Architectural Digest ranked St. Pete as one of the top five design destinations for the month of December. Other cities on the list include Havana, Bueno Aires, Berlin and San Sebastian. AD admires the recent strides the city has taken to elevate its arts and culture scene. Major festivals and local makers markets have helped position the Burg as a premiere spot above better known cities such as Miami.

“If you’re over the whole Art Basel scene in Miami, consider a trip to St. Petersburg for sun and sand with a dash of culture.”

SHINE Mural Fest, the recently completed renovation of the Chihuly Collection, and the much anticipated Frida Kahlo exhibit at The Dali are what separated St. Pete from other cities. The future of the Sunshine City’s arts scene is bright, as well. Two new museums are set to rise in the coming years: Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement and The James Museum.

St. Pete’s historic architecture put under the spotlight.

AD also held the Birchwood Inn, a landmarked Spanish Mission-style building, and the beach-chic Postcard Inn, which just underwent a face lift. The open air post office downtown and the Station House also caught the attention of the publication.

The Burg’s commitment to the arts is evident in the thriving institutions that continue to display/promote local artists. Florida CraftArt, Morean Arts Center for Clay, Zen Glass Studios, ARTpool Gallery and Studio@620 serve as reminders of the talent and ambition pulsating through the city’s creative community. You can see the full list here.