Things To Do
in Pasadena Hills

Pasadena Hills is a sunny, family-friendly neighborhood in Pinellas County, part of the greater Tampa Bay area. Nestled near the waterfront, it offers easy access to sandy beaches, parks, and bayside views. The area blends leafy residential streets with casual eateries, local markets, and art-filled spaces.

Year-round warm weather and a relaxed pace make Pasadena Hills a convenient base for exploring the wider Gulf Coast region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring San Gabriel Mountains
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café before embarking on a moderate hike in the San Gabriel Mountains. The fresh air and scenic views will invigorate you for the adventures ahead. Take your time to soak in the breathtaking vistas as you ascend the trails.

afternoon
:

After your hike, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the picturesque spots in the mountains. Spend some time relaxing and appreciating the natural surroundings, or explore the nearby trails for more exploration. Later, visit the nearby ski resort if it’s the season for snow activities and embrace the thrill of winter sports.

evening
:

As twilight approaches, return to Pasadena and freshen up for a delightful dinner. Enjoy a meal at a restaurant that showcases local cuisine and flavors, then take a leisurely stroll through Old Town Pasadena to admire the architecture and vibrant nightlife. Cap off your evening with a live music performance or outdoor movie screening at a park.

day 2
Art and Culture in Pasadena
morning
:

Begin your day with breakfast at a trendy café, then head to the Norton Simon Museum to immerse yourself in an extensive collection of art. Explore the gardens surrounding the museum, taking in the serenity of the environment. This morning will inspire your artistic senses and fuel your curiosity.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, wander through Pasadena's historic district, visiting local galleries and boutique shops. Take a break at one of the charming tea houses, savoring different flavors while interacting with locals. Discover more about the city's history with a guided tour of the Pasadena Museum of History.

evening
:

As evening sets in, find a cozy spot for dinner at one of the renowned restaurants in the area. After your meal, enjoy a theater performance at the Pasadena Playhouse, soaking up the local talent and storytelling. Wind down the night at a local brewery or wine bar, tasting unique blends and brews.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
🏡Rent for 1-bedroom apartment (city center)$1,600-2,100/mo
🚗Gasoline (per gallon)$3.30-4.50
🧺Groceries per week (single person)$60-110
💊Doctor visit co-pay$20-50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Proximity to beaches and waterfront recreation
  • Vibrant arts and dining scene in nearby St. Petersburg
  • Humid summers and hurricane season
  • Traffic and parking near popular areas

Places to Visit in Pasadena Hills

Visit one of these nice places.

St. Pete Pier

Iconic waterfront pier with sweeping views of Tampa Bay, city skyline reflections, and golden-hour photography opportunities.

Boca Ciega Bay Overlook

Calm water and mangrove-lined shores ideal for tranquil coastal shots at dusk.

Weedon Island Preserve Boardwalk

Elevated boardwalk through mangroves and marshes; plentiful birdlife and waterway vistas.

Fort De Soto Park Beaches

Wide white-sand beaches and historic fort silhouettes the horizon; great for sunrise and sunset photos.

Downtown St. Petersburg Murals

Colorful street art along 1st Ave S and Beach Drive offers vibrant urban photography backdrops.

Culinary Guide

Food in Pasadena Hills

The Tampa Bay region blends Gulf seafood with multicultural flavors, including Cuban, Caribbean, and Southern influences. Expect fresh seafood, citrus-driven dishes, and casual dining that suits both locals and visitors alike.

Pasadena Hills Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Cuban sandwich

Roasted pork and ham with pickles and mustard on Cuban bread; a Tampa Bay staple found in many casual eateries and bakeries.

Must-Try!

Grouper sandwich

Fresh Gulf grouper filets on a soft bun with slaw and tartar or citrus mayo; widely available at waterfront spots.

Stone crab claws

Sweet, meaty crab claws (seasonal Oct–May) typically served chilled or warm with mustard dipping sauce at seafood shacks and pinch-friendly restaurants.

Key lime pie

Tart, creamy pie made with local key limes; a classic dessert found in many cafes and seafood eateries.

Deviled crab

A Tampa Bay favorite featuring seasoned crab filling in lightly fried shells; commonly available at seafood markets and neighborhood spots.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

St. Pete Saturday Morning Market

Downtown St. Petersburg market with fresh produce, prepared foods, and local crafts – great for tasting a range of bites.

Gulfport Market

Local market with vendors selling produce, prepared foods, and crafts in a relaxed waterfront setting.

John's Pass Village Market

Madeira Beach market with seafood stalls and street-style bites along the waterfront.

Climate Guide

Weather

Pasadena Hills experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Thunderstorms are common in the warm months, while winter brings comfortable daytime temperatures ideal for outdoor activities year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Florida-style warmth is common: a friendly smile and brief small talk are usually well received; please and thank you go a long way.

Safety Guide

Safety

General urban-suburban safety considerations apply: keep valuables secure in crowds, swim in designated areas with lifeguards, and monitor weather during hurricane season (June–November). Use common-sense precautions at night, and stay in well-lit, populated areas.

Tipping in Pasadena Hills

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In the U.S., tip typically 15-20% at restaurants; tip more for exceptional service. A few dollars for baristas or small counters is common, and tipping hotel staff and taxi drivers accordingly is appreciated.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot, humid days with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening, and stay hydrated. Beach time is a great cooling option, with ocean breezes offering relief.

Autumn

Continued warmth with cooler nights; hurricane season runs through November, so check forecasts and have a plan for rapid weather changes.

Winter

Mild and sunny daytime temperatures make outdoor exploration highly comfortable; beach walks and outdoor dining are popular.

Spring

Pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes; ideal for festivals, markets, and longer outdoor adventures.

Nightlife Guide

Pasadena Hills at Night

The nightlife scene concentrates around downtown St. Petersburg and nearby beach towns, featuring breweries, live music venues, rooftop bars, and waterfront patios. Expect craft beer spots like Green Bench Brewing and creative cocktails along Beach Drive and Central Avenue. Many venues offer outdoor seating to enjoy the pleasant evenings, with outdoor concerts and open-air markets on weekends.

Hiking in Pasadena Hills

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Weedon Island Preserve Boardwalk

Boardwalk through mangroves with birdwatching and water views.

Fort De Soto Park Trails

Coastal trails with expansive beach access and scenic overlooks.

Pinellas Trail

Extensive bike-and-walk trail running through multiple coastal communities.

Airports

How to reach Pasadena Hills by plane.

St. Pete–Clearwater International (PIE)

Serves domestic and some international routes; roughly 20–25 miles from Pasadena Hills.

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Major international hub with broad connections; about 25–30 miles away by car.

Sarasota–Bradenton International (SRQ)

Alternative regional airport located roughly 40–50 miles to the south.

Getting Around

Walkability

Pasadena Hills itself is primarily a residential area with limited walkability to major attractions; nearby downtown St. Petersburg and coastal towns are more walkable and bike-friendly, and the region is connected by a solid transit network and the Pinellas Trail.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families live in Pasadena Hills and nearby neighborhoods; good schools and parks.

Retirees

A sizable retiree population enjoys the mild climate and waterfront leisure.

Young Professionals

Young professionals and students frequent downtown St. Pete's arts and dining scene.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Tampa Bay Rays games at Tropicana Field in nearby St. Petersburg are a major local draw.

American Football

College and local football events in the broader Tampa Bay area; USF Bulls games in nearby Tampa.

Basketball

Local college and regional teams participate in the greater Tampa Bay region.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typical of a growing coastal metro: morning and evening peak hours on I-275, US-19, and local arterials. Public transit includes PSTA buses and the Pinellas Trail for cyclists and pedestrians; plan for limited late-night service in some areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Pasadena Hills.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many menus in Pasadena Hills offer vegetarian bowls, salads, and veggie-centered entrees; ask for meat-free substitutions or seafood-free options when needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Access to healthcare is robust, with hospitals and clinics in St. Petersburg and Clearwater, including Bayfront Health St. Petersburg and Largo Medical Center. Urgent care centers and specialty clinics are readily available within a short drive.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide