Lealman

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Lealman's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Beach Escape
morning
:

Start your day with a sunrise stroll along St. Pete Beach, feeling the cool sand underfoot as the sky turns pink. Stop at a local beachfront café for fresh-brewed coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Let the gentle sound of waves set the tone for an easygoing morning.

afternoon
:

Rent a beach chair and umbrella and settle in for hours of sunbathing, swimming and reading your favorite novel. Take a break to sample fresh grouper tacos from a nearby snack shack right on the boardwalk. Round out your afternoon with a friendly game of beach volleyball or frisbee with new acquaintances.

evening
:

Watch the sun dip below the horizon in blazing oranges and purples before heading to a tiki bar for tropical cocktails. Savor a seafood dinner featuring local shrimp and stone crab claws. Cap off the night with live acoustic music under the stars.

day 2
Mall Adventure
morning
:

Head to Tyrone Square Mall as soon as it opens for a crowd-free shopping spree at your favorite brand-name stores. Grab a quick bite at the food court—try a smoothie bowl or artisanal sandwich. Browse boutique shops for unique gifts and stylish accessories.

afternoon
:

Sit down for lunch at a popular restaurant inside the mall, sampling local flavors like blackened fish tacos. Afterward, catch an indie movie at the on-site cinema or challenge a friend to a round of bowling. Pop into the electronics store to test the latest gadgets before treating yourself to a tech upgrade.

evening
:

Enjoy an early dinner at a nearby gastropub, indulging in craft beers and sharable plates. Head back to the mall for a bit of evening window shopping as the lights twinkle overhead. Finish the night with a decadent dessert, like gelato or gourmet pastries from a specialty shop.

day 3
Park Exploration
morning
:

Begin at Bay Pines Park with a gentle walk along shaded trails overlooking Boca Ciega Bay. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting herons, egrets and ospreys in the mangroves. Pause on a picnic bench for a snack and enjoy the tranquil bay views.

afternoon
:

Rent a kayak or paddleboard from a local outfitter and glide through calm waters, weaving between small islands and observing marine life below. Stop for lunch on the shore, feasting on pre-packed sandwiches and fresh fruit. Explore hidden coves and watch crabs scuttle across sunlit sandbars.

evening
:

Return to the park for a sunset paddle, capturing spectacular golden reflections on the water. Head to a nearby waterfront café for grilled fish and tropical drinks. End the day with a leisurely walk along the shore under a sky full of stars.

day 4
Canal Cruise
morning
:

Set off on a guided boat tour through the scenic canals of Pinellas County, listening for anecdotes about local wildlife and history. Sip coffee on deck as you glide past waterfront homes and mangrove-lined inlets. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins near the channel markers.

afternoon
:

Dock at a waterfront bistro for a casual lunch of fresh oysters and chilled white wine. Afterward, explore a nearby fishing pier or try your hand at casting a line from the boat. Return to the canals for more cruising, spotting manatees and sea turtles grazing on seagrass beds.

evening
:

Disembark at a marina restaurant just before sunset for a sunset cruise wrap-up and seafood platter. Enjoy the glow of docks lit by tiki torches and twinkling string lights. Walk the marina promenades before heading back to shore for the night.

day 5
Museum Day
morning
:

Visit the Gulfport History Museum to discover the quirky tales of this waterfront community. Examine century-old photographs, vintage postcards and local art exhibits. Chat with museum volunteers for insider recommendations on overlooked local gems.

afternoon
:

Head to the nearby Gulfport Arts District for a self-guided tour of galleries showcasing works by regional painters, sculptors and mixed-media artists. Stop at a café for artisanal sandwiches and cold-pressed juice. Browse whimsical boutiques selling handmade jewelry, pottery and coastal décor.

evening
:

Catch an outdoor live music performance at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom or a beachfront bar. Savor wood-fired pizza paired with craft beer from a local brewer. End with a stroll along the waterfront boardwalk, enjoying the gentle breeze.

day 6
Botanical Retreat
morning
:

Travel to Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg and wander through 100-year-old tropical plants, cascading waterfalls and vibrant floral displays. Join a guided horticultural tour to learn about rare orchids and bromeliads. Snap photos on a quaint wooden bridge over the lily pond.

afternoon
:

Pack a picnic lunch or pick up gourmet sandwiches from a nearby deli and dine under the shade of ancient banyan trees. Attend a gardening workshop or demonstration to pick up tips for your own home garden. Explore hidden paths leading to serene seating nooks and meditation spots.

evening
:

As daylight dwindles, join an evening garden program or botanical yoga session if available. Return to Lealman and dine at a cozy farm-to-table restaurant serving seasonal produce. Cap off the night with herbal tea and dessert at a local tea house.

day 7
Aquarium Visit
morning
:

Drive to Clearwater Marine Aquarium and begin your day meeting Winter the dolphin and her friends. Watch a live rescue demonstration and learn about ongoing conservation efforts. Wander through touch tanks stocked with stingrays and starfish.

afternoon
:

Enjoy an on-site café lunch overlooking the bay, sampling crab cakes and fresh salads. Attend an educational talk about sea turtle rehabilitation and check on baby sea turtles in the nursery. Snap photos of jellyfish glowing in dimly lit exhibits.

evening
:

Join a behind-the-scenes nighttime lantern tour if available, observing nocturnal marine species in hushed galleries. Head to Clearwater Beach for dinner at a seaside restaurant, enjoying Gulf shrimp and key lime pie. Stroll along Pier 60 under sky lanterns and live musicians.

day 8
Sunset Celebration
morning
:

Take a leisurely bike ride along the Pinellas Trail, passing through leafy parks and charming neighborhoods. Stop for coffee and acai bowls at a trail-adjacent café. Pause at scenic overlooks to photograph the bay.

afternoon
:

Relax with lunch at a beachside shack, savoring fish sandwiches and tropical slushies. Return your bike and spend some time swimming or building sandcastles at Indian Rocks Beach. Rent a paddleboard for a short afternoon adventure on calm Gulf waters.

evening
:

Head to Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach 90 minutes before sunset to stake out front-row seats. Enjoy street performers, craft vendors and live music as the sun dips below the horizon. Celebrate with freshly made churros and saltwater taffy from a nearby vendor.

day 9
Downtown Discovery
morning
:

Explore downtown St. Petersburg on foot, starting with the Sunday morning farmer’s market at Al Lang Field. Sample local cheeses, freshly baked pastries and artisanal jams. Chat with farmers and pick up unique souvenirs.

afternoon
:

Visit the Museum of Fine Arts and the Dalí Museum to immerse yourself in classical and surrealist masterpieces. Stop for lunch at a waterfront gastropub, indulging in fried green tomatoes and craft cocktails. Wander through the EDGE District to browse street art and indie bookstores.

evening
:

Dine at a trendy downtown bistro, sampling fusion dishes made with local seafood. Catch a performance at the Mahaffey Theater or enjoy live jazz at a cozy lounge. Conclude your night with a late-afternoon dessert walk along the illuminated downtown waterfront.

day 10
Picnic Finale
morning
:

Gather gourmet provisions from a local delicatessen—fresh bread, cheeses, charcuterie, fruit and sparkling water. Head to Philippe Park in Safety Harbor and claim a shady spot under live oaks overlooking Tampa Bay. Lay out a blanket and savor a leisurely breakfast picnic.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon exploring the park’s historic ruins and scenic shoreline paths. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for a short Bay excursion, gliding past coastal mangroves. Return to your picnic spot for an al fresco lunch featuring artisanal dips and cold salads.

evening
:

Watch the sun set over the water as you enjoy leftover picnic treats and chilled rosé. Listen to fiddler crabs scuttling in the mudflats and coots calling in the reeds. End your immersive 10- day journey with gratitude for the diverse landscapes you’ve experienced.

Discover Lealman

Read more in our Lealman 2025 Travel Guide.

Lealman Travel Guide