Since I have been living in St. Petersburg for 10 months now, I feel like I have gotten a good idea of my top 3 things to do here. This list could obviously change over time, but these are the places that I keep going back to over and over again despite the many numbers of adventures to be had here.

1. Paddleboarding at Shell Key Preserve. This has got to be my number 1 favorite. Brett and I have paddled from Fort De Soto over to Shell Key several times and we have seen something new every time we go. From manatees and flamingos to stingrays, crab and large schools of redfish and trout, the marine life is abundant. The beauty of being on a paddleboard is the number of animals that are unbothered by you passing through and when you are standing up (and wearing polarized sunglasses) the view through the water is outstanding. We love to pack a small cooler with lunch and just hang out on the protected beach for a few hours enjoying nature. There are several places to launch that are safe to paddle over to shell key. We like to go via Fort De Soto, but there is another spot to launch on the Pinellas Bayway. There’s info about launch places on the Shell Key Preserve website.
2. Brunch at Uptown Eats followed by a morning walk at Vinoy Park. Located on MLK Street just North of Downtown. This is one of my favorite brunch spots near downtown. The have a set menu as well as daily specials like a frittata that changes every day, (but is always delicious) and a variety of bakery items (I recommend the GF jam bars). They also serve a variety of coffee and tea choices. Only open until 2pm, this is a true brunch spot and definitely get their early on the weekends because there is usually a line out the door. I promise that it is worth the wait! Head to Vinoy Park downtown afterward to enjoy a walk through the lively, waterfront sidewalks.
3. Sunset on the beach and dinner at 82 Degrees. Anywhere on the beach is great for sunset, but my favorite spot also just so happens to be within walking distance of my favorite place to eat in St. Pete Beach. Park at the north end of St. Pete Beach at Upham Beach Park (parking can be limited here) and walk to 82 Degrees for a fabulous dinner (with a view if you’re seated on the second floor) and a tasty cocktail (or 2) if that’s your thing. I am a big fan of their flatbreads personally. If you are an early dinner eater like I am there will be plenty of time to head to the beach for a sunset that is always beautiful.

That’s it for now everyone! Please leave questions about my top 3 in the comments. I would also love to hear about what’s on your top 3 list’s as well!