Our hometown St. Petersburg and our home state of Florida offer an endless list of day-trip adventures, nature shows, sandy beaches, watersports activities, and recreational parks and trails to the resident and visitor alike.
Whether it’s by foot, bike, kayak or car—whether you’re the solo traveler or part of a group excursion—Eckerd is at the center of it all.
Eckerd College is nestled between St. Pete Beach—one of America’s top 25 beaches—and downtown St. Petersburg, an arts, cultural and entertainment destination!
St. Petersburg has been ranked as one of the top cities to live, find a job, and start a business. As the New York Times puts it, St. Pete is “a cultural oasis with pristine beaches, warm weather and plenty of character.” We agree!
It also boasts dozens of trendy restaurants, outdoor festivals, concerts, restaurants, major league sports, theaters, galleries and museums, including the Salvador Dali Museum, home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by the late Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali.
St. Pete Buzz: There’s something happening in St. Pete, Florida, according to Forbes
St. Petersburg is ranked the third most educated city in the country.
St. Petersburg is one of ‘The 15 Happiest Places to Live in the U.S.’ according to Outside magazine
St. Petersburg earned a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index 10 years in a row,
Banner photo (top) courtesy Visit St. Pete/Clearwater
"My scholarship has broadened my ability to create opportunities for myself. Eckerd offers a community of welcoming individuals who embrace unique perspectives—something that I admire. Access to the beach and a blooming natural environment nurtures my artistic and creative abilities, and I am more than grateful."
Mikhail Whyte '26
Major: Economics
Hometown: Largo, FL
