Lysa's Guidebook
Shopping Restaurants Bars & Sightseeing
Quaint fishing village featuring more than 130 unique shops, restaurants and a waterfront boardwalk overlooking the Intercoastal waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy shopping, a wide variety of watersports, deep-sea fishing and eco-tours.
473 locals recommend
Johns Pass
12800 Village BoulevardQuaint fishing village featuring more than 130 unique shops, restaurants and a waterfront boardwalk overlooking the Intercoastal waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy shopping, a wide variety of watersports, deep-sea fishing and eco-tours.
Great restaurants, beach, shopping and live music!
Welcome to the new St. Pete Pier! This gleaming new attraction on the city’s picturesque waterfront promises limitless fun for everyone, from first-time visitors to long-time residents. Its 26 beautiful acres seamlessly combine the peaceful blue waters of Tampa Bay with the vibrant greenery of downtown St. Petersburg’s parks, creating the ultimate place to stroll, bike, dine, drink, shop, swim, take in a concert and more. So get together with your family and friends and visit. It’s time to soak up some fun under the warm Florida sun!
466 locals recommend
St. Pete Pier
800 2nd Ave NEGreat restaurants, beach, shopping and live music!
Welcome to the new St. Pete Pier! This gleaming new attraction on the city’s picturesque waterfront promises limitless fun for everyone, from first-time visitors to long-time residents. Its 26 beautiful acres seamlessly combine the peaceful blue waters of Tampa Bay with the vibrant greenery of downtown St. Petersburg’s parks, creating the ultimate place to stroll, bike, dine, drink, shop, swim, take in a concert and more. So get together with your family and friends and visit. It’s time to soak up some fun under the warm Florida sun!
Sunday Market in St Pete Beach. The market supports local vendors who sell a variety of locally produced and homemade produce, plants, take home foods, ready to eat lunch bites, hand crafts, eco-friendly and fair trade products and more. Basically a morning of live music, shopping, and a delicious breakfast, brunch or lunch at one of the many area restaurants - all within walking distance
17 locals recommend
Corey Avenue Sunday Market on St. Pete Beach
398-300 Corey AveSunday Market in St Pete Beach. The market supports local vendors who sell a variety of locally produced and homemade produce, plants, take home foods, ready to eat lunch bites, hand crafts, eco-friendly and fair trade products and more. Basically a morning of live music, shopping, and a delicious breakfast, brunch or lunch at one of the many area restaurants - all within walking distance
Downtown St Petersburg market. They downsize this in the summer due to heat. Located in the heart of downtown St. Pete, the largest market in the southeast U.S. might tempt you to dance as you shop. With live music, friendly dogs to meet, bins brimming with gorgeous produce from small growers, artisan-made goodies and ready-to-eat foods from 15 different countries, this outdoor market is like a daytime party hosted by creative pals. It’s a feast for all the senses and you (and your shopping bags) are guaranteed to come away full.
146 locals recommend
St Petersburg Saturday Morning Market
230 1st St SEDowntown St Petersburg market. They downsize this in the summer due to heat. Located in the heart of downtown St. Pete, the largest market in the southeast U.S. might tempt you to dance as you shop. With live music, friendly dogs to meet, bins brimming with gorgeous produce from small growers, artisan-made goodies and ready-to-eat foods from 15 different countries, this outdoor market is like a daytime party hosted by creative pals. It’s a feast for all the senses and you (and your shopping bags) are guaranteed to come away full.
BG is a 335-acre animal themed park that contains 8 roller coasters, 3 water rides, and many other rides and animal attractions. The park is also adjacent to a sister water park, Adventure Island.
Busch Gardens has several themed areas and attractions such as Morocco, Congo, Nairobi, Edge of Africa, and Egypt. Animal habitats replicate the edge of Africa and the Serengeti Plain.
Some are walk-through exhibits where you can observe animals in their natural habitat. Bird Gardens is a free flight aviary where more than 500 tropical birds from all over the world make their homes.
You can hand-feed a kangaroo, and see crocodiles, meerkats, lions, hyenas, and hippos.
2168 locals recommend
Busch Gardens
10165 McKinley DrBG is a 335-acre animal themed park that contains 8 roller coasters, 3 water rides, and many other rides and animal attractions. The park is also adjacent to a sister water park, Adventure Island.
Busch Gardens has several themed areas and attractions such as Morocco, Congo, Nairobi, Edge of Africa, and Egypt. Animal habitats replicate the edge of Africa and the Serengeti Plain.
Some are walk-through exhibits where you can observe animals in their natural habitat. Bird Gardens is a free flight aviary where more than 500 tropical birds from all over the world make their homes.
You can hand-feed a kangaroo, and see crocodiles, meerkats, lions, hyenas, and hippos.
Located right across the street from Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, Adventure Island® is 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun featuring the ultimate combination of high-speed thrills and tropical, tranquil surroundings for guests of all ages. Within a soothing Key West atmosphere await slides, corkscrews, water falls, a wave pool, children’s water playground and other family attractions. Choose to race down rapids, dig your toes into the sand or relax all day in a private cabana. Hurtle high and experience a feeling of weightlessness on Colossal Curl™, Adventure Island’s newest family thrill slide.
628 locals recommend
Adventure Island
10001 McKinley DrLocated right across the street from Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, Adventure Island® is 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun featuring the ultimate combination of high-speed thrills and tropical, tranquil surroundings for guests of all ages. Within a soothing Key West atmosphere await slides, corkscrews, water falls, a wave pool, children’s water playground and other family attractions. Choose to race down rapids, dig your toes into the sand or relax all day in a private cabana. Hurtle high and experience a feeling of weightlessness on Colossal Curl™, Adventure Island’s newest family thrill slide.
Sightseeing
Due to its packed history and wonderful natural landscape, there is so much to do at Fort De Soto Park. Explore the five interconnected islands, take a peek at the historic fort, enjoy the water, or take on the miles of trails. Great beaches, dog beaches, camping, picnicking, biking, hiking and boating!
153 locals recommend
Fort DeSoto State Park
3500 Pinellas Bayway SouthDue to its packed history and wonderful natural landscape, there is so much to do at Fort De Soto Park. Explore the five interconnected islands, take a peek at the historic fort, enjoy the water, or take on the miles of trails. Great beaches, dog beaches, camping, picnicking, biking, hiking and boating!
The Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali is known as one of the most influential artists to ever exist. And the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg is home to the largest collection of Dali’s works on the entire planet!
1381 locals recommend
The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum)
1 Dali BlvdThe Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali is known as one of the most influential artists to ever exist. And the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg is home to the largest collection of Dali’s works on the entire planet!
Florida Holocaust Museum
55 5th St SFishing charters, dolphin tours, nom-private boat cruises all right here on John’s Pass. And be sure to watch Dylan Hubbard on Fox News on Friday mornings - he will tell you where all the different types of fish are biting!
52 locals recommend
Hubbard's Marina
170 Boardwalk Pl EFishing charters, dolphin tours, nom-private boat cruises all right here on John’s Pass. And be sure to watch Dylan Hubbard on Fox News on Friday mornings - he will tell you where all the different types of fish are biting!
Can't say I've been here but if you're into museums, I hear it's great!
303 locals recommend
Museum of Fine Arts
255 Beach Dr NECan't say I've been here but if you're into museums, I hear it's great!
Can't say I've been here, but if you like art, you might like this!
320 locals recommend
Chihuly Collection
720 Central AvenueCan't say I've been here, but if you like art, you might like this!
Rainbow Springs State Park is one of the most popular Florida State Parks. Between the glistening turquoise waters, cascading man-made waterfalls, and colorful blooming azaleas, Rainbow Springs State Park seems to exude natural beauty. But beauty isn’t all that this state park has to offer. You can go tubing down a natural lazy river, do a little swimming, pump your arms while canoeing or kayaking, watch for Florida wildlife, or tackle a hike.
224 locals recommend
Rainbow Springs State Park
19158 SW 81st Pl RdRainbow Springs State Park is one of the most popular Florida State Parks. Between the glistening turquoise waters, cascading man-made waterfalls, and colorful blooming azaleas, Rainbow Springs State Park seems to exude natural beauty. But beauty isn’t all that this state park has to offer. You can go tubing down a natural lazy river, do a little swimming, pump your arms while canoeing or kayaking, watch for Florida wildlife, or tackle a hike.
Food scene
Best restaurant in town! Upscale Chicago Italian steakhouse - delish! Make a reservation!
16 locals recommend
Beau & Mo's Italian Eating House
2924 5th Ave NBest restaurant in town! Upscale Chicago Italian steakhouse - delish! Make a reservation!
Middle Grounds Grill
10925 Gulf BlvdGreat little steakhouse nearby.
Walk up restaurant literally ON the beach and STEPS from the Gulf with live music. Great place to bring dogs on the beach
45 locals recommend
Paradise Grille
900 Gulf WayWalk up restaurant literally ON the beach and STEPS from the Gulf with live music. Great place to bring dogs on the beach
Ricky T's Bar & Grille
10601 Gulf BlvdGood food, live music, close- by. Kid and dog friendly!
Captain Bill's Gulfside Tavern
145 107th Ave$1 oysters all day every day!!
Caddy's Madeira Beach
14080 Gulf BoulevardGreat place to have dinner for sunset. And nearby!
Great Italian market to pick up fresh pasta, homemade pizzas and Italian dishes to go, subs, snacks, wine and cheese.
215 locals recommend
Mazzaro's Italian Market
2909 22nd Ave NGreat Italian market to pick up fresh pasta, homemade pizzas and Italian dishes to go, subs, snacks, wine and cheese.
Delicious seafood! Casual but nicer than most places. No bar inside and Beer and wine only! No liquor!
46 locals recommend
Snapper's Sea Grill
5895 Gulf BlvdDelicious seafood! Casual but nicer than most places. No bar inside and Beer and wine only! No liquor!
Delicious upscale seafood steakhouse restaurant. They catch their own seafood each day. Eat in or outside but be sure to ask for a nice view!
319 locals recommend
Salt Rock Grill
19325 Gulf BlvdDelicious upscale seafood steakhouse restaurant. They catch their own seafood each day. Eat in or outside but be sure to ask for a nice view!
Great new restaurant and whiskey bar. Upscale, delicious food, off the beaten path. Highly recommend making reservations.
30 locals recommend
The Urban Stillhouse
2232 5th Ave SGreat new restaurant and whiskey bar. Upscale, delicious food, off the beaten path. Highly recommend making reservations.
Very casual, good seafood on the beach. Usually a wait but there are a couple of bars to wait at. And they have a parking lot unlike most on the beach!
46 locals recommend
Crabby Bill's in St. Pete Beach
5100 Gulf BlvdVery casual, good seafood on the beach. Usually a wait but there are a couple of bars to wait at. And they have a parking lot unlike most on the beach!
Best outdoor breakfast around and they have a doggie menu for your furry friends. They don’t serve hard liquor but they still serve bloody Mary’s! With their own wine-vodka. Surprisingly pretty good! Very creative dishes here!
77 locals recommend
Stella's
2914 Beach Blvd SBest outdoor breakfast around and they have a doggie menu for your furry friends. They don’t serve hard liquor but they still serve bloody Mary’s! With their own wine-vodka. Surprisingly pretty good! Very creative dishes here!
Great place for a burger! There are a bunch of bars and restaurants nearby as well - Buoy's, Toasted Monkey, Oyster Shuckers, Woody's and PJ's.
35 locals recommend
Willy's Burger and Booze
645 Corey AveGreat place for a burger! There are a bunch of bars and restaurants nearby as well - Buoy's, Toasted Monkey, Oyster Shuckers, Woody's and PJ's.
Sea Dog Brewing Co.
9610 Gulf BlvdGreat sports bar with hundreds of tvs!
Great cajun food great vibe located directly on the Intercoastal waterway! Live music at 7pm Tuesday - Sat. Sundays at 4pm.
82 locals recommend
Shrimpys Blues Bistro
9524 Blind Pass RdGreat cajun food great vibe located directly on the Intercoastal waterway! Live music at 7pm Tuesday - Sat. Sundays at 4pm.
Bars
Great indoor/outdoor sports bar. Bazillions of TVs, axe throwing, mini bowling, sleet shooting, an in house dog run & pool tables.
71 locals recommend
Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill
1320 Central AveGreat indoor/outdoor sports bar. Bazillions of TVs, axe throwing, mini bowling, sleet shooting, an in house dog run & pool tables.
Mahuffer's
19201 Gulf BlvdBest dive bar EVER!!!
Great late night place downtown. Live music just about always. Sit outside on the sidewalk or inside in the thick of it all. Beware though, it’s a cigar bar on the other side so smoking is allowed here. I like sitting outside! If McKenzie is your waitress, tell her Lysa sent you!
72 locals recommend
Ruby's Elixir
15 3rd St NGreat late night place downtown. Live music just about always. Sit outside on the sidewalk or inside in the thick of it all. Beware though, it’s a cigar bar on the other side so smoking is allowed here. I like sitting outside! If McKenzie is your waitress, tell her Lysa sent you!
Jimmy B's Beach Bar
6200 Gulf BlvdGreat bar on the beach with live music.
Hotel Zamora
3701 Gulf BlvdGreat rooftop bar to watch sunset.
The Dewey Beach Restaurant
109 8th AveGreat upscale rooftop bar on Pass-a-Grille.
Awesome place for live music. Make sure you go all the way through the bar or you’re missing out on how cool this place is!
38 locals recommend
Saltwater Hippie
15042 Madeira WayAwesome place for live music. Make sure you go all the way through the bar or you’re missing out on how cool this place is!
Live music all day every day! Across the street from Caddy's and the beach. Great for sunset.
66 locals recommend
Ka'Tiki
8803 W Gulf BlvdLive music all day every day! Across the street from Caddy's and the beach. Great for sunset.
Beach
Bring Fido and then go have lunch or a drink at Caddy’s or KaTiki a short walk or drive away.
Sunset Beach Dog Park
Bring Fido and then go have lunch or a drink at Caddy’s or KaTiki a short walk or drive away.
Pass A Grille Dog Beach
1-199 Pass a Grille WayGreat place to bring your doggies!!
Enjoy the beach along with a drink and some live music at Caddy's or KaTiki.
82 locals recommend
Sunset Beach
Enjoy the beach along with a drink and some live music at Caddy's or KaTiki.
Caddy's Treasure Island
9000 West Gulf BoulevardGreat beach, great bar, live music!
Simply enjoy the inviting turquoise water and pristine white sand. Do a little kayaking, prepare a beachfront picnic, go for a relaxing swim, or tackle a blood-pumping hike.
94 locals recommend
Caladesi Island
Simply enjoy the inviting turquoise water and pristine white sand. Do a little kayaking, prepare a beachfront picnic, go for a relaxing swim, or tackle a blood-pumping hike.
Situated right next to Caladesi Island, the highlight of Honeymoon Island is a perfect four-mile stretch of beach. So enjoy the sun, sand, and water!
459 locals recommend
Honeymoon Island State Park
1 Causeway BlvdSituated right next to Caladesi Island, the highlight of Honeymoon Island is a perfect four-mile stretch of beach. So enjoy the sun, sand, and water!
Neighborhoods
Downtown St Pete is vibrant and lively. Beach Drive is a great place to Have dinner and then hop on over to Central Ave for a little live music and dancing. During the day, take a stroll or bike ride up past the vinoy and watch the dolphins playing. Or head to a museum!
443 locals recommend
St. Petersburg
Downtown St Pete is vibrant and lively. Beach Drive is a great place to Have dinner and then hop on over to Central Ave for a little live music and dancing. During the day, take a stroll or bike ride up past the vinoy and watch the dolphins playing. Or head to a museum!
St Pete Beach
3300 Gulf BlvdTreasure Island
Great beaches - Sunday afternoon drum circle across of Publix.
Very casual and artsy. Lots of great bars, restaurants and shopping. Usually a festival going on. Very dog friendly.
108 locals recommend
Gulfport
Very casual and artsy. Lots of great bars, restaurants and shopping. Usually a festival going on. Very dog friendly.
Very quaint highly sought after expensive residential area north of downtown St Pete.
48 locals recommend
Historic Old Northeast
Very quaint highly sought after expensive residential area north of downtown St Pete.
Madeira Beach
Home of John's Pass!
City/town information
Great Day trip - they have tubing, swimming with the Manatees, scallop diving, great kayaking, natural springs, ziplining and much much more!
190 locals recommend
Crystal River
3266 N Sailboat AveGreat Day trip - they have tubing, swimming with the Manatees, scallop diving, great kayaking, natural springs, ziplining and much much more!
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is quite an original day trip from Tampa. This natural spring has been turned into a one-of-a-kind mermaid-themed attraction.
It’s really quite difficult to sum up everything that Weeki Wachee Springs State Park has to offer. While the iconic mermaid show is of course the most popular part, visitors can also explore freshwater caves, get the adrenaline pumping at the water park portion, learn about the wildlife of Florida, and even kayak or swim around the spring.
19 locals recommend
Weeki Wachee Gardens
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is quite an original day trip from Tampa. This natural spring has been turned into a one-of-a-kind mermaid-themed attraction.
It’s really quite difficult to sum up everything that Weeki Wachee Springs State Park has to offer. While the iconic mermaid show is of course the most popular part, visitors can also explore freshwater caves, get the adrenaline pumping at the water park portion, learn about the wildlife of Florida, and even kayak or swim around the spring.
Great beaches, golf, bars & restaurants, boating, festivals and the infamous Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Musuem.
221 locals recommend
Sarasota
Great beaches, golf, bars & restaurants, boating, festivals and the infamous Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Musuem.
Anna Maria Island is a cute little island filled with fantastic beaches and colorful, oceanfront rentals. Despite its small size, Anna Maria Island is packed with things to do, so it’s perfect for everyone!
As expected of an island off the coast of Florida, Anna Maria Island is filled with beautiful beaches, with Manatee Public Beach, Coquina Beach, and Bean Point Beach being a few of the most popular. The island is also filled with delicious restaurants and cozy boutique shops, perfect for a relaxing island getaway.
But if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, Anna Maria Island fulfills that need too. Kayak with wild dolphins, scuba dive at a shipwreck, or canoe through alligators and boar at Myakka State Park.
66 locals recommend
Anna Maria
Anna Maria Island is a cute little island filled with fantastic beaches and colorful, oceanfront rentals. Despite its small size, Anna Maria Island is packed with things to do, so it’s perfect for everyone!
As expected of an island off the coast of Florida, Anna Maria Island is filled with beautiful beaches, with Manatee Public Beach, Coquina Beach, and Bean Point Beach being a few of the most popular. The island is also filled with delicious restaurants and cozy boutique shops, perfect for a relaxing island getaway.
But if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, Anna Maria Island fulfills that need too. Kayak with wild dolphins, scuba dive at a shipwreck, or canoe through alligators and boar at Myakka State Park.