The MFA St. Pete Sunset Tour: A Perfect Evening of Art & Nature

MFA St Pete Sunset Tour boat at St Pete Pier with downtown skyline

If you're staying with us this July, mark your calendar for the MFA St. Pete Sunset Tour, a genuinely special one-day event happening right in the heart of downtown St. Pete. On Sunday, July 26, the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg is teaming up with the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center for an afternoon-into-evening experience that blends art, nature, and one of the best sunset views the city has to offer.

MFA St. Pete Sunset Tour Event Details

Where: Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Pete, FL 33701 When: Sunday, July 26, 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM Cost: $45 per person (MFA members receive a $5 discount); children under 3 are free Includes: Admission to both the MFA docent tour and the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center sunset cruise

Schedule:

• 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: MFA Docent-Guided Tour

• 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Sunset Cruise with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center

What to Expect

The afternoon kicks off with a docent-guided tour inside the museum, focused on how nature has shaped and inspired artists across centuries — from vibrant still lifes to sweeping landscapes. It's a thoughtful look at how the natural world shows up in art from around the globe, and if you want more time to wander the galleries at your own pace, arriving early is a great idea since museum admission is included.

From there, this St. Pete sunset cruise experience shifts to the St. Pete Pier, where you'll board a boat led by marine scientists from the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. Expect wildlife watching, a stop by a local bird sanctuary, and sweeping views of the downtown St. Pete skyline as the sun goes down. Art materials are provided on board too, so you can create your own piece inspired by everything you've seen throughout the day.

It's a rare pairing — part gallery, part nature cruise — and a wonderful way to experience two of St. Pete's best cultural institutions in a single outing. Few art and nature tours in the area combine a museum visit with time on the water quite like this one.

Why This Is a Great Pick During Your Stay

The MFA St. Pete Sunset Tour is only a short trip from your vacation rental, making this sunset art and nature event an easy addition to your visit without a lot of extra planning. Pair it with dinner along Beach Drive beforehand or drinks at one of the nearby rooftop spots afterward, and you've got a full, memorable evening in the city.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Tickets for the MFA St. Pete Sunset Tour include both the museum tour and the sunset cruise — no need to book them separately

• Arrive early if you'd like extra gallery time before the 3:30 PM tour begins

• The sunset cruise departs from the St. Pete Pier, a short walk or drive from the museum

• This is a one-day event, so plan ahead if it's on your must-do list for the visit

Event website: mfastpete.org Organizer: Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg

Whether you're an art lover, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for a memorable evening out, the MFA St. Pete Sunset Tour is a wonderful way to experience the best of downtown St. Pete in one outing.