With summer approaching, swimsuit sales are on the rise, piña coladas are being chilled, and flight tickets are being booked to America’s No. 1 vacation paradise—Florida. Everyone knows about Miami, Daytona, and Clearwater beaches. But nestled away below Clearwater is a city often forgotten, St. Petersburg. Here’s why St. Petersburg should be your next travel destination.
1. It has historic charm
When St. Petersburg, or St. Pete, was founded in 1892, it had a population of only 300. Nowadays, its population is around 261,000. However, the city has retained much of its historic charm and can be spotted throughout St. Pete, especially in Historic Kenwood and Historic Uptown. Both areas in the city are marked on street signs so you’ll know exactly when you hit them. Enjoy a stroll through adorable urban housing areas featuring beachy cottages, or visit one of downtown’s 367 preserved historic sites such as the upscale Vinoy Hotel, built in 1925.
2. Living local is easy
You’ll be able to find a Starbucks or two, but entirely more common in St. Pete are locally owned cafes and eateries. Check out Central Avenue for community favorites like Bandit Coffee Co., (suitably named) Community Cafe, and Love Food Central. Or join the summer series St. Pete Indie Market, which boasts, “…local food and drink, music, and good vibes.”
3. Dogs are more than welcome
It’s rumored that some people move to St. Petersburg just because it’s so dog-friendly. In fact, most businesses on Central Avenue invite well-behaved dogs inside. And apart from local pet goods stores, there are also pet-friendly bars, such as The Dog Bar. Open until 1 a.m. on the weekends, The Dog Bar allows your pooch to roam free and even has a “dogsitter” to play with your pups using a hose and toys will you sit back and sip your brew.
4. It’s walkable
You won’t need to rent a car in St. Pete during your stay because the city, unlike many areas in Florida, is quite walkable. Most of the must-see places line the downtown streets. If you’d prefer to bike, you can find safe biking paths on the road throughout downtown areas. In addition, Coast offers bikes all around the city for rent that you can park or pick up in any Coast space after downloading their app.
Clearwater beaches are perfect for a bit of sun and sand. But if you’re looking for something a bit more historic and community-oriented this summer, St. Petersburg isn’t to be missed.
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