St. Petersburg, Florida — affectionately known as “St. Pete” — has transformed into one of the most vibrant, creative, and welcoming cities in the Southeast. Whether you’re spending a weekend or a full week here, you’ll quickly understand why it’s become a bucket-list destination. Here’s how to make the most of a weekend in St. Pete, starting from our vacation rental on Isla del Sol.
Day 1: The Beach & Waterfront
Start your Saturday morning with breakfast at Paradise Diner on St. Pete Beach — it’s just over the Pinellas Bayway bridge from Bahia 155 and is the perfect casual Florida breakfast spot. Then head to Pass-A-Grille Beach for the morning. The historic village at the south end of St. Pete Beach has been a Florida favorite since the early 1900s, and it shows in the best possible way. Browse the boutiques, grab an ice cream at Larry’s Ice Cream and Gelato, and enjoy some of the clearest Gulf water in the area.
For lunch, head to one of the waterfront tiki bars along Gulf Boulevard. For dinner, make the short drive to Downtown St. Petersburg — a lively neighborhood packed with world-class restaurants. Try Il Ritorno for upscale Italian, Bodega for Cuban sandwiches, or The Mill for creative farm-to-table cuisine.
Day 2: Arts, Culture & Downtown St. Pete
Sunday morning, head straight to Downtown St. Pete — the arts and culture district along Central Avenue and the waterfront. The Salvador Dalí Museum is one of the most impressive art museums in the southern US and houses the largest collection of Dalí works outside of Europe. Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, the building itself is architecturally stunning.
After the museum, walk along the waterfront at Vinoy Park and snap a photo in front of the Vinoy Resort, a 1925 Mediterranean Revival hotel that anchors the St. Pete waterfront. The Saturday Morning Market at Al Lang Stadium (open October through May) is one of the best farmers markets in Florida — local produce, craft vendors, and live music.
For Sunday brunch, head to one of the many spots along 4th Street North, which is packed with locally-owned restaurants. The stretch between 22nd and 38th Avenue has become a “restaurant row” that rivals anything in Tampa or Orlando.
Bonus: John’s Pass Village
If you have an afternoon to spare, drive north on Gulf Blvd through Treasure Island to John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk in Madeira Beach. This historic fishing village has been transformed into a lively outdoor market with shops, restaurants, and water sports outfitters. You can book a dolphin-watching cruise, rent a jet ski, or just stroll the boardwalk and grab some grouper tacos.
Getting Around
Bahia 155 is perfectly positioned for all of these adventures. Gulf Boulevard runs the length of the barrier islands north to south, so you can easily cruise from Pass-A-Grille through St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, and Madeira Beach all in one trip. Downtown St. Pete is about 20-25 minutes east via the Pinellas Bayway and I-275.
We include a rolling cooler in the condo — perfect for packing a beach lunch or drinks for a day on the water. Book Bahia 155 on VRBO and start planning your St. Pete weekend.
