St. Petersburg (Florida)

Introduction

St. Petersburg is a popular holiday destination in Florida which attracts mainly North American tourists and retirees. Sunny year-round, it's not strange it sports the nickname "The Sunshine City". The city is located on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Mexican gulf.

Neighbourhoods

Sights and Activities

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

The nearest airport is the Albert Whitted airport (SPG) which is actually located on the peninsula.
For commercial use, the bigger St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is of convenience. Air Transat has seasonal flights to/from Halifax, while Allegient Air serves most destinations, among which Chattanooga, Chicago, Des Moines, Grand Rapids, Greensboro, South Bend and a few other region airports throughout the (south)eastern parts of the US.
Seacoast Airlines serves Key West, while Sunwing Airlines has flights to Toronto. Finally, US3000 Airlines has flights to/from Chicago, Cleveland and St. Louis.

By Train

By Car

Bridges connect St. Petersburg with Tampa in the east or further south towards Palmetto and Bradenton. Alternatively you can drive overland to the north.

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Car

Many international rental companies have a wide selection of rental cars and these include Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty, Enterprise, Budget and Alamo/National. Most companies will require you are at least 25 years of age, although younger people might be able to rent cars at slightly higher rates and with some insurance differences as well. A national driver's license is usually enough, but an additional international one is recommended. Also note that it usually costs more to include lots of other extra things. For example extra drivers, GPS, the first full tank, SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance), PAI (Personal Accident Insurance, usually covered already at home), road assistance/service plan, and drop-off costs for one-way rentals.
If you want to book a car, it is recommended that you book your car before arriving in the USA. This is almost always (much) cheaper compared to just showing up. Also, try and book with a so-called 'broker', which usually works together with a few or many car rental companies and can offer the best deal. Some examples include Holidayautos, Holidaycars and Sunny Cars. Some of the cheapest deals to book from Europe, includes Drive-USA, which also has a German version.

For more information and tips about renting cars and campers, additional costs, insurance, traffic rules, scenic routes and getting maps and fuel it is advised to check the USA Getting Around section.

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Work

Learn

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

The US Postal Service is very good and well priced mail system. There are post offices in every small and large town for sending packages internationally or domestically. If wanting to send a letter or postcard it is best just to leave it in a blue mail box with the proper postage. There are also private postal services like FedEx, UPS and DHL.