The Sundial is an open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment complex at 153 2nd Ave N in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. Originally opened as BayWalk in 2000, the property was redeveloped and relaunched as Sundial in 2014. Its three-story sundial, landscaped central plaza, and upper-level walkways make it a recognizable downtown meeting point. Travelers come for a shopping break, a meal, or a movie between visits to the waterfront and the city’s museums.
What to Expect at The Sundial
Unlike an enclosed regional mall, Sundial organizes its storefronts around an outdoor courtyard. The experience is compact: walk into the plaza, look up at the oversized timepiece, and explore the surrounding retail levels. Trees soften the paved setting, while balconies and open circulation routes keep the architecture connected to the street. The courtyard is the visual centerpiece rather than a passage between department stores, making this an easy stop even when shopping is not your main objective.
The complex’s transition from BayWalk to Sundial marked a substantial reinvention of a downtown entertainment address. Today, the useful approach is to treat it as one part of a broader downtown outing rather than an all-day shopping destination. The adjoining AMC Sundial 12 adds a cinema option, with screenings ticketed separately. Retail and restaurant offerings can change as the property evolves; check the official Sundial website before organizing an outing around a particular business or event.
- Three-story sundial: The complex’s namesake feature gives the central plaza its distinctive vertical focal point.
- Landscaped courtyard: Trees and open space offer a break from the surrounding downtown street grid.
- Two-level layout: Upper walkways provide a different perspective on the plaza and its architectural centerpiece.
- AMC Sundial 12: The neighboring multiplex makes shopping and a film a straightforward combination.
- Waterfront proximity: Beach Drive, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the approach to St. Pete Pier are within walking distance.
The Sundial at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 153 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown St. Petersburg, west of Beach Drive and the waterfront |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, noon–8 p.m. Individual businesses and cinema schedules vary. |
| Admission / Price Range | Free entry; $$ overall for a shopping-and-dining outing. Purchases, meals, movies, and parking cost extra. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45–90 minutes; longer with dining or a movie |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Downtown Looper trolley; nearby Sundial Parking Garage, 117 2nd St N. SunRunner connections around 1st Avenue and 5th Street. |
| Official Website & Phone | Sundial St. Pete; +1 727-800-3201 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive shortly after the shops open for a browsing-focused visit, or come in late afternoon to connect your stop with dinner downtown. Summer afternoons bring strong heat and sudden thunderstorms, so the outdoor courtyard is more comfortable earlier in the day. Drivers can use the Sundial Parking Garage at 117 2nd St N; check posted rates and event conditions when entering. The free Downtown Looper provides a useful downtown connection, while SunRunner riders can walk from the 5th Street area. Consult PSTA for routes and service times.
The ground-level courtyard has paved, step-free access from surrounding sidewalks, and elevators connect the retail levels. Wheelchair users and families with strollers should use these rather than the stairs; allow extra time for street crossings and garage transfers. Pair the stop with Williams Park, about five minutes southwest, or the Museum of Fine Arts, roughly five to ten minutes east. Beach Drive’s restaurant frontage is similarly close, and the landward entrance to St. Pete Pier is approximately ten to fifteen minutes away; walking the pier itself takes additional time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are The Sundial’s hours, and when should I visit?
Center hours are Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m., and Sunday, noon–8 p.m. Visit near opening for shopping or late afternoon for a downtown evening; individual tenants keep their own schedules.
Do I need tickets or a reservation?
No ticket or reservation is required to enter the shopping complex. Cinema screenings require separate tickets, and restaurant reservations depend on the business; there is no single dining price or reservation policy for Sundial.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 45–90 minutes to explore the courtyard and browse. Budget two to three hours if your plans include a meal or film, and longer for a waterfront walk afterward.
Is The Sundial accessible and suitable for children?
Paved courtyard routes and elevators make the multilevel complex practical for wheelchairs and strollers. Families can combine a short shopping stop with a movie, but the courtyard is a commercial plaza rather than a playground.
When planning your St. Petersburg travel guide or browsing verified shopping in St. Petersburg, pair this stop with standout local spots including Grand Hotel Europe, Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant, Crosswinds Shopping Center, and Paradeco Coffee Roasters (nearby).
