A far cry from St. Petersburg in Russia, St. Petersburg Florida is locally known as St. Pete’s and is part of the Tampa Bay area.
It’s been nicknamed “The Sunshine City” and is a stunning location for a relaxing beach holiday. But St. Petersburg has even more to offer than just its BEAUTIFUL sandy beaches, water activities, and sunny days.
Although it’s a small city, it’s becoming known as a cultural hub. This means that you’ll find plenty to do while you’re visiting the heart of the city. From art museums and orchestras to delicious cuisines and shopping – you won’t be short of things to do in St. Petes!
Deciding where to stay in St. Petersburg can be a tough mission to be tasked with. The best area to stay completely depends on YOU, your budget and your travel style.
Are you dreaming of long days sipping cocktails on the beach? Or, maybe you’re dreaming of wandering around the art galleries for hours on end? Whatever you’re into, I’ve got you covered.
I’ve compiled the top neighborhoods to stay in St. Petersburg and categorised them by interest and budget. You’ll also find the best places to stay and things to do in each… you’ll be an expert on the areas of St. Petes in no time!
So, let’s dive right in and find where in St. Petes is best for you.
- Where to Stay in St. Petersburg FL
- St. Petersburg Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in St. Petersburg
- St. Petersburg’s 4 Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
- FAQs About Where to Stay in St. Petersburg FL
- What To Pack For St. Petersburg FL
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for St. Petersburg FL
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in St. Petersburg FL
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our top recommendations for where to stay in St. Petersburg, Florida.
St. Pete Beach Paradise | Best Luxury Airbnb in St. Pete’s
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Located in a central area in St. Petersburg FL, this Florida Airbnb apartment has everything you’ll need for a relaxing beach vacation. It has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, an updated kitchen and a balcony with spectacular views over the water.
Fusion Resort Two Bedroom Suites | Best Hotel in St. Pete’s
When you plan a beach holiday you want ocean views, and this is exactly what this accommodation offers. It also has a restaurant, shared lounge, a hot tub and a terrace. Best of all, it’s so close to the beach that you can enjoy all the water activities you’ve always wanted to try out!
Dog-Friendly Retreat | Best Airbnb in St. Pete’s
Suitable for up to 4 guests, this small house is ideal when you’re trying to decide where to stay in St. Petersburg for families. It’s a short walk from local attractions and a short drive from the beach, making this Airbnb’s location incredibly convenient.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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St. Petersburg’s 4 Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
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
- 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
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.
Cute Beach Apartment | Best Airbnb in Treasure Island
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.
Twins Inn & Apartments | Best Hotel in Treasure Island
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!
Oceanfront Condo | Best Luxury Airbnb in Treasure Island
This spacious condo can fit up to 6 guests, and has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The decor is both welcoming and beachy, and there’s a private porch for warm evenings. It’s set in a resort community just steps from the beach, as well as the area’s best shops and restaurants.
What to See and Do in Treasure Island:
- Go for a romantic walk on the beach at sunset
- Head up to the famous Madeira beach
- Go up to John’s Pass, a quaint fishing village with great shops, bars, and restaurants
- Eat some seafood on the beach at Caddy’s Treasure Island, Shrimpy’s Blues Bistro, or the Barracuda Deli Café
- Go jet skiing, diving, swimming, or take a boat trip out on the water
- Have a drink at Jimmy B’s Beach Bar, Buoy’s Waterfront bar and Grill, or Chill Restaurant and Bar
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Downtown – Where to Stay in St. Petersburg FL on a Budget
- 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
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!
Modern Cottage | Best Airbnb in Downtown
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.
Tru by Hilton | Best Hotel in Downtown
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.
Casa Del Prince Upper | Best Luxury Airbnb in Downtown
This slightly quirky St. Petersburg accommodation option offers a touch of luxury at a great price. It has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom ideal for 2 guests, and is furnished with a French flair that’s both elegant and welcoming. The apartment has all the comforts of home including a washer and dryer, and is located in a historic street close to the heart of the city.
What to See and Do in St. Pete’s Downtown:
- See if there are any festivals in the area, as they’re usually held in the Downtown area
- Chill out on the amazing beaches
- Eat something delicious at the Mill, The Cider Press Café, or 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House
- Check out what’s on at the Coliseum
- Watch some glass blowing or check out the amazing collection at the Chihuly Collection
- Learn about the area’s sadder history at the Florida Holocaust Museum
- Experience the city’s art history at the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art or the Museum of Fine Arts
- Take a day trip to Clearwater Beach
3. North Redington Beach – Best Neighborhood in St. Petersburg FL for Families
- 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
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.
Beachside Mini-Condo | Best Airbnb in North Redington Beach
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!
Sandalwood Beach Resort | Best Hotel in North Redington Beach
If you’re looking for all-inclusive comfort, 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!
1Taylor’s Landing | Best Luxury Airbnb in North Redington Beach
Don’t miss out on this house if you’re deciding where to stay in St. Petersburg with kids. It has space for up to 9 guests, a large kitchen, free parking, and clothes washing facilities. It’s also close to the beach, so you won’t have to go far for a dip.
What to See and Do in North Redington Beach:
- Have a meal at the Seabreeze, Mangos Restaurant and Tiki Bar, or The Conch Republic Grill
- Relax on the beach or go swimming or diving
- Head into the Downtown area for museums, art galleries, and more shopping
- Take a kayak across to Pineapple Island for isolated ocean activities and views
- Give the kids a fun learning experience at the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary
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Grab an eSIM!4. Madeira Beach – Where to Stay in St. Petersburg FL for Nightlife
- 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
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.
Shoreline Island Resort | Best Hotel in Madeira Beach
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.
Direct Beachfront Condo | Best Airbnb in Madeira Beach
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.
Island Gulf Resort | Best Luxury Airbnb in Madeira Beach
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!
What to See and Do in Madeira Beach:
- Honor the past at the War Veterans Memorial Park
- Relax in Archibald Beach Park (The Hammocks) for a family-friendly day out
- Eat some of the freshest seafood possible at the Wild Seafood Market at Don’s Dock
- Hire a chartered boat and do some deep-sea fishing
- Fill your belly at Slow Roasted, the Gulf Bistro, or Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- Grab some friends and head out for a night out at the Hut Bar and Grill, the Bamboo Beach Bar, or the Mad Pub
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Where to Stay in St. Petersburg FL
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of St. Petersburg FL and where to stay.
What To Pack For St. Petersburg FL
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for St. Petersburg FL
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in St. Petersburg FL
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!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Florida instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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