48 HOURS IN ST. PETERSBURG BEACH, FLORIDA
I have been crossing the pond from the UK to Florida since the early 90’s. What drew me to St. Petersburg’s Beach was not only the sugary-soft white sand, warm sunny days and outstanding sunsets, but if you venture from the sun, sand and sea, you will find a city rich in history and culture.
I could write numerous articles on Florida but I would like this one to concentrate mainly on discovering the downtown cultural side of the city and the historical villages and communities.
In downtown St. Petes (as the locals like to dub it), you will find a number of quality museums. I am always amazed when talking with some of my Floridian friends how few of them have actually visited these wonderful attractions.
I had a friend visiting from the UK, Kareen Lee and knowing she appreciates a bit of cultural mixed in with a large amount of beach life, I thought it would be nice to experience to show her what the vibrant downtown had to offer. We kicked our first day off with a visit to the Chihuly Collection. Dale Chihuly is an American glass sculptor whose works are considered unique to the field of blown glass, moving his work into the realm of large-scale sculptures. To describe his pieces in words would never give them justice they deserve so I have supplied some photos of what you can be prepared to see. It is nothing short of truly magnificent, vibrant and colourful. Chihuly’s glass sculptures are in a league of their own.
Our next stop was a bite of lunch. On Beach Drive there are an array of restaurants to choose from but we decided on having a look at the Sundial Mall, which is an outdoor mall with interconnected shops. This has recently been completely renovated and harbours well-known named boutique type shops like Tommy Bahamas, White and Black, Chico’s to name but a few. We headed for an interesting eatery called Locale. Locale has eating areas outside and in. It is not only an eatery but also a high-end local gourmet market. This is by no means a waitress service
restaurant but what you will find is various chefs preparing different types of food a variety of food stations using the freshest local ingredients. You can also takeaway. We opted for the huge prawns with chilli sauce and a side of broccoli steam cooked in sesame and soya. We took our well presented containers to an outside table and lapped up the freshness of our lunch while catching some rays.
Our next stop was the world-class Salvador Dali Museum. This museum is dedicated to the works of Salvador Dali and it houses the largest collection of Dali’s work outside Europe. Dali is one of the most celebrated artists of our time. The museum is on several levels and you will be overwhelmed as you go from room to room and breath in Dali’s magnificent surrealist masterpieces. You could easily spend a day at the Dali.
But no day would be complete without a visit to the beach so we quickly jumped in the car and made our way to Gulf Blvd. The Grand Plaza Hotel which boasts being one of the best beach resort hotels on St. Petes Beach is where we head. Precisely behind the hotel to Bongos Beach Bar. The Grand Plaza has 4 different restaurants – Bongos which is super casual i.e. you can walk right off the beach in your swimsuit and enjoy a delicious bite to eat and wonderful cocktails made by Susie, Jason, Danielle and George. Total professionals in their trade – they make the movie cocktail look like nursery school. We opt for a frozen margarita and let our minds float back to Jimmy Buffets well-known song, Margaritaville. There is music here 7 days a week and this is where a lot of locals hang out and there is a great beach casual atmosphere. If you happen to be here on a Friday night, don’t miss Danto the Sweet Music Man.
I wanted to take Kareen up the outside lift of the Grand
Plaza Hotel to the top of the building to show her the fabulous views. Level 11 is a new top-level bar/restaurant/tapas bar. Views are 360 degrees and sunsets are phenomenal from the highest perch on the beach. Dress is summer casual, strictly no swimsuits or barefoot. This is an opulent venue with the greatest 360 degree views and sunsets on the beach strip.
Once we watched the fabulous Florida sunset, we headed back home to
Tierra Verde (an island just of St. Pete’s Beach) , made a quick change into our glad rags and headed across the street to Tierra Verde’s newest addition – The Island Grille & Raw Bar. Music every night, great food, outdoor and inside bar – but hey, it’s Florida, if it’s a wonderful night you will want a table outside. You may even decide to get up and shake your booty.
Well the night has come to a close – and before the Cinderellas turn into pumpkins, we head back to contemplate tomorrows adventures.
Up with the Pelicans, we decide to incorporate a bit of shopping along with having a look at a historical part of St. Petersburg.
John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk is about a 10 minute drive from Gulf Boulevard and here you will have the feeling of being transported in time. This quaint historic fishing village is one of St. Petersburg’s top attractions with its unique boutique shopping in the tin roofed village, variety of restaurants and plenty of dolphin watching. There are watersports, jet skiing and boat trips all available in John’s Pass. The village is on different levels of boardwalk and after a spot of serious shopping in Palm Palm, we head up to the top of the
boardwalk for an ice cream cone. Yes, everything is bigger and better in America, even the ice cream cones. While slurping our enormous cones, we take in the view and watch the dolphins. A great day out can be enjoyed here and there is also a beach very close by. Numerous boating trips are available, so if the water is calling you, there is plenty of choice. Also plenty of al fresco dining and even the famous Bubba Gumps and Hooters Restaurants are situated here.
On our way back from John’s Pass, we stop into Treasure Island to have lunch at Caddy’s on the Beach. This is an energised place where the beach is awash with blonde tanned fit surfer boys and bikini laden beach bunnies. A fun place
where the reggae music is beating and the sun soaked atmosphere is on fire. It seemed only appropriate to order some Spicy Hot Chicken Wings along with 1lb You Peel em Shrimp and people watch for an hour. We take note that we are definitely coming up here for a day on the beach, it was electric.
Lunch finished I decided then to take Kareen to a unique little community called Gulfport. This almost has the feel of Key West, where the people are interesting, there is an eclectic array of shops and some great dining al fresco experiences. After a walk around Gulfport’s many fascinating shops full of original art, unusual gifts and even a shop full to the brim of Hot Sauces, we head over to O’Maddy’s Bar and Grill to enjoy a cocktail and rest our weary feet. It’s easy to be mesmerised while sipping a cocktail or two by the many interesting inhabitants of this unique community.
As the cocktails are going down famously we decide to head homeward, have a quick change and order an Uber to take us down to Jimmy B’s which is located on Gulf Blvd just behind Players. Jimmy B’s is ranked number 1 beach bar for great bands and good food and the best time to go is when the sun is going down. Dancing is rarely an option here as there is always someone wanting to drag you to the dance floor. An amazing fun place to dance the night away and enjoy some casual dining.
Tomorrow is another day and I believe there is two sun loungers at Caddy’s with our names on them.
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