Your complete guide of things to do in St Petersburg Florida wuth your ultimate guide to Pinellas county with history, beaches, fishing, golf, restaurants, festivals, and the best times to visit Florida’s Sun Coast paradise.
What Is Pinellas County, Florida?
Pinellas County is a sun-drenched peninsula on Florida’s Gulf Coast, nestled between the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Tampa Bay to the east. Stretching 38 miles long and 15 miles at its widest point, this 280-square-mile coastal gem packs more beaches, culture, dining, and outdoor adventure per square mile than almost anywhere else in the Sunshine State. With 588 miles of coastline, 361 average days of sunshine per year, and more than 35 miles of award-winning white sand beaches, it’s no wonder Pinellas County consistently ranks among America’s top vacation destinations.
A Rich History: From the Tocobaga to the 21st Century
The story of Pinellas County begins thousands of years before European contact. Archaeological evidence from Weedon Island reveals human habitation dating to the Middle Archaic Period (5000–3000 BCE). When Spanish explorer Pánfilo de Narváez arrived in 1528 — 36 years after Columbus reached the Caribbean — the Pinellas peninsula was home to the Tocobaga people of the Safety Harbor culture, who built large ceremonial mound complexes overlooking the bay.
The name “Pinellas” itself is derived from the Spanish words Punta Pinal, meaning “point of pines” — an apt description of the heavily forested peninsula that greeted early explorers. For three centuries the region remained lightly settled, with Tarpon Springs becoming the first incorporated city in Pinellas in 1887.
Pinellas County officially separated from Hillsborough County on January 1, 1912, becoming Florida’s 48th county. Just two years later, aviation history was made when pilot Tony Jannus completed the world’s first scheduled commercial airline flight on January 1, 1914, traveling from St. Petersburg to Tampa — a flight immortalized by the beloved St. Petersburg concert venue Jannus Live.
The 1920s land boom brought rapid growth, new roads, and bridges. The Gandy Bridge opened in 1924, cutting travel time to Tampa in half and becoming the longest car toll bridge in the world at that time. Post-World War II, the county exploded with new residents. By 1957, Clearwater was ranked America’s fastest-growing city. The original Sunshine Skyway Bridge opened in 1954, and the replacement bridge that opened in 1987 has since been recognized as one of the top 10 bridges in the world by the Travel Channel.
Today, Pinellas County is home to nearly 976,934 residents, making it Florida’s 7th most populous county and its most densely populated — with approximately 3,491 people per square mile, more than double the density of Broward County.
Cities and Towns of Pinellas County
Pinellas County encompasses 24 municipalities, each with its own distinct character:
St. Petersburg (pop. ~258,000) is the county’s largest city and the largest city in Florida that is not a county seat. There are a lot of things to do in St. Petersburg. Known as “Sunshine City,” it’s a cultural hub boasting the Salvador Dalí Museum, vibrant arts districts, waterfront parks, and a world-class food scene.
Clearwater (pop. ~107,000) serves as the county seat and is home to one of America’s most celebrated beaches. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium — famous for Winter the dolphin — draws families from around the world.
Largo (pop. ~84,500) is the county’s third-largest city, home to Heritage Village, a 21-acre living history museum, and the gorgeous Florida Botanical Gardens.
Tarpon Springs (pop. ~26,000) is internationally famous as the “Sponge Capital of the World” with a rich Greek-American heritage. Its sponge docks, Greek Orthodox churches, and authentic Greek restaurants create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Florida.
Dunedin (pop. ~35,000) is a charming waterfront town with Scottish roots, a thriving craft brewery scene, and the gateway to Honeymoon Island State Park.
Safety Harbor sits at the head of Old Tampa Bay and offers a quaint, walkable downtown with the beloved Safety Harbor Resort and Spa.
Other notable communities include Pinellas Park, St. Pete Beach, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, Indian Rocks Beach, Redington Beach, Belleair, and Pass-a-Grille — each offering unique coastal charm.
Pinellas County Weather: Month-by-Month Temperature Guide
Pinellas County enjoys a subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Here is what to expect each month:
| Month | Average High | Average Low | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 70°F (21°C) | 52°F (11°C) | Cool, dry, sunny |
| February | 72°F (22°C) | 54°F (12°C) | Mild, pleasant |
| March | 76°F (24°C) | 58°F (14°C) | Warm, ideal |
| April | 81°F (27°C) | 63°F (17°C) | Warm, low humidity |
| May | 87°F (30°C) | 69°F (21°C) | Hot, some humidity |
| June | 91°F (33°C) | 74°F (23°C) | Hot, afternoon storms |
| July | 92°F (33°C) | 76°F (24°C) | Peak heat, storms |
| August | 92°F (33°C) | 76°F (24°C) | Hottest month |
| September | 90°F (32°C) | 74°F (23°C) | Hot, hurricane season |
| October | 84°F (29°C) | 67°F (19°C) | Cooling, beautiful |
| November | 77°F (25°C) | 59°F (15°C) | Mild, dry |
| December | 71°F (22°C) | 53°F (12°C) | Cool, clear skies |
Hurricane season runs June through November, with September being the peak. Florida’s dry season (November–April) brings lower humidity and the region’s most comfortable outdoor conditions. When you are looking when and where to go whether it Madeira Beach or are looking for do things to do in St. Petersburg Florida the weather can make or break your plans sometimes. May and Nov/Dec are almost always the best times to visit Pinellas County.
Best Beaches in Pinellas County
Pinellas County’s 35 miles of Gulf Coast beaches consistently rank among the finest in the nation, with four making Florida’s top ten list.
Clearwater Beach is the crown jewel — its powdery white quartz sand and crystal-clear turquoise water have earned it multiple “Best Beach in America” titles. Pier 60 hosts nightly sunset festivals with artisans, street performers, and live music. Family amenities, calm waters, and world-class resorts make this a perennial top choice.
St. Pete Beach charms visitors with its emerald-green water, wide sandy expanse, and laid-back Old Florida character. The iconic Don CeSar Hotel — the “Pink Palace” — stands as a landmark of this barrier island community. Upham Beach is prized for shelling and fishing, while the southern end offers serene, uncrowded shoreline. USA Today named St. Pete Beach one of Florida’s best in 2025.
Treasure Island Beach spans three distinct neighborhoods along its wide, flat shoreline. Its Sunset Beach section is one of the county’s best-kept secrets, favored by locals seeking a quieter Gulf Coast experience.
Fort De Soto Park (Tierra Verde) spreads across 1,136 acres and five interconnected islands of mangroves, palm hammocks, and six miles of beach frontage. North Beach consistently ranks as one of America’s top family beaches. The park also offers a dog beach, kayaking, and one of Florida’s premier campgrounds.
Honeymoon Island & Caladesi Island State Parks north of Clearwater offer Florida’s most pristine coastal environments. Honeymoon Island connects to the mainland by causeway and features four miles of beaches, a designated dog beach, and a three-mile hiking trail through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests. Caladesi Island — accessible only by private boat or ferry from Honeymoon Island — consistently earns a spot among America’s top beaches and is one of the least crowded shores in the county.
Pass-a-Grille Beach at the southern tip of the barrier island chain is a timeless community largely unchanged for generations. Paradise Grille sits on the sand, and the rooftop bar at The Hurricane restaurant offers panoramic sunset views over both the Gulf and the bay.
Madeira Beach and John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk blend beach life with lively shopping, dining, and the famous annual John’s Pass Seafood Festival.
Best Resorts and Hotels in Pinellas County
- Sandpearl Resort — A AAA Four Diamond property with beachfront elegance, full spa, and Caretta on the Gulf restaurant
- Opal Sands Resort — Modern luxury directly on the Gulf with floor-to-ceiling ocean views
- Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa — Full-service beachfront resort with multiple pools and dining
St. Pete Beach:
- TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort — A massive family resort with water slides, floating loungers, multiple restaurants, and direct beachfront access
- Don CeSar Hotel — The iconic “Pink Palace,” a historic 1928 luxury resort that is one of Florida’s most photographed buildings
- Postcard Inn on the Beach — A retro-chic boutique property ideal for a stylish beach escape
St. Petersburg:
One of the things to do in St. Petersburg Florida is:
- The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club — A stunning 1925 Renaissance-era property in downtown St. Pete with an on-site marina, spa, and golf course. One of Florida’s most historic luxury hotels.
Safety Harbor:
- Safety Harbor Resort and Spa — Built on natural mineral springs and known for world-class spa treatments, tennis, and a relaxed waterfront setting
Best Golf in Pinellas County
Pinellas County’s year-round warm climate makes it a golfer’s paradise with an outstanding mix of public and private courses.
Top Public Courses:
- Mangrove Bay Golf Course (St. Petersburg) — An 18-hole municipal course with beautiful views of Old Tampa Bay; ideal for all skill levels and one of the best-value rounds in the county. You can play golf comfortably all 12 months of the year. One of the best things to do in St. Petersburg Florida is enjoy a round of golf.
- The Mainlands Golf Course (Pinellas Park) — A popular, well-maintained public course with affordable green fees
- Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Club (Clearwater) — A fun, walkable public course with a rich heritage tied to the golf legend who helped found it
- Dunedin Golf Club — A classic semi-private course with historic charm and challenging fairways
- Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club (Largo) — A well-regarded semi-private club open to public play
Top Private Courses:
- Belleair Country Club — One of Florida’s oldest and most prestigious clubs, with two championship courses. Donald Ross designed the West Course in 1925.
- Isla del Sol Yacht & Country Club (St. Pete Beach) — A waterfront private club with an immaculate 18-hole course and deep history
- Feather Sound Country Club (Clearwater) — A top-tier private club with an excellently maintained championship course
Fishing in Pinellas County: What to Catch, When, and How
Fishing can be one of fun things to do in St. Petersburg Florida. Pinellas County is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay, and the Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve, creating some of the finest inshore and nearshore fishing in Florida. The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park — at 4.1 miles, the world’s longest fishing pier — is open 24 hours and offers depths between 6 and 20 feet.
Month-by-Month Fishing Guide
January – February (Cool, Dry Season)
- Target species: Sheepshead, black drum, redfish, snook (in warm water refuges)
- Techniques: Bottom fishing near structure; fiddler crabs and live shrimp are the top baits for sheepshead; cut mullet for black drum. Focus on the Skyway Pier, docks, and bridge pilings.
March – April (Spring Transition)
- Target species: Spanish mackerel, cobia, redfish, snook, trout
- Techniques: Spanish mackerel move in with northward migrations — use silver spoons or live greenbacks (threadfin herring) under a chum slick. Cobia follow stingrays in shallow flats; sight-fish them with live eel or blue crab. Snook begin feeding aggressively along beaches and passes.
May – June (Pre-Summer, Prime Tarpon Season)
- Target species: Tarpon (“Silver King”), snook, redfish, kingfish
- Techniques: May and June are legendary for trophy tarpon in Tampa Bay. Live mullet, blue crabs, and pass crabs drifted through Boca Ciega Bay and under the Sunshine Skyway are the top presentations. Snook crush live pilchards along beaches at night. Tarpon in the 100–200 lb class are common.
July – August (Summer Peak)
- Target species: Snook, mangrove snapper, flounder, redfish, grouper (nearshore)
- Techniques: Summer heat pushes fish to deeper water and nighttime activity. Night fish the passes for snook using live shrimp or pinfish under a popping cork. Nearshore reefs and artificial structures hold mangrove snapper — use small hooks with live shrimp or cut sardines. Freediving and spearfishing for flounder around grass flats are popular.
September – October (Fall Run Begins)
- Target species: Redfish, trout, flounder, pompano
- Techniques: Fall is arguably the best time for inshore fishing. Redfish school up in huge numbers on flats — use gold spoons, topwater plugs at dawn, or weedless shrimp imitations. Spotted seatrout hit popping corks with live shrimp over grass beds. Pompano respond well to small jigs tipped with sand fleas (mole crabs) along beaches and passes.
November – December (Cool Season Transition)
- Target species: Sheepshead, flounder, redfish, spotted seatrout, black drum
- Techniques: Cooler water concentrates fish around warm-water discharges, deep channels, and bridge structures. Live fiddler crabs are the gold-standard bait for sheepshead. Flounder stack up in passes and cuts — drift live mud minnows or finger mullet along the bottom. Trout fishing on deeper grass flats with slow-sinking lures is excellent.
Best Fishing Spots: The Skyway Fishing Pier, Fort De Soto jetties, the passes at Johns Pass and Blind Pass, Tampa Bay flats, Weedon Island Preserve, and the nearshore reefs off Clearwater Beach.
Baseball in Pinellas County
Baseball in Pinellas County: Spring training baseball is alive and well Clearwater is the long term spring training home of the Philadelphia Phillies and minor league affiliate Clearwater Thrashers.
Dunedin is the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays and their minor league team the Dunedin Blue Jays.
St. Petersburg is the home of the major league baseball team the Tampa Bay Rays of the American League East. The Rays play their home games at Tropicana Field. Going to The Trop can be one of your fun things to do in St. Petersburg Florida. The Rays always have incredible young talent and the do well against most teams every season.
Soccer in Pinellas County
The Tampa Bat Rowdies of the USL play their home games at Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Pete. Soccer both playing and going to Rowdies games is quickly growing as one of the most exciting things to do in St. Petersburg Florida.
Best Restaurants in Pinellas County
St. Petersburg:
- The Mill — A modern American dining destination in downtown St. Pete known for inventive seasonal dishes and craft cocktails
- Cassis American Brasserie — Waterfront dining in the Vinoy Renaissance neighborhood with classic French-American fare
- Spinners Rooftop Revolving Bistro — A St. Pete landmark; Florida’s only revolving rooftop restaurant with panoramic bay views
Enjoying a meal with friends can be one of the best things to do in St. Petersburg Florida.
Clearwater / Clearwater Beach:
- Caretta on the Gulf (at Sandpearl Resort) — Fine waterfront dining with fresh Gulf seafood in an elegant setting
- Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill — A Clearwater Beach institution since 1981; an authentic beach bar with legendary grouper sandwiches and cold beers
Tarpon Springs:
- Hellas Restaurant & Bakery — The gold standard of Greek cuisine on the Sponge Docks; try the lamb, moussaka, and fresh baklava
- Mykonos Restaurant — Authentic Greek seafood, mezze platters, and a vibrant open-air atmosphere
St. Pete Beach & Treasure Island:
- Maritana Grille (Don CeSar Hotel) — Fine dining inside the Pink Palace; an unforgettable Florida seafood experience
- Boca Sands Grille and Lounge (At the Dolphin Beach Resort) — A small-plates paradise with local ingredients and a sophisticated wine program
- The Hurricane Restaurant — A Pass-a-Grille landmark with sunset views from the rooftop bar
Dunedin:
- Casa Tina — A beloved Mexican restaurant with a festive atmosphere and homemade margaritas
- Fenway Hotel Restaurant — A trendy craft-cocktail-focused eatery in Dunedin’s historic waterfront hotel
Month-by-Month Festivals and Celebrations
Pinellas County’s event calendar is one of Florida’s richest. Here’s what to look forward to throughout the year:
January — Tarpon Springs Epiphany Celebration: One of the largest Greek Orthodox Epiphany celebrations in America. Young men dive into Spring Bayou to retrieve a blessed cross — a tradition dating back more than 100 years and deeply moving to witness.
February — Dunedin Celtic Music & Food Festival: Scottish and Irish heritage comes alive with kilts, pipes, dancing, and craft whisky tastings in charming downtown Dunedin.
March — St. Pete Grand Prix (IndyCar): Downtown St. Petersburg hosts one of North America’s premier street circuit IndyCar races, drawing racing fans from around the world, everyone who loves cars needs to hear the roar of the engines for themselves. alongside a festival of music and entertainment. Spring Training Baseball also brings Grapefruit League games to the Tampa Bay area. March is a exciting month with so many things to do in St. Petersburg Florida.
April — Mainsail Arts Festival (St. Petersburg): One of Florida’s premier juried outdoor art festivals, set against the downtown St. Pete waterfront with hundreds of fine artists and live entertainment. The art scene is vibrant one of the things to do in St. Petersburg Florida people love the most.
May – Clearwater Jazz Holiday Pre-Party / Fishing Tournaments: Inshore fishing tournaments ramp up, and the area’s many beach bars launch their summer concert series. Cinco de Mayo on the St. Pete Pier. Maifest Celebrations at German-American Society.
June — St. Pete Annual Blue Crabs & R&B at Tropicana Field. Fathers Day celebrations and Juneteenth celebrations.
July — Independence Day Celebrations: Fireworks light up the sky over Tampa Bay and the Gulf beaches, with Clearwater Beach and Pier 60 hosting some of the area’s largest celebrations.
August — Summer Beach Events / Sunset Concerts at Pier 60: The Nightly Sunset Celebration at Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach continues every evening, year-round, with rotating local artisans and street performers.
September — Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Seafood Festival: A beloved end-of-summer tradition celebrating the community’s maritime heritage with fresh seafood, live Greek music, and handcrafted goods.
October — Clearwater Jazz Holiday: A world-class, four-day outdoor jazz festival set on the Clearwater waterfront featuring nationally recognized jazz, funk, and blues artists. Also in October: St. Pete Mural Fest, where visiting artists transform downtown building walls into breathtaking large-scale murals. John’s Pass Seafood Festival in Madeira Beach draws enormous crowds to the boardwalk.
November — Dunedin Craft Distillers & Brewers Festival / Craft Beer Scene: The region’s craft brewery and distillery culture is on full display as cooler weather invites outdoor events. Art markets and holiday light events begin throughout the county.
December — Holiday Boat Parades: St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Tarpon Springs all host festive lighted holiday boat parades on their waterways. Downtown St. Pete’s holiday markets and the SHINE Mural Festival season wrap make December a dazzling time to visit.
Things to Do Beyond the Beach
- Salvador Dalí Museum (St. Petersburg): Houses the largest collection of Dalí’s works outside Spain — over 2,400 pieces — inside a stunning geodesic glass structure called “The Enigma.”
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, and the legacy of Winter the dolphin from the Dolphin Tale films. My family enjoyed seeing Winter the dolphin om multiple occasions when Winter was alive it holds a special place in my kids memories.
- Sunken Gardens (St. Petersburg): One of Florida’s oldest living museums, with lush tropical gardens and exotic birds. If you looking for a tranquil day one of the things to do in St. Petersburg Florida is go to Sunken Gardens. We loved walking the grounds and engaging with the birds they had a beautiful cockatoo that was very chatty.
- Florida Botanical Gardens (Largo): 30 acres of themed outdoor gardens; free admission.
- Weedon Island Preserve: A 3,190-acre natural area with kayak trails, fishing, and ancient Native American archaeology.
- Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Shop for natural sea sponges, eat authentic Greek food, and take a sponge-diving boat tour.
- Saturday Morning Market (St. Petersburg): One of the Southeast’s largest weekly markets, drawing thousands to Al Lang Field every Saturday from October through May. People come from all over to Saturday Morning Market it starts a busy day the beginning of many things to do in St. Petersburg Florida.
- Pinellas Trail: A 38-mile paved multi-use trail running the length of the county — ideal for cycling, running, and skating.
- Dolphin-Watching Cruises: Multiple operators in Clearwater and St. Pete Beach offer high-success dolphin sighting tours in the calm Gulf waters.
Best Months to Visit Pinellas County
Peak Season: January – April — This is the sweet spot. Temperatures range from the upper 60s to low 80s°F with low humidity, little rain, and virtually guaranteed sunshine. March is the single busiest month, fueled by Spring Break vacationers and Grapefruit League baseball fans. Book accommodations early.
Shoulder Season: October – November — Arguably the best-kept secret. Summer crowds are gone, temperatures drop to a delightful 77–84°F, and the Gulf water remains warm from summer. October brings the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, the John’s Pass Seafood Festival, and the Mural Fest. Hotel rates dip significantly.
Summer (June – August) — Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, but beach resorts offer value pricing, and the Gulf waters are at their warmest (85–87°F). Great for families who don’t mind the heat. Tarpon fishing is world-class.
Avoid: Mid-August through September if you’re hurricane-averse. While the county is well-prepared and evacuations are managed efficiently, the Atlantic hurricane season peaks in September. When you are looking for things to do in St. Petersburg Florida you should always check the weather to see when it’s the best time for you to go places.
Bottom Line: If you want perfect weather, go in March. If you want fewer crowds and great value, go in October or November. If you want the best fishing, plan around your target species using the monthly guide above.
Quick Facts for Visitors
- Closest Airports: Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE), located 9 miles north of downtown St. Petersburg
- Getting Around: A car is recommended. Rideshare is readily available. The Suncoast Beach Trolley runs along Gulf Boulevard connecting beach communities from Clearwater Beach to Pass-a-Grille.
- Sun Safety: Average UV Index is extreme in summer months. Sunscreen SPF 50+ is essential.
- Fishing Licenses: A Florida fishing license is required for saltwater fishing from shore or vessel (ages 16–65). Available online at FWC.com.
- Red Tide: Occasional red tide events can affect Gulf beaches, primarily in late summer/fall. Check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website before visiting.
Pinellas County, Florida is more than a beach destination — whether you are u in Clearwater or looking for things to do in St. Petersburg Florida it’s a full-spectrum coastal lifestyle. Whether you’re chasing tarpon in the shadow of the Sunshine Skyway, dining on fresh Greek seafood in Tarpon Springs, watching a masterpiece sunset from Clearwater’s Pier 60, or teeing off at a Donald Ross classic, this remarkable peninsula delivers one extraordinary experience after another. Plan your visit — and then plan to come back.
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