So how does 360 days of sunshine sound?  Pretty good, huh?  Well, natives of St Petersburg Florida claim that “The Sunshine City” averages about that many sunny days each year.  It’s no wonder that vacationers from all over flock to St Petersburg each year looking for fun in the sun and some beach relaxation.  St Petersburg Florida is just across the Tampa Bay from Tampa, and is often referred to in the same breath as Clearwater Beach.  It is the fourth largest city in the state of Florida and full of things to do.  The city is named after Saint Petersburg, Russia, which is the birthplace of co-founder Peter Demens.  St. Petersburg’s other founder, John C. Williams, lost the right to name the city in a coin toss, however he did name the city’s first hotel after his birthplace of Detroit. 

Since it as just as much the great Florida beaches, as it is the sun, that attracts so many visitors to the state every year, St Petersburg offers the best of both worlds.  In 2005, the highly regarded Dr. Beach, a.k.a Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, named the St Petersburg Florida beach at Fort DeSoto (North Beach) number one in the country.  As for 2007, nearby Clearwater claims the number two spot for its beach at Caladesi Island State Park.  Siesta Beach, found just a short drive away in Sarasota, takes 2007's 10th spot, making the whole area a beach lover’s dream.

Art lover’s will also find St Petersburg to be a very agreeable destination, largely in part to the fact that here you’ll find the greatest collection of Salvador Dalí’s works outside of Europe.  Arguably the most creative artist to ever lay a brush to canvas, Dali’s works are often mind-bending, and are always impressive.  The Salvador Dalí Museum can be found on the campus of the University of South Florida St Petersburg and houses the collection of past Dalí friends and patrons, A. Reynolds Morse and Eleanor R. Morse.  The museum houses 7 of the 18 masterwork paintings by Dalí, which is the most of any museum in the world.  Among his works found at St Petersburg Florida are “The Hallucinogenic Toreador” and “The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus”. 

Perusing the city’s art houses is a top draw among St Petersburg tours, as a host of world famous museums and independent art galleries combine to indulge those looking for an incredible mix of works, by both big name and local artists.  Other area museums showcasing attractions other than art will also vie for your time, including Great Explorations! The Children’s Museum and the Florida International Museum.  The Florida International Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate, which allows for exhibits that showcase Smithsonian Artifacts, as well as high quality traveling exhibitions.  Be sure to also include the Sunken Gardens on your list of family St Petersburg tours.  It’s a botanical paradise where you can wander amidst lush and exotic plants from around the world.  At Sunken Gardens, you’ll also find cascading waterfalls and a butterfly garden.

For other interesting St Petersburg tours, try BiPlane Rides and the Ghost Tour of St Petersburg.  The former offers to show you the city from above as you fly over the peninsula, while the latter takes you on a candlelit walk through the most historic and mystic city streets.  Wine enthusiasts should entertain the option of taking a tour at Florida Orange Groves and Winery.  This family operated winery is open daily, and whereas Florida isn’t exactly known for its grapes, they cultivate premium wines using citrus, berries, and other fresh fruits. 

There’s just so much to do in St Petersburg Florida, and between all the activities you can enjoy, you’ll definitely make time for the amazing local beaches.  Golfers can enjoy a selection of over 50 of some of the best Florida golf courses, and the St Petersburg/Clearwater area makes a great destination for weddings in Florida.  And, in case you decide to venture out during your time here, you’ll be happy to know you’re just 30 minutes from Busch Gardens in Tampa, and 90 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort, Sea World, and Universal Studios in Orlando.