St. Petersburg isn’t just sunshine and laid back vibes—it’s also a city layered with history, funky, one-of-a-kind neighborhoods, and stories that have shaped the Tampa Bay area and the gulf coast for centuries.
In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, here are some must-see historic locations in the Sunshine City.
Central Avenue has been the spine of St. Pete’s commercial and cultural life for a more than century. Once home to the Orange Belt Railway depot, it evolved into a bustling corridor of shops, theaters, and businesses. While today it’s a hot spot for dining, local retail and nightlife, you might be surprised to learn that most of the buildings lining Central were built before 1960.
Hidden in Plain Sight: Snell Arcade & Crislip Arcade – The elegant Snell Arcade (1928), designed by architect Richard Kiehnel, features Mediterranean Revival details and a dramatic entry arch. Just up the street, the Crislip Arcade (circa 1920s) has been lovingly restored and now houses a mix of local businesses.
Known as “The Deuces” for its 22nd Street name, this corridor was the heart of Black life during segregation. The area thrived with jazz clubs, restaurants, and shops that catered to the African American community.
Hit the Trail: African American Heritage Trail & Avenue of Churches – Follow this self-guided trail past sites like the Manhattan Casino and churches that were and continue to be vital community anchors.
Developed by Charles Roser in the 1910s, Roser Park is known for its winding, hilly streets and architecture ranging from Craftsman bungalows to Prairie-style homes. It became one of St. Pete’s earliest local historic districts thanks to its character and charm - and a little help from residents and Preserve the ‘Burg.
Walk this Way: Booker Creek Walkway – Stroll the scenic path that winds through this quiet, elevated neighborhood.
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This secluded neighborhood feels like a secret forest retreat within the city. Built mostly in the 1930s and 1940s, Driftwood’s homes were designed to harmonize with the natural landscape. The neighborhood also highlights St. Petersburg’s long history as an arts hub, with many Driftwood homes featuring built-in artwork by artist-architect Mark Dixon Dodd.
Look out for: Native Coquina Rock Homes – These charming houses blend into the tree canopy and bayou surroundings.
One of St. Pete’s first planned suburbs, Old Northeast features brick streets, granite curbs, and stately homes from the early 1900s. The area is prized for its walkability and community spirit.
Spanish Vibes: Granada Terrace Park – A Mediterranean-style plaza and fountain designed as the showpiece of the Granada Terrace subdivision. Several subsections of Old Northeast - including Granda Terrace - are designated local historic districts.
This neighborhood is a showcase of American Craftsman bungalows and community pride. St. Petersburg’s first “year-round” neighborhood, Kenwood boasts four individual local historic districts, making it one of the city’s best-preserved areas.
Get Crafty: Craftsman House on the corner of Central and 30th St. was originally a model home used to sell homeowners on buying a home in the newly developed neighborhood. The locally designated landmark is a great place to grab and drink or shop for local crafts before exploring the neighborhood.
These open-air homes from the 1950s were built for breezy Florida living before A/C became standard. Their screened-in porches—like birdcages—gave them their colloquial name but builder Glenn Johnson marketing them as "Vision-aire" Homes.
Fly Away: Check out the Birdcage Model Homes near Pink Streets – Look for clusters of these rare homes south of Pinellas Point Drive.
Located at the historic Jungle Prada site, this tour blends stories of Spanish explorers, Native American mounds, and Old Florida folklore.
Real Native: Visit one of the few remaining Tocobaga shell mounts in Tampa Bay – A rare chance to stand on sacred ground that predates colonial Florida by centuries.
Once an orange grove and reservoir, Mirror Lake quickly became one of the city's first civic centers. Lined by architectural gems like the Carnegie Library and the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, mirror lake is one of several natural lakes in the urban core, a respite from the bustle of downtown.
Free Spirit: Unitarian Universalist Church at Mirror Lake is a spiritual anchor in Mirror Lake. Founded in 1915, this historic church has long been a center of progressive thought and social activism.
Tucked away near Lassing Park in the Old Southeast neighborhood, the Polish American Club has been a community gathering place since it was built in 1950. Originally a cultural and social center for St. Pete’s Polish-American community, today this locally designated landmark building is experiencing a revival as a local hangout.
Thirst Trap: Don't miss Thirsty Thursdays, where locals gather for cheap drinks, music, and camaraderie in the club’s retro, wood-paneled hall.
Located in Disston Heights to the west of downtown, this unassuming 1960s ranch-style house was the final home of Jack Kerouac, the legendary Beat Generation writer. Kerouac moved to St. Pete in the late 1960s and died here in 1969. The home was added to the city’s list of locally designated landmarks.
The Beat goes on: Don’t miss their Songwriter Club, presented by local Grammy-nominated guitar slinger and music empresario, Shawn Kyle. The intimate house shows performed in Kerouac's living room have featured touring artists Caleb Caulde, Alice Wallace and David Dondero.
