Hotels in St Petersburg

St. Petersburg: Gulf Coast Sun and the Dalí Museum

St. Petersburg, Florida sits on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, roughly 25 miles southwest of Tampa. The city holds the record for the most consecutive sunny days in the US — 768, logged from 1967 to 1969 — and that reputation still draws visitors year-round. The Salvador Dalí Museum on Beach Drive houses the largest collection of Dalí works outside Europe, including seven oil paintings over 10 feet wide. The Mahaffey Theater and the St. Pete Pier — a 26-acre waterfront park rebuilt in 2020 — anchor the downtown waterfront.

Where to Stay

Hotels cluster along Central Avenue and the Downtown Waterfront, placing guests within walking distance of galleries, rooftop bars, and the Saturday Morning Market at Williams Park. St. Pete Beach, a separate barrier-island municipality 10 miles west, offers beachfront resorts on the Gulf. The Edge District and Grand Central District draw travelers who prefer walkable neighborhoods over resort strips.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Tampa International Airport (TPA) is 18 miles north; allow 30–40 minutes by car or Uber.
• Getting around: The SunRunner rapid bus connects downtown St. Pete to St. Pete Beach in about 30 minutes.
• Weather: June through September brings heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms; pack light rain gear.
• Best timing: October through April offers mild temperatures and lower humidity for outdoor walks along the waterfront.