Mallory & Matthew
Things to Do
Caddy's Treasure Island
The only bar right on Sunset Beach, Caddy's is a Treasure Island staple. It's been voted one of Florida's top 10 beach bars four times, so you know you're going to have a good time! Show up for food, drinks, volleyball, live music and more. Open from 8am to 10pm and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can spend literally all day here if you want.
John's Pass Village & Boardwalk
The “Pass” was created by a hurricane on September 27, 1848. A pirate, John Levique, made the first passage through the newly created pass. Hence the name, John's Pass. Located on the waterfront at John's Pass, this quaint turn-of-the-century fishing village is one of the top tourist destinations in Pinellas County. Over one hundred merchants inhabit the Village with unique retail shopping, a variety of restaurants, the local fishing fleet, dolphin watching and shelling tours, boat rentals, parasailing and jet skiing. Plenty of parking: There is metered on-street parking located conveniently throughout the Village, as well as a new state-of-the-art multi-level parking garage adjacent to Bubba Gumps. The beach is a short stroll away.
Fort DeSoto Park
Used as a military base during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this local park spans five offshore islands at the mouth of Tampa Bay. This out-of-the way area is a great place to have a Florida beach experience away from the hustle and bustle of the major tourist areas, and touring the historic fort is a great family-friendly activity. Among other things, it has its own campground, seven miles of bike trails, two fishing piers, and a ferry to Egmont Key State Park. Bikes, canoes and kayaks can be rented in Fort DeSoto park as well.
Mazzaro's Italian Market
This family-owned gourmet Italian market is a St. Petersburg institution. Opened in 1982, it's a favorite of locals and a must-visit destination for any foodie. Enjoy a cup of their house-roasted coffee at their coffee bar, grab an authentic Italian pastry from their bakery counter, or order a sandwich or salad to-go from their deli! They also have a wine and cheese room, fresh produce, cured meats, and a wide selection of imported delights. We recommend visiting on a weekday and getting there early--it's almost always busy!
The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum)
St. Petersburg's Dali Museum houses the largest assembled collection of artwork by Salvador Dali outside of Europe. Mainly comprised of the private collection of the Morse family, friends and patrons of Salvador Dali, the museum occupies a unique glass-and-concrete building right on the waterfront of downtown St. Pete, and regularly hosts guest exhibits of works by world-renowned artists. This attraction is a must-see for any art lover.
Beach Drive
If you're looking for a nice area to spend an afternoon or evening, you can't do much better than Beach Drive in Downtown St. Petersburg! Stroll the sidewalk on the east side of the street to browse unique shops, delicious local eateries, and trendy bars (we recommend The Canopy, the rooftop bar at The Birchwood). Cross over to the west side for a walk through North Straub Park and a view of St. Pete's beautiful waterfront, or stop in for some culture at the Museum of Fine Arts. This area has metered street parking, but you can also park a short walk away at the Sundial parking garage on 2nd Street between 2nd Ave N and 1st Ave N.
Grand Central District
Mal lived in this area for a couple of years, and it's still her favorite! Founded in 2000 and located just west of downtown St. Petersburg, the Grand Central District is designated nationally and by the State of Florida as a Main Street Community. It is home to over 350 locally owned and operated independent businesses, merchants, restaurants, bars, art galleries, professional services, and health and wellness providers. Grand Central is pedestrian and bicycle friendly. Some notables in this area: ARTpool Gallery, a market for local art and vintage finds; Haslam's Books, the largest independent bookstore in Florida, open since 1933; Bodega, a Cuban restaurant serving lots of great food but also probably the best Cuban sandwich you'll ever eat; Green Bench Brewing Company, a great place to sample local beers and hang out in a beautiful courtyard; The Dog Bar, a fun place to have a couple drinks and watch dogs play; Casita Taqueria for amazing tacos
Chihuly Collection
If you're a fan of hand-blown glass, you'll definitely want to take a trip to Central Ave in Downtown St. Petersburg to see the Chihuly Collection! This is a stunning, permanent collection of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork. This presentation is unique as it is the first installation of Chihuly art in a building designed specifically for that purpose. Designed so that the art and architecture work together to create a visitor experience unlike any other exhibition of Chihuly’s art. The Collection is marked at the entrance by an iconic 20-foot sculpture created especially for the site. Want to see how it's all done? Consider upgrading your ticket to include a glass-blowing demonstration at the Hot Shop behind the Morean Arts Center!
St. Pete Pier
Updated and newly opened in Summer 2020, this is a great place to walk the St. Pete waterfront, shop, and eat.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
If you're a fan of roller coasters, then Busch Gardens is a must-visit attraction! With heart-stopping thrill rides like the SheiKra, Falcon's Fury, and Cheetah Hunt, it's the perfect park for adrenaline junkies. You can also stroll through the park and see all sorts of animals, stop in for a show, or take the kids to the Jungala play area.