A guide to St. Pete’s districts – I Love the Burg

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St. Pete is home to a diverse array of districts and neighborhoods, each with its very own personality and culture, together shaping the distinct and eclectic vibe of the entire city. To truly get to know St. Pete, you’ll want to explore each of its wonderful districts and neighborhoods.
Whether you’re just visiting, new to town, or a local sure to check out our full Visitor’s Guide for upcoming events, must-visit restaurants, and more. 
PRO TIP: As you’re hopping around town, the PSTA SunRunner is a perfect way to get to the best events all across town, from downtown to the beach and everywhere in between.
This downtown stretch of Central Avenue is filled with murals, galleries, museums, music venues, and some of the best eats in the city. 
EAT: A few of our faves include Mangosteen, Brick & Mortar, and The Lure. For a Michelin-quality food, check out Il Ritorno. Colony Grill serves up thin-crust Connecticut-style pizza that’s a crowd-pleaser. Bonu Taverna is phenom Italian food and their Roman-style pinza is delicious. La V Fusion makes pho for your soul. And Schakolad Chocolate Factory is a must-visit if you have a sweet tooth.
DRINK: Book + Bottle is one part wine shop and cafe and another part bookstore. Bar Chinchilla is St. Pete’s smallest bar and it’s darling during golden hour. Visit St. Pete Brewery or Cycle Brewing for some of the best local beers.
LIVE MUSIC: Catch a show at Jannus Live, the historic Floridian Social Club, or at Ruby’s Elixir.
MUSEUMS: Located in a stunning building right downtown, the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art covers the history of the American West and wildlife of the world. The Chihuly Collection is a stunning permanent collection of the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly.
The Florida Holocaust Museum is an incredibly moving experience and a museum that everyone should visit at least once.
TOUR: Want to learn the history of this district? Check out one of our history walking tours with local historian Monica Kile.
This is one of the best parts of St. Pete to shop hop. 
If you’re aiming to stay within walking distance of this district, there are several options. Right downtown you have the AC Hotel by Marriot St. Petersburg, Hyatt Place, the historic Ponce De Leon Hotel, The Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront. Of course, for a real treat, you can stay at The Vinoy and join the guest list that has included Babe Ruth, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, Julia Roberts, Harrison Ford, and more.
The New Hotel Collection | The Cordova Inn is the historic boutique option you want to check out. The Hollander Hotel is also a great option with a great restaurant and pool. Their second property The Avalon is another great boutique option. 
There are several parking garages in the downtown area, all a short walk from every location in this district! This area is super walkable so park once, arrive by rideshare, Sunrunner, trolley, bike, or scooter.
The heart of St. Pete’s African American community, the Deuces Corridor (named for the double two’s in 22nd Street), is a vibrant part of our city.
EAT: Heavy’s Restaurant & Take Out is the must-visit spot for soul food. Naan Boti Chai Shai is a Pakistani and Indian restaurant with an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet that’s fantastic. Lorene’s Fish House is a St. Pete gem with fried fish and must-try wings. 
DRINK: Stop by Urban Drinkery Wine Bar for their Rum Lola Passion Punch. Check out The Catalyst on the Deuces for a bar, lounge, and speakeasy in the heart of this district.
MUSEUMS: The Woodson African American Museum of Florida is a hub for the community. The Black Lives Matter mural is a must-visit. Their secret garden is a great place to sit for a moment. Take a stroll on the African American Heritage Trail. 
EVENTS: Depending on when you’re visiting – check the dates for the beloved annual Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival (winter) or the St. Pete Reads! Lit Fest (November).
Located just west of downtown St. Pete, the EDGE District is full of restaurants and bars, craft breweries, boutiques, and things to do.
EAT: This district is chock full of our go-to restaurants. For wild burgers head to Engine No 9, one of the best Cuban sandwiches in the region at Bodega, gluten-free Colombian empanadas at Maxi’s Empanadas, and some of the best ramen in the city at Buya Ramen. Looking for something sweet? Check out Cecelia’s Sweets or Plant Love Vegan Ice Cream.
DRINK: For coffee (and cocktails) check out Intermezzo Coffee + Cocktails. For a fabulous beer garden and some of the city’s best brews visit Green Bench Brewing and Webb City Cellar. Find speakeasy vibes at Bar Chica, a Florida tropical paradise patio at No Vacancy (and some great food), and if it’s a sports game then Ferg’s is your choice. Enigma is the district’s LGBTQ bar and The Bends is the “classy dive bar”.
Marvel in the impossible and sleight-of-hand at Zubrick Magic. Create a custom candle at The Candle Pour. One weekend a month, enjoy the massive Mezzo Market in the heart of this district. 
Want to learn the history of this district? Check out one of our history walking tours with local historian Monica Kile.
For eco-friendly goods and no-waste grocery items, visit local fave Sans Market. Taste a variety of flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegar at Kalamazoo Olive Company. Matter of Fact is our go-to men’s boutique and Ashe Couture Boutique is a fabulous one for the ladies.
The Tru by Hilton is conveniently located between the EDGE and Grand Central Districts. For a feels-like home/apartment-style stay, check out Mint House in the EDGE District.
The LGBTQ+ community is the cornerstone of this colorful neighborhood. From vibrant murals to fantastic restaurants, this is one of our favorite parts of the Burg.
EAT: For vibrant neighborhood bistro energy, you’ll want to head to Wild Child. Twisted Indian has a phenom lamb korma bowl. Baba (Mediterranean) and Barbouni (tinned fish and ouzerie) are both worth a trip. The Studio Public House serves up hearty sandwiches, fantastic curry, and massive fish and chips. Love Food Central is your vegan/gluten-free lunch cafe and Adieu Glu is a 100% gluten-free bakery with BAGELS.
For some exceptional vegan sushi check out House of Vegano. The Burg Bar + Grill is one of our fave St. Pete gems. The feta fries and Gyro Feta Burger are two of our faves.
DRINK: On the daytime side: Bandit St. Pete is your spot for a fabulous cup of coffee, Squeeze Juice Works for your cold-pressed juice needs, and Black Crow Grand Central is another great coffee shop with a funkier vibe and vibrant artwork covering every wall.  
For adult beverages, check out the cozy Hawthorne Bottle Shop, the themed speakeasy The Saint, and this district’s LGBTQ bar Cocktail St. Pete. For local beer check out 3 Daughters Brewing, Pinellas Ale Works, If I brewed the world, and Grand Central Brewhouse. For vintage lounge energy with old-school cocktails check out Lost and Found. For an escape to Havana, head to the speakeasy Dirty Laundry for a mojito and great music.
Traveling with your pup? This district is home to TWO bars built for pups. The Dog Bar is the OG with games, a big fenced-in yard for off-leash dog adventures, and great drinks. Mutts and Martinis is the region’s first dog waterpark and massive bar. 
Feeling adventurous? Book a private karaoke room at LALA St. Pete. Give indoor rock climbing a go at Vertical Ventures. Play a few rounds of mini golf at Par Bar. Enjoy arcade games, N64, and pinball at Right Around the Corner. Escape room junkie? Check out The Great Escape Room.
Connect with your creative side at the Imagine Museum, a massive collection of American and international glass art. Take a pottery class at the whimsical Sugar Cream Clay. 
Peruse the shelves at one of our favorite independent local bookstores, Tombolo Books. Jazz up your vintage wardrobe and vinyl collection at ArtPool Gallery. Valhalla Resale is our fave eco-friendly thrift and limitless closet. Sip Shop Hooray is a trendy boutique. 
Loads of free parking in this district. You could honestly spend a whole day and night exploring all the spots in this area of town. There’s a huge concentration of murals in this neighborhood so give yourself a little extra time to wander and soak them in! 
The Tru by Hilton is conveniently located between the EDGE and Grand Central Districts. For a feels-like home/apartment-style stay, check out Mint House in the EDGE District.
For an adults-only gay hotel, check out the Mari Jean Hotel. It was recently renovated and right downstairs you’ll find Matteo Trattoria & Pizzeria, Cocktail St. Pete (LGBTQ Bar), The Saint (speakeasy), and The Wet Spot (an LGBTQ pool bar).
This district on the St. Pete waterfront is full of innovation in the fields of marine science, life science, education, entrepreneurship, art, and data & tech. The University of South Florida St. Petersburg is located right on the water here.
Located on the second floor of Albert Whitted Airport, The Hangar Restaurant is a hidden gem of a restaurant with great views for watching planes land and take off right downtown. 
The Tavern at Bayboro makes one of the best grouper sandwiches in the city. The Campus Grind is a sweet coffee shop right next door. The Library St. Pete is one of St. Pete’s most beautiful restaurants.
For waterfront dining, The Big Catch at Salt Creek has a great ambiance. Nicko’s Pizza makes one of our favorite pies and their monthly special is always a fun one.
For a bit of plane-watching, visit Albert Whitted Park, next to Albert Whitted Airport.
The Dalí Museum: The largest collection of the renowned surrealist artist Salvador Dalí outside of his home country of Spain. Pro tips: make sure you book their Dali Alive 360 experience ahead of time. Cafe Gala is also a delight.
Want to learn the history of this district? Check out one of our history walking tours with local historian Monica Kile.
If you’re aiming to stay within walking distance of this district, there are several options. Right downtown you have the AC Hotel by Marriot St. Petersburg, Hyatt Place, the historic Ponce De Leon Hotel, The Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront. Of course, for a real treat, you can stay at The Vinoy and join the guest list that has included Babe Ruth, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, Julia Roberts, Harrison Ford, and more.
The New Hotel Collection | The Cordova Inn is the historic boutique option you want to check out. The Hollander Hotel is also a great option with a great restaurant and pool. Their second property The Avalon is another great boutique option. 
EAT: The quintessential St. Pete diner experience is Trip’s Diner. For our vegan friends, Neighborhood Joe is one of the most welcoming and delicious eats. Left Bank Bistro has a wonderful wraparound porch and fantastic French food. Uptown Eats makes a damn good breakfast sandwich.
11 Chicks serves up fantastic Venezuelan arepas. Hooks on 9th is the St. Pete staple for sushi. And Nitally’s takes the cake for some of the most unique food with their Thai Mex fusion.
DRINK: For cozy vibes, a massive tea menu, and yummy sandwiches check out Blush Tea + Coffee. Gypsy Souls Coffee House makes a great cup of coffee and some wonderful pastries.
Rollin’ Oats is our fave local grocer and is where we go for organic, specialty, allergen-friendly grocery items. Upstairs St. Pete is a sweet boutique on the second floor of the same building. NEAT NEAT NEAT is one of the funkiest most unique selections of gifts in one shop. 
If you’re looking to move a little while you’re in town, we recommend Sunstate Yoga. It’s our fave spot for a little hot yoga action.
Centered around the 26-acre waterfront St. Pete Pier, this district on our waterfront is a stunning one. With a splash pad, the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, plenty of waterfront restaurants, a marketplace of local vendors, our local history museum, and so much more.
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is a 10,000-sq-ft restaurant serving up Florida and Caribbean flavors. Right by the Pier’s entrance, Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro is a classic with a wrap-around deck and fantastic fresh seafood.
In the central hub of the Pier, Spa Beach Bistro is your spot for grab-and-go food, snacks, and drinks. Driftwood Cafe is located on the ground floor of the pier. They serve up ice cream and snacks. Teak is on the fourth floor of the Pier Point structure with an elevated casual dining restaurant. Pier Teaki, is a modern take on a classic tiki bar with stunning views of the St. Pete skyline. 
Learn a little more about our city at the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Highlights include the world’s first commercial airline, the world’s largest collection of autographed baseballs, and more!
Marvel at the stunning “Bending Arc” installation by Janet Echelman or the monument to the world’s first airline. Hop on a Tampa Bay Watch Eco Boat Tour or visit the Discovery Center on the pier. Shop for souvenirs at the marketplace full of local vendors. Take a walk on Spa Beach.
Traveling with kiddos? Take a break from the Florida sun at the Majeed Foundation splash pad or explore the expansive Glazer Family Playground.
There’s typically plenty of parking on the pier, but streets leading up to it have a plethora of metered parking as well. We recommend visiting the pier early in the day (sunrise over the water is stunning) or towards golden hour to watch the sun as it sets over the St. Pete skyline. You can usually find live music and food festivals rotating throughout the Pier’s calendar.
If you’re aiming to stay within walking distance of this district, there are several options. Right downtown you have the AC Hotel by Marriot St. Petersburg, Hyatt Place, the historic Ponce De Leon Hotel, The Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront. Of course, for a real treat, you can stay at The Vinoy and join the guest list that has included Babe Ruth, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, Julia Roberts, Harrison Ford, and more.
The New Hotel Collection | The Cordova Inn is the historic boutique option you want to check out. The Hollander Hotel is also a great option with a great restaurant and pool. Their second property The Avalon is another great boutique option. 
A former industrial area, the Warehouse Arts District is a rapidly growing home for the St. Pete Arts scene. From painters to sculptors to glassblowers and everything in between, visit galleries, shop wares, and experience the creative energy that makes this district shine.
Sip on a glass of wine, enjoy gorgeous food, and charcuterie at Lolita’s Wine Market at the historic Morean Center for Clay. The Urban Stillhouse, is a must-visit upscale restaurant from the folks behind Horse Soldier Bourbon. Foodie Labs is an innovative space where you can order from several concepts.
For breakfast by one of the region’s rising stars with a side of art, check out Eat Art Love. For a cup of coffee inside a guitar store, visit Seven C Music.
In town on the Second Saturday of the month? Check out the 2nd Saturday Art Walk, the perfect time to gallery hop and explore the St. Pete art scene. Be sure to stop by The ArtsXchange, a hub of galleries, studios, and other businesses. 
The Factory mixes artist studios, events, galleries, and more. Here you can also visit the immersive multi-sensory arts installation Fairgrounds St. Pete. Inside that building, you’ll also find Daddy Kool Records. If you’re there on the first Saturday of the month, you can catch Indie Flea and 200+ vendors.
St. Pete’s waterfront is one of the best parts of the city. The Waterfront Arts District is home to some of St. Pete’s snazziest restaurants, most loved galleries and museums, and our breathtaking waterfront park system.
EAT: For Spanish tapas and sangria, check out Ceviche. Brunch on Beach Drive? Check out Cassis. BellaBrava makes some fabulous pasta. For gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly desserts visit Halelife Bakery or Craft Kafe a 100% gluten-free restaurant.
Enjoy a beautiful breakfast inside the Museum of Fine Arts at Cafe Clementine. For a hidden gem, a massive wine list, and homemade pasta – check out Sauvignon Wine Locker and American Trattoria.
DRINK: For drinks with a view, visit the rooftop bar  Birchwood Canopy. Flute + Dram is a caviar, champagne, and whiskey bar. For a great cup of coffee at St. Pete’s iconic local roaster, check out Kahwa Coffee.
MUSEUMS + GALLERIES: The Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg is a must-visit with art spanning 4,000 years. The Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement is the only museum in the world dedicated to this art movement.
THEATER: Catch a show at the waterfront Mahaffey Theater or the historic Palladium Theater.
Want to learn the history of this district? Check out one of our history walking tours with local historian Monica Kile.
SHOPS: Wander a variety of fun boutiques and galleries on Beach Drive. Shop some of our fave St. Pete souvenirs make sure to stop by the St. Pete Store and Visitor’s Center! 
There are several parking garages in the downtown area, all a short walk from every location in this district! This area is super walkable so park once, arrive by rideshare, Sunrunner, trolley, bike, or scooter.
 
If you’re aiming to stay within walking distance of this district, there are several options. Right downtown you have the AC Hotel by Marriot St. Petersburg, Hyatt Place, the historic Ponce De Leon Hotel, The Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront. Of course, for a real treat, you can stay at The Vinoy and join the guest list that has included Babe Ruth, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, Julia Roberts, Harrison Ford, and more.
The New Hotel Collection | The Cordova Inn is the historic boutique option you want to check out. The Hollander Hotel is also a great option with a great restaurant and pool. Their second property The Avalon is another great boutique option. 
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Since I Love the Burg launched in May of 2009, it has been our mission to make St. Petersburg (a.k.a. the #BURG) the best place to live, work and play.

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