DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG
With a quirky, underground edge, Downtown St. Pete is a firebrand arts and culture haven and live music enclave. If “I live where you vacation” had a vibe, it would be here.
Location
It’s bordered on the west by an award-winning pier. The further east you go, the younger and artsier it gets. Effortlessly cool, St. Pete relishes in La Vie Bohème.
Transportation
There’s seldom traffic and parking is never impossible, rare for a city core. Bikes, scooters and on-feet are popular modes of exploration.
Dining
If worldly fine dining at Lingr, il Ritorno, or Cassis doesn’t entice you, it won’t take long to find something sumptuous.
Activities and Entertainment
If you want to feel cultured, you’re in the right place. You can’t go a few blocks without passing a museum, art gallery, music venue, market or festival.
Fitness and Wellness
Outdoor gyms, parks, and volleyball courts overlooking the water are popular spots. Run, bike, boat, paddle and windsurf at the nearby St. Pete Pier. Sunset almost always promises a dolphin sighting.
DOWNTOWN TAMPA
Downtown Tampa offers big city thrills plus the coastal coolness of a city on the water. It’s metropolitan life without metropolitan struggle.
Location
Nearly half of the region’s border offers coveted waterfront views. Urban living is convenient here and new developments are erected at breakneck speed.
Transportation
Downtown Tampa is a stone’s throw from Channelside, Ybor City, Hyde Park, South Tampa, Tampa Heights, and Harbour Island. Parking is rarely a hassle (unless there’s a game on), and rideshares are accessible. The cross bay ferry is a seafaring route to Downtown St. Pete.
Dining
Foodies rejoice. World-class dining abounds with options like CW’s Gin Joint, Malio’s and Driftlight. New and noteworthy restaurants like Boulon Brasserie coalesce on Water Street.
Activities and Entertainment
At Amalie Arena, people cheer on the Bolts and see some of the world’s most preeminent performers. Nearby is the Tampa Museum of Art, the Tampa Theatre, The Florida Aquarium and The Straz Center which means boredom is never an option.
Fitness and Wellness
Ditch your car-the area is bike, and pedestrian friendly. The 2.4 miles of Riverwalk is a popular route. Free outdoor fitness classes occur almost daily.
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