A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Pensacola vs. Saint Petersburg for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Pensacola or Saint Petersburg?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and Saint Petersburg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a fun-filled, active, and entertaining beach town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a fun-filled, underrated, and relaxed coastal city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pensacola and Saint Petersburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pensacola or Saint Petersburg?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Pensacola than Saint Petersburg. While Saint Petersburg is larger than Pensacola, Pensacola has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pensacola is very popular for its resorts and hiking, while Saint Petersburg attracts visitors for its museums. Pensacola is more touristy than Saint Petersburg and is popular for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. It is also well known for Gulf Islands National Seashore. Saint Petersburg is famous for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities.

How is Pensacola different from Saint Petersburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint Petersburg and Pensacola. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pensacola or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Saint Petersburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pensacola. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

Is the Food Better in Pensacola or Saint Petersburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Pensacola and Saint Petersburg both to be very good destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pensacola. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

Saint Petersburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Is Pensacola or Saint Petersburg Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Pensacola and Saint Petersburg.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Pensacola or Saint Petersburg Better for Resorts?

Pensacola is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Pensacola. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Is Pensacola or Saint Petersburg Better for Beaches?

Pensacola and Saint Petersburg are fantastic choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Pensacola is a very popular vacation destination. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

The beaches in Saint Petersburg are among the best in the world. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Is Pensacola or Saint Petersburg Better for Hiking?

Pensacola is adequate for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Pensacola has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Saint Petersburg?

Both Pensacola and Saint Petersburg are nice shopping destinations.

Pensacola offers some nice shopping areas. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

Saint Petersburg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Is Pensacola or Saint Petersburg Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Pensacola or Saint Petersburg.

Pensacola is a very kid-friendly beach town. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Saint Petersburg. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Is Pensacola or Saint Petersburg Better for Couples?

Both Pensacola and Saint Petersburg are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Pensacola is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

Saint Petersburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Is Pensacola or Saint Petersburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Petersburg is a moderate coastal city for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Public transit is quite limited in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Is Pensacola or Saint Petersburg a more walkable city?

Pensacola and Saint Petersburg both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Pensacola is generally not very walkable. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

Saint Petersburg is generally not a very walkable beach town. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Pensacola Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Petersburg or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Saint Petersburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Pensacola or Saint Petersburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Pensacola due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pensacola, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saint Petersburg.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Pensacola if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Saint Petersburg.

One day in Pensacola or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find food and shopping around the entertaining destination of Pensacola. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal city of Saint Petersburg. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Pensacola or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find shopping and museums around the fun-filled beach town of Pensacola. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Saint Petersburg. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Pensacola or Saint Petersburg?

Pensacola is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed coastal city of Saint Petersburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Pensacola or Saint Petersburg?

Pensacola is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Saint Petersburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and Saint Petersburg, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pensacola Expensive? and Is Saint Petersburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola and Saint Petersburg, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Pensacola or Saint Petersburg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Pensacola or Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Saint Petersburg. The summer months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year.

In July, Pensacola is generally around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 82°F (28°C), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pensacola usually gets less rain in July than Saint Petersburg. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pensacola or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

Both Saint Petersburg and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene.

Pensacola is cooler than Saint Petersburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In October, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Should I visit Pensacola or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

Both Saint Petersburg and Pensacola during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Pensacola is cooler than Saint Petersburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pensacola in January average around 51°F (10°C), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 59°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in January than Saint Petersburg. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pensacola or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Saint Petersburg. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months.

In April, Pensacola is generally cooler than Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 67°F (20°C), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In April, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Pensacola