Ten Free Things to Do in and Around St. Pete Beach
Your St. Pete Beach vacation doesn’t need to break the bank. While you may want to splurge on a dinner or two, a sunset cruise, or a day at the spa, there are plenty of activities that get you connected to this beach town’s people and history and keeps your budget on track.
Locals and visitors alike head to the Corey Avenue for shopping, dining, and community events. Located between the Gulf Of Mexico and Boca Ciega Bay, Corey Avenue is packed with unique boutiques, specialty shops, galleries, and restaurants. Whether you are just window shopping or looking for a special piece of jewelry or home décor, you’ll find something along Cory Avenue. The heart of Corey Avenue is the sense of community. The Corey Avenue Business Association sponsors year round events and fund raisers. Every Sunday from October through June, The Sunday Market supports 75 vendors specializing in local, organic produce and plants, eco-friendly art and sustainable, fair trade goods. Corey Avenue also hosts a quarterly Craft Show, the annual St. Pete Beach Seafood and Music Festival, and the town’s Christmas parade. Regardless of what time of year you’re visiting, there’s free family fun on Corey Avenue.
credit Pass A Grille
credit Pass A Grille
credit Corey Avenue
Pass- A Grille- Beach, located on the Southern tip of St. Pete Beach. One of the most pristine beaches in the area, Pass-A-Grille is free from high rise condos, chain restaurants, and high rises. There’s plenty of public parking, and sidewalks for strolling through the neighborhood. Locals recommend getting there early for the best chance of seeing dolphin playing and the best selection of shells along the sugar white sand beaches. You can even take a free beach ride! Stop by the Merry Pier and see what the local charter fishing trips brought in or hop on a shuttle boat to Shell Key Preserve. Located in what was the Pass-A- Grille Community Church, The Pass-A Grille Museum is low tech, high interest way to get a feel for the way life used to be, and offers a comprehensive look at the history of the barrier islands.
Looking to get away from the condos and high rises of St. Pete, be sure to check out Upham Beach. A short walk from the main beach access takes you to the rock jetty at Blind Pass. This is great place to catch the sunset and dolphins. You can often hear the live music from some of the bars and restaurants located nearby. While you do need to pay for parking, there is plenty of room and a trolley stops nearby if you prefer to leave the car at the hotel or condo. Kayaking is a great way to sneak in a workout or get up close and personal with some marine life. If you’re up to the challenge, pack a lunch and kayak over to Shell Key Preserve. This 1,828 acre nature preserve is important bird sanctuary and home to a barrier island, perfect for exploring off the beaten path.
If and when you need a break from the beach, Horan Park has views of the intercoastal waterways, picnic tables, restrooms, and a boundless playground for the kids of all abilities and free parking. During the fall and winter, the park hosts free concerts and special events. Heading into St. Pete proper, you’ll find the St. Pete Pier, 26 acres of premier waterfront property, featuring vendors, The Tampa Bay Watch interactive ecological experience (a small fee applies), massive public art installations, playgrounds, a splash pad, and restaurants.
Another fun way to experience the city is on your bike. Whether you brought your own or rented one while in town, you can view the more than 95 murals through St. Pete. This is a fun way to experience art and spice up your social media feeds! If city biking is not your thing, check out the 225 miles of bike trails in St. Pete Beach.
Locals and visitors alike take advantage of the free community vents that occur throughout the year, adding some art, music, and culture to their weekends. With a little planning and a sense of adventure, you can explore St. Pete Beach’s most innovative, imaginative, and economical attractions.
