I hope you’ve already read the blog about how to get to Saint Petersburg, FL, USA for the AIESEP 2025 conference. Today, let’s talk about Saint Petersburg, Florida and what to expect if you’re considering extending your trip to explore this sunny, coastal city. I’ll be helping you get a little more familiar with what to expect at the conference, plus some exciting things to explore in and around Saint Petersburg.
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Let’s start by giving you a quick overview of Saint Petersburg, so you can plan where to stay. We are offering 2 options for lodging: 1) dorm rooms and 2) Hilton Bayfront St. Pete. This hotel is located .3 miles away from the conference facility and is also in the heart of Downtown St. Petersburg. You can walk to every conference event from this hotel! This truly is a tremendous location within walking distance of just about anything you would want to explore. Book this directly through our website for an exclusive rate: https://www.aiesepstpete2025.com/lodging-options
What to Expect in Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg is a vibrant city with a lot to offer. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect.
Beaches: You can’t visit Saint Petersburg without checking out the beaches! St. Pete Beach is one of the top-rated beaches in the U.S., known for its soft, white sand and calm waters. It’s perfect for a relaxing day, whether you’re sunbathing or just walking along the shore.
Art and Culture: St. Pete is home to a thriving arts scene. The Salvador Dalí Museum is one of the city’s main attractions and holds the largest collection of Dalí’s works outside of Europe. If you’re a fan of art, this is a must-see. There’s also the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses everything from ancient art to contemporary exhibitions. For more local flavor, check out the Chihuly Collection or take a stroll through the Downtown Central Arts District for galleries and public art installations.
Nature and Parks: If you’re into nature, you’ll love the Sunken Gardens—a peaceful botanical garden right in the city. Or head to Fort De Soto Park ––– just a short drive away for hiking, biking, and beach activities. It’s an expansive natural area with pristine beaches, trails, and a bit of local history to explore. I also recommend Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and Sawgrass Lake Park.
Food Scene: Saint Petersburg is known for its excellent dining, with lots of fresh seafood. Try the The Columbia Restaurant in nearby Ybor City (Tampa) for classic Cuban food, but you can also find Bodega on Central in Saint Petersburg for Cuban sandwiches and other Latin American flavors. For something more laid-back, check out Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille St Pete Pier for fresh seafood (reserve in advance!), or head over to Red Mesa Cantina for a fun atmosphere and great Mexican food. I personally love a good sports bar for more “American” fare (Chicken Wings, Burgers, etc.) and a place to catch the game. For this, I would recommend Fergs Sports Bar –– the largest sports bar in Florida with a lot of unique oddities (axe throwing, a big “globe”, doors on the ceiling). The owner is actually a former principal from the local county and they repurposed wood from local schools to build it. If you’re looking for coffee, Black Crow Coffee is a local favorite, with great brews and a cool vibe. There is also Craft Kafe that offers coffee, baked goods, and breakfast and lunch fare, with gluten-free options (my sister LOVES this place as someone who is gluten-free). The waterfront area also has great spots like The Canopy for a drink with a view (My wife’s personal favorite).
Nightlife: Whether you want a quiet drink by the water or a lively night out, Saint Petersburg has something for everyone. Head to the Grand Central District for craft beers/breweries or check out The Mandarin Hide for cocktails. We often get called the “gulp coast” due to our abundance of craft breweries (Green Bench Brewing and 3 Daughters Brewing are awesome!). For live music, there’s the Jannus Live, The Floridian Social Club, and Welcome to the Farm. For dancing, I would recommend Good Night John Boy, a popular spot for 70s and 80s music. If you’re into a more relaxed vibe, you can always find a bar with a stunning view of the water, especially around the downtown waterfront.
Outdoor Activities
Cycling and Walking: If you’re into outdoor activities, you’re in the right place. Saint Petersburg is super bike-friendly and has lots of trails for cycling. You can rent bikes or scooters, and explore the downtown area or head out to The Pinellas Trail—a long, scenic route that spans from St. Petersburg up to Tarpon Springs. There are also plenty of walking paths along the waterfront to enjoy the stunning views, especially at Vinoy Park.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: If you’re into water sports, rent a kayak or paddleboard and head out onto Tampa Bay. The calm waters make it an ideal place to try out these activities, and you’ll get some beautiful views of the city from the water.
Sunsets: Saint Petersburg is known for its breathtaking sunsets. Make sure to take a walk along Saint Pete Beach to catch one of the most spectacular sunset views you’ll ever see. The city has a very laid-back, relaxed atmosphere, and watching the sunset over the water is one of the best ways to unwind.
Saint Petersburg’s Unique Local Vibe
Saint Petersburg, or St. Pete, has an unusual mix of old Florida charm and modern urban vibes. While it’s known for its beautiful beaches, it’s also a city that embraces local art, sustainability, and outdoor living. The residents are friendly and relaxed, and there’s a strong sense of community.
St. Pete is also known for its inclusive and vibrant LGBTQ+ community, offering a welcoming atmosphere for people of all identities. The city hosts a variety of LGBTQ+ events, including the popular St. Pete Pride Parade – the largest in the Southeast US. Many local bars, cafes, and organizations create safe spaces for queer individuals to connect throughout the community.
In terms of sustainability, many of the city’s restaurants and businesses take eco-consciousness seriously. You’ll see plenty of initiatives focused on recycling, reducing waste, and supporting local produce. We have to protect our waters!
Language and Communication: English is, of course, the primary language spoken in Saint Petersburg, but the city has a strong international influence, especially from the Latinx and Caribbean communities. You’ll likely hear Spanish spoken in many places.
Sports and Recreation: The city also has a strong sports culture. If you’re into baseball, Saint Petersburg is home to the Tropicana Field, where the Tampa Bay Rays play. Due to a recent hurricane, they may not be playing here in 2025 (TBD location); however, there are several minor league baseball teams in the area. If you’re visiting during the baseball season, try to catch a game. There’s also a huge following for soccer, with the local team Tampa Bay Rowdies drawing large crowds for their matches. If you’re in the area for a longer stay, there’s plenty of golf, tennis, and even disc golf to keep you active.
Dining and Local Cuisine
Saint Petersburg has a great food scene, but the real treat is its seafood. Many of the local restaurants offer fresh catches from the Gulf of Mexico, and the cuisine often reflects the cultural diversity of the area. Be sure to try:
- Gulf Coast Oysters: Fresh, salty oysters are a local specialty and can be found at many of the waterfront restaurants.
- Grouper: Large, heavy-bodied fish that many local restaurants offer. You need to try grouper if you are here.
- Cuban Sandwiches: Given Florida’s proximity to Cuba, Cuban food is a big deal in the area. Try one of the local spots for a classic Cuban sandwich, which is packed with flavor.
- Key Lime Pie: This iconic Florida dessert is a must-try when you’re visiting the Sunshine State.
Final Tips
- Weather: Saint Petersburg enjoys a tropical climate with warm, sunny weather year-round. In the spring, temperatures range from the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (around 25°C), so pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Transportation: The city is very walkable, but if you plan to explore outside downtown, consider renting a bike or using rideshare services. Saint Petersburg also has a great public transit system if you need it.
- Local Etiquette: People in Saint Petersburg are friendly and laid-back, but like most coastal cities, they appreciate a relaxed vibe. Dress casually, be polite, and don’t stress about formality—it’s all about enjoying the relaxed pace of life by the beach.
I hope this gives you a solid idea of what to expect if you decide to visit Saint Petersburg, FL. Whether you’re spending a few extra days in the sun after the conference or just want to explore somewhere new, you’ll find plenty to see, do, and enjoy in this charming city! Let me know if you need any other tips or recommendations.
-Dr. Craig Nieman (co-chair of AIESEP 2025)
