Things to Do in Pinellas County, Florida: The Ultimate Guide

Pinellas County, located on Florida’s sun-kissed Gulf Coast, is a paradise for travelers seeking beaches, culture, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fun. From the vibrant streets of St. Petersburg to the charming seaside towns of Dunedin and Tarpon Springs, this region offers something for every visitor. Here’s your complete guide to the best things to do in Pinellas County.

🏖️ Outdoor Adventures

🏝️ Clearwater Beach & St. Pete Beach: World-famous beaches with soft white sand and turquoise waters. Clearwater Beach’s Pier 60 hosts a daily sunset festival with artisans, street performers, and live music. St. Pete Beach, often ranked among the top beaches in the U.S., offers plenty of water sports like jet-skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding. Both beaches have waterfront restaurants, beach bars, and scenic trails for walking or biking. Early mornings are perfect for shell collecting, and evenings bring spectacular sunsets over the Gulf.
🌅 Fort De Soto Park: This 1,100-acre park isn’t just about beaches—it’s a historical and ecological treasure. Explore the restored Spanish–American War-era fort, rent kayaks to paddle through mangrove tunnels, or cycle along the paved 7-mile trail. There are designated picnic areas, fishing piers, and an off-leash dog beach. Birdwatchers can spot more than 300 species. Open 7 AM–sunset; $6 parking fee.
🏖️ Honeymoon & Caladesi Islands State Parks: Accessible via Dunedin Causeway or ferry, these islands are prized for their natural serenity. Honeymoon Island features hiking trails through pine forests and an osprey observation area, while Caladesi Island—reachable only by ferry or kayak—boasts untouched beaches perfect for swimming and shelling. Facilities include restrooms, snack bars, and picnic shelters. Admission is $8 per car; Caladesi ferry ~$20 adults, $10 children.
🏰 Egmont Key State Park: Reachable only by ferry from Fort De Soto, Egmont Key combines history, wildlife, and tranquility. Visitors can tour the 19th-century lighthouse, explore the remains of Fort Dade, and snorkel over submerged ruins teeming with marine life. Sea turtles often nest here, and dolphins are frequently spotted offshore. Bring water, snacks, and shade gear—there are no amenities on the island.
🐢 Shell Key Preserve & Weedon Island Preserve: These protected coastal habitats are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. At Shell Key Preserve, accessible only by private boat or kayak, visitors enjoy pristine sands, bird nesting sites, and excellent snorkeling. Weedon Island offers a 3-mile boardwalk and paddling trails weaving through mangroves and tidal flats. Guided kayak eco-tours are available year-round, offering insights into local ecology and history.
🌺 Florida Botanical Gardens & Philippe Park: Largo’s gardens span 110 acres with tropical plants, butterfly houses, and sculpture installations. Seasonal light displays transform the gardens during holidays. Philippe Park, Pinellas County’s oldest park, sits on the shores of Old Tampa Bay, featuring ancient Tocobaga Indian mounds, oak-shaded picnic spots, and a scenic waterfront drive ideal for sunset views. It’s a beloved local spot for picnics, photography, and morning jogs.

🌱 Family-Friendly Activities

🐬 Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Home of the late famous dolphin Winter, this beloved marine rescue center provides an inspiring, educational experience for all ages. Visitors can see rescued dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, otters, and even sharks up close while learning about rehabilitation and ocean conservation. The aquarium features touch pools, an underwater viewing tunnel, and boat tours through Clearwater Bay. Kids can join behind-the-scenes programs, while adults enjoy interactive exhibits and 4D shows. Open daily 10 AM–5 PM; tickets start around $42 for adults, with combo experiences available.
🦩 Sunken Gardens: One of Florida’s oldest attractions, located in the heart of St. Petersburg, Sunken Gardens is a 100-year-old botanical wonder nestled below street level. Visitors wander along brick pathways through lush tropical gardens filled with flamingos, koi ponds, and cascading waterfalls. Educational signage and guided tours highlight rare plant species and conservation efforts. Families love the flamingo encounters and photography spots—especially during seasonal butterfly releases and special events. Admission $18 adults, $8 children.
🧩 Great Explorations Children’s Museum: Situated next to Sunken Gardens, this interactive learning space encourages kids to discover science, technology, art, and creativity through hands-on exhibits. Children can role-play in a miniature grocery store, explore a firehouse, and experiment with physics exhibits. The museum also hosts weekly art workshops, sensory-friendly mornings, and science shows. It’s ideal for children ages 2–10, offering a fun mix of education and play. There’s even an on-site café and shaded outdoor play area.
🏡 Heritage Village & Florida Botanical Gardens: These neighboring attractions in Largo combine history and nature for a full-day experience. Heritage Village, an open-air museum, features more than 30 restored historical structures—including a 19th-century schoolhouse, general store, and pioneer homes—offering insight into Florida’s early days. Costumed interpreters and seasonal festivals bring local history to life. Next door, the Florida Botanical Gardens extend the visit with themed sections like butterfly gardens, cactus collections, and water features. Both attractions are free to enter, open most days from morning until early evening.
🐦 Seaside Seabird Sanctuary: Nestled along Gulf Boulevard in Indian Shores, this nonprofit wildlife hospital and rehabilitation center has been rescuing and releasing injured birds for decades. Families can walk shaded boardwalks past pelicans, owls, and bald eagles, and even observe feeding sessions and educational talks. Volunteers often share stories about each bird’s rescue journey. The sanctuary’s observation deck overlooks the Gulf, making it a peaceful spot to relax after your visit. Admission is free, open daily, though donations are appreciated to support animal care and rehabilitation programs.

🎨 Arts, History & Culture

🖼️ Salvador Dalí Museum: A must-visit in downtown St. Petersburg, this architectural marvel is one of Florida’s most iconic art destinations. It houses the world’s largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s works outside Spain, including paintings, sculptures, sketches, and immersive digital exhibits. The museum’s striking glass structure, known as the “Enigma,” overlooks Tampa Bay and provides a surreal backdrop for the masterpieces inside. Visitors can experience interactive exhibits that explore Dalí’s surrealist techniques, virtual reality experiences, and rotating contemporary exhibitions inspired by his legacy. Admission is around $30, and guided tours or audio tours add depth to the visit. The museum also has a café serving Spanish-inspired cuisine and a gift shop full of unique art merchandise.
🏛️ Museum of Fine Arts: Situated along picturesque Beach Drive in St. Petersburg, this museum showcases an impressive range of art spanning 5,000 years. Its permanent collection includes classical European paintings, pre-Columbian artifacts, and contemporary works. The museum’s courtyard and sculpture garden offer peaceful views of Tampa Bay, making it a popular stop for both art enthusiasts and casual visitors. It frequently hosts traveling exhibitions, film nights, and “Art After Dark” events that combine cocktails, live music, and gallery access. For families, there are creative workshops and guided tours tailored to younger audiences.
🐎 The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art: This unique museum celebrates the beauty and diversity of the American West through vivid artwork and lifelike dioramas. Its galleries feature dramatic sculptures, bronze pieces, and detailed paintings depicting cowboys, Native Americans, and wildlife across desert and mountain landscapes. The architecture itself evokes sandstone canyons, immersing visitors in a Western atmosphere. The museum offers rotating exhibits, cultural lectures, and hands-on children’s programs that explore the art and history of frontier life. Admission is about $23, and visitors often pair their visit with dining or shopping in the nearby Central Arts District.
🧿 Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Located in the northern part of Pinellas County, Tarpon Springs is steeped in Greek heritage. The Sponge Docks remain the heart of this charming waterfront community, where Greek immigrants began sponge diving in the early 1900s. Visitors can stroll along Dodecanese Boulevard, sample baklava and gyros, and watch sponge divers demonstrate traditional techniques. There are museums explaining the town’s maritime history, souvenir shops selling natural sea sponges, and waterfront boat tours that explore the Anclote River. The lively atmosphere, Mediterranean music, and authentic Greek tavernas make this a must-see cultural gem.
🕯️ Florida Holocaust Museum: Located in downtown St. Petersburg, this profound and emotional museum is dedicated to remembrance, reflection, and education. It houses one of the largest Holocaust collections in the southeastern U.S., including personal artifacts, photographs, and the original boxcar used to transport prisoners to concentration camps. The museum’s permanent exhibit, “History, Heritage, and Hope,” provides a chronological narrative of the Holocaust, while temporary exhibits address modern human rights issues. Visitors can listen to survivor testimonies, attend lectures, and view art installations promoting tolerance and compassion. It’s a deeply moving experience that leaves a lasting impression on both adults and students.

🎶 Nightlife & Entertainment

🎵 Downtown St. Petersburg: St. Pete’s nightlife scene buzzes with energy, offering everything from trendy rooftop bars and hidden speakeasies to lively music venues and waterfront lounges. The area’s most famous venue, Jannus Live, is an open-air courtyard surrounded by palm trees and historic brick walls where both local and international artists perform under the stars. The Ale & The Witch hosts live jazz and indie sets while serving local craft beers. Beach Drive is lined with upscale wine bars and alfresco restaurants, ideal for couples’ nights or relaxed evenings by the water. Art galleries often stay open late during the monthly First Friday Art Walk, blending nightlife with creativity.
🎭 Ruth Eckerd Hall & Mahaffey Theater: These premier venues in Clearwater and St. Petersburg elevate the cultural nightlife of Pinellas County. Ruth Eckerd Hall’s state-of-the-art acoustics attract big-name performers, from symphonies and comedians to major touring bands, while the waterfront Mahaffey Theater offers an elegant setting for ballets, operas, and Broadway productions. Both locations frequently host community events, galas, and pre-show cocktail receptions, giving visitors the chance to mingle and enjoy the arts in style. Check their calendars for seasonal highlights, like holiday concerts or film symphony performances.
🍺 Craft Breweries & Local Bars: Pinellas County has one of Florida’s most vibrant craft beer scenes, with more than 35 local breweries forming what’s known as the “Gulp Coast.” Dunedin Brewery, Florida’s oldest microbrewery, sets the standard with its live music nights and seasonal ales. 3 Daughters Brewing in St. Pete offers an expansive tasting room, board games, and weekly trivia, while Green Bench Brewing’s beer garden hosts outdoor movie nights and food pop-ups. For cocktails, explore downtown’s chic lounges or Gulfport’s laid-back beach bars. Many breweries also collaborate on special tasting events and release parties throughout the year.
⚾ Tropicana Field: Home to the Tampa Bay Rays, this indoor stadium offers much more than baseball. Between innings, fans can visit the Touch Tank Aquarium featuring live rays or grab craft brews at the local beer stands. Off-season, the stadium transforms into a major entertainment arena for concerts, conventions, and family shows. Annual highlights include professional wrestling, monster truck rallies, and national music tours. Its central location makes it easy to include a Rays game or live show as part of any St. Pete evening itinerary.

🍽️ Dining & Culinary Highlights

1. 🍤 Local Favorites

🐟 Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish – A quintessential Old Florida restaurant known for its rich, smoky aroma and laid-back picnic-table dining. Visitors come for the famous smoked mullet and salmon, served with homemade potato salad and cold beer. The rustic charm, family-owned legacy, and nostalgic vibe make it a must-stop for travelers seeking authentic local flavor.
🦞 Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill – A Clearwater Beach icon where the sound of waves pairs perfectly with the signature grouper sandwich and key lime pie. Expect beach views, tropical cocktails, and live music most evenings. Frenchy’s offers a fun, casual vibe perfect for families, couples, or groups looking to enjoy the sunset with a cold drink in hand.
🍽️ Mykonos – Located at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, this Greek taverna offers authentic Mediterranean dishes like lamb souvlaki, moussaka, and homemade baklava. It’s a family-run gem where recipes have been passed down through generations. The lively atmosphere and smell of grilled seafood transport visitors straight to Greece.

2. 🍷 Fine Dining & Hidden Gems

🍸 Maritana (Don CeSar Hotel) – Nestled inside the historic pink palace of St. Pete Beach, Maritana blends elegant ambiance with fine coastal cuisine. Diners can indulge in dishes like seared scallops, Gulf snapper, and wagyu beef, all paired with curated wines. Romantic lighting, exceptional service, and a sophisticated setting make it one of Pinellas County’s most luxurious dining experiences.
🥩 Brick & Mortar – Hidden along Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete, this contemporary restaurant is loved for its creative New American menu and farm-to-table approach. The cozy, brick-lined interior adds to its charm, while dishes like charred octopus, short rib risotto, and craft cocktails elevate every meal. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity with locals and foodies alike.
🍤 Sea Salt St. Pete – A modern seafood restaurant offering an upscale dining experience in the Sundial complex. Guests can choose from over 130 varieties of salt from around the world while enjoying dishes like oysters, lobster pasta, and truffle risotto. The rooftop bar provides a stunning spot for after-dinner drinks overlooking the city skyline.
🍝 Parts of Paris Bistro & Bar – A Dunedin favorite housed in a restored 1930s cottage, offering French classics like escargot, duck confit, and crème brûlée. Its intimate setting and curated wine list make it perfect for a romantic evening.

3. 🥐 Farmers Markets & Food Tours
Pinellas County’s culinary scene thrives on community markets and local producers. The St. Pete Saturday Morning Market (open year-round) is a feast for the senses, featuring dozens of vendors selling farm-fresh produce, pastries, ethnic foods, and artisanal crafts. Seasonal farmers markets in Dunedin, Gulfport, and Clearwater add regional charm and live music.
Food enthusiasts can join a St. Pete Food Tour or Clearwater Beach Tasting Walk, exploring hidden culinary gems, microbreweries, and dessert cafés. For a deeper experience, cooking classes and wine tastings are available in many downtown venues, offering travelers a chance to connect with local chefs and artisans.

🎉 Annual Events & Festivals

🏳️‍🌈 St. Pete Pride (June): Florida’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration, featuring parades, concerts, and street fairs that fill downtown St. Petersburg with color and joy. The event spans multiple days, with themed parties, art shows, and family-friendly activities culminating in the massive Pride Parade along Bayshore Drive. Visitors can also enjoy Pride in the Park, featuring local vendors, food trucks, and live drag performances that make it a can’t-miss celebration of inclusivity.
🎷 Clearwater Jazz Holiday (October): A beloved annual waterfront festival that draws top national and international jazz and blues performers to Coachman Park. The event offers four days of music, local cuisine, and art vendors. Guests can enjoy the sunset over Clearwater Bay while listening to smooth saxophone melodies and soulful performances. VIP seating, craft beer tents, and family zones make this an event that appeals to all ages.
🎨 SHINE Mural Festival (October): A 10-day celebration of creativity where local and global artists transform downtown St. Pete into a massive open-air gallery. Over 100 murals have been created since the festival’s inception, showcasing bold colors and diverse cultural themes. Visitors can take guided walking tours, attend live painting sessions, and participate in workshops. Food trucks and pop-up art markets line the streets, creating a lively festival atmosphere both day and night.
✝️ Tarpon Springs Epiphany Festival (January): A deeply rooted Greek Orthodox tradition where young men dive into the Spring Bayou to retrieve a wooden cross, symbolizing renewal and faith. Thousands gather to witness the ceremony, followed by parades, traditional Greek music, and street vendors serving souvlaki, loukoumades, and other Mediterranean delicacies. It’s one of the oldest and most unique cultural celebrations in Florida, blending spirituality and community pride.
🖌️ Mainsail Art Festival (April): An acclaimed fine arts event held in Vinoy Park, featuring more than 250 artists from across the U.S. The festival showcases paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed-media works, along with live music and gourmet food stalls. Families can enjoy kids’ art activities, while collectors browse award-winning exhibits. The scenic waterfront location, coupled with the festival’s reputation for high-quality art, makes it a highlight of Pinellas County’s cultural calendar.
🎆 Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival (April): Clearwater Beach’s iconic 17-day sand-sculpting extravaganza, where world-class artists create breathtaking sand masterpieces under massive white tents. The festival includes fireworks, live music, and beachside dining options. Perfect for families, it also offers sand sculpting classes for kids and photo ops with illuminated sculptures after dark.
🍻 Dunedin Highland Games & Festival (March): A celebration of Scottish heritage featuring traditional athletic competitions, bagpipe bands, Highland dancing, and authentic Celtic food. Attendees can enjoy parades, clan gatherings, and whiskey tastings while learning about the area’s strong Scottish roots.
🎇 Fourth of July Fireworks Celebrations: Multiple cities across Pinellas County, including Clearwater, St. Pete, and Tarpon Springs, host dazzling fireworks shows over the Gulf and Tampa Bay. Many include live bands, food vendors, and family-friendly activities leading up to the grand finale lighting up the night sky.

🛍️ Travel Tips

🗓️ Best Time to Visit: November–April offers mild weather, fewer crowds, and ideal beach conditions. Winter brings dry, sunny days perfect for sightseeing, while spring adds festivals and blooming gardens. Summer months (June–September) are warmer and humid but great for budget travelers, as hotel prices dip. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to explore outdoors, especially for photography and dolphin watching.
🅿️ Parking: Beach parking fills up early—arrive by 9 AM or use the Suncoast Beach Trolley to hop between major attractions stress-free. Many public lots in downtown St. Pete and Clearwater offer mobile payment options via apps like ParkMobile. For long stays, look for park-and-ride lots connected to beach trolleys or use hotel shuttles to avoid parking hassles. Metered parking is strictly enforced, so keep an eye on time limits.
🧴 Packing Tips: Pack sunscreen, hats, and refillable water bottles to stay cool under the Florida sun. Lightweight, breathable clothing is a must, along with comfortable shoes for walking on sand or city streets. Bring a light sweater for cooler evenings by the bay and a waterproof pouch for electronics if you plan on boating or kayaking. Don’t forget insect repellent for mangrove trails, and a reusable tote bag for markets or eco-friendly shopping.
🚌 Local Transport: The SunRunner bus line connects downtown St. Pete to the beaches affordably and operates on dedicated lanes, making travel fast and efficient. The Jolley Trolley and Central Avenue Trolley are fun, scenic options for hopping between coastal towns like Clearwater, Dunedin, and Tarpon Springs. Biking is also popular thanks to the 38-mile Pinellas Trail, with plenty of rental stations available. Rideshare apps, electric scooters, and water taxis add extra convenience for short trips or night outings. Visitors who prefer driving can rent electric cars at most airports and use EV charging stations located throughout Pinellas County.

🗺️ Final Thoughts

Pinellas County perfectly blends relaxation, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re exploring Dalí’s surreal art, kayaking through mangroves, or watching the sunset over Clearwater Beach, every corner of this Gulf Coast gem promises unforgettable experiences. From Tarpon Springs’ Greek heritage to St. Pete’s urban buzz, Pinellas is a destination that truly captures the spirit of Florida’s west coast.