If you’re planning a holiday to Florida for sun, sand and some great nightlife, visit St Petersburg. Perched between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, this gorgeous city is home to a thriving nightlife, excellent stretches of beach and reliable sunshine. Once considered a prime destination for retirees, the city has transformed its image in the past 20 years and is now one of Florida’s most vibrant and exciting locations – but what are the best options for evenings out?

No matter what time of day it is, the pier is the social centre of St Petersburg – or St Pete’s, as it is known locally. Situated on the east side of the city, it feels just like the Gulf of Mexico and offers somewhere beautiful and sunny that people of all interests can enjoy. It is home to a bustling shopping centre, which is strikingly shaped like an inverted pyramid, where you’ll find some restaurants that allow you to dine with the water directly beneath you. Alternatively, head all the way to the end of the pier to the fishing platform, where you’ll be able to enjoy a fabulous view of the sunset.

If you fancy doing something a little out of the ordinary one evening, a ghost tour is a great option – and one that allows you to get to know your holiday destination a little better. Indeed, these kinds of tours will take you on fun candlelit walks along the waterfront and through the winding streets, telling you ghost stories that are said to have taken place in the city. What’s more, if you really enjoy it, you’ll find similar tours are run at nearby Tampa Bay, so you can include these as part of your holiday to St Petersburg.

Should you been keen to discover some of the city’s best eateries, meanwhile, head to The Garden. The oldest local restaurant, it is equally well-known for its cuisine and live music. Dining here in the evening, you can expect to enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a variety of entertainment. Depending on which day you visit, you can be treated to live jazz – for which the venue is most famous – salsa dancing or poetry readings. Attend on a Friday and you can see trombonist Buster Cooper and his band perform, which they have done here since 1995.

Those interested in seeing more live music during their holiday to the USA will be pleased to hear the city is famous for several venues. Among them is the Coliseum Ballroom, which is particularly well-known for its red oak floor. Having opened in 1924, this historic venue hosts everything from classical music performances and rock concerts to sporting events and dances, so you’re likely to find something that catches your eye during your stay.

If you would like to visit a more casual spot, head to Jannus Live. Formerly known as Jannus Landing, this is one of the city’s favourite music venues, staging open-air performances in a great atmosphere. It was refurbished and reopened in 2010, and now features a full patio bar and an excellent balcony area, where you’ll also find the Crystalhead Vodka Lounge.

Should you be happy to travel outside St Petersburg, visit Ybor City. Situated in nearby Tampa, this is its vibrant Latin quarter, which is home to flamenco dancers and some fantastic options for al fresco dining. A night out here promises to be lively, fun and memorable, so it’s well worth the short trip.

Other options for evening entertainment include the BayWalk shopping centre, which transforms into one of the busiest nightlife spots when the sun goes down. Plenty of bars vie for your attention here, while there are a number of restaurants to try. It’s also worth exploring this destination during the day if you’re keen to splash out on a few treats during your St Petersburg beach holiday.

Boasting sunshine for approximately 360 days a year, St Pete is a great place to spend some time soaking up the sun – so don’t forget to plan for more than nightlife during your getaway! Indeed, there are some 35 miles of beautiful white-sand beaches to enjoy, as well as scenic gardens to explore.