First timer

Question

Hi we are hoping to travel early next year (Feb) for aprox 12 nights

Would like to book a Airbnb as a base in a good location where we don’t need a car but may look at hiring one for a couple days, but essentially we want stuff we can walk to or catch a trolley bus easily.

We want to start to get to know St Pete’s area as we are hoping to make return visits over next couple of years in the hope of buying a holiday home we can use during our retirement.

Any suggestions and tips would be much appreciated, thanks.

Answer

St. Petersburg is a great choice for a long stay without a car, especially if you want walkable neighborhoods, easy access to the SunRunner BRT or Downtown Looper trolley, and a comfortable place to get to know the area before eventually buying a vacation home. February is also one of the best months to visit—pleasant weather, low humidity, and plenty of events.

For a 12-night stay with convenience, safety, and walkability, the best areas for an Airbnb are concentrated around downtown St. Pete and the beaches that connect well with transit. Below are the top neighborhoods and what they offer.

1. Downtown St. Petersburg (Most Walkable, Most Convenient)

This is the easiest area to stay without a car. It’s fully walkable, safe, lively, and connected by the Downtown Looper trolley and SunRunner bus (which goes directly to the beaches). You’ll be close to waterfront parks, restaurants, museums, grocery stores, and nightlife while still having calm residential streets depending on where you choose your Airbnb.

Beach Drive / North Downtown – Upscale, scenic waterfront, great dining, museums, pier access, extremely walkable.
EDGE District – Trendy, artsy, full of breweries, cafés, and unique shops; walkable and close to Tropicana Field.
Grand Central District – LGBTQ-friendly, eclectic, great for coffee shops and local restaurants; directly on the SunRunner route.
Warehouse Arts District – More residential/industrial mix, full of galleries; walkable sections with transit access.

Staying in or near downtown gives you the easiest lifestyle: you can walk almost everywhere and take the SunRunner to the beaches in 25–40 minutes.

2. St. Pete Beach (Best for Walkable Beach Life)

If you prefer a beach-oriented stay but still want to avoid a car, St. Pete Beach is surprisingly walkable—especially around Corey Avenue and Upham Beach. The SunRunner makes it easy to go between the beach and downtown several times a day.

Corey Avenue District – Shops, cafés, Sunday market, and good pedestrian access; ideal for long stays.
Upham Beach Area – Quiet, charming, walkable to restaurants and the beach.
Pass-a-Grille – Historic and peaceful, more secluded; walkable but fewer transit connections, so better if you plan to rent a car for a day or two.

St. Pete Beach is perfect if your priority is beach living with occasional day trips into downtown.

3. Old Northeast (Charming Residential Option)

If you want a quieter, beautiful neighborhood with historic homes, shaded streets, and waterfront walks, but still want to be close to downtown, Old Northeast is ideal.

Walkable to downtown (10–20 minutes depending on the location).
Near North Shore Park and Coffee Pot Bayou, great for morning walks.
Transit access is decent, though you’ll walk a bit more here.

This area feels like “living like a local” and is nice for extended stays.

4. Kenwood / Historic Kenwood (Quiet, Artsy Residential Neighborhood)

Located just west of downtown, Historic Kenwood is known for its Craftsman bungalows, artsy vibe, and friendly community. It’s residential but close enough to everything.

Easy walk to the Grand Central District.
On or near SunRunner stops.
Quieter than downtown but still very convenient.

Kenwood is a good choice if you want local charm with easy access to transit.

Tips for a First-Time, Car-Free Stay

Use the SunRunner BRT – Fast, reliable, connects downtown St. Pete to St. Pete Beach.
Use the Downtown Looper Trolley – Free and convenient for exploring downtown neighborhoods.
Look for Airbnbs near SunRunner stops – Especially along 1st Ave N or 1st Ave S.
Plan for 1–2 days of rental car use – Good for seeing Fort De Soto Park, Clearwater, or state parks.
February is popular – Book early to get a place in your preferred district.

Neighborhood Recommendations for Future Home Buyers

If you're planning future retirement visits and exploring real estate, consider spending time walking through:

Old Northeast
Historic Kenwood
North Kenwood
Pasadena & South Pasadena
Jungle Prada
Gulfport (artsy small-town vibe)

Each offers a different lifestyle from beach-focused to historic to artsy to family-friendly.

Conclusion

For a first-timer without a car, the best “base” locations are Downtown St. Petersburg (most walkable), EDGE/Grand Central (fun and transit-accessible), or St. Pete Beach (if you want daily beach life with easy transit into the city). All three will let you explore the area comfortably and start to understand what parts of St. Pete might feel like home for future retirement stays.

First timer

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