St. Pete Beach and the Tampa Bay Area are perfect destinations to enjoy some of the best outdoor activities the Sunshine State has to offer. From pristine, white sand beaches to spectacular state parks and reserves, fun under the sun is the signature charm of St. Pete Beach and the Tampa Bay Area.
However, we can’t always trust the weather. The Sunshine State also experiences occasional wet days, and when that happens, one might think that the fun is over — but it’s not really; not in St. Pete Beach and its surroundings.
The city is brimming with a fabulous dining scene, top-notch entertainment venues, and excellent museums for you and your family to beat the rain and have as much fun as you would if you were out there enjoying the beach.
In this blog, we’ve curated a list of some of the best rainy-day activities in St. Pete Beach and the Tampa Bay Area that will make you forget about the bad weather.
Let’s jump right in!
1. Have drinks and play games at Right Around the Corner
In St. Pete, family-friendly fun is literally “Right Around the Corner.” This brewpub not only features fantastic signature brews but also a wide variety of vintage arcade games that will immerse you in nostalgia while the little ones have a blast.
While you savor delicious drinks, you and your family can play classics like Nintendo 64, Super Nintendo, Pacman, pinball, darts, Golden Tee, and Skee-Ball, among others.
The venue’s retro posters and memorabilia add to the “time travel” experience, and themed nights and gaming tournaments bring an extra layer of fun to the already vibrant atmosphere. It’s definitely a perfect spot to wait for the rain to stop while enjoying an interactive, cozy, and family-friendly space.
2. Indulge in authentic coastal flavors at PJ’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant
Even if you can’t enjoy the delights of warm sands and clear waters due to the rain, you can still savor the coastal flavors at PJ’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant.
No visit to St. Pete Beach and the Tampa Bay Area is complete without indulging in delectable seafood, and PJ’s is a fantastic choice. Since 1993, they have been serving fresh seafood delicacies that have won over locals and tourists alike. Their diverse menu includes delicious Grouper Sandwiches, succulent Baby Back Ribs, fresh Oysters on the half shell, Giant Lobster Tails, hearty Clam Chowder, and flavorful Gumbo. For families, there’s a kid’s menu to ensure everyone is happy.
On rainy days, sitting on the breezy deck overlooking the Gulf may not be ideal, but their air-conditioned indoor space offers a cozy and elevated dining experience with glimpses of the sea. To make it even better, grab a signature cocktail or a beer from their extensive beverage selection. Cheers!
3. Immerse yourself in a surreal world at the Salvador Dalí Museum
Museums are great places to spend time on rainy days, and a visit to the Salvador Dalí Museum will exceed all your expectations — even if you’re not typically drawn to art. Rain or shine, this is a must-visit destination located in the heart of St. Pete along the waterfront.
The museum offers a unique experience as you immerse yourself in the mysterious and surreal works of Dalí. It features a comprehensive collection spanning paintings, watercolors, book illustrations, photographs, prints, and various objects. Visitors cannot help but let their imagination run wild as they delve into the mind of one of history’s most prominent and unconventional artists.
Kids will love it too, as the exhibits are designed to captivate and foster their creative spirit. A particular hit among children is the Dalí Dome, an immersive light and sound installation celebrating Dalí’s visionary brilliance.
If the rain stops, venture outside the museum’s walls and explore unique spaces like the Wish Tree, Fountain of Youth, Mathematical Garden, and the Avant-Garden. Before leaving, don’t forget to take a picture (umbrella in hand, no problem) in front of the iconic mustache sculpture.
4. Learn about local history at the St. Petersburg Museum of History
Learn about St. Petersburg’s unique history at this centenary museum. Open seven days a week, the St. Petersburg Museum of History features not only exhibits explaining historical events but also unexpected items that make every visit educational and fun.
Throughout the museum, you can see a two-headed calf in The Odditorium and a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy. Once in The Flight One Gallery, an amazing replica of the Benoist XIV airboat, the world’s first airliner, captivates visitors of all ages.
Sports enthusiasts have a blast at Schrader’s Little Cooperstown, an exhibit where the significance of baseball in America is shown through the world’s largest collection of baseballs. The exhibit features interesting stories and artifacts of baseball stars.
What’s more, you’ll find other special exhibitions about the story behind St. Pete’s iconic waterfront piers and about the civil rights movement.
5. Watch a spectacular performance at Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater
In downtown St. Petersburg, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater is one of the best cultural venues in town. With over 2,000 comfortable seats, the theater is a place to catch fantastic performances — from Broadway and comedy presentations to pop, rock, R&B, ballet, and performances from the celebrated Florida Orchestra. Their schedule of upcoming shows and events is diverse enough to cater to all tastes.
After watching an incredible performance, you can grab a table at Sonata Restaurant, an elegant fine-dining spot within the theater building where award-winning chef Ted Dorsey created a memorable menu featuring “Coastal Cuisine rooted in Southern Hospitality.”
The dining space is adorned with artworks by local artists, aligned with the artistic and cultural ambiance of the theater. While you dine, you also get an amazing view of the iconic giant moon sculpture hanging from the theater’s atrium. Indeed, a romantic way to spend a rainy day in St.Pete.
6. Discover multi-sensory art installations at Fairgrounds St. Pete
Nestled in the Warehouse Arts District, just a 5-minute drive from downtown, Fairgrounds St. Pete is an indoor cultural venue where you can explore multi-sensory, immersive, and ultra-colorful art installations and exhibits that celebrate the uniqueness and quirkiness of Florida.
Merging art and technology, the installations are innovative and visually striking — perfect for fun photos! You can explore them at your own pace and, to engage more deeply, you can even pay an extra fee to participate in scavenger hunts where you have the chance to analyze the artworks closely and discover details you might otherwise miss.
The museum also offers workshops, and, since it’s located at The Factory, a hub for art and creative minds in St. Pete, you can also visit various art galleries and an amazing record store.
7. Get active and have fun at Sky Zone in Clearwater
Sky Zone is the perfect place for those who want to stay active even when it’s pouring outside. Located in Clearwater, a 30-minute drive from St. Pete, this incredible indoor entertainment center offers activities for people of all ages.
The activities and attractions vary from freestyle jump, free climb, and SkyLadder to ninja warrior course, drop slide, and a fun foam zone. One of the most popular activities, though, is dodgeball, but at Sky Zone, the popular game comes with a twist. You and your team will play on a trampoline course, so during the game, the ball and you will fly. Playing basketball, soccer, and volleyball on an air-filled multi-court is also super fun.
For those with smaller kids in tow, they also have a toddler zone so the entire family will be included.
8. Take care of your body and soul
Once in Florida, we know that relaxing on the beach is the ideal scenario, but if the weather doesn’t allow it, another way to unwind is engaging in wellness activities or treating yourself to a spa day.
St.Pete has plenty of self-care spots where you can join fitness and yoga classes, for example. SunState Yoga offers private and group classes, as well as reiki sessions. The Body Electric Yoga and Athletic Companies is also a great place to try different yoga styles and meet like-minded locals. Fancy a facial treatment? Head to Maison Glo and have a day of skin care with treatments that range from exfoliation and detox to lymphatic drainage and LED light therapy.
Now, if you want head-to-toe relaxation, visit one of the spas that call St.Pete home. Offering a wide variety of massages and treatments, they will get you rejuvenated and ready for classic Florida fun when the sun comes out. Here are some popular options:
- Lemon Tree Spa: they offer a wide variety of facial and body treatments as well as hot stone, deep tissue, cupping, and couple massages.
- The Massage Spa: choose one of their spa packages that includes facial treatments and relaxing Swedish Massage.
- Tranquility Wellness Spa: here you’ll find treatments for every need: facial and body treatments, as well as relaxation, deep tissue massages, and warm stone massages.
- Massage Studio: they offer affordable and personalized massage therapies. Popular choices include Swedish, therapeutic, hot stone, and neuromuscular massages.
Rainy Day Activities in St. Pete Beach & Tampa Bay Area
As you can see, there’s no need to worry about the rain ruining your fun times in Florida. With our tips above, you’re covered when it comes to having a great time when the weather is not suitable for exploring the outdoors.
For more insights on what to explore in St. Pete Beach and the Tampa Bay area, visit our destination blog. We cover many topics, including fishing in the area, nightlife tips, and highlights of the best annual events and celebrations. Stay tuned for future blogs and tips awaiting your discovery!
Where to stay when visiting St. Pete Beach & Tampa Bay Area, FL
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