Where to Stay in St. Petersburg, FL (COOLEST Areas!)

FIRST TIME IN ST. PETERSBURG, FL

FIRST TIME IN ST. PETERSBURG, FL

Treasure Island

Treasure Island is one of the best places to stay in St. Peterburg for your first time as it’s close to everything. It got its name from its history which featured the digging up of several treasure chests.

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ON A BUDGET

ON A BUDGET

Downtown

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in St. Petersburg on a budget, then the Downtown area is your best bet. Due to its location a little way from the beach, the hotels tend to be a little more budget-friendly.

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FOR FAMILIES

FOR FAMILIES

North Redington Beach

North Redington Beach isn’t as popular as other areas, so it offers a quieter atmosphere that’s perfect if you’re travelling with children. You’ll also find a huge range of luxury hotels and resorts near this beach, which makes it ideal for all-inclusive holidays where you don’t have to go far to do something fun.

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FOR NIGHTLIFE

FOR NIGHTLIFE

Madeira Beach

Madeira Beach is one of the most popular locations for people looking for a fun, active beach holiday. It’s close to the beach and has lots of shops and restaurants close by, making if the perfect tourist location.

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St Pete’s isn’t a large city, but there are still distinct areas that are best for travelers. The coolest places to stay in St. Petersburg are close to the beaches or the city center, where you can enjoy the best of all worlds. With that in mind, here’s where to look for your trip.

Treasure Island is our top pick for those visiting St Pete’s for the first time. It has amazing beaches, restaurants, and lots of activities to try out, and is a great way to get to know the area.

If you’d prefer to be in the city, close to restaurants and within walking distance of the beach, check out the Downtown area. It’s the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in St Petersburg FL if you’re traveling on a budget, due to the number of accommodation options available.

North Redington Beach is the best option for families visiting St Petersburg, as it lies outside the main part of the city. North Redington offers quiet beaches and great hotels, so you’ll be able to enjoy a laid-back vacation.

Madeira Beach is the final area in our guide. Packed with bars, restaurants and shops, this is the place to come for the best nightlife in the area!

There are lots of great neighborhoods in St. Petersburg, but these are some of the best for travelers.

1. Treasure Island – Where to Stay in St. Petersburg FL for the First Time

Treasure Island is one of the best places to stay in St. Petersburg for your first time as it’s close to everything. Plus, the beach is hard to beat for swimming, diving, and water sports, and the area is full of history.

Treasure Island has a collection of absolutely amazing restaurants, most of them featuring great seafood and beautiful views. If you’d like a drink at night, you’ll also find some great bars in the area, so you can raise a glass close to the sand.

• COOLEST Thing to Do in Treasure Island – Spend some time in Egan Park for fishing, views, and sports facilities
• BEST Place to Visit in Treasure Island – Head down to the Sunset Beach Pavilions for a relaxing seaside experience

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Top Things to Do in Treasure Island

1. Go for a romantic walk on the beach at sunset
2. Head up to the famous Madeira beach
3. Go up to John’s Pass, a quaint fishing village with great shops, bars, and restaurants
4. Eat some seafood on the beach at Caddy’s Treasure Island, Shrimpy’s Blues Bistro, or the Barracuda Deli Café
5. Go jet skiing, diving, swimming, or take a boat trip out on the water
6. Have a drink at Jimmy B’s Beach Bar, Buoy’s Waterfront bar and Grill, or Chill Restaurant and Bar

Located right in the heart of Treasure Island, this is one of the best areas to stay in St Petersburg. This apartment is bright and convenient, and has enough space for up to 4 guests. Best of all, the beach and shops are within walking distance from the front door.

Best Hotel in Treasure Island: Twins Inn & Apartments

This is one of the best places to stay in St. Petersburg for a cosy atmosphere. With all the comforts of home, these apartments are adjacent to the beach and have a heated pool onsite. The apartments come in a range of sizes, and some of them even have sea views and balconies!

Best Luxury Airbnb in Treasure Island: Treasure Island Beach House

This two floor condo in the Treasure Island Marina is a sun soaked paradise, expect picturesque sunsets over the beach. There’s room for you and your whole crew with upstairs and downstairs dining options, two large balconies perched across the road from the beach. And what a beach it is, the hosts claiming St. Petersburg’s most beautiful stretch of sand.

All the bedrooms face the water so everyone’s winning, waking up to morning light over the harbor. With a full kitchen at your disposal, you can really up the boujee and hire a personal chef or get in there yourself!

2. Downtown – Where to Stay in St. Petersburg FL on a Budget

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in St. Petersburg on a budget, then the Downtown area is your best bet. Due to its location a little way from the beach, the hotels here tend to be a little more wallet-friendly. With the efficient public transport links, you’ll be able to head out to the beach any time you choose.

If you choose to stay in the Downtown area, you’ll be treated to a side of St. Pete’s that few people ever see. The Downtown area is the city’s cultural hub, so you’ll enjoy some of the best art in the area when you’re not hitting the beach!

• COOLEST Thing to Do in Downtown – Poke through the wares at the St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market
• BEST Place to Visit in Downtown – Visit the amazing Salvador Dali Museum for mind-bending strangeness

Top Things to Do in St. Pete’s Downtown

1. See if there are any festivals in the area, as they’re usually held in the Downtown area
2. Chill out on the amazing beaches
3. Eat something delicious at the Mill, The Cider Press Café, or 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House
4. Check out what’s on at the Coliseum
5. Watch some glass blowing or check out the amazing collection at the Chihuly Collection
6. Learn about the area’s sadder history at the Florida Holocaust Museum
7. Experience the city’s art history at the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art or the Museum of Fine Arts
8. Take a day trip to Clearwater Beach

If you’re looking for somewhere convenient and basic to base yourself, this is a good choice. Small but with lots of space-saving extras, this cottage is modern, eco-friendly, and contains high-end appliances. It’s suitable for up to 2 guests and close to the center of the city, so you’ll be able to get around easily.

Best Hotel in Downtown: Tru by Hilton

This hotel in St. Petersburg is right in the center of the Downtown area and close to shops and restaurants. It has a sun deck, free parking, and breakfast available. Furthermore, this hotel is within a short walking distance from the beach as well as local attractions. It’s a great place to stay if you’re passing through on a road-trip through Florida.

Best Luxury Airbnb in Downtown: Rockin’ Johnny

This high-end luxury Airbnb is a dream to stay in. With chic interiors and everything you need for a comfortable stay, Rockin’ Johnny is an ideal home away from home in St. Petersburg. You’ll feel like a rockstar in this two bedroom apartment, each bedroom has its own private bathroom.

The twenty foot ceilings in this apartment add to the luxurious feel of this St. Petersburg apartment. You’re within walking distance of all that you’ll want to see in the area and you can call a cab if you want to venture further. There is no free parking at this accommodation.

3. North Redington Beach – Best Neighborhood in St. Petersburg FL for Families

North Redington Beach isn’t as popular as other areas, so it offers a quieter atmosphere that’s perfect if you’re travelling with children. You’ll also find a huge range of luxury hotels and resorts near this beach, which makes it ideal for all-inclusive holidays where you don’t have to go far to do something fun.

The beaches in this area are amazing, perhaps even better than the main beaches because they’re quieter. This makes them a good location for swimming, fishing and diving without the crowds.

• COOLEST Thing to Do in North Redington Beach – Take the kids to Redington Beach Town Park for playground equipment and kid-friendly activities
• BEST Place to Visit in North Redington Beach – Check out the Redington Pier

Top Things to Do in North Redington Beach

1. Have a meal at the Seabreeze, Mangos Restaurant and Tiki Bar, or The Conch Republic Grill
2. Relax on the beach or go swimming or diving
3. Head into the Downtown area for museums, art galleries, and more shopping
4. Take a kayak across to Pineapple Island for isolated ocean activities and views
5. Give the kids a fun learning experience at the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

This small condo is located in the best neighborhood to stay in if you want a bit of peace and quiet. It’s small but sleeps four people, and contains all the amenities you’ll need during your stay. Plus, it’s just steps from the beach!

Best Hotel in North Redington Beach: Salt Water Suites

This hotel is one of the best St. Petersburg accommodation options out there. It has family rooms as well as options for couples or singles. It also has its own pool and free parking, as well as amazing beachfront views!

There’s a coffee maker in each room too so you can be up and at em for early morning sun tanning… And whatever else you decide to do with your day.

Best Luxury Airbnb in North Redington Beach: Beachfront Condo

Don’t miss out on this house if you’re deciding where to stay in St. Petersburg. It has space for up to six guests, a large kitchen, free parking, and clothes washing facilities. It’s also RIGHT ON the beach, so you won’t have to go far for a dip.

It’s a stunning three-bedroom condo with two bathrooms so there’s room for everyone.

4. Madeira Beach – Where to Stay in St. Petersburg FL for Nightlife

Madeira Beach is one of the most popular locations for people looking for a fun, active beach holiday. It’s close to the ocean and has lots of shops and restaurants close by, and is home to the best nightlife in St Petersburg, drawing in a lot of young visitors staying in the Tampa Area.

Madeira Beach also has a great mix of hotels to suit all travel groups, from more affordable choices to huge resorts with ocean views. No matter how much money you want to spend, you’ll enjoy yourself in this part of the city.

• COOLEST Thing to Do in Madeira Beach – Make sure that you eat grouper at one of the local restaurants, this area is the (self-proclaimed) Grouper Capital of the World!
• BEST Place to Visit in Madeira Beach – Head to John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk for stores and eateries with ocean views

Top Things to Do in Madeira Beach

1. Honor the past at the War Veterans Memorial Park
2. Relax in Archibald Beach Park (The Hammocks) for a family-friendly day out
3. Eat some of the freshest seafood possible at the Wild Seafood Market at Don’s Dock
4. Hire a chartered boat and do some deep-sea fishing
5. Fill your belly at Slow Roasted, the Gulf Bistro, or Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
6. Grab some friends and head out for a night out at the Hut Bar and Grill, the Bamboo Beach Bar, or the Mad Pub

Best Hotel in Madeira Beach: Shoreline Island Resort

This adults-only resort it located in the best neighborhood to stay in St. Petersburg for easy beach access and amenities. It includes its own private beach, a fitness center, heated pool, and apartments with small kitchenettes for added convenience.

Best Airbnb in Madeira Beach: Direct Beachfront Condo

Directly on the beach, this condo is bright, modern, and has enough space for up to 6 guests. With 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, it’s the perfect beach vacation spot, and it even has a great balcony where you can sit and watch the waves roll in.

Best Luxury Airbnb in Madeira Beach: Island Gulf Resort

Ocean views and bright, relaxing spaces are all part of a good beach holiday, and that’s exactly what you get in this apartment. Perfect for up to 4 guests, it’s within walking distance of popular shopping areas, offers beautiful beach views, has a beach community atmosphere that’s impossible to beat!

Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of St. Petersburg FL and where to stay.

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There’s nothing quite like a beach holiday in Florida, and St Petersburg has everything you need for an enjoyable vacation. Just bring along your beach essentials, be prepared to eat lots of seafood, and don’t forget to leave the beach for some shopping and cultural activities while you’re there!