Looking for something a little different to do in St. Petersburg, Florida?
Spend part of your day exploring a fascinating piece of local history where colorful peacocks roam the grounds, then head to Pass-a-Grille Beach for dinner and one of my favorite local sunset traditions.
It's an easy Florida day trip that combines history, wildlife, the beach and a beautiful Gulf Coast sunset.
Stop #1: See the Peacocks at Jungle Prada
Start your adventure at the historic Jungle Prada Site in St. Petersburg.
This waterfront property is associated with the 1528 landing of Spanish explorer Pánfilo de Narváez and has a much longer Indigenous history. But one of the things you're likely to notice immediately?
The peacocks.
Bring your camera because these colorful residents make this an especially fun stop for photographers and animal lovers.
Take some time to explore the property and learn about the history of the area rather than simply stopping for the birds. This is one of those places where you may discover an entirely different side of St. Petersburg than the beaches and restaurants most visitors know.
Pen Pal Tip: Tour schedules, admission prices and availability can change, so check the current schedule before making the drive.
Jungle Prada Tour
1 hr - $12/pp (2022)
Tour the sacred land filled with resident peacocks. Your camera awaits all the peacock photos! Daily tours Wed-Sun
https://discoverfloridatours.com/
Stop #2: Head to Pass-a-Grille
After your Jungle Prada visit, make your way south to Pass-a-Grille, at the southern end of St. Pete Beach.
This little beach community has a wonderfully laid-back, Old Florida feel. It's the kind of place where you can park, wander around, grab something to eat and spend the rest of the afternoon near the water.
Give yourself some time before sunset to explore.
Walk along the waterfront, browse the historic area or simply find a place to sit and watch the Gulf.
Grab Something to Eat at Paradise Grille
For a casual meal right by the beach, stop at Paradise Grille at 900 Gulf Way.
Grab something to eat and a cold drink, find a spot outside and settle in for sunset.
And don't leave when the sun starts getting low.
There's one more thing you're here to experience.
Stay for the Pass-a-Grille Sunset Bell
Every evening, Pass-a-Grille celebrates sunset by ringing a bell as the sun disappears over the Gulf.
It's simple, quirky and exactly the kind of little local tradition I love finding when I travel.
The bell is rung at Paradise Grille each evening, rain or shine. If you'd like to experience it, plan to arrive about 15–30 minutes before sunset so you're not scrambling for a spot at the last minute.
Then put the phone down for a minute.
Watch the sky change.
Listen for the bell.
And enjoy one of those little moments that turns an ordinary day trip into something you'll actually remember.
Bringing Your Dog?
Pass-a-Grille is dog-friendly, but there is an important distinction if you're traveling with your pup.
Dogs can join you at the outdoor picnic-table area at Paradise Grille and around parts of Pass-a-Grille, but dogs are not permitted on the Gulf-side beach.
There is a designated dog-friendly beach on the Bay side at the end of Pass-a-Grille Way, where dogs can play in the sand and water.
https://www.visitpassagrille.com/things-to-do
Grab a burger or snack and a drink at Paradise Grille! Dogs on leashes allowed but not on beach. Dog beach is at the mile marker 0 in pass-a-grille and that’s where you’ll find the manatees and dolphins!
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