More than just a beach destination, St. Pete-Clearwater is home to a captivating hub of arts and culture.
From interactive experiences like glass blowing and ring making, to world renowned museums of carefully curated collections, the destination offers creativity at every turn.
More than 600 murals paint the destination making the streets come to life with vivid artwork by creators from around the world, including the UK’s very own Dave Bonzai. Beyond the street art, visitors can stroll through nearly 20 museums – 7 of which are within walking distance of each other, enjoy live performances at award-winning BayCare Sound amphitheatre, and duck into dozens of local galleries.
With so much to see, it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. That’s why Visit St. Pete-Clearwater is sharing the perfect weekend itinerary to help guests make the most of the area’s art and sunshine.
Day 1 – Enter Dalí’s Dreamscape
Start the trip off with the diamond of Downtown St. Pete. The Dalí Museum is home to the most prolific collection of Salvador Dalí’s works outside of Spain, featuring a rotating collection of more than 2,000 works. Set against the blue waters of the bay, the awe-inspiring architecture mimics the spirit of Dalí himself. Designed to reflect the spirals that inspired much of his work, the building features a 75-foot geometric glass dome that offers striking views of the city while flooding the space with the Florida sunlight. Inside, visitors will weave their way through Dalí’s life work including oil paintings, drawings, book illustrations, prints, sculptures, photographs, manuscripts, and personal documents that offer a window into Dalí’s wild imagination.
Beyond the impressive collection, the museum brings Dalí’s works to life through the cutting-edge technology driven Dalí Alive 360 experience. Step inside the immersive Dalí Dome, a 360-degree environment, which projects Dalí’s surreal landscapes, iconic melting clocks, and mind-bending illusions around the space, allowing visitors to step inside Dalí ‘s dream world. And if the immersive Dalí Dome wasn’t enough, guests can speak to the reimagined artist himself through AI screens or step inside one of Dalí’s works through a VR headset.
This summer, the experience expands even further through a special exhibit, Outside In: New Murals Inspired by Dalí. On view from 24 May – 26 October, the exhibition showcases how Dalí ‘s unique style continues to inspire modern day artists. Featuring new works from some of the world-renowned artists who have contributed to the more than 600 murals found throughout St. Pete-Clearwater, this exhibit emphasizes the endless impact of art.
After a full morning immersed in Dalí ‘s world, stop by the Café Gala for Spanish inspired tapas and finish off with a stroll through the Avant Garden. Then, spend the afternoon basking in the inspiration that comes from a visit to the Dalí Museum while you relax in the sunshine on St. Pete Beach.
Day 2 – Craft Your Own Masterpiece
Feel the heat on day two with a hands-on experience at the Morean Glass Blowing Studio. Holidaymakers can try their hand at this master craft under the guidance of skilled local artists. In just 30-minutes, visitors will shape molten glass into a custom creation which doubles as the perfect souvenir.
Next, visit the Chihuly Collection, to see how the expert, Dale Chihuly, does it. Here, the specially designed museum allows art and architecture to work together so visitors can discover vibrant shapes and radiant shades of glass that dazzles the senses with the boundless possibilities of the fragile glass medium.
No trip to St. Pete-Clearwater is complete without a visit to FloridaRAMA, which takes visitors through a magical world of immersive art. Part contemporary art museum and part digital playground, this ever-evolving art installation is perfect for kids and kids at heart. Designed as a fully interactive experience, FloridaRAMA combines sound, light, sculpture, and scent to bring the Florida experience to life. Created with contributions from more than 75 local and international artists, this playful wonderland invites visitors to explore, engage, and inhabit the art.
End the day with a delicious meal and a spot of live music. Join some 9,000 guests at The BayCare Sound at Coachman Park for a rocking concert or pop over to one of the many local tiki huts or beach bars to enjoy tunes from local musicians for something more casual.
Day 3 – Celebrate Creativity on Every Corner
Visitors will have already noticed some of the street murals that bring St. Pete-Clearwater to life. There’s no better way to enjoy the Florida sunshine than wandering the destination while admiring the stunning art. Having spotted works from some of the artists at the Dalí Outside In: New Murals Inspired by Dalí exhibition, holidaymakers can book a guided walking, trolley, or bike tour to discover the Grand Central District and Warehouse Arts District or opt for a self-guided adventure to explore more than 600 bold murals throughout the city. With seven different areas to discover, self-guided tours allow visitors to pick their own adventure and explore multiple neighbourhoods at their own pace. And with so many murals to admire, don’t forget to stop into a few local eateries like Lolita’s Wine Market or Eat Art Love cafe for snacks and refreshments throughout the day.
Take a break from the warm sun and step inside Brass Dagger, a silversmith experience where holidaymakers can craft their own unique jewellery to always keep St. Pete-Clearwater close. From start to finish, guests will size, saw, solder, hammer and polish their very own sentimental piece under the guidance of a professional silversmith. Visitors can wear their handcrafted jewellery with pride and always have a special story to share about their unforgettable trip to St. Pete–Clearwater.
The perfect finale to an arts and culture filled weekend? Watch as the sky is painted in gorgeous hues of pink and orange as the sun sets from St. Pete Pier. Many say mother nature is the area’s most talented artist.
For more information about the arts & culture scene in St. Pete-Clearwater, visit https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/things-to-do/arts.
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For further press information please contact:
Peter Gregory |Caitlin Lesko
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About Visit St. Pete-Clearwater:
Nestled on a sun-soaked peninsula on Florida’s west coast, separating the Gulf Coast from Tampa Bay, St. Pete-Clearwater is the gateway to world-class cultural experiences along with 35 miles of award-winning white-sand beaches annually ranked among the world’s best. Immerse yourself in our picturesque sunsets & go beyond the beaches to explore our unique cultural heritage, interactive art exhibits, sporting & recreational activities, a culinary scene serving an innovatively delicious dining experience, & great local shopping. St. Pete-Clearwater is your only destination with spectacular beaches complimented by world-renowned museums, family fun & endless sunshine.
Tampa International Airport is the gateway to St. Pete-Clearwater, conveniently located just 30 minutes away from America’s Best Beaches and offers daily flights from London through Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. To learn more about St. Pete-Clearwater, visit visitstpeteclearwater.com.
