downtown St. Petersburg’s downtown parks are excellent options. Straub Park and Vinoy Park stretch along Tampa Bay, giving access to wide-open green space (as well as sidewalks cafés, in case you want to stop for a cup of coffee).

Parkshore Grill

Enjoy a great brunch outdoors along the sidewalk overlooking Straub Park and the pristine Vinoy Yacht Basin or indoors, surrounded by rich mahogany columns with iridescent mosaic tiles, a beautifully polished mahogany bar with twin waterfalls that gently drizzle a calming effect to those near.

The Dali Museum

The largest, most comprehensive collection of the famous Spanish artist's work in America. Features changing & special exhibits throughout the year, children's activities, film, music series, lectures and more.

Chihuly Collection

Dale Chihuly’s works belong to museum collections from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Louvre. His installations have hung over the piazza and canals of Venice. Yet his permanent collection resides in downtown St. Pete at the Chihuly Collection presented by Morean Arts Center, a gallery designed precisely and permanently for displaying his works, a true Chihuly museum.

The Chattaway Drive-in

If you’re into "old Florida", the Chattaway restaurant is a must-visit spot in St. Petersburg. This local favorite has been around since the early 1950's.

Tropicana Field

Having made the playoffs three times in the past five years, the Rays are a constant contender in the battle for the American League East, which some will argue is the toughest division in baseball.

Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant

The Ceviche menu is comprised of over 100 different hot and cold tapas, as well as paellas and cazuelas. Most of the tapas recipes are from Northern Spain and Catalan.

First Friday on Central Ave.

At the heart of downtown St. Pete between 2nd and 3rd Street South, every First Friday of the month, Central Avenue is transformed into a Block Party between 5:30-10 p.m. Meet up with old and new friends and enjoy some of the best Jazz and oldies in the Tampa Bay area.

I would stay at: Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club

The 361-room resort was originally built in 1925 and underwent a $93 million restoration in 1992, returning the property to its original splendor. The resort, which fronts Tampa Bay in the heart of downtown St. Pete, offers on premises an 18-hole golf course, 74-slip marina, two swimming pools, five restaurants, a full-service health club, salon and day spa and 12-court tennis complex.