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If you are heading to Florida soon and want to discover some hidden gems in St Petersburg, Clearwater and Tampa, this article is for you!
Tampa Bay is one of the best places to visit in the Sunshine State.
The beaches are beautiful, it’s lively and there is just so much to do. I absolutely loved my time there and I can’t wait to share with you my favourite hidden gems!
If you already know the area quite well or just love discovering places most visitors walk straight past, you’re going to love this list.
So, are you ready to discover off-the-beaten-path St Petersburg and beyond? Let’s get started!
1. The Blueberry Patch
📍 4923 20th Ave S, Gulfport, FL 33707
This is one of the most unique places near St Petersburg, and it genuinely doesn’t look like anything else I’ve ever visited.
Technically it’s in Gulfport — a small, artsy city right next door to St Pete — so it’s very easy to get to.
The Blueberry Patch was created by a group of artists and is part gallery, part concert venue, part magical garden.
Art is everywhere, including in the trees. I had never seen anything like this before.
They host events with live music and workshops throughout the month, so make sure to check their Facebook page before visiting — going on a Friday or Saturday evening when there’s a local band on is the way to do it.
You’ll also find food and drink stands on event nights.
There is a small entrance fee which goes straight to keeping the place running, and it’s absolutely worth it.
Note: the venue was affected by Hurricane Milton in 2024 and is in the process of restoring — it’s still hosting events but worth checking ahead before you make the trip.
2. St Petersburg Shuffleboard Club
📍 559 Mirror Lake Dr N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Although shuffleboard was invented in Britain — as far back as 15th-century England, where it started as a pub game called “shove-groat” — it became one of St Pete’s most beloved pastimes, and the city’s shuffleboard club is the oldest and largest in the world.
If you want to experience genuine local St Pete life, this is the place to do it.
The club is members-only during the week, but on Friday evenings from 7 to 10pm it’s open to non-members and it’s only $10.
Just show up, head to the front desk to grab your discs and cues, find a lane you like and start playing.
You need at least two players, but it gets much more fun with four.
💡Pro tip: get there early to claim one of the newer lanes with lights — the older ones have more sand on them and the discs don’t glide as well.
Once you’re done, it’s an easy walk down to Central Avenue for a drink.
3. The Ale and the Witch
Address: 111 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
This cute beer bar is one of the most central hidden locations. It’s located on 2nd Ave NE however, you might not see it at first. Let me explain. Unlike what you may think looking at this address, the bar is not exactly on the avenue but in a secluded courtyard that can be accessed from 2nd Ave.
As you walk along 2nd Ave (from the waterfront or central avenue), you should find an Asian takeaway called Sab Cafe. There are some stairs between the takeaway and the Plaza Tower Courtyard Shops.
Walk up the stairs and you will discover a little secluded square with a couple of bars.
There is live music all the time here. If you are visiting on a weekend or on First Friday, you will be in for a treat!
The Ale and the Witch is a cute beer bar. The staff is nice and they have all sorts of different beers. It features unusual decor and you will love taking photos there!
If you’d rather some wine, head to Dracula’s Legacy Wine Bar & Bistro. It’s just on the other side.
4. The Berlin Wall at the Morean Center for Clay
📍 Morean Center for Clay, St. Petersburg, FL
Here’s one for history lovers.
Since the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, fragments of it have made their way to towns and cities all over the world.
A few of those slabs ended up outside the Morean Center for Clay in St Pete, and you can walk right up to them.
They’re three concrete panels with a sign explaining the history.
It’s not as tall as you might be expecting, but it’s the real thing!
5. Mazzaro’s Italian Market
📍 2909 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
This is a local favourite that I genuinely believe every visitor should know about.
It’s not in the most central spot, so you won’t accidentally find it — but that’s exactly the point.
Mazzaro’s is an Italian market in the North Kenwood neighbourhood, and it’s one of the best places to eat in the whole of Tampa Bay.
The building itself is beautiful — painted entirely with Italian landscapes and landmarks.
Walk in and you’re hit with the smell of fresh deli food, aged cheese, cured meats and good coffee.
The deli is extraordinary.
They put an Italian spin on American classics and it works brilliantly — the Philly steak cheese sandwich with Italian touches is a must.
There’s a covered outdoor seating area that fills up fast at lunch.
If you can, go before noon or after 1:30pm to avoid the wait.
They also host wine tastings — keep an eye on their programme.
6. Crescent Lake
📍 Crescent Lake, St. Petersburg, FL
One of the best-kept secrets among St Pete locals, and honestly one of my favourite spots in the whole city.
Crescent Lake sits just north of the historic Uptown neighbourhood, and it’s the perfect escape from the crowds.
Walk through the streets around the lake before you get there — roads like Granville Ct N and Crescent Lake Dr N are lined with banyan trees and some of the prettiest houses in St Pete.
You can walk the full loop around the lake, have a picnic on the grass and use the tennis courts for free.
Go before sunset if you can.
The colours reflecting off the water are stunning.
7. Revolve Clothing Exchange
📍 2000 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
A genuinely great vintage and second-hand clothing shop — and one of the best in the Tampa Bay area.
They have a huge range: dresses, shirts, shoes, accessories, the lot.
The quality is consistently good and the selection is wide enough that you’ll almost always find something.
They also keep a themed rail depending on what’s coming up — around St Patrick’s Day, for example, you’ll find a whole rack of green.
A brilliant stop if you like shopping with a bit of character.
8. Shell Key
Shell Key is an island located between St Pete and Fort De Soto State Park. It’s perfect for people who love unspoilt environments.
You can only get there by boat as there is no bridge. The beaches on the island are stunning and that’s an awesome place to relax for a day. It’s also a great spot for people who love kayaking and snorkeling.
You can take the shuttle boat from St Pete Beach or kayak your way to Shell Key (that does require to be a bit sporty though. This is not recommended for beginners or people who don’t know the area at all).
Another option is to go on a tour with dolphin watching and snorkeling.
As long as you are in the area, make sure to head to Fort De Soto as well. It’s a beautiful place and locals love it!
9. Seaside Seabird Sanctuary
This hidden gem near St Pete FL is actually located in Indian Shores. You can easily get there by car and it’s a wildlife rescue.
Basically, they help injured birds from the area and do their best to release them back into the wild. They have all sorts of birds including pelicans.
It is a cool place to visit with kids if you are looking for attractions off the beaten path in St Petersburg Florida.
It’s always nice to see people doing something nice and what they do for these birds is simply amazing.
10. Sunshine Beach
📍 Treasure Island, FL
Sunshine Beach is one of the best beaches in St Pete. It’s located on Treasure Island.
Although it is not hidden per se, it’s not a place that outsiders usually visit. Most people heading there are locals.
It’s a great place to go during the day but if you really want to enjoy some peace and quiet, go there before sunset. Grab something to eat on the way so you can have a picnic while watching the sunset.
It’s so beautiful and quiet!
11. Britt’s Pizza
📍 10709 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706
We’ve already mentioned the Italian deli however if you are staying in St Pete Beach and want to eat a delicious pizza, head to Britt’s Pizza.
This is an awesome place to eat some truly delicious Italian food. They have a coal oven standing in the middle of the restaurant.
It’s beautiful and delicious. What else can we ask for?
12. Sand Key Park
Sand Key is a barrier island located a tiny bit south of Clearwater Beach. It’s very quiet and most people (even locals) don’t even know about it! Yet, that’s something you shouldn’t miss on!
You can easily get there from Clearwater Beach on foot or by car. It’s a 20 to 30 minutes walk. As much as I appreciate this can be a bit long for some people, it’s well worth it. The views from Sand Key Bridge are breath-taking!
If you choose to drive there, you’ll find loads of parking spots on the side of the road.
The best place to visit is Sand Key Park. There are a few walking paths there. Don’t forget to take your beach gear as well. Sand Key Beach is just as good as Clearwater Beach.
The sand is soft and white and you can enjoy beautiful views of America’s number 1 beach from there!
13. Bernini in Ybor City
📍 1702 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Ybor City is a hidden gem in itself.
Most visitors stick to downtown Tampa or the waterfront, but this historic neighbourhood — built on the cigar-manufacturing industry and shaped by Cuban, Spanish and Italian immigrants — has bags of character and some excellent places to eat and drink.
As a matter of fact, there is a food tour of Ybor and I highly recommend it.
But the one spot I always point people to is Bernini.
It’s an Italian restaurant with a beautiful interior and a bar that does $4 SKYY martinis every day from 11:30am until 7pm.
Espresso, chocolate, coconut — they have every flavour.
They’re delicious, they’re cheap and the atmosphere is great.
14. Honeymoon Island State Park
📍 Dunedin, FL — 30 minutes from St Pete or Tampa
Honeymoon Island is one of the most beautiful and underrated places in the whole Tampa Bay area, and it deserves far more attention than it gets.
It’s in Dunedin, which is very easy to reach — there’s a bridge, no ferry needed.
Entry is $8 per vehicle.
I always recommend going straight to the Osprey Trail parking lot.
From there you have two options: the Osprey Trail or the beach.
The trail is a 2.5-mile loop through slash pine forest, easy enough for kids, and brilliant for birdwatching — keep your eyes open for bald eagles.
The beach is equally special.
It’s unspoilt, wide and quiet, with soft white sand and four miles of shoreline to explore.
Walk towards the mangroves for more privacy.
Just be careful underfoot — there are mangrove roots coming up through the sand.
15. Caladesi Island State Park
📍 Ferry from Honeymoon Island, Dunedin, FL
Caladesi Island is a short ferry ride from Honeymoon Island and one of the most pristine, untouched beaches in Florida.
The ferry terminal is on Honeymoon Island.
It runs roughly every hour and the crossing takes about 20 minutes.
Tickets are $20 return for adults and $10 for children ages 6–12.
The beach on Caladesi is extraordinary — the kind of place that looks like nobody has ever been there.
This is what real, unspoilt Florida looks like.
Map of the best hidden gems near St Pete FL
Final Thoughts: Best Hidden Gems in Tampa Bay
Now that you know everything there is to know about the best hidden gems in Tampa Florida and its surrounding, the only thing to do is to pick one (or more!) and go explore.
If you like the ideal of discovering hidden beaches in Tampa, we particularly recommend Honeymoon Island, it’s a great spot.
As far as St Petersburg hidden gems go, the blueberry patch is the most unique one!
You may also be interested in:
- Things to do in St Petersburg, Florida
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- Fun and Unique Things to do in Clearwater Beach, FL
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- 19 Best places for Snorkeling in Florida
- 21 Best places to go kayaking in Florida
- 10 Best Small Towns in Florida you must discover!
- 20 Beautiful Hidden gems in Florida
- Bachelorette in St Petersburg Florida: How to plan the perfect St Pete Bachelorette
