How to spend an artsy and nature-filled weekend in St Petersburg, Florida

How to spend an artsy and nature-filled weekend in St Petersburg, Florida jostrand/Getty Images The city of Saint Petersburg on Florida's Gulf Coast is famous for sugar sand beaches, funky street murals and a pirate past Travel writer Terry Ward plans your weekend in St Petersburg, Florida, from mural hopping in the former warehouse district to eating grouper sandwiches on white sand beaches. "I think people get really surprised by St Pete," said Ward, using the city's affectionate nickname. Best for Friday night – The St Pete Pier To kick off a St Pete weekend, Ward heads to the St Pete Pier – a delightfully pedestrian-friendly tree-lined zone of restaurants and shops leading to the city's massive waterfront; crowned by the dazzling twine net mega-sculpture "Bending Arc" by local artist Janet Echelman. Best for Saturday morning – Saturday Morning Market Ward's ideal Saturday morning in St Pete is spent at the bustling Saturday Morning Market, a fixture in the city's social scene since 2002.