St. Petersburg

Nicknamed the Sunshine City, St. Pete is much more than a mass of land between the airport and the beaches. In recent years it has seen a fierce arts and cultural revival, which you can plainly see as you stroll through the city's lively downtown area. The new Salvador Dalí Museum building is a testament to the great pride residents of the 'Burg take in their waterfront city. But the city has other arts-oriented attractions, including the Dale Chihuly Collection, the Fine Arts Museum, and the burgeoning young artist hub known as the 600 Block. At night, the eateries and bars there attract huge crowds. Beach Drive offers some upscale options, whereas Central Avenue appeals more to night owls. The Grand Central District offers some unique vintage and antiques shopping. Gulfport is a stylishly low-key suburb southwest of St. Petersburg. The long strip of barrier islands lining St. Pete's west coast offer miles of gorgeous white beaches as well as dining, nightlife, and phenomenal sunsets. Beach towns here include St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, and Redington Shores. No trip to St. Petersburg's beaches is complete without a visit to the remote, pristine beaches of Fort De Soto.