10 EPIC Things to Do in St. Pete at Night (Florida’s Party Secret!)

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News flash: St. Pete isn’t just for beach days and art walks anymore. When the sun dips into the Gulf, this place turns into Florida’s coolest party that Miami doesn’t want you to know about. Think rooftop bars where you can wear flip flops, food trucks that’ll blow your mind, and zero Mickey Mouse ears in sight.

I’ve rounded up the best things to do in St. Pete at night, and trust me, your Instagram followers won’t believe this is still Florida. From beach bonfires with local bands to secret bars where the bartenders actually like tourists, this is where Florida lets loose without the South Beach attitude. Grab your sandals (yes, they’re totally fine here) and let’s go!

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this sunset catamaran cruise in St. Pete! They sail you along Shell Key Preserve to spot dolphins, plus you can beach-walk with drinks at Outback Key for sunset. The return trip includes viewing the stunning Skyway Bridge light show. This evening cruise is absolutely a must-do on a St. Pete itinerary in my opinion.

Best Things to Do in St. Pete at Night (2025 Guide)

Are you ready to explore the most unique things to do in St. Pete in the nighttime? As mentioned earlier, there’s a wide range of exciting activities in St. Pete after dark. Keep reading to find where to go in St. Pete at night.

Whatever you’re planning to do once the sun sets, St. Pete, one of the top places to live and visit in the Southeast, can accommodate your needs. Here are all the best things to do in St. Pete at night that you should know about!

1. Catch live music at Jannus Live

Jannus Live is hands down one of the best places to catch a show in St. Pete, and honestly, the outdoor vibe makes every concert feel special. This open-air venue right in downtown has been hosting everyone from indie bands to major touring acts for decades, and tickets usually run anywhere from $35 to $300+ depending on who’s playing. I’ve been here for shows where you’re practically close enough to high-five the lead singer, which doesn’t happen at those massive amphitheaters.

The venue holds about 2,000 people, so it’s big enough to feel energetic but small enough that there really aren’t any bad spots. You can grab drinks at the bars scattered around the courtyard, and the balcony areas are perfect if you want to escape the crowd for a minute. What I love most is that it’s totally Florida casual – you can show up in flip-flops and nobody cares. The sound quality is actually really good for an outdoor venue, and since it’s in the heart of downtown, you can easily bar hop before or after the show. Just check their website or social media for the latest lineup, because they book some seriously good acts year-round.

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2. See world-class glass art at the Chihuly Collection

The Chihuly Collection is way cooler than it sounds on paper, trust me. For $20 ($14 if you’re bringing kids), you get to walk through this custom-built space that’s basically designed to show off Dale Chihuly’s incredible glass sculptures. I went in thinking it’d be a quick 20-minute walk-through, but ended up spending over an hour just staring at these massive, colorful installations that look like they’re from another planet.

The Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier alone is worth the admission price. It’s this massive thing hanging from the ceiling that looks like it’s dripping fire. What’s really cool is that your ticket also includes a live glassblowing demonstration at the Morean Glass Studio across the street, which happens Wednesday through Sunday. The artists there actually show you how this stuff gets made, and it’s pretty mesmerizing to watch. 

The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sundays from noon to 5pm. I’d definitely recommend going during the week if you can swing it, since weekends can get pretty crowded with tour groups. The gift shop has some amazing pieces if you want to take home something unique (though definitely not cheap).

3. Watch the sunset at St. Pete Beach

St. Pete Beach at sunset is exactly what Florida vacation dreams are made of, and it doesn’t cost you anything except maybe parking. The sunsets here are legitimately some of the best I’ve seen anywhere, and I’m not just saying that because I live here. Most nights, you’ll find groups of people just hanging out on the sand waiting for the show to start around 7pm (varies by season, obviously).

What makes it even better is that some nights there are beach bonfires after dark, especially near the Don CeSar area. I’ve stumbled into impromptu guitar sessions and made friends with random travelers just by walking up to a fire pit. The beach bars like Jimmy B’s and Rum Runners stay open late, so you can grab drinks and still keep your toes in the sand. If you’re feeling ambitious, rent a beach cruiser bike and ride along the shore as the sun sets – it’s cheesy but honestly pretty magical.

The water’s usually warm enough for a night swim too, though watch out for the occasional jellyfish. Just remember to bring bug spray if you’re planning to stick around after sunset, because the mosquitoes don’t mess around once it gets dark.

4. Explore surreal art at the Salvador Dalí Museum

The Salvador Dalí Museum downtown is absolutely wild, and I mean that in the best way possible. This place houses the largest collection of Dalí’s work outside of Spain, and the building itself looks like something the artist might have designed – there’s this massive glass dome called “The Enigma” that’s pretty impossible to miss. Admission runs around $25-30 for adults, and honestly, it’s worth every penny.

I used to think Dalí was just the “melting clocks guy,” but this place completely changed my perspective. They’ve got over 2,400 of his works spanning his entire career, from his early realistic paintings to the surreal stuff that made him famous. The coolest part is they use augmented reality and AI technology to bring some of the paintings to life through their app – it sounds gimmicky but it’s actually really well done. 

The museum stays open until evening most days, and they often host special events and talks. Don’t skip the short documentary film they show; it gives you context that makes walking through the galleries way more interesting. The café has decent food if you need a break, and the Avant-garden outside is perfect for clearing your head after having your mind blown by all the surreal art inside.

5. Take a ghost tour through downtown St. Pete

Ghost Tours of St. Petersburg are way more entertaining than I expected them to be, and for $24 ($16 for kids), it’s actually a pretty good deal for 90 minutes of entertainment. These tours run every single night at 8pm year-round, rain or shine, starting from Sweet Divas Chocolates on 4th Avenue. The guides dress up in period costumes and really commit to the theatrical aspect, which sounds cheesy but honestly works.

What surprised me is how much local history you actually learn between the spooky stories. Our guide took us to spots I walk past all the time but never knew had these dark backstories – like the old Vinoy Resort where they claim Babe Ruth’s ghost still hangs out, or Williams Park where some seriously creepy stuff allegedly went down. I’m pretty skeptical about ghost stories in general, but even if you don’t believe any of it, the tour gives you a completely different perspective on downtown St. Pete. 

The walking is easy (about a mile total), and they make stops every few blocks so it’s not too strenuous. Just book online ahead of time, especially on weekends, because they do sell out. And maybe grab dinner beforehand since 8pm tours mean you’ll be wrapping up around 9:30pm.

6. Go on a nighttime cruise with StarLite Cruises

StarLite Cruises just got voted “best dinner cruise company in America” in 2025, and after going on their evening cruise, I can see why. For $25 you get the cruise itself, then you order dinner onboard just like at a regular restaurant. The StarLite Sapphire is gorgeous – it’s this sleek 113-foot yacht with huge picture windows, and they depart from the Corey Causeway area Tuesday through Sunday.

What’s cool is that these aren’t just touristy dinner cruises; they actually put effort into the food and service. I had the blackened chicken alfredo and it was legitimately good restaurant-quality food, not cruise ship buffet stuff. The sunset views of Tampa Bay are incredible, and if you spring for the $25 window table upgrade for small parties, you get guaranteed waterfront seating. The cruise lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours, so you’re not rushed, and there’s live entertainment plus a full bar. 

I’d definitely recommend calling ahead for reservations, especially for weekend cruises, because they do fill up. The boarding starts at 6:30pm with a 7pm departure most nights (Sundays are an hour earlier). It’s pricier than some other activities, but for a special occasion or date night, it’s actually pretty impressive.

7. Drink cocktails at the Canopy Rooftop Lounge

The Canopy Rooftop Lounge at The Birchwood hotel is hands down the best rooftop bar in St. Pete, and I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise. The views of Tampa Bay and the downtown skyline are absolutely unreal, especially during sunset. They don’t take reservations, so it’s first-come, first-serve, which can be annoying but also keeps it from feeling too stuffy or exclusive.

The cocktails here are legitimately craft-level good – I’m obsessed with their Frosé (frozen rosé) during summer, and their bartenders actually know what they’re doing. It gets pretty busy on Friday and Saturday nights, so I usually go during the week or earlier in the evening if I want to actually get a seat by the glass railing. Fair warning: it’s 21+ after 4pm, and drinks aren’t cheap (this is a rooftop bar in downtown, after all). But the atmosphere is perfect for date nights or celebrating something special.

They’ve got cabanas, fire pits, and lounge seating areas, so even when it’s packed, there are different vibes to choose from. I love coming here during happy hour (4-7pm weekdays) when they do 50% off signature cocktails. Just don’t expect to show up in beach clothes – it’s more of a “nice casual” kind of place.

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8. Stroll through Sunken Gardens at night

Okay, so Sunken Gardens technically closes at 4:30pm most days (noon to 4:30pm on Sundays), but hear me out…they occasionally do special evening events that are absolutely magical. For the regular $15 admission, this place is like stepping into a tropical jungle right in the middle of St. Pete. It’s been around for over 100 years, and some of these massive oak trees and exotic plants are older than your grandparents.

What makes this place special is how peaceful it is compared to the rest of the city. The winding paths take you through different sections with plants from all over the world, and there’s this gorgeous Japanese koi pond that’s perfect for meditation or just clearing your head. The flamingos are local celebrities – some of them are descendants of birds that have been here since the 1950s. I love coming here when I need to decompress from city life; it’s like nature therapy. 

They do host special evening events throughout the year, including yoga sessions and garden tours under the stars, so definitely check their website or social media. Even during regular hours, it’s worth the visit. Just bring bug spray during summer because the mosquitoes can be brutal. Members get free admission, and the membership also gets you discounts at other gardens around Florida.

9. Watch a Tampa Bay Rays game at Tropicana Field

Here’s the deal with Tampa Bay Rays games in 2025: they’re actually playing at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa this season because Hurricane Milton damaged Tropicana Field. It’s a smaller venue (about 11,000 seats instead of 25,000), so tickets are more expensive and harder to get, but honestly, it might be a cooler experience. Tickets start around $35, but expect to pay more for decent seats.

I’ve always loved Rays games because the crowd is way more laid-back than other MLB cities – you can actually have conversations during the game without people shushing you. The team is surprisingly good (they made the World Series in 2020), and the atmosphere gets pretty electric during important games, especially against division rivals like the Yankees or Red Sox. 

Since they’re playing in Tampa this year, it’s about a 30-45 minute drive from downtown St. Pete, but there’s decent parking and the stadium has a more intimate feel than the Trop. The food options are solid, and beer prices aren’t completely insane by stadium standards. Just check their schedule online because they play a mix of day and night games. I’d recommend going to a weeknight game if you want a more relaxed experience, or weekend games if you want the full baseball party atmosphere. Plus, since this is temporary, it’s kind of a unique piece of baseball history you can say you experienced.

10. Browse art galleries at the Morean Arts Center

The Morean Arts Center is actually way more than just galleries – it’s this whole complex that includes the Chihuly Collection, a glass studio, and a clay center all in one spot. The main building has rotating exhibits that showcase both local and international artists, and admission is usually pretty reasonable (often free for some exhibitions). What I love about this place is how hands-on it is compared to stuffy traditional museums.

You can watch glassblowing demonstrations at the Morean Glass Studio (included with Chihuly Collection admission), and they offer classes if you want to try making something yourself. The clay center has pottery wheels and kilns, and they regularly host workshops for beginners. I took a glass bead-making class here once and it was way harder than it looks, but super satisfying. They also host evening events like artist talks and exhibition openings, which are great for meeting people in the local art scene. 

The gift shop has unique pieces made by local artists, so you can actually support the community instead of buying mass-produced tourist stuff. The whole complex stays open various hours depending on what’s happening, so check their website before heading over. It’s definitely more engaging than just walking through traditional galleries, especially if you’re someone who learns better by doing rather than just looking.