The Sunshine City
Few cities hold a world record for their sunshine, but St. Petersburg does. Beginning in 1967, mother nature showered the city with 768 consecutive days of sunshine, earning it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Nicknamed the "Sunshine City," St. Petersburg still averages 361 sunny days every year; for more than 75 years, St. Petersburg’s Evening Independent newspaper gave copies away free on days the sun did not shine.
But while it was St. Petersburg’s hospitable climate that distinguished the city as one of Florida’s hot spots during the early 1900s, its outstanding quality of life gives the city notariety as the fourth most liveable city in the United States. It’s no wonder why. Surrounded on three sides by the warm waters of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, St. Petersburg’s 244 miles of shoreline weave along quiet bayous and inlets, graceful neighborhoods with Mediterranean charm, white sandy beaches and a vibrant downtown waterfront. Sailboat masts, palm trees, coral towers and downtown highrises frame this beautiful masterpiece called St. Petersburg.
Nearly a quarter of a milllion residents and millions of visitors each year enjoy its beaches, baseball and beaux arts. The city is not only the birthplace of baseball’s spring training, but is also home to the major leagues’ newest franchise, the Tampa Bay Rays, playing at downtown’s Tropicana Field. Nearby, there are more than two dozen museums and art galleries, including the world famous Salvador Dali Museum. St. Petersburg’s proud landmark Pier, stretches a half mile into Tampa Bay, offering five levels of shopping, dining and entertainment. Seven miles of downtown waterfront parks offer an outdoor playground for festivals and events – more than 900 a year – including Shakespeare under the stars, captivating art shows and the city’s famous Festival of States to celebrate the rites of spring.
But, whatever time of year, St. Petersburg delights its guests with all the pastimes of an endless summer.
