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The Jobs You Will Be Surprised to Learn about

There are quite unusual things that people get paid for. Learn about the list of unusual jobs, maybe you will find your dream job among them?

Professional “Sleeper”

Some hotels hire people to check if their rooms are comfortable enough for the visitors. The person who gets this job has to stay for a day in every room of the hotel and to point out on all the possible inconveniences.

To get this job a person has to have no sleeping problems, has to know a couple of languages and to have good writing skills, as a part of this job will be writing a blog about his/her experience in the hotel. So, if you are hired as a “professional sleeper”, you do not only get to stay in the best hotels and use all their services for free, but you also get paid for doing that!

Ant Catcher

To get this job you have to be a strong professional who knows ant’s anatomy. The main requirement is to catch the best, strongest and healthiest ants and to put them in the artificial anthill (so-called ant farm). This actually is quite a responsible job, as some of those ants are used for medical purposes. Would you consider catching ants and earning some money for that?

Dream Seller

Nowadays there are special agencies that promise that they will make all your dreams come true! You “order” your dream and a team of strong professionals works hard for you. Of course, this service is quite expensive, the price depends on the ‘difficulty’ of the dream, but it always starts with a few thousands of dollars. So, are people who work in these agencies: contemporary businessmen or modern magicians and fairy godmothers?

Penguin “Turner”

There are people who work in Antarctica and whose job is to save those beautiful creatures. The thing is that it is almost impossible for a penguin to turn or to stand up if it falls on its back. Many of them are amazed by flying planes and lose their balance because of looking in the sky. They also fall down when the plane lands or takes off near them.

As people are the ones responsible for that, they also are the ones who fix this situation and help the penguins. You can even find this job in Guinness book of records!

Tester of The Water Slides

The main requirement of this job is to… slide! You have to check all the slides in the aqua park that hires you and to write about your feelings, giving your own evaluation to every water slide

One of the most famous testers is Tom Lynch, who has traveled all over the world, visited lots of aqua parks and tested hundreds of water slides. Sounds like a dream job for every child and for most of the grown-ups!

The number of monkeys in India is extremely high. You can see them everywhere, they walk freely around the city and most Indians do not even pay attention to those animals. But sometimes they get quite annoying or even dangerous.

Once, a large group of monkeys attacked a train station in a big city, they hit people and almost stopped the work of the trains. The solution was quite unusual and very simple. Now there is a man who wears a large monkey costume and runs around the train station. Children love it and want to play with him, while monkeys are frightened and run away.

Do you think that walking your pet is the best hobby in the world? What if we tell you that making your hobby your main activity with the source of income can change all your view on this point? A dog walking job is being known for quite a long time already but we could not miss that aspect as it definitely belongs to the kinds of jobs that are worth paying attention to!

This job has grown so large that there are even online websites offering their services with a precise plan of the map, all needed breaks for your dog and even cute and sweet photos of your loving pet! Workers claim that they earn enough for their living and even have some time for pleasure as you only can choose this job if you really love walking a lot and hugging furry little critters.

Video Games Tester

A dream job for all fans of video games really EXIST! And it does not differ very much from their usual daily activities. However, you get paid for playing about 70 hours per week.

Your main task will be to test the game you have been chosen in multiple categories like to find flaws that crash gaming consoles, loop dialogues, freezing in games, erase progress, or skew visuals.

More of that, if you believe that to become a game tester is a piece of cake, take into account that this job is very competitive as many people dream of such job and even visit special schools for video game testing. So, if you think you are the right person, do not hesitate and write to Console Companies to have the coolest job!

Babyproofer (Childproofer)

Before you start laughing out loud wondering who will ever hire somebody to proof your kid we will explain: this job is really related to babies, however its main task is not to prove them but the surroundings in the house, yard and so on.

They call themselves the advanced certified professional babyproofers and claim to have the right skills to build and install child products so that the kid will not harm itself in any case. The job is concentrated on consulting parents about the kid’s safety as well. Who knows, maybe this job will be even more popular in the future but as we see it now, you can do everything you have interest in.

Greeting Cards Writer

Were you always wondering who was writing some awesome poems on the greetings card in the mall, where you rush 15 minutes before a celebration starts? Who is that superman putting all your thoughts and wishes into the rhythm and creating a good content for you?

It is not a hobby; such job really exists and the candidates even pass several tests to get hired for it. As you see not everyone but only a professional with a writing talent can take this position.

Want to get this position? Start it from small: get to writing a short poem and see how you progress. If you are skilled and lucky enough you will be able to join the group of advanced writers of the Greeting Card Association and write congratulations for thousands of people.

What is your favorite job around those? What would you do that is not stated here? Tell us, we would love to read your comments!

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• Career Planning
• Finding a Job

15 Interesting, Unique, and Unusual Jobs

While it’s true that most workers have jobs that will sound familiar both to their next-door neighbors and people across the country, there are some brave souls forging new paths with unique and unusual jobs.

From the crazy to the cool, the serious to the silly, there are tons of jobs out there that you might never have heard of. One of them might just be your next career. Or it could be a fun  side job  that will boost your earnings.

Curious? Read about some of the weirdest and most interesting jobs out there and see if your calling is among them.

Ayurveda Healer

Ayurveda is a type of traditional Indian medicine that is thousands of years old. Ayurveda practice aims for a balance of one's body system and incorporates many natural or plant-based remedies.

Ayurveda has since gained popularity in Western cultures. As a result, there has been a rise in "natural wellness" schools in the United States, such as the Kripalu School in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and the Ayurvedic Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, which offer certification for Western students.

According to Glassdoor, Ayurvedic doctors can make an annual salary upward of $150,000.

Bike Courier

Bike couriers, or bike messengers, provide a valuable service in cities where traffic poses a transportation hassle. Because bike couriers are not deterred by traffic jams or parking problems, they can often get across a city faster than if they were driving a car.

While the digital age has somewhat displaced the need for bike couriers to deliver paper mail and other hard-copy documents, cyclists are still used for errand-running by various industries, such as the food and fashion industries.

The U.S. Department of Labor projects growth of 2% in this occupation over the next decade. In 2022, the median annual wage for all couriers was $36,710.

Body Painter

Body painters usually work at fairs, festivals, parties, or other events that draw large numbers of people. Some specialize in face painting, which is especially popular among families with children. Other body painters may work at concerts or music festivals, offering their services to adults.

Body painters might also be employed on a photo or video shoot that requires clothing to be painted on, as part of the designers' artistic concept. Most body painters work on a freelance basis.

Color Expert

According to Colorcom, a color expert organization, a color consultant “combines color psychology, current trends, demographic statistics, and color design theories” in order to best incorporate color into a project, whether it be designing the layout of a room or the logo of a company.

The International Association of Color Consultants  (IACC) offers both training and membership for color consultants.

Feng Shui Consultant

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art and science based on Taoist principles. Feng Shui focuses on the flow of energy, or "Chi," in order to ensure the health, wellness, and ultimate good fortune of an area's inhabitants.

Feng Shui can be used in any space—home, office, garden, store, etc. Accordingly, a Feng Shui decorator will account for color, lighting, and organization in a room. Feng Shui consultants can be self-taught but may also have formal certification or training.

According to HomeAdvisor, a typical pay range for a feng shui consultant is around $600 to $1,500 per job.

Flavorists are chemists who formulate both natural and artificial flavors. Flavorists often have a Ph.D. in biochemistry or chemistry, but many take apprenticeships with flavor companies, known as "flavor houses," in addition to their formal schooling and certification.

This offbeat job can also be lucrative—some flavorist jobs pay six-figure salaries.

Fragrance Chemist

Fragrance chemists are scientists who specialize in the study of odor molecules and how such molecules can be used for perfumes. Fragrance chemists may develop and test scents for women's and men's perfume, soap, lotion, and other toiletries. They often have backgrounds in chemistry and often have high-level degrees, such as a master's or Ph.D.

In 2023, the median annual salary for all chemists was $87,180, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Hippotherapist

Originating from the Latin word "hippo," or horse, hippotherapy refers to therapy that uses the natural movement of a horse as part of a patient's treatment plan.

Because a horse's pelvis has a three-dimensional movement that mirrors the physiology of the human walk, horseback riding can be highly beneficial for patients with both physical and neurological disabilities.

Hippotherapy may be used in physical, occupational, psychological, or even speech therapy, and is becoming a popular option for children with multiple sclerosis, autism, Down syndrome, and other conditions.

The American Hippotherapy Association  provides educational resources and certification,

Horticultural Therapist

Horticultural therapy, also called ecopsychology, is the use of plants, and the process of planting, in psychological or physical therapy.

Horticultural therapists may use the act of gardening as either a treatment strategy for patients struggling with mental health or as a physical strengthening tactic for patients in occupational therapy.

Horticultural therapy may be used in rehabilitation clinics, prisons, schools, hospitals, or psychology offices.

Nail Polish Namer

Anyone who paints their nails has probably wondered where those unique—and sometimes silly—nail polish names come from.

As it turns out, there's no one answer. Some companies leave it all up to the higher-ups—Essie Weingarten of the famous "Essie" brand once christened all of their polishes, for example—while others employ creative professionals in the advertising or marketing departments to do the job.

Personal Shopper

Do you love picking out the perfect outfits, accessories, or consumer products for other people? If you have a strong sense of personal style and a passion for helping others find what they need, you might love working as a personal shopper. There is a wide range of roles available, from in-house shoppers at department stores to personal stylists at online services to gig workers at the local grocery store.

Required skillset and salary vary too. For example, Stitch Fix stylists must be tech-savvy as well as up on current trends, while Instacart shoppers must be able to lift 40 pounds without accommodation and have a reliable car and smartphone.

Pay for these roles runs from around $20 per hour (for grocery shoppers) to $60,000-plus per year (for stylists).

Professional Ethical Hacker

When you hear the word "hacker," you probably think of a kid on a computer, cooped up in a dark room. But there are professional hackers who "test-hack" a company's software to make sure it is secure.

Also known as ethical hackers or "white hat hackers," these "good guys" are paid to break into a network and then offer recommendations on how to make sure a real hacker can't access it in the future.

Veterinary Acupuncturist

Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine that involves using needles to stimulate different parts of the body. The needle placement depends on what the aim of the acupuncture is—for example, it can be used to treat chronic pain, fertility issues, allergies, and other syndromes.

Interestingly, acupuncture can also be used to treat ailments in animals. Veterinary acupuncture is most often used on dogs, cats, cows, and horses, but can also be used on smaller animals like birds, ferrets, and rabbits.

Video Game Tester

For passionate gamers who boast top communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to self-motivate, video game testing is a dream job. Just be aware that it’s not all fun stuff—you’ll need to log bugs, verify fixes, and write reports, as well as play.

Testers who are willing to learn more about the technical aspects of video game development or who want to enter management may be able to boost their salary, which has a median of about $64,000 per year.

Voice-Over Artist

Also known as voice actors, voice-over artists lend their talents to commercials, radio, podcasts—any medium that needs professional narration.

You don’t need a degree to get started in this field, but you may choose to train with a voice coach or take acting classes. As with all performing arts occupations, competition is fierce but successful voice actors can earn six-figure salaries.

Key Takeaways

• Unique jobs are uncommon by definition, but you may find your dream career by going off the beaten path.
• Interesting jobs include consulting gigs like a feng shui consultant or color expert, therapist jobs like a hippotherapist or horticultural therapist, and more.
• Be aware that many of these jobs require advanced education, training, or certification to get started.

Indeed. " 25 Most Common Jobs in America ."

WebMD. " What Is Ayurveda? "

GlassDoor. " Ayurvedic Doctor Salaries ."

CareerOneStop. " Couriers and Messengers ."

Colorcom. " What Does a Color Consultant Do ?"

HomeAdvisor. " How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Feng Shui Consultant ?"

The Society of Flavor Chemists. " Become a Member ."

ZipRecruiter. " Flavorist Salaries ."

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Chemists and Materials Scientists ."

Manes & Miracles. " What is Equine Therapy, Hippotherapy, and Therapeutic Riding ?"

American Horticultural Therapy Association. " Horticultural Therapy ."

Glamour. " So THAT's How Nail Polishes Get Their Names !”

Stitch Fix. “ Be a Stitch Fix Stylist .”

Instacart. “ Why Be an Instacart Shopper ?”

Stitch Fix. “ Stitch Fix Stylist Salaries .”

Indeed. “ Instacart Salaries .”

Mayo Clinic. “ Acupuncture .”

Glassdoor. “ How Much Does a Game Tester Make ?”

Backstage. “ How To Become a Voice Actor .”

Choosing a Career

• Dec 4, 2023
• 15 min read

The 40 Weirdest Jobs You Wouldn’t Believe Are Real

Mind blown.

Electra Michaelidou

Career and Lifestyle Writer

Reviewed by Chris Leitch

Across the Atlantic, in the European Union, one third of all workers report using digital devices, such as computers, for the majority of their working hours. Over here, an analysis by the National Skills Coalition has shown that more than 90% of all jobs now require digital skills.

So, all in all, you could say that, on this part of the globe at least, most of us have regular jobs where we sit around and look at screens a lot .

But what about that smaller percentage of people who continue to resist the status quo? What about those who don’t have to deal with a soul-crushing daily commute, annoying colleagues and frustrating software and machines? Because those people do exist!

Since you’re curious, here’s a list of the 40 weirdest jobs in the world, should you ever consider giving up your 9-to-5 for something a little less conventional.

The strangest jobs in the world

1. paranormal guide.

Earning potential: $30–$40 per hour

So, it turns out that Ghostbusters isn’t just a Halloween movie hit, after all. It’s a real job that people have. As a ghost hunter, or paranormal guide, you earn your living guiding groups of people around abandoned mansions, castles, hospitals and prisons, and seeking out paranormal activity.

Search for tour guide jobs

2. Snake milker

Earning potential: $2,000–$5,000 per month

Snakes obviously aren’t mammals, so that’s not the kind of milking we’re talking about here. Snake milking refers to collecting venom from these fearsome, limbless reptiles, so that antidotes may be developed, saving thousands of lives every year.

Search for zoo work

3. Pet psychologist

Earning potential: $52,000

Although there’s a lot that we don’t know about the millions of species that cohabitate the planet with us, scientists (and non-scientists!) generally agree that animals can and do experience emotions like we do.

House pets, in particular, who have evolved to trust and live alongside us, do sometimes show signs of depression and anxiety , manifesting in unusual behaviors such as the loss of interest in their favorite activities. Pet psychologists are there to diagnose that and offer suggestions as to how to make things better.

Search for animal care work

4. Dog food taster

Earning potential: $45,000 per year

There are approximately 90 million pet dogs in America. And, as far as we know, none of them can speak — so the only way to know whether or not they like their food is to, well, sample it ourselves.

We jest; as any pet owner will tell you, a cat or a dog won’t hesitate to show their distaste for a meal. Instead, pet food testers are primarily there to evaluate the nutritional value of pet food. Sometimes, sadly, that also entails tasting it.

5. Feng shui consultant

Earning potential: $50–$400 per hour

For anyone who doesn’t know, “feng” means wind and “shui” means water. And so the art of feng shui refers to the interconnectedness of human life and its synchronicity with the environment that surrounds it.

Experts in feng shui base their practice on this principle, guiding people on how to arrange their homes, gardens or even offices so that the energy forces in that space exist in harmony.

Search for interior designer jobs

6. Odor sniffer

Earning potential: $48 per hour

Imagine arriving at your job interview only to discover that the antiperspirant you bought recently is utterly useless, and you’ve now got big sweat patches on your shirt as well as a mild smell to you.

If you’re lucky, the team of scientists (and odor sniffers!) behind your products won’t do you dirty like that. They’re tasked with ensuring that deodorants, perfumes and other cosmetic products smell nice and last for as long as they claim to last.

7. Professional cuddler

Earning potential: $40–$80 per hour

Studies have shown that physical touch and intimacy can boost our wellbeing, since they lead to the release of oxytocin, a hormone that regulates stress and promotes feelings of wellness.

However, some people are so lonely that they don’t get to experience that closeness in their day-to-day life — unless they hire someone to cuddle with. Thus the demand for professional cuddlers arose, offering a sort of pick-me-up to people who are lonely…

8. Intimacy coordinator

Earning potential: $1,100 per day

Have you ever gone on a date so awkward that you still think about it years later? Wouldn’t it be great if a deux ex machina could come out of nowhere and rearrange the whole scene, making it better?

That’s sort of what intimacy coordinators do, but for movies, series and advertisements. (Sorry, no one can come to the rescue on your real dates yet!) They offer advice so that love scenes and romantic moments are filmed in a way that makes them powerful and keep the actors safe.

9. Movie watcher

Earning potential: Variable

It’s true: some people get paid to watch movies and series. Though somewhat rare to come by, Netflix has a role titled “editorial analyst”, which entails watching, rating, tagging and annotating their shows. Dream job , or what?

10. Professional mourner

Earning potential: $30–$120 per event

Also known as moirologists, professional mourners originated in Egyptian, Mediterranean, Chinese and Near Eastern cultures. They are people who get paid to lament the loss of a life, provide comfort to the family of the deceased, or deliver eulogies.

11. Professional bridesmaid

Earning potential: $21 per hour

You might want to mentally prepare for this: professional bridesmaids make an average of $21 per hour… And up to $2,500 per wedding. That’s right.

Their responsibilities include helping the bride pick out the perfect dress, arranging the bachelorette party, creating a wedding registry, and working with the venue and vendors to ensure everything is as perfect as can be.

12. Iceberg mover

Earning potential: $25 per hour

This job is just what it sounds like: you get paid to play Tetris with icebergs.

When an iceberg is in the way of a shipping route, these professionals come in and relocate it using tugboats and cranes to keep ship passengers and crew members safe.

13. Dog surfing instructor

If you’re not a dog owner yourself, you’ve probably met plenty of them by now; you know they want to do everything with their furry friends! So, it should come as no surprise that some pet owners want to teach their dogs how to surf and catch some waves together.

Dog surfing trainers begin by improving the pet’s obedience, and training their balance and strength on land first, slowly moving into the water.

Search for animal training jobs

14. Professional mermaid

Wait a minute. Do mermaids really exist? Well, perhaps professionally. These professional mermaids typically perform at parties and events, and create experiences to keep their audiences engaged and entertained.

As self-employed individuals , mermaids can set their own hourly rates; take Linden Wolbert who would charge up to $6,000 per appearance!

15. Face feelers

Also referred to as sensory scientists, these professionals use their hands to judge the effectiveness of products like lotions, cleansers and razors. It requires some training, but it can be a great way to make some extra cash on the side.

16. Professional cat trapper

Not everyone likes cats. But, usually, those who do are completely smitten with the creatures. So, if you consider yourself a cat lover , this could be a great job for you.

Essentially, you’ll be called to trap feral cats who don’t seem to think much of humans and like to cause trouble in people’s gardens, sheds or garages. (More than domesticated ones, that is.) Typically, these cats will be taken to a vet, neutered and rereleased if they can’t (or don’t wish to) be taken in.

Search for animal control jobs

17. Professional queuer

A professional line stander will do exactly what the job title states: wait in line for other people.

As our routines get busier and more demanding, many working professionals (and particularly working parents ) no longer have the time to wait in line at the bank or the post office. This is all the more true during major events like Black Friday or new product launches, such as iPhone releases.

18. Fortune cookie writer

Earning potential: $55,000 per year

If you’re a writer you can choose the “starving artist” path, the unglamorous “I write for a marketing agency” path, or something more lucrative : a career as a fortune cookie writer. These are in-house or freelance writers who come up with those cryptic, faux-wisdom type of messages that go inside fortune cookies.

19. Reindeer minder

Many outdoor Christmas-themed events , from markets to fairs, have a corner dedicated to reindeer. But these fabulous herbivores obviously don’t travel there by themselves; their herders have to load them onto massive trucks and travel long distances with them, keeping an eye on them during the day as well as the night, to ensure they’re safe and sound. (And behaving!)

20. Human statue

Though you might not expect it, performing as a human statue is a job that pays quite well! Indeed, posing as a live mannequin draped in paint or garments can pay handsomely: $60–$100 per hour for standing very, very still.

21. Golf ball diver

Earning potential: $200 per day

Have you ever wondered where all the golf balls go when they land in water? Because they certainly don’t stay there forever. Golf ball divers are hired to retrieve these golf balls, and return them to the grounds to be cleaned and used again at a later date. So, if you enjoy swimming, this is a strange job that could be great for you.

22. Dinkey operator

You may be wondering what on Earth a dinkey operator is. Well, their job is to work with dinkey engines — mostly within the rail industry — operating power controls and levers to transport timber, coal and rock.

23. Airplane painter

An airplane painter is responsible for refreshing the paintwork of old aircraft with new designs, and also polishing airplanes. People can make around $45,000 per year doing this, and yet it’s no easy job : you stand on your feet a lot , carrying heavy equipment and tools all the while.

24. Bounty hunter

Earning potential: $44,000 per year

Although you might associate bounty hunters with the Old West, they still exist. These days, they’re known as bail enforcement agents, and their job is to capture and return fugitives or wanted criminals for a bounty.

25. Ice rink hand holder

Earning potential: $35,000 per year

During the winter months, and around the holidays especially, ice rinks get an influx of visitors. To keep everyone safe, ice rink attendants are hired to monitor the ice skating crowds and, in some cases, hold people’s hands. That’s right: if you choose this job as an additional source of income this Christmas, expect a lot of hand-holding.

26. Online dating ghostwriter

According to Statista , there were 366 million online dating users worldwide in 2022 — a number that’s projected to grow to 440 million by 2027.

Given the staggering amount of people looking for love on the internet, it’s no surprise that some people noticed the great potential in that. The potential for business , that is.

Indeed, online dating ghostwriters help users create profiles that present them in the most interesting and favorable way possible. The salary, of course, depends on the individual’s marketing and writing skills, but you can make as much as $2,000 per client .

27. Professional drying paint watcher

Earning potential: $27 per hour

Have you ever had a job that was about as fun as watching paint dry? Well, there is a profession out there that actually involves watching paint dry. You might want to remember that next time you complain about your job being boring !

This job basically requires you to paint walls and other surfaces, and observe closely what happens to the color and texture of the paint while it dries, and how long that takes. It takes exceptional attention to detail and focus !

28. Paper towel sniffer

Earning potential: $52,000 per year

Let’s be honest: the deciding factor for you when purchasing rolls of paper towels probably isn’t their aroma. But there are still people out there who get paid to ensure that manufacturers produce high-quality products without a putrid smell.

29. Fake wedding guest

When a friend announces they’re getting married, your first instinct is typically to express joy. When that excitement subsides, however, you remember all the expenses that will come with it: getting to the venue, buying an outfit, giving the lovebirds a present…

Well, some people not only keep their savings intact when attending weddings, but also profit from doing so! We’re talking about paid wedding guests, who attend events to make the crowd seem bigger and livelier.

30. Adult toy tester

Adult toy testers are hired to test prototypes and new products to determine whether they are effective, visually appealing and safe to use. They’re also often required to provide written reviews to encourage potential buyers to make a purchase.

31. Professional sleeper

Yes, you can get paid to catch Zs! Mattress manufacturers hire professional sleepers to test their products for comfort. In addition, many sleep-related studies will compensate you for sleeping on demand. Not only that, but hotels sometimes also need people to come in and ensure that their rooms provide the right conditions for relaxation and a good night’s sleep !

32. Fine dining chef for dogs

You’ve heard of fine dining chefs , but did you know some restauranteurs employ chefs to cook exquisite meals for pups? That’s right — places like Dogue , a San Francisco-based paw tisserie, are all about preparing delicious meals for dogs using fine ingredients.

Search for chef work

33. Bereavement coordinator

Earning potential: $69,000 per year

Did you know you can make a full-time job out of helping people navigate the loss of a loved one? Indeed, bereavement coordinators take on a diverse range of tasks, from arranging funeral services to providing grief counseling . As a result, they work closely with professionals from many fields, including medical staff and insurance brokers.

Search for bereavement coordinator jobs

34. Train pusher

This isn’t a person with superhuman strength who pushes a train along its tracks; rather, it’s a train station attendant that, during rush hour, has to shove people further into the (overly crowded) train so that the doors may close properly. Can you guess where in the world a job like this might be needed?

It’s Japan! Referred to as oshiya (literally meaning “pusher”), these train station attendants have to cram as many people as possible into the coach and ensure no limbs are sticking out the doors when the train is taking off.

35. Bicycle fisher

How’s this for an unusual job? Waternet, the agency responsible for keeping all 165 of Amsterdam’s canals clean, is often tasked with retrieving sunken bicycles from the water.

In a city that’s got some 800,000 bikes and very strong winds, you can see how bicycle fishing is a very real and very needed profession.

36. Algae scientist

Earning potential: $73,000 per year

You’ve heard of astronomers , who study celestial bodies, and of geneticists, who study heredity. But what about phycologists?

Of all the things on Earth and in the cosmos, phycologists study the minuscule organisms that go by the name algae. Though it looks like green goo to the average person, these organisms play a massive role in the food chain as well as the production of oxygen on a planet-wide scale.

37. Water slide tester

Earning potential: $28 per hour

When a hotel or waterpark first installs a new slide or ride, someone has to ensure that it’s safe to use. Enter the water slide tester! The only typical requirements are that you’re 18 years of age, love a good adrenaline rush, and have great attention to detail so you can notice and report potential hazards.

Search for waterpark jobs

38. Underwater pizza deliverer

Have you ever heard of a scuba diving pizza delivery guy or gal? Because there is such a thing!

Jules’ Undersea Lodge, an underwater hotel in Key Largo, Florida, employs scuba divers to deliver pizza to its underwater patrons.

39. Ethical hacker

Earning potential: $107,000 per year

Many people associate hacking with crime. Hacking, however, can often be a good thing!

Ethical hackers are experts in cyber security that can be hired to uncover vulnerabilities in computer systems. To do this, they use the same techniques and tools that criminal hackers do — except they obviously have permission to exploit said vulnerabilities!

Search for cyber security jobs

40. Chief listening officer

Earning potential: $77,000 per year

Although this role sounds like it should entail walking around the office asking people things and listening actively , maintaining strong eye contact and giving the occasional fist bump or elbow bump, that’s not what a listening officer does.

A chief listening officer is usually part of a company’s marketing department and their job is to “listen in” on conversations about the company on social media. That way, crucial information can be passed on to the company’s decision makers and enhanced customer support can be provided.

Watch our video about the world’s strangest jobs!

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Final thoughts

So, are you interested in making a career change or earning a few extra dollars a month?

These may not be the most glamourous employment opportunities, but some of these weird jobs either remain in demand or are beginning to become lucrative endeavors, particularly for  lazy people ! Be it feeling faces or standing in queues, there is always some avenue to explore to earn a living.

Have you ever considered changing careers to something quite bizarre? Let’s see who has the weirdest job!

Originally published on November 22, 2017.

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Unique Careers: 23 Jobs That Are Anything But Ho-Hum

Last Updated June 22, 2023

Why pursue an ordinary job when so many fascinating and unique careers exist? Forget about all the run-of-the-mill options that make you want to poke your eyes out or take the next flight to Mars. You only live once. And you're not about to settle for being a lemming. You deserve the chance to follow an unconventional path.

Sure, the world is full of great career possibilities. But that leads to questions for people who want to do something a little bit different. How do I sort out the most interesting jobs? How do I find the ones that are a bit offbeat, or even odd or weird? How do I find careers that may not even be on the average person's radar? Do colleges and trade schools near me offer uncommon or unique career training programs?

Start here. This article breaks down 23 out-of-the-ordinary careers that are worth considering. Many of them are frequently cited as some of the most interesting jobs in the world. Explore possibilities for:

• Distinctively satisfying careers
• Odd jobs for people who like being different
• Unusual and interesting jobs that pay well
• Jobs with a serious cool factor
• 11 "normal" careers that you can make unique

Having a career that's unique and interesting can come with substantial benefits. It can mean being paid to do something you love and are passionate about (which can help you maintain a higher level of job satisfaction and fulfillment). A cool job can also mean being excited to go to work rather than dreading it. And it can mean being excited to tell people what you do for a living rather than hoping no one asks you about your boring job.

So, are you ready to take a path less taken — one that has the potential to make you feel happier and more complete? Some of the jobs below are so unusual that you might not have heard of them until now.

Distinctively Satisfying Careers

1. Art Therapist

If you are searching for interesting careers in psychology, becoming an art therapist might fit the bill. Art therapy is an expressive form of therapy that improves a person's overall well-being through artistic expression. Art therapists use it as part of a healing process. It can help reduce a patient's stress and anxiety, improve self-esteem, and provide many other mental health benefits. Many patients find art therapy helpful in assisting with personal development or working through past traumas. And it is especially useful for those who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally.

You will need art and counseling or psychology training to become an art therapist. Most aspiring professionals start by completing a psychology degree program to achieve a bachelor's degree before moving on to a master's degree program. And to become certified by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) — typically required to practice in the field — you will need to complete a combination of clinical and studio hours.

Once you have completed your training, you could be ready to offer art therapy in individual or group settings. Your techniques could be used in assessments, treatments, and even research. You may be able to begin your career within a private practice, community outreach center, mental health or rehabilitation unit, or nursing home. Corporations and businesses even hire some art therapists to offer professional development classes.

Women have been supporting each other through pregnancy and childbirth for centuries. A doula is a woman who offers professional pregnancy and birth support services. She does not take on a medical role and is strictly a support person for the expectant mother. Along with offering emotional and physical support, a doula may also help a mother conduct research and uncover important information.

A doula typically offers three types of services: pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum support. During pregnancy, she can help the expectant mother locate healthcare providers, develop a birth plan, identify a birthing location, and assist her with making other informed decisions. A doula strictly focuses on the mother's emotional and physical needs during childbirth. Her tasks are varied, including ensuring the mother's birth plan is respected, feeding the mom ice chips, and massaging her back during contractions.

A doula who offers postpartum care assists the mom, her partner, and their other children transition from pregnancy to having a newborn at home. The doula might offer breastfeeding advice, perform light housekeeping duties, prepare meals, and even cuddle the baby to allow the mom to shower.

It has been found that expectant mothers who have doulas experience improved birth outcomes. For example, a study in The Journal of Perinatal Education found that mothers assisted by doulas were less likely to have low-birth-weight babies or birth complications. They were more likely to initiate breastfeeding. So, you can see why many expectant mothers are turning to doulas to help support them throughout their pregnancies, births, and postpartum periods.

To become a doula, you would typically complete a short training program. There is no specific educational path, but some larger organizations offering workshops and certifications include DONA International and Childbirth International . Many colleges also offer on-campus and online programs to provide quality training for this career path.

When you work as a doula, the fee you charge your clients will depend on many factors. These can include your experience level, location, and the types of services you provide. Many new doulas will start by volunteering to gain experience and get their names known within the birthing community.

3. Headhunter

Headhunters are, essentially, professional recruiters. They are typically hired by organizations to recruit executives or higher-level employees for positions that are never advertised. Finding near-perfect job candidates can be costly and time-consuming for most employers. It can be much more efficient for organizations to hire headhunters to cut down on the time and expense of recruiting.

As a headhunter, you don't just collect resumes. You are helping organizations improve their operations and bottom lines by aligning them with the potential job candidates who could best fit within their companies. At the same time, you are helping budding professionals advance their careers. Once you have met with an organization and understand what they are seeking, you will begin finding and interviewing candidates that could be a great match. The organization relies on you to find someone who can fill the open role with the fewest complications. Organizations want to receive a small selection of resumes from the most qualified individuals.

You will need a strong professional network and a keen grasp of the job market to do your job well. You may even choose to specialize within a specific industry since many headhunters find greater success by sticking to their areas of expertise. The better you are at matching candidates with organizations, the better you can expect to do in business. Organizations will likely hire you again and may recommend your services.

Headhunter could be a good career for you if you are quick-thinking, intuitive, and able to build relationships and communicate well. Although there is no required education to become a headhunter, those who have human resources training often have a competitive advantage within the field. It could help you begin your career within a recruiting or headhunting firm where you can continue to learn the ropes.

Whether you work for a firm or independently, you are usually paid in one of two ways. You are paid an agreed-upon fee upfront or receive an agreed-upon amount once a candidate is successfully hired. The amount you are paid is typically a percentage of the annual salary for the position you are trying to fill. How much you earn depends on the number of clients you have and the types of positions you are recruiting.

4. Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Therapeutic riding instructors are also called equine therapists. Therapeutic riding is likely is one of the more interesting career paths you never knew existed. Hippotherapy is riding horses as therapy for children and adults who experience disabilities. It can be used as physical therapy where the horse's movements affect the rider's body. It can also be used for therapeutic riding to enhance the patients' interaction, recreation, and socialization levels. And equine therapy can provide life-skills training, rehabilitation, and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Therapeutic riding instructors are part of a care team. You will work with medical professionals to help patients achieve their goals. These goals could include:

• Developing balance, coordination, and mobility
• Enhancing muscle tone and strength
• Improving concentration
• Providing independence and a sense of achievement
• Building confidence and motivation

As a therapeutic riding instructor, you will likely teach private and group lessons. You could create lesson plans to support your riders' goals, perform assessments, write progress notes, and care for the horses and barn. Along with enjoying learning and teaching, you will need horsemanship skills and an understanding of various disabilities and special needs. Depending on your background, you may want to start by volunteering at a therapeutic riding center to gain experience. You may want to earn a social science degree since therapeutic riding instructors often draw treatment approaches from related fields like psychology, counseling, and social work.

Additionally, the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) offers workshops and certification programs that can help you become established within this profession. Many therapeutic riding centers will require you to become a PATH Intl. certified instructor. So achieving credentials can enhance your opportunities and may bring you greater earning potential.

5. Master Distiller

You have probably heard of a brewmaster and a winemaker. Well, a master distiller is a similar occupation, but for a different product. Master distillers are the people who oversee the production of spirits or liqueurs, such as whiskey or rum, for commercial distilleries. Although it is a small professional field, it has been growing with the emergence of craft distilleries in recent years.

As a master distiller, you will develop expertise in all processes and techniques used to turn raw materials, such as grains or fruits, into finished products on store shelves. With a blend of traditional principles and modern practices, you could handle anything from mashing and fermentation procedures to marketing and distribution to accounting and human resources. Specific responsibilities could include:

• Sourcing raw materials
• Ensuring that production and aging processes are correct
• Conducting quality-control measures
• Managing staff and operations
• Creating new products
• Training and developing employees
• Managing the overall brand

Although there are distillation schools and workshops, many people learn the trade at the entry level. You could expect to spend several years working your way up within a distillery since there is a lot to learn within the field. However, it can help to have a background in chemistry or chemical engineering, microbiology, or food science.

6. Railroad Conductor

Becoming a train conductor is a common childhood dream for many young children. Maybe you were one of them. A railroad conductor oversees the crew on passenger and freight trains and manages the activities on board. However, train conductors don't operate the trains.

Railroad conductors are often responsible for the following:

• Managing the loading and unloading of cargo
• Checking passenger tickets
• Announcing stops
• Assisting passengers as needed
• Handling any passenger conflicts on the train
• Ensuring that the train stays on schedule
• Making sure that safety practices and regulations are being followed

Although courses are available at training facilities and colleges, most conductors are trained on the job. And whether you complete on-the-job or college training, you will need to pass a federal certification test.

Odd Jobs for People Who Like Being Different

7. Bike Courier

Bike couriers are more common in large cities with downtown cores and business districts, where vehicle deliveries can be costly and hard to schedule due to traffic jams, construction, parking availability, and other factors. In these cases, bike couriers are often hired to deliver items such as:

• Clothing and articles for photo shoots
• Digital files (on flash drives or hard discs)
• Legal, financial, and other sensitive documents
• Corporate gifts
• Medical samples

You may be able to work as an independent contractor, or you could secure a position with a courier company. If you are physically fit, familiar with your city, and willing to navigate quickly through heavy traffic in almost any weather, this could be one of the interesting occupations worth considering. Note that you may be required to have your own bike. The ability to repair your bike could be a plus since it could limit any downtime from having your bike in a repair shop.

8. Body Paint Artist

Body painters use the human body as a canvas. But unlike tattoos, it is temporary body art that can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks. The designs can be applied to a person's entire body or a small part, like an arm or leg. This practice has been around for a long time. Body painting is an ancient form of art that has found a place in modern culture. Some of the places where body-painting services are found include:

• Festivals, such as sports events or music festivals
• Fine art exhibits where there are live exhibits or photographs on display
• Commercial settings, such as TV and movie sets or the offices of magazines and ad agencies
• Political protests where body painting is used to gain the attention of the media and people passing by
• Other private events like corporate parties, children's birthday parties, and fundraisers

You could apply the paint with your hands, sponges, brushes, and airbrushes. And the best painters have established such good artistic and creative talents that it's sometimes hard to tell if a person is painted or clothed. Additionally, you will need to follow strict guidelines to ensure that your paint is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and easy to wash off (except longer lasting products like henna).

You may be able to find classes and workshops that can help you begin developing your body-painting skills. And some body painters have found makeup artist training to be quite helpful. Once you have established some basic skills, you will likely benefit from lots of practice. You could volunteer your services and offer to paint up your friends to gain valuable experience.

9. Live Mannequin/Human Statue

Live mannequins are a new and unexpected form of advertising. They grab attention and provide an experience that sticks with potential customers. And the position is what it sounds like. You will stand as a live mannequin in storefronts where you may occasionally change poses and possibly outfits. You may interact with customers or just strictly act as a conventional mannequin.

Tailors and dressmakers sometimes use live mannequins too. (In those instances, they are also called fitting models.) And larger fashion companies use fitting models to test their newest lines. Companies find people with physical builds that they feel represent their average customers. Those fitting models take clothing home to test in everyday situations, ensuring that it fits properly and is comfortable to wear.

Another position within this field is that of a living statue. However, living statues are similar to mimes and tend to fall into the category of street performers. Living statues put together outfits to represent those of real statues. Sometimes they even paint themselves silver or gold. Then they pose in a busy spot (usually somewhere with tourists) and remain extremely still other than occasionally moving an arm or cracking a smile to shock people passing by.

Of course, no education is required to be a live mannequin or human statue. However, many people come from a background in performing arts . And some positions can pay surprisingly well.

10. Professional Bridesmaid

A growing number of brides-to-be are hiring professional bridesmaids to supplement their wedding parties. A professional bridesmaid is hired to do behind-the-scenes work that is commonly known to stress the bride and her bridesmaids.

Although being part of the wedding party is considered an honor, it is often a significant time and financial commitment. Being a bridesmaid can be especially difficult when they do not live in the same city as the bride. This is where a professional bridesmaid comes in.

You may not even stand at the altar when you work as a professional bridesmaid. Your role could be strictly behind the scenes. Or you may need to walk down the aisle so there isn't an uneven number of groomsmen to bridesmaids. Each bride and wedding come with different responsibilities. As a professional bridesmaid, you could be responsible for assisting with any of the following tasks:

• Shopping for dresses
• Planning the bridal shower and bachelorette party
• Taking care of printing save-the-date cards and invitations
• Managing guest lists
• Updating the gift registry
• Working with the photographer, caterer, DJ, and other hired professionals
• Helping the bride eat and go to the washroom
• Touching up the bride's hair and makeup
• Handling any number of sometimes strange and unexpected events that can take place during a wedding

If you work as a professional bridesmaid, you can expect to take care of a lot of the "dirty work" and seemingly infinite details. Meanwhile, the rest of the wedding party can enjoy their roles in celebrating the big day with the bride and groom. You will be the go-to person when someone needs a bandage or an extension cord, all items you should have in your wedding "tool kit."

You are essentially the bride's assistant who ensures her needs are met. Your role varies from that of a wedding planner since the wedding planner focuses more on taking care of the larger elements that bring the entire event together. You might find it advantageous to complete event planner training to begin preparing for this unusual career.

Completing event planner training could equip you with the business skills needed to start your own business. Or you could pursue a position with an already-established company.

Unique Jobs That Pay Well

11. Acupuncturist

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice in which fine, sterile needles are inserted into a person's body in specific areas called acupuncture points. Electrical stimulation, heat, and pressure can also be used to stimulate these points. These are considered therapeutic treatments that offer many healing benefits.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) describes the body as being made up of two existing forces: yin and yang. The body's natural energy — qi — flows to keep yin and yang in balance. However, when this energy is blocked, yin and yang become out of balance. It is said that this imbalance leads to illness and pain. So acupuncture is a therapy used to release these energy blocks to restore balance. It can stimulate and improve disorders related to the cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems.

As an acupuncturist, you will start by assessing your patient's health history and identifying any concerning health issues. Then you may perform physical assessments, such as checking the patient's tongue or pulse rate. Once you have completed this, you will develop a treatment plan.

You will have your patient lie on a table in a calm, quiet, and comforting environment. You will insert needles into acupuncture points, which is not painful. Most people do not even feel the needles being inserted. The needles are left for five to 30 minutes before they are removed.

Some conditions that you could treat include:

• Digestive issues
• Sleep disorders
• Anxiety, stress, and depression
• Hypertension
• Rheumatoid arthritis

The path to becoming an acupuncturist varies widely depending on the state in which you plan to practice. So it is important to check on your state's requirements because the education and experience stipulations can vary substantially.

12. Airplane Repo Person

A lot of wealthy individuals and companies around the world have personal and corporate jets. As you can imagine, these jets do not come with a small price tag. And when money becomes tight, there are times when the payments on these jets are not made and must be repossessed. Enter the airplane repossession specialists. These men and women are responsible for recovering commercial aircraft worldwide, sometimes from less-than-ideal locations or owners, making it occasionally risky but equally thrilling work.

You will be responsible for finding the aircraft's location and monitoring the site, like a private investigator. You will determine the best time to jump into the plane and take off with it. It is not as simple as the car repo man who shows up with a tow truck in the middle of the night. When an owner does not want to turn over their plane, planning to legally apprehend it can feel like you're a secret agent in the latest Hollywood blockbuster.

It is almost unheard of for airplane repo specialists to repossess planes independently. You are typically sent as part of a team, which includes a mechanic who checks the plane to ensure it is safe for take-off. Although airplane repo professionals come from different backgrounds, you will have to become a commercial pilot since you need to fly the plane. And you could expect to receive good compensation for doing so. You will likely work on a commission basis.

13. Elevator Mechanic

Elevator mechanic is one of the often overlooked yet interesting careers that pay well. An elevator mechanic installs, repairs, and maintains elevators, escalators, and other mechanical and motorized lifts. They must possess extensive knowledge of electronics, electricity, and hydraulics. And they are frequently responsible for taking care of the following tasks:

• Reading blueprints
• Installing and repairing cables, control systems, doors, and motors
• Diagnosing problems
• Performing preventative maintenance
• Ensuring that safety protocols and building codes are being met
• Maintaining service records

To become an elevator mechanic, you will likely need to complete a four-year apprenticeship program overseen by the National Association of Elevator Contractors . However, completing an electronics engineering or mechanical engineering program at a school for skilled trades could help you advance through your apprenticeship more quickly. Before you begin any training, be sure to check with your state's requirements. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook , most states require elevator mechanics to be licensed.

14. Food Scientist

Food scientists are the people who can make food fun. Almost every food product you see on grocery store shelves once had a food scientist working on it. They are responsible for developing nutritious food that tastes good and is free from bacteria that could make consumers sick. Food scientists conduct research, experiments, and clinical trials to create safer foods and preservatives and to develop better food-processing techniques. They may specialize in developing new products, enhancing manufacturing processes, or coming up with better packaging solutions.

Food scientists work for companies like Jelly Belly. They develop delicious flavors like banana and coconut, along with wackier tastes like rotten egg and canned dog food. And at Ben and Jerry's , food scientists are called flavor gurus. They are the masterminds behind mouthwatering ice cream treats with names like Half Baked and Cherry Garcia.

More seriously, the opportunities available to food scientists could increase as the world focuses on feeding a growing population and creating sustainable food systems and packaging. To get started in this line of work, you will likely need to earn a minimum of a bachelor's degree in an area such as food science, chemistry, or microbiology. A degree can help prepare you for positions working for food manufacturers, laboratories, universities, and government agencies — the most common settings in which food scientists are employed.

15. Funeral Service Manager

Funeral service managers have an important and serious role. They manage funeral homes, and, depending on the organization's size, they may also be involved in the day-to-day operations. They help people plan memorial services for their deceased loved ones, so they must be personable and compassionate to comfort grieving families.

You could be responsible for managing all aspects of funerals, memorial services, wakes, cremations, and burials. You will assist with making important decisions and be respectful of each family's cultural and religious beliefs. Your services could also include assisting with completing and submitting important documents like death certificates and insurance papers, applying for benefits, and notifying the appropriate government agencies.

Many funeral service managers have employees to help with administrative responsibilities, so they can focus on operational activities like accounting, budgeting, human resources, and marketing to ensure the funeral home remains organized and efficient. Ultimately, you and your staff handle details, so the planning process is less overwhelming for families, and they can focus on grieving and remembering their loved ones. Requirements vary by state, but generally, you must earn an associate degree in mortuary science or a related program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE)

16. Meteorologist

Are you naturally inquisitive? Do you find weather patterns and atmospheric forces intriguing? Then you may consider becoming an expert on the earth's atmosphere. As a meteorologist, you will need to understand, observe, and forecast atmospheric phenomena and the effects that they may have on the earth. Although most people associate meteorology with weather reporting and forecasting, not all weather reporters are meteorologists. And the field of meteorology is made up of many different specializations. Some of those specialties include:

• Atmospheric: Study the characteristics and motions of the atmosphere and predict how they could affect the earth.
• Broadcast: Report the weather on TV or the radio.
• Climate: Review historical weather data to forecast climate trends.
• Environmental: Research and contribute to areas of concern like air pollution, global warming, and ozone depletion.
• Operational: Research areas like air pressure, humidity, wind direction and speed.
• Research: Conduct important research on specific issues for organizations and agencies like the National Weather Service, Environmental Protection Agency, NASA, and the military.

Earning a bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science can help you get on the path to an interesting career as a meteorologist.

17. Nurse-Midwife

Nurse-midwives offer women primary healthcare services that doctors and obstetricians commonly provide. Historically, midwives were responsible for caring for expectant and new mothers. And in some parts of the world, midwives are used almost exclusively for prenatal and postpartum care. In contrast, obstetricians and other specialists are only included in complicated cases.

As a nurse-midwife, you will offer detailed and individualized care to expectant mothers. You can create a supportive and positive environment to help women achieve more traditional and natural childbirths when medically safe. You can empower women to plan and personalize their births, teach them about good personal care and healthy habits, and help them manage their physical and emotional changes.

Midwives typically care for women who are in good health. Patients with certain medical conditions are referred to obstetricians or specialists. And midwives can offer family planning services, checkups, labor and delivery services, preconception, prenatal, and postpartum care. If you are considering this career path, then you should know that there are three different types of midwives:

• Direct-Entry Midwife (DEM): These midwives have a background in healthcare and some midwifery training, but they are not nurses. The North American Registry of Midwives may certify them. They are limited in the scope of their services and typically only attend homebirths.
• Certified Midwife (CM): These midwives have received an accredited midwifery education, but are not nurses. They are certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) , which gives them a license to practice in some states.
• Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): These midwives are registered nurses who have also completed accredited midwifery training. They are certified by the ACNM, which gives them a license to practice nationwide and deliver babies in hospital settings.

Becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife is the most advantageous option for career opportunities and earning potential. Your first step toward achieving this career is to become a registered nurse (RN) . Once you have successfully become an RN, you must complete midwifery training and meet the certification requirements set out by the ACNM.

18. Ocularist

Although you may not have heard of this unique career until now, it is a very important occupation. When people suffer injuries, diseases, or other trauma that results in the loss of one or both of their eyes, they turn to an ocularist's care to fit them with artificial eyes.

An ocularist is a skilled technician who can construct, fit, shape, and maintain artificial eyes, called ocular prostheses. Although an artificial eye does not restore a person's vision, it allows the patient to maintain their appearance. Modern technology has allowed the field to advance to the point that many times, you may not even realize that a person has an artificial eye because it looks so lifelike. Having an artificial eye helps people adjust to their new life with the loss or impairment of their eyesight.

As an ocularist, you will create a cast by taking an impression of the patient's eye socket. Once you have made and shaped a mold, you will paint it to match your patient's other eye exactly. When a flawless eye has been created, you then apply acrylic to it and polish it. The artificial eye fits over the existing ball of muscle within your patient's eye socket, which allows it to move slightly, adding to its lifelike appearance.

After your patients are fitted with their new eyes, they will return to you approximately every six months for checkups and maintenance. You will also teach them about proper care and maintenance between checkups. They must know how to clean their artificial eyes and maintain healthy eye sockets.

Becoming an ocularist does take quite a bit of time. You must complete a training and apprenticeship program with the American Society of Ocularists (ASO) , which can take approximately five years to complete.

Jobs With a Serious Cool Factor

19. Ethical Hacker

Imagine being an IT professional who is paid to legally hack into organizations' computer and network systems. An ethical hacker's job is to find weaknesses in an organization's information technology systems to prevent malicious hackers from gaining access. You will report on any vulnerabilities that you find and provide recommendations for fixing them. With the increasing use of technology and the fast pace at which it develops, ethical hacking has become critical in helping organizations stay one step ahead of unethical and malicious attackers. Protecting private data is more important than ever.

The field of ethical hacking has advanced so quickly that you can become a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) through the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). You can take an optional short course (which is not required if you have information security experience) and then apply to take the exam. Once you have received your CEH credential, you can also pursue the EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA) and EC-Council Licensed Penetration Tester (Master) certifications. As more companies seek ethical hackers' professional services, having respected industry training and credentials could help boost your employment and earning potential.

20. CIA Analyst

Can you think of any cooler jobs than those in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)? The CIA is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and distributing foreign intelligence to assist senior U.S. government officials with national security measures. Most positions within the CIA require a lot of time spent conducting research, analyzing it, and drafting reports that end up in the hands of senior government members.

You could be working with classified and unclassified data collected from foreign broadcasts, satellite surveillance, and contacts worldwide. Your job will require you to possess strong communication and problem-solving capabilities, and you'll need to collaborate as part of a large team of experts. You could collect intelligence on anything from Russian nuclear forces to Middle Eastern terrorist groups.

There are many career tracks available within the CIA. They include the following positions:

• Counterintelligence threat analyst: Help protect the government from foreign intelligence operations.
• Economic analyst: Analyze economic issues about crime groups, foreign countries, and terrorist organizations.
• Intelligence collection analyst: Uncover the best ways to collect and use intelligence.
• Political analyst: Take an in-depth look into foreign political systems by analyzing political, social, and cultural information.

Although the CIA recruits people from many different backgrounds, studying in areas like technology , homeland security , or law enforcement can help make you a more attractive candidate.

21. Robotics Engineer

Robotics engineering jobs range from fun to serious. For example, many robotics engineers are involved in making robotic toys, special effects equipment for the entertainment industry, specialized robots for manufacturing, or robots used for deep ocean and outer space exploration. Skilled robotics engineers are valued in several industries — from aerospace and mining to manufacturing and medicine.

Robotics are often used to automate processes or complete work that people cannot, or prefer not to, do. Robot technology can improve safety, productivity, and efficiency. Robotics engineers look at what a robot needs to do. Then, they create a design and bring the robot to life using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. In this line of work, you could be responsible for tasks such as the following:

• Building robots
• Developing robotic systems
• Designing software that controls robots
• Researching and developing prototypes
• Debugging robotics software
• Installing, calibrating, and repairing robots
• Writing programming codes and algorithms
• Offering technical support for robotic systems
• Integrating robots with other equipment

Robotics engineers typically work for manufacturers or within private- or government-funded laboratories. Beginning a career in this field usually requires advanced education in the areas of electronics , robotics and automation , and mechanical engineering .

22. Video Game Tester

Did you know that people are paid to play video games? You probably never thought you could earn a living playing video games that haven't even been released to the market yet. But the reality is that you can. Video game developers rely on people like you to test their games. Video game testing takes careful, detailed attention because you are checking to ensure that every element of the game works and that there are no glitches or flaws throughout the levels and sequences.

There are no educational requirements to become a video game tester. Spending your days working for a development studio may inspire you to move your career to the next level and become a video game designer.

23. Waterslide Tester

No, you did not misread that heading. People are paid to test waterslides all around the country and all over the world. When an amusement park, hotel, or other tourist locale adds a waterslide, they need quality-control people to test it and ensure it is safe and fun. You may check on things like how much water is in the slide and how long it takes you to get down. Once you have tested the slide several times, you will provide a report outlining any safety and performance issues that you have found.

Although this is one of the top cool and unique careers out there, positions are limited and highly competitive. After all, who wouldn't want to be a waterslide tester?

11 "Normal" Careers That You Can Make Unique

Of course, some careers are easier to make unique than others. For instance, anything that requires creativity or inventiveness is worth special consideration if you want the chance at an unconventional professional life. Here are just a few examples to give you a head start in your search:

1. Mobile App Developer

Making apps for Android or iOS devices can be incredibly fun and satisfying. And the field of app development lends itself well to people who think differently and want to put their own stamp on the world. Plus, CNN Money ranked this occupation as America's best job. Campus and online mobile application development programs are widely available.

2. Animator

Computer animators' work is more widespread than ever, from films and TV shows to video games and other multimedia projects. But there's still plenty of room for animators who can push the envelope with original ideas or quirky styles. Visual communications or digital art and design training can prepare you for an animation career.

3. Web Designer or Developer

Think about the incredible diversity of the online world. You can find websites for almost anything that's already been imagined. But countless other websites are yet to be created. This field offers the chance to carve out your own niche by developing websites for the kinds of projects, clients, or employers that truly fascinate you. Find a web design or development school near you .

4. Marketing Specialist

There's never any shortage of companies, entrepreneurs, or organizations trying to get noticed or build a following. The bravest ones turn to marketing professionals who dare to try unusual approaches or find unique ways of telling their stories.

5. Fashion Designer

Does any industry embrace radical, eccentric, or larger-than-life ideas more than the world of fashion? Many fashion designers continue to prove that success can be achieved by following a vision all your own.

6. Hotel Manager

Although hotel chains often have fixed rules and policies, many independent hotels offer a lot of room for creativity and inspired thinking. If you can imagine new and unique ways to provide services that exceed the expectations of hotel guests, then you may be able to make a truly distinctive mark on this industry.

7. Graphic Designer

So much variety exists in this creative field that it's relatively easy to build a unique career. Experienced graphic designers often have fascinating job and project histories unlike any other kind of professional you might encounter. While you can learn graphic design on your own, a formal education in graphic design can open many more doors.

8. Interior Designer

Like other kinds of designers, professionals who design indoor spaces often get to channel their distinctive style into their work. With experience and a strong reputation, they can frequently also choose a favorite niche to focus on, such as restaurant or hotel interiors.

9. Event Planner

This is another field where you can benefit greatly from sheer variety. From weddings and business conferences to special concerts or other live performances, the opportunities to help plan unique events are truly plentiful.

10. Counselor

Most professional counselors specialize in areas such as addictions, mental health, employment rehabilitation, or school and vocational guidance. However, it's possible to combine two or more focus areas and create a career that sets you apart from others in this field. Requirements vary from state to state, but most states require a bachelor's or master's degree for licensing or certification to practice as a counselor.

11. Cosmetologist

The beauty industry is full of hair stylists, makeup artists, and other professionals who've built successful careers by offering unique or exotic stylistic approaches. It's easiest to establish a distinctive reputation in a major city, but some cosmetologists have also succeeded by embracing the sometimes quirky or unusual possibilities afforded by living and working in fun rural areas. Beauty school training can prepare you to work in cosmetology, hair, nails, or makeup.

Start Developing the Talent That You Need

Many interesting and unique careers discussed above and numerous others require you to have at least some formal education. Once you have identified your ideal career path, you will likely need to consider your training options. And you can get started on that right now. In one easy and convenient step, you can identify the trade schools, colleges, and universities offering programs in your area by entering your zip code into the search box below. It could be the most important thing that you do today!

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10 Weirdest Jobs Around the World

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“What do you want to be when you grow up?” When you’re young, those answers might be a tad unrealistic: “Space Cowboy,” “Princess,” or, if you’re me, “Philosopher by day, astronaut by night.” Once you enter high school, however, that question gets asked more frequently. And by the time you enter college, you’re expected to at least have somewhat of an idea of what realistic career path you want to pursue.

If you’re in high school thinking about your career options, it may lighten things up to take a break from these serious considerations and remind yourself that, no matter what you end up doing, there’s somebody out there doing something weirder than you. Here are ten hilariously odd jobs that real people do around the world.

10 Weirdest Jobs Around the World 

1. golf ball diver.

If you’ve ever played any form of golf, whether it be mini-golf or professional golf, you may have encountered a situation where your ball, or someone else’s ball, gets hit the wrong way and ends up in some lake or pool, seemingly lost forever.

As it turns out, those golf balls are not lost to the world. Many golf courses around the world will hire divers to go into the waters on their golf courses and fish those golf balls out. Golf Ball Divers can collect anywhere from 2,000-5,000 submerged golf balls every day. So the next time your golf ball ends up in the water, don’t worry! An experienced diver will save it later.

2. Gumologist

When you eat a piece of chewing gum, all you taste are the great flavors bursting through your mouth. As it turns out, creating that tiny one-gram stick requires a whole scientific process. That’s why there are gumologists who employ science and technology to give you that bubble-blowing burst of flavor.

A gumologist needs to have a certain amount of scientific expertise in chemistry. Some are even engineers! Depending on where a gumologist is in the gum-developing process, a typical day may involve working with scientific equipment, or blowing bubbles with the gum for hours on end to test the formula.

3. Chicken Sexer

Don’t worry, it’s not what you’re thinking.

When chickens are born, they tend to huddle together to stay warm. However, farmers need to distinguish between the male and female chicks, especially since the female chicks will eventually grow up to lay eggs. So, it is often someone’s job to determine the sex of each chick and separate them so that they can serve their respective purposes on the farm.

Chicken sexers need to be well aware of the anatomy of baby chicks, and they usually have some experience with farming or ranching practices. If you want to be a chicken sexer, just make sure you don’t ruffle too many feathers.

4. IMAX Screen Cleaner

Those giant cinema screens for IMAX movies can get surprisingly dirty over time. Some people will throw food like popcorn or candy at the screen when they don’t like what’s happening in the movie, and those food items stick. More commonly, these movie screens tend to collect quite a bit of dust.

With that in mind, there are a few people whose job it is to clean these screens so that your movie-watching experience remains crystal clear. Each screen cleaning ends up taking a few hours due to the sheer size of the screens and the amount of debris that can collect on them.

So next time you go to the movies, be sure to silently thank the screen cleaners who made it possible for you to watch the latest hits.

5. Dice Quality Inspector

Unbeknownst to most people, dice have to have very specific measurements and weight balances so that when you roll a die, you have a fair chance of seeing any of the numbers face up. Even the smallest imbalance could throw off the probabilities, making any game you play with the die effectively rigged.

How do you ensure that each die created is completely perfect? There is usually a Dice Quality Inspector whose job it is to do professional quality control tests to make sure that the dice meet all of the requirements. Only after the dice been inspected will they be packaged and deemed appropriate to sell.

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6. Full-time Netflix Viewer

Imagine binge-watching your favorite shows all day, and then getting paid for it! That’s more or less what happens in this position that Netflix recently created. Netflix has hired someone to watch all of their content and tag it with the appropriate genre before it is released to the public. This person is the reason you can always find the right type of content that you’re looking for, like a romantic comedy or a murder mystery.

7. Train Pusher

You think the NYC subways are overcrowded? Try Japan’s subways, especially during peak hours. The Japanese subways can get so packed that the government has stepped in to help with crowd control—by hiring staff to push passengers into the subway train and ensure that every inch of space is filled before the train leaves.

8. Dog Food Taster

In the same way that human food is tasted before it is offered for sale, dog food has to be taste-tested as well. Dogs can’t verbally communicate what they think of dog food, however, so many dog food companies have opted to hire human taste testers to assess the flavor and texture of dog food. It’s a pretty ruff job.

9. Odor Tester

Before deodorants, perfumes, and other products are released into the market, the companies need to make sure that the product produces the desired smell when applied. So, companies often run tests where real humans try the products and assess the smell. From this process comes another odd job, the odor tester! Yes, there is someone out there whose job it is to smell people’s breath, feet, and sometimes even armpits to assess the effect of odor-giving products.

10. Keeper of the Cup (The Stanley Cup)

Every year, the Stanley Cup is awarded to the championship team in the National Hockey League. The actual Stanley Cup trophy itself is a large, very expensive cup, of which there are no duplicates if something were to happen to the first one. Given the importance of the Stanley Cup, a “Keeper of the Cup” is hired every year to chaperone the trophy and accompany it in all of its travels. Think of it as babysitting a trophy.

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Some of the careers in this blog might lean more towards weird than just unusual. But you never know what’s going to strike a chord and be the spark that ignites a career you’ll love. Here’s a quick read of 13 more unusual jobs you might not know exist.

Professional Cuddler

Yes, this is a real thing. You could be helping people who are struggling with loneliness, depression, trauma, medical problems, or who are simply in need of an extra cuddle…from a stranger.

Successful professional cuddlers might build an established clientele and develop repeat business, or you might just be open to one-off cuddles. You could carry out one or multiple cuddling sessions per day. Even better, the hours are flexible, and you can work from home.

Golf Ball Diver

Basically professional recyclers, golf ball divers retrieve golf balls from bodies of water in or around golf courses. The golf balls are then then cleaned up, repackaged, and resold. You could be part of an organisation where you just turn up, dive, and earn a bit of money. Or you could negotiate contracts to work independently for golf courses.

It’s not glamorous work, often involving heavy lifting and diving into murky waters filled with all kinds of hazards. The rewards? Well, you could earn upwards of $100 per hour; Glen Berger claims to have made over $15 million throughout his career.

Online Dating Ghostwriter

How about working as a modern-day cupid? You could earn cash by writing profiles for people to post on their online dating site profiles. Not everyone is great at writing, so you could help them to increase their chances of finding their perfect match.

Hippotherapist

The literal meaning of hippotherapy is “treatment with the help of a horse”. You’d be using the therapeutic benefits of horses and their movement to help human patients to overcome speech, physical, or mental health disorders.

Experience with and love of horses isn’t enough, unfortunately. You’ll need to qualify and become licensed as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or a speech or language therapist before you can specialise in this field.

Professional Bridesm aid

Not a wedding planner or celebrant, but still a major part of a couple’s big day. A Professional Bridesmaid is more like a friend for hire – think organiser, confidant, and non-complaining member of the wedding party. If you get along well with people and want to help a bride’s wedding day run smoothly, then this could seriously be a job to consider.

Read more about the job here and here .

Water Slide Tester

Water Slide Testers check to see if the water slides in resorts, theme parks, and hotels are both fun and safe. Imagine how fantastic it would be turning up to work every single day…actually, you don’t have to imagine – you can see what a day in the life of a Water Slide Tester involves in this video .

Odour Judges

Odour Judges are hired by manufacturers of all kinds of products to test out their aroma before they hit the market. Essentially, you’d be sniff testing products to check if they smell good (or not). It’s not just limited to perfumes either – think things like cleaning products, cosmetics, pre-packaged food, and toys.

You might even help a brand establish their own signature scent, which is exactly what twin sisters Dawn and Samantha Goldworm do with their firm 12.29 .

Face Feeler

Face feelers are also known as “sensory scientists”, which definitely sounds much more professional. In this job, you’d be using your hands to feel product testers’ skin both before and after they’ve used lotions, creams, and other products, then report back on the differences. You’ll just need to be comfortable getting (very) close to other people.

Line Stander

Are you incredibly patient, or just enjoy people watching? If you don’t mind being out in the elements, you could make a bit of extra cash as a line stander. This job is basically just like it sounds – you’ll be holding a spot in line for someone else who can’t (or doesn’t want to) do it themselves. You might be waiting for the release of movie, concert, or sporting tickets, the newest iPhone or games console, or even in line at the dreaded Black Friday sales.

There are even websites available for booking these services if you want to sign up and get started ASAP.

A temporary job usually, but one that’s surprisingly not competitive, is a professional bed tester . Bedding manufacturers, bed designers, and luxury hotels are just some of the clients who might require your services. You could be paid to test out comfort levels, sleep quality, room conditions, and other factors.

If this sounds like your dream career (pun intended), you can find out more about what a job as a professional sleeper involves here .

Pet Food Taster

Pet food is a multi-million-dollar industry, so it should come as no surprise then that it’s taken very seriously. It’s not just pets that are picky about what they eat – their owners can be very particular about the ingredients, health benefits, and smell of the food they’re feeding to their beloved pets.

You’ll have to assess products on packaging, smell, nutritional value, and – yes – the texture and taste as well. All in a day’s work, right? Take a look at what the job involves in this video .

Worm Picker

Worm pickers work in the great outdoors “hunting” and collecting earth worms. You could sell the worms directly to fishermen to use as bait, be contracted by commercial fishing companies, or work for educational institutions that use worms for teaching and research purposes.

No qualifications are required, but if you’re paid per thousand worms collected, then you’ll definitely need lots of commitment (and a firm grip) if you’d like to make a living from this job.

Gross Stunt Tester

Love shows like I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here or Survivor ? If you’ve ever watched the challenges taking place and thought “I could do that” – you might have a future as a gross stunt tester.

It would be your responsibility to ensure tasks are safe and contain the maximum “grossness” factor. On the plus side, you could earn up to $800 a day…and you have to wonder if there’s really much competition for jobs.

Want to keep reading?

If you’d like to read about some other unusual jobs, check out our blog 11 careers you may never have heard of .

Searching for career inspiration but want something a bit less outlandish? Don’t worry – there’s lots more to explore on our website here .

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World’s most unusual jobs and how to land them

If you’ve found yourself struggling to decide what career path you'd like to take, the chances are you just haven’t heard about the job of your dreams yet. So, why not think outside of the box?

Choosing a career path can be a tricky decision. There are thousands of different jobs out there, with wide-ranging responsibilities to suit all kinds of personalities – including some very unusual ones you might not have heard of or considered before.

The team at Check-A-Salary have researched the current job market for us, and have unearthed some of the world’s most unusual jobs, that just might tick all of your boxes.

Whether you’re a confirmed foodie, a video games enthusiast or a social superstar, we’re here to tell you all about the unusual jobs that were made for you. And of course we’ll let you in on all the secrets, so you’ll know exactly how to land these perfect roles...

1. Food stylist

If you’ve got a talent for presentation and a creative flair, why not consider a job in food styling? This competitive field attracts those who love fine foods, and if you succeed you could find yourself earning up to £72,000 per year .

Food stylists do not need culinary expertise, but a degree in photography will stand you in good stead. Combine the experience you’ll gain while studying with a keen eye for detail and heaps of originality and you could be the next food stylist top chefs are clamouring to work with.

Top Tip: Use your social media channels – especially Instagram – to showcase your food styling and photography skills.

2. Chocolate taster

Many of us would love to spend the day tasting delicious chocolates, but have you got what it takes to be a professional chocolate taster? There’s far more to this role than meets the eye, because to succeed you’ll need a sophisticated palate, a way with words and a real penchant for puddings.

There are no specific qualifications required to get a job as a chocolate taster, but a food science or a chemistry degree could both be helpful in this field. If you’re successful, you’ll then be provided with full chocolate tasting training on the job. Sweet!

3. Listening officer

Social media is a booming business, and brands can’t get enough of the incredible marketing opportunities it provides. That’s why top companies now employ experienced social media managers as ‘listening officers’.

These marketing professionals are responsible for keeping an eye on public opinion concerning a brand, and highlighting any feedback that could help to determine future strategies.

Listening officers are often very skilled, and usually, have professional marketing qualifications as well as first-hand experience running social campaigns. Top listeners can expect to make up to £42,500 per year .

4. Video games tester

Find a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life. That’s what they say. And it’s completely true because if you turn your hobby into a career you’ll banish those Sunday blues for good. A video games tester is one of those dream roles that many of us would love to try, but of course, that means that competition is fierce!

To make it in the video gaming industry, you’ll need to really know your stuff. Of course, you’ll need to be genuinely interested in gaming, and you’ll have to be knowledgeable enough to impress your interviewers.

In terms of qualifications, it’s a good idea to explore multimedia computing courses (there are even specific gaming degrees available) and polish those analytical skills. These abilities may well come in handy when you start to apply for game testing roles.

5. Professional bridesmaid

Weddings are big business, and they provide plenty of lucrative career opportunities. If you’re organised, artistic and a dab hand at project management, then a job as a professional bridesmaid could be in your future.

Whilst this sounds a little strange, the role itself is really just a wedding planner with a difference. Professional bridesmaids tend to be incredibly involved in the planning process and the management of the 'big day' – more so than a traditional planner. In fact, they’re so involved that they even walk the bride down the aisle on the big day.

As part of the role you’ll build strong relationships with your clients, and you’ll help them put together the day of their dreams. We can’t help but think that this career would bring endless job satisfaction for the right wedding enthusiast.

6. Teddy bear technician

Thinking about a role in medicine but put off by the blood and gore? Well, a teddy bear technician is a good compromise. Sometimes injured and elderly teddies need a bit of TLC, and it’s a real job to provide that, at cutting-edge toy hospitals and teddy bear workshops.

Technicians have long been employed to fix much-loved teddies all over the world, and they do so with incredible care and attention. Of course, there are no medical qualifications required for those seeking a career as a teddy bear technician, but sewing skills are a must. Explore textiles qualifications and sewing diplomas to get started.

Still searching for the dream job?

Don’t feel disheartened if you haven’t stumbled upon the job of your dreams yet. It’s just a case of continuing the search. There are so many amazing job opportunities out there, and countless exciting ways to turn a passion into a career.

If you are still stuck for ideas, our handy  course choosing tools  can help you decide what to do. And to learn more about the different roles available and what these jobs could mean in terms of salary expectations take a look at UK salary calculator  Check-a-Salary .

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Describe an unusual job – IELTS Cue Card

Updated On Apr 26, 2022

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Describe an unusual job

You should say:

• What the job is?
• What kind of work does it involve?
• What type of people do this job?

I was looking for work options online a while back when I came across a range of job openings. Many of them were relevant to my professional interests, but a few were intriguingly odd. For example, one of them was for an adventure park. They required a water slide tester. When I initially saw this job, my immediate thought was, “Wow! Are people actually getting paid for such jobs”. This has to be undoubtedly the most fun-loving job on the planet.

Water slide testers have to examine all safety elements to ensure that these rides are entirely safe. The person merely needs to show up at work, put on their swimming gear, and head to the pool. They can even go down the slide numerous times to see how much water it uses, how quickly you travel down it, and how much fun it is overall. They can even create amusing stories about your discoveries for publication in travel journals and websites.

Additionally, to my amazement, being a water slide tester just required a few fundamental skills: strong observation skills, a calm and steady mind, the fortitude to ride a variety of rides, and being active on social media. There’s always medical insurance for those who break a bone or two and a generous wage package. There are a lot of people who are dissatisfied or just bored with their office jobs. There’s also a small group of people who do jobs you would never imagine are possible.

There are a plethora of careers out there that you may never have heard of, ranging from the bizarre to the cool, the serious to the frivolous. Some people have abandoned the more traditional employment routes in favor of something more abstract, such as deodorant tester, furniture tester, nail paint namer, stunt tester, flavourist, and many others.

A few months ago, while scrolling through social media, I came across this advertisement for a company that makes mattresses and bedding products. They had the wackiest job opportunity I had ever seen. At first, I thought it was a joke, but as it turned out, it wasn’t! It was an actual advertisement. The job opportunity was to be a mattress tester. One would have to participate in a sleep study and allow researchers to monitor their sleep patterns. They were paid handsomely as well.

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The “employees” would partake in a month-long research activity where comfort, quality of sleep, body pain issues, sleep apnea, etcetera would be measured for nine hours each night. 

I have read about a few unusual jobs, but this one was perhaps the most distinct one I had heard of. I, for one, never imagined you could get paid well to sleep, so this opportunity appeared to be quite lucrative. Although it is understandable that in this fast-paced world, with sleep becoming less important each day (due to the copious amounts of work many are doing) researchers are inclined to want to know more about providing quality sleep. Many employers also invest in this cause as they want a better resting period for their employees to boost productivity and overall happiness. When an employee is happy and well-rested, the employer is also happy and well-rested. Lack of sleep is the leading cause of loss of productivity in students and professionals alike, and it can be highly detrimental to health which further explains the importance of a good night’s sleep. 

Amongst the many unusual jobs people have in this world, being paid to do next to nothing and rest well, definitely tops the list.

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• Wacky : Funny  or amusing in a slightly odd or peculiar way. Ex : My aunt has a penchant for things that are a bit wacky .
• Distinct : recognizably different in nature from something else of a similar type. Ex : The patterns of spoken language are distinct from those of writing.
• Lucrative : producing a great deal of profit. Ex : I ndigo and opium are the most lucrative crops.
• Copious : abundant in supply or quantity. Ex : Rose took copious notes.
• Detrimental : an undesirable or harmful person or thing. Ex : It will have detrimental effects on the healing process.

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I used to spend my days reviewing essays, referring students to the writing center, offering advice to students about their academic paths, writing lesson plans and assessing the effectiveness of these lesson plans after their implementation in the classroom. I was an English professor. I taught five classes per semester, with maximum enrollments of about 140 students.

Now I spend my days reviewing psychiatric notes, referring patients to higher levels of care when the services of an adult outpatient psychiatric clinic cannot ease their suffering or when life and safety are at risk, offering advice to patients about health and wellness, writing treatment plans and prescribing medications, and assessing the effect of those treatment plans and medications on the lives entrusted to my care. I am a psychiatric mental health nurse-practitioner. My caseload hovers somewhere around 300 patients.

I admire my health care colleagues’ bravery in rushing into the breach to enter patients’ narratives on what may be the worst day of their lives, and I find myself thinking, “So-and-so is a good nurse or physician because she’s a good teacher.” I wonder if good teachers are good nurses, but they don’t know it?

In any case, a leave of absence from my first career as tenured professor of English and humanities at a comprehensive community college has enabled me to practice my second career as a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse-practitioner. “First” and “second” suggest linearity and separation, neither of which matches my lived experience of crossing over from careers in English to nursing, teacher to prescriber (see my earlier essay, “Dr. Nurse” ).

I was never a proponent of academic silos, but moving from humanities to sciences did not strike my fancy -- until it did. As an academic, I pushed for cross-institutional collaboration by creating the Graduate Student Internship Program (GSIP), in which English M.A. and Ph.D. candidates teach at a two-year college before earning their degrees and entering the job market, but I would have been surprised to learn I would advocate cross-institutional collaboration between English departments and health care facilities, as I now do.

Neither did I anticipate returning to school midcareer, to the University of Illinois-Chicago’s accelerated registered nurse program and then to its master of science in nursing (MSN) program. For those of you unfamiliar with nurse practitioners (N.P.s), we are registered nurses (R.N.s) who complete additional advanced practice training and graduate degrees. Once degreed and licensed, we are health care providers who assess, order and interpret labs and diagnose and treat patients (including prescribing medications), all within the holistic framework of nursing practice (different from the allopathic perspective of M.D.s and the osteopathic perspective of D.O.s), which sees disease prevention and health promotion as essential to health care. N.P.s provide primary care to children and adults and provide specialty care in areas including women’s health, midwifery, acute care (emergency, critical care, hospitalist), gerontology and psychiatric mental health.

Taking cues from medicine before I knew anything about medicine, I wrote about English graduate students’ lack of exposure to the different sectors of higher education as detrimental to their preparation to work in higher education:

Teaching fellowships and assistantships serve graduate students well, on balance. But a physician would not dream of practicing medicine after having spent time in one medical school and one portion of the medical system. Much can be said for rotations, and doctoral candidates might do well to follow the medical school model by teaching at a range of institutions during their course of study.

How many types of institutions had I gained exposure to, and a little bit of practice teaching in, on the way to a professorship? My master of arts at a comprehensive state university included a graduate assistantship with time tutoring in the writing center and assisting a professor with one composition course. For my doctorate, taken at a research-intensive state university, I taught two courses per semester and, if available, one course each summer, all at the main campus, for five years. Two institutions in seven years.

By comparison, at the University of Illinois-Chicago, while completing the 16-month accelerated program for the R.N., my medical-surgical rotations included a telemetry (cardiac) unit at a major university hospital in Chicago and a gastroenterology unit at a community hospital outside of the city. The postpartum and labor and delivery rotation saw me at a different university hospital in the city, inpatient psychiatry at a community hospital just outside of the city proper, and pediatrics back in the city at a university hospital. Community health involved experiences at the Chicago Department of Public Health, a maximum-security prison infirmary in Indiana, a nonprofit nurse-run primary care van serving the homeless on rolling night shifts, inpatient and home hospice services, and an HIV/AIDS nonprofit organization. As a psychiatric nurse in training, my capstone or final rotation was on a 10-bed inpatient geriatric psychiatry unit in a small urban hospital. The nurse-practitioner rotations for my M.S.N. brought me to an urban pediatric outpatient clinic near Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood, the consultation-liaison psychiatric service of an urban safety net hospital near Englewood on the South Side, an FQHC nurse-run adult outpatient clinic affiliated with UIC’s College of Nursing, and a safety net hospital’s adult outpatient clinic. Fifteen institutions in four years.

Given my restless nature, I’m surprised I stayed planted in graduate school on the way to the English life. And although I am restless now, I must leave the work of partnerships to those with more time who may read this article and think, “Yes, the great talent present in English departments in the form of graduate students should be leveraged on behalf of a greater good.” Are nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, dentists and physicians being trained on your campus? Perhaps English 101 can wait in favor of courses led by graduate students to help health care providers communicate more effectively. After all, one rarely hears high marks awarded to health care when it comes to communication with patients. How about the rhetoric of disease, illness, care, cure, healing, hope? Can English students help increase adherence rates among patients, many -- most? -- of whom will not “follow the doctor’s orders”? Would future humanists benefit from understanding narrative theoretically and from practically entering patients’ very human narratives on hospice units, mobile health care units, oncology units?

To be sure, my English colleagues took pleasure in the discipline, but the great teachers enjoyed people. Health care workers of all stripes like science, but they must like people even more to communicate, connect, empathize and help. Even if medical treatment stops, care continues. I see English graduate students and professors as essential to the communication that takes place after treatment stops, when care continues but the narrative’s closure shifts from cure to palliation. When it counts most, we need help making meaning of disparate strands of life, and those most talented with words and meaning can surely assist.

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The 13 Most Unusual Jobs

There are a lot of people out there who are not satisfied or just plain bored with their office work. There is also a small group of people who are doing jobs you will never believe exist — for some serious cash. Get ready to see jobs that obliterate the concept of a 9-5.

Bright Side collected the most unusual jobs you have never heard about. Would you want to switch to one of these?

13. Professional Snuggler

4. Body Part Model

I would try any of the jobs but the "Armpit Sniffer", just thinking of it makes me choke.

Body part model

Given that the writer can't seem to distinguish tissues from paper towels, they probably aren't from America or Western Europe.

today is a podmyshka day

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• 2024 © IELTS 69

If you were given the opportunity to do an unusual job, what would it be?

IELTS essay If you were given the opportunity to do an unusual job, what would it be?

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• 6 band Topic 14: Advertisements on mass media, especially on TV are misleading people, making them buy things that are not as good as they are advertised. Hence, some people think that advertising should be banned. Advertising has considered as the most effective way of increasing sales of the advertised products. Some people believed that advertisements had had negative effects on people. From my point of view, I totally see eye to eye with this statement. To begin with, advertisements haven’t assured their ...
• 6 band Topic 15: Many Vietnamese people say that “To make the economy truly integrate with other countries in the world, we should remove the Lunar New Year and celebrate the Solar New Year. ” It is undeniable that Lunar New Year called Tet has considered as the biggest traditional festival that can bring people together so as to celebrate a sacred and meaningful annual event. However, in recent times, many Vietnamese people have the idea of removing Tet and celebrate the Solar New Year d ...
• 6 band Topic 17: Write a paragraph of about 200-250 words to express you opinion in the following topic: “Some people say that children spending much time working on computers is actually good preparation for their education and their working lives”. Due to the successful development of technology, our society has a great process of improving social life. Some people believed that the invention of computers would have positive impacts on children’s education and working lives. However, from my perspective, spending too much time working on compu ...
• 6 band It is better to live in one town or city than to move from one place to another. Agree or disagree? Throughout the history, people choose a certain way for their habitats that is based on their preference and life condition. Some people prefer to stay in one place for their whole life, while other people holds the opposite view and think that it would be better to live in various cities. Both of t ...
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A Lost Opportunity to Protect Democracy Against Itself: What the Supreme Court Got Wrong in Trump v. Anderson

George Mason Legal Studies Research Paper No. LS 24-21

Cato Supreme Court Review , Symposium on the 2023-24 Supreme Court Term, Forthcoming

58 Pages Posted: 29 Aug 2024

George Mason University - Antonin Scalia Law School

Date Written: August 29, 2024

In Trump v. Anderson, a divided Supreme Court achieved unusual unanimity in an important case. All nine Justices agreed that state governments could not use Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment to disqualify former President Donald Trump from running for the presidency in the 2024 election. Section 3, the Court ruled, is not self-enforcing. Unfortunately, the Court achieved unanimity by making a grave error. In so doing, they went against the text and original meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment and undermined a potentially vital constitutional safeguard of liberal democracy.

Section 3 states that “No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.” Plaintiffs argued Trump had engaged in insurrection by instigating the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol in order to stay in power after losing the 2020 presidential election.        

In this article, I explain what the Court got wrong. I also consider some of the broader issues raised by the case that the Justices did not address because they disposed of the litigation against Trump on the self-enforcement issue. Part I provides a brief overview of the history of the Section 3 litigation against Trump. Part II explains why the Court got the issue of self-enforcement badly wrong. In the process, I also address the argument that disqualification required a prior criminal conviction for “insurrection.” Part III considers the question of whether the January 6 attack qualifies as an “insurrection,” and—more briefly—whether Trump “engaged” in it. The answers to both questions are “yes,” though the second is a closer call than the first.  Part IV addresses broader implications of Section 3 for constitutional democracy. There is an obvious tension between respect for democracy and provisions that limit voter choice, as Section 3 necessarily does. Nonetheless, there is good reason for this and some other constitutional constraints that protect the democratic process against itself. The Supreme Court’s effective gutting of Section 3 gravely weakens one of those constraints. Finally, Part V summarizes the implications of the Trump v. Anderson decision for the future.

Keywords: Democracy, Donald Trump, Section 3, Fourteenth Amendment, disqualification, 2020 election, insurrection, Reconstruction, originalism, Trump v. Anderson, Colorado

JEL Classification: K1, K10, K16, K19

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Ilya Somin (Contact Author)

George mason university - antonin scalia law school ( email ).

3301 Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22201 United States 703-993-8069 (Phone) 703-993-8124 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://sls.gmu.edu/ilya-somin/

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65 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in St. Petersburg, Florida

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Nicknamed “The Sunshine City” for its year-round fine weather, St. Petersburg could be one of the best family-friendly places to vacation on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Endowed with gleaming white sands and tranquil clear waters, St Pete Beach is often voted one of the nicest in the country — the perfect place for sunbathing or paddleboarding. Its secluded barrier isles are an ideal place to get away from it all and a trip to its many lush parks and preserves are just some of the best things to do in St. Petersburg .

Explore up to 150 species of palm and cycads, as well as the nearly 500 different plants at Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum. Then, head to St. Pete Pier for the best green space near the sea!

The city has a thriving downtown district with a distinctly bohemian culture and many arts and cultural places to visit, including some of the country’s top museums and galleries.

The nearby cities of Tampa and Clearwater, with their world-famous theme parks and attractions, are always just a stone’s throw away. But what to do first?

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• St Petersburg tours

1 – Be astounded at The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum)

One of the 20th Century’s most genre-defying and vital artists, Salvador Dali’s work was as technically brilliant as it was unique. The Spanish-born artist revolutionized the art world with his surrealistic images and flamboyant personal flair.

The Dali Museum is a collection of thousands of items related to the great artist’s career.  Combining a spectacular purpose-built museum with exhibition areas, gardens, a cafe and a center for the avant-garde, this waterfront gallery is one of the most fun places to visit in St. Petersburg.

The James Family Wing holds the museum’s permanent collection of Dalí works, including 96 paintings created by the artist from 1918 to 1970 as well as holograms, sculptures and a lobster telephone.

2 – Cruise the historic city on a segway tour

Why take a bus tour when you can segway? Cruise the city streets on two wheels with these fun segway tours of historic St. Petersburg. Hit all the best sites, including the Victorian-style homes of the Old Northeast, the Tampa Bay area, and the St. Petersburg Museum of History.

Pick up some history on the area’s most famous residents, including the Native American princess Pocahontas, and see historic sites, including the departure point of the world’s first commercial flight, the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat.

Though they may look tricky to maneuver, segways are suitable for everyone and you’ll get the hang of it in no time. Make the most of your time in St. Petersburg, Florida and explore the city on a fun and lively segway tour.

• segway tours in St. Petersburg

3 – Stroll along the St. Pete Pier

The new recreation center of the city, St. Pete Pier has a lot to discover, from shopping, dining and entertainment to sports and parks you’ll find it all here. Dine in style on the rooftop of Pier Teaki or grab a snack at the Driftwood Cafe.

Cool off from the summer heat at the Splash Pad or stroll around the Benoist Centennial Plaza before relaxing on the Bayfront Health Tilted Lawn, there’s something here for the whole family.

Take in the sea views and that fresh sea air as you check out some of the piers artworks, including the Morning Stars Mosaic, the water-inspired sculpture Olnetopia and the stunning net sculpture Bending Arc.

The pier is sure to be your new favorite place to go in St. Petersburg.

4 – Catch a Rays game at Tropicana Field

Home to the Major League Baseball team, The Tampa Bay Rays, Tropicana Field is a must-visit for sports fans while in St. Petersburg. Commonly referred to as “The Trop” by locals, the stadium is the only indoor venue in Major League Baseball capable of hosting events all year long.

• Tropicana Field tickets

As well as baseball games it has also hosted college basketball, football, and pro hockey tournaments. Some of the world’s biggest stars have also performed here including David Bowie, Janet Jackson and the rock group, Kiss.

Check out a Tampa Bay Rays game or see the website to find out what’s happening at The Trop during your time in St. Petersburg.

• Tampa Bay Rays tickets

5 – Find inspiration at the Museum of Fine Arts

For the avid art enthusiast, there’s one place to visit in the city that will appeal above all else – the Museum of Fine Arts . The permanent collection covers almost 5,000 years of human history and creativity and is represented in thousands of objects in various media.

Visitors can see ceramics and porcelains from all over the globe and the museum features a large collection of decorative arts as well as folk art, artworks from indigenous cultures and ceremonial pieces.

You will also find more traditional works such as paintings, sculptures and prints. It has a rotating program of temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection and hosts a monthly series of lectures, talks and even cinema screenings. Art lovers won’t want to miss this one.

6 – Hike at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

If you would like to make the most of your time in St. Petersburg and explore the very best of the city’s natural landscape, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a great place to start. It is home to the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Centre which teaches visitors about the many natural marvels of the preserve.

Looking for a peaceful place to camp? The Terry Tomalin Campground offers primitive camping inside the nature preserve as well as organized nature camps and bike tours. This is especially great for young campers who can learn all about the fascinating web of nature and how it functions inside the preserve.

During your visit to Boyd Hill, why not join one of many nature programs. Take a night hike through the park or catch a speaking presentation on the natural history of the area. As well as its wild and unspoiled beauty, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve really has a full season of activities to enjoy.

7 – Soar over Tampa Bay on a helicopter tour

Okay, what could be better than a helicopter tour over St. Petersburg city and Tampa Bay? Enjoy the invigorating thrill of hovering high above the city on one of these unique helicopter cruises.

Take to the skies in an air-conditioned chopper and see the sites in a truly unique way. Glimpse famous landmarks such as St. Pete’s Pier, John’s Pass and Treasure Island as only a few people get to.

You will cruise over the sparkling waters of Tampa Bay and the luxury beachfront resort, Don CeSar. When soaring high above the barrier islands, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and other wildlife in the waters below. This is sure to be an experience you will never forget.

• helicopter tours in St. Petersburg

8 – Climb the Weedon Island Preserve observation tower

The huge 3,000-acre Weedon Island Preserve is a must-visit for nature lovers in St. Petersburg. Here you can explore the diverse wetland and upland ecosystems that make up important habitats for local plants and wildlife.

The park has a lot of great routes to hike and almost two miles of boardwalk trails, making it accessible to most people. Visitors can check out the preserve’s education center and even borrow a backpack full of useful trail maps and field guides.

You can follow the boardwalk trail through mangrove forests and tidal streams to the park’s observation tower, which on a clear day provides fantastic views of the preserve as well as Tampa Bay and the city’s of St.Petersburg and Tampa. Why not discover this serene slice of Florida countryside for yourself?

9 – Explore the Chihuly Collection at Morean Arts Center

The Morean Arts Center is a fun and engaging contemporary art space on St. Petersburg’s Central Avenue. It is open daily and puts on a series of art and creative classes, events and parties and also has an artist in residence program.

It houses the first permanent collection of works by American artist, Dale Chihuly in a purpose-built facility. Chihuly is known for his abstract and colorful glass constructions and has pioneered the production methods of elaborate glass artworks during his career. On entering, visitors to the gallery are met with a 20-foot sculpture created specifically for the site.

Admission is free, so why not take a class or explore the artworks during your time in the city. It could just be one of the best cultural things to do in St. Petersburg.

10 – Play and learn at Great Explorations Children’s Museum

If you’re looking for fun and educational things to do with kids in St. Petersburg, stimulate their curiosity at the Great Explorations Children’s Museum . Here they can meet the Explorasaurus and play and discover through interactive games and exhibits.

Try the augmented reality sandbox, where a regular sandbox becomes an entire world with gushing rivers and rocky mountains. Explore the creativity in all of us by imagining what simple tools like a pencil and paper can create.

Great Explorations puts on regular workshops with a focus on environmental topics as well as readings and discussions with authors. It also has a store that sells educational toys, of which 100% of the proceeds go back into the museum. Younger kids are sure to love this!

11 – Spot wildlife at Sawgrass Lake Park

Home to one of the largest Maple swamps on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sawgrass Lake Park is a haven for local and migratory wildlife. The park is home to many species of birds, including egrets, ibis, herons, and a few reptiles too, such as native turtles and alligators.

It is a popular stop for migrating birds in the spring and fall seasons and, as such, the park attracts a large number of bird spotters who are eager to catch a glimpse of rare wildlife.  It is also an ideal place to see plants and colorful butterflies in their natural habitats.

Why not bring some snacks and make use of the picnic shelter and barbecue facilities after taking a stroll along the boardwalk nature trail and enjoying the sights. Sawgrass Lake Park surely has something for everyone.

12 – Visit the Florida Holocaust Museum

Dedicated to remembering the millions of murdered men, women and children, Florida’s Holocaust Museum is one of the largest of its type in the country. It houses both permanent and temporary exhibitions and is a vital resource for learning about the horrors of the holocaust and the levels of persecution European Jewish people faced.

The museum was founded in 1992 by Walter P. Loebenberg, a local businessman and philanthropist. Loebenberg himself escaped Nazi Germany for Florida and then joined the United States Armed Forces to serve in World War II.

The poignant exhibitions include one of the few surviving boxcars which were used by the Nazis to transport Jews and political prisoners to the death camps of Auschwitz and Treblinka. It also keeps an archive of video interviews with holocaust survivors as an integral memento for future generations.

13 – Beat the clock in an escape room

One of the most fun things to do in St. Petersburg, for those who like thrills, puzzles and games in equal measure, is to try an escape room challenge! Gather together your team of friends and family and test your powers of deduction and problem-solving in one of these themed games.

Think outside the box as you solve problems and gather clues in these immersive adventure games. You’ll have to work together to make sure you crack all the puzzles in time and escape the room.

Outerlife Studios is one of the city’s premier escape rooms and allows visitors to choose from themed experiences and settings, including a superhero’s headquarters, a locked apartment with a ticking time bomb or a building set to burn. Will you complete the challenge in time?

• escape rooms in St. Petersburg

14 – Relax under the trees at North Straub Park

If the Florida sun is proving too much for you, why not take a stroll down to North Straub Park. Located on the bayfront between St. Pete’s Pier and 5th ave NE, the park has plenty of shady trees to lounge under, including some big old banyan trees with an unusual-looking aerial root system.

The park has plenty of shaded walkways so it’s the ideal place to go for a refreshing stroll in the cool ocean breeze. It also offers stunning views of the north shore and Tampa Bay and you can take a seat right on the waterfront to check out the yachts in the harbor.

Your four-legged friend needn’t miss out either as North Straub Park has a dedicated dog park and keep your eyes and ears open for year-round events and live music occurring on its permanent stage area.

15 – See gopher tortoises at Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge

Stuck out on its own in the mouth of Tampa Bay, Egmont Key has been an important ecological preserve since 1974. The island’s strategic position means it has played a major role in many domestic wars and includes the remains of Fort Dade as well as a 100-year-old lighthouse.

It is now an important nesting site for sea turtles, tortoises and hundreds of thousands of sea birds. A visitor favorite on the island is its large colony of gopher tortoises who definitely aren’t shy of people and can be seen trudging around the pathways and roads of Egmont Key State Park. Brown Pelicans are also a common sight in the area with over 600 of the birds calling the island home.

Egmont Key will be one of the most interesting things to do for nature and history lovers in St. Petersburg. Visitors can check out the historic Fort Dade and its large coastal gun battery, Battery McIntosh and the remains of Battery Burchsted, which now floats just off the island.

16 – Get your tickets to the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

Taking place every March is the event of the year for car lovers in Florida – the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg !

Head down for a racing good time, witnessing the premier racing series of North America, as you learn about the seasoned drivers, and see some of the new talents on the race car scene. Experience one of the most beloved sports in the U.S.!

Do some celebrity spotting while you’re in attendance, and check out the other tons of fun available at the event. Listen to the live entertainment, participate in interactive and race car-themed games, and so much more!

Chill out a bit after the fun at the Speed Zone, or better yet, get to the Beer Gardens for a proper refreshment. Don’t leave without getting your driver’s autograph!

• Grand Prix of St. Petersburg tickets

17 – Go fishing at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park

St.Petersburg is home to a very unique and cool fishing spot in the shadow of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge which spans Tampa Bay. When the Sunshine Skyway was built in the mid-1980s, the old bay bridge was left in place and quickly became popular with local anglers.

It is now considered the world’s longest fishing pier and gives fishermen unrestricted access to the deeper bay waters. What’s better still is that you can drive your car right up to your favorite fishing spot, pretty neat!

You can catch a wide selection of fish here. Common varieties caught at the pier include grouper, Spanish mackerel, red snapper and black sea bass and the bridge is even lit up after dark so you can fish late into the evening.

18 – Check out The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art

Yeehaw! The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art is enough to make even the most skeptical of souls feel patriotic. Its collection features contemporary works, mostly created since the 1980s and includes, paintings, sculptures, jewelry and more.

Many of the themes include historical subjects and recently the museum has focused on a selection of works by living Native American artists. It has separate exhibition spaces devoted to the early west, native life, western frontier and wildlife among others.

The collection of jewelry produced by Native American artists is particularly stunning as well as the diverse and dynamic sculptures depicting powerful images of the old west. Definitely check this museum out during your time in St. Petersburg and renew your appreciation for the good ol’ US of A.

19 – Go kayaking at St. Pete Beach

Consistently voted one of the best beaches in the United States, St Pete’s Beach really has it all. Pure and soft white sands, turquoise water and a relaxed and laid-back vibe, what more could you need?

St Pete’s Beach is a great place for families to relax with the calm gentle gulf waters which are perfect for bathing, and action is just a step away. With fun sports to try right here on the beach such as snorkeling, kayaking and standup paddleboarding there’s enough to amuse those who just can’t sit still.

The beach is located just 10 minutes from downtown St. Petersburg, so you’re never far from the lively city center. Hit the beachfront bars and restaurants to try out the best fresh seafood dishes or stroll along the waterfront at sunset to experience the best of this low-key beach town.

• kayaking in St. Petersburg

20 – Take a boat out from Demens Landing Park

Another of the city’s fantastic waterfront green spaces, Demens Landing Park occupies the space which was formerly the city’s first railway pier. It is named after its creator, Peter Demens.

Laying directly on the waterfront between the Central and South Yacht Basins and in close distance to the AI Lang Stadium and Saturday Morning Market, this park is in the most bustling part of the city’s harbor. It has plenty of benches to sit and relax on as well as large green spaces if you want to throw a frisbee around.

If you plan to venture out onto the water while in the city, the park is a good launch point and has a boat ramp that is available for use. There are also picnic benches and public restrooms. This centrally located park is a great place to visit and soak up the atmosphere.

21 – Explore the Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum

It’s hard to believe that the lush 2-acre tropical gardens of Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum were a mini-golf course not so long ago. This beautiful collection of exotic palms is well worth a visit during your time in the city.

The transformation began in 1976 after a donation of 60 palms of ten different species was gifted by longtime palm admirer, Miss Gizelle Kopsick. The Arboretum was dedicated to Miss Kopsick one year later to celebrate her 100th Birthday.

Over nearly 50 years, the collection has grown to include 150 species of palm and cycads and 500 individual plants. The arboretum is wheelchair accessible and as part of St. Petersburg’s city parks, is free admission.

You’ll never have to go far to find amazing history here, and the Jungle Prada Site is a particularly compelling spot.

After all, it was here that some of Florida’s earliest residents made their homes!

22 – Learn some unique stories on the Jungle Prada Site history tour

The Tocobaga tribe was a major influence in the region for centuries, and some of their ceremonial mounds are still intact today.

You’ll get to see these remarkable constructions up close, and spend some quality time exploring the remnants of their daily lives, as well as the impact of Spanish colonization in the 1500s.

You’ll even be able to look at many of the items used by those long-gone locals!

• Parasailing in St. Petersburg

23 – See amazing Contemporary glass art at Imagine Museum

The newly opened Imagine Museum is one of the first institutions dedicated solely to contemporary glass art in the US. Its collection includes over 1,500 pieces from all over the world as well as a core collection of 500 American studio glass artworks.

This inspiring museum is sure to uplift everyone who visits as it stretches our concept of the applications of glass as a material. The unique pieces collected here display the ingenuity of the individual artists and the wide range of techniques applied in the modern studio glass scene.

The museum displays both permanent and temporary exhibitions and visitors can opt to join a tour of the gallery to gain a deeper insight into the artworks on display. This is a must-see for art lovers but the pieces on display have a diverse appeal that will be fascinating and beautiful to most people.

Definitely check this out.

• Imagine Museum tickets

24 – Cycle the Pinellas Trail

Whatever your preferred way to explore outdoors, be it jogging, walking, cycling or skating — you are bound to enjoy the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail. The trail starts in St. Petersburg and runs all the way to Tarpon Springs, covering a distance of 50 miles.

The trail runs through a number of towns on the way including South Pasadena, Palm Harbor and Clearwater. This unique and level passageway used to be the route of the Atlantic Coast Line and Seaboard Air Line Railroads which were abandoned in the 1980s.

Why not take a bike tour of the city to learn a little more about its history and the best places to cycle and walk. The Pinellas Trail has some super-scenic stops to visit along the way including Honeymoon Island near Dunedin and Wall Springs Park in Palm Harbor.

• bike tours in St. Petersburg

25 – Sunbathe at Fort De Soto Park

Pinellas County’s largest public park, Fort De Soto Park covers over 1,100 acres and has a huge amount of things to see and do.

The park is spread out over five islands sitting in the mouth of Tampa Bay and features coastal areas, wetlands, forests and meadows, as well as one of the region’s finest beaches. You’ll find plenty here to explore.

Wildlife lovers can spend the day spotting the wide variety of creatures that live in the area. Since the 1960s, 328 species of bird have been documented in the park. Visitors can hike over six miles of trails that stretch between both coasts and past the historic fort.

The park also has over seven miles of waterfront, almost half of which is blanketed with white sandy beaches, two fishing piers and a canoe trail. With two large swim centers, picnic areas and campgrounds, as well as the Quartermaster Museum, you’ll definitely fall in love with Fort De Soto Park.

26 – Spot manatees at Coffee Pot Bayou

The scenic waterfront road, Coffee Pot Boulevard, which skirts by Coffee Pot Bayou has picturesque views of Snell Isle and could be one of the most enchanting spots in St. Petersburg for a stroll.

The Bayou is a great year-round place to spot manatees but especially in the cooler months of the year when the water remains warmer than the surrounding Gulf of Mexico.

The area has charming old waterfront homes with European and Spanish designs and cool tree-lined avenues to explore. The walk over Snell Isle Bridge offers nice views of the historical Renaissance Vinoy Resort and the upmarket neighborhood of Snell Isle.

27 – Pet an alligator at Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center

Ever wanted to get up close to an alligator? Well now’s your chance! The Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center allows visitors to do just that, you can even kiss one if you really want to?!

The center offers shelter and rehabilitation to surrendered gators that were bought as pets and outgrew their homes. Visitors get the unique opportunity to see alligators up close and pet and hold them under careful supervision.

Though the primary draw of the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center is going to be alligators, there are also plenty of other creatures to get up close to. The center is home to a bunch of unusual and interesting residents including fish, snakes, skunks, lizards, pigs and more.

Don’t forget to show them some love!

28 – Treat yourself to a Yacht dinner cruise

Time to treat yourself like a rock star – with the perfect watercraft to match! Yachts are the perfect way to enjoy this beautiful region, taking you on a luxurious trip around the Gulf.

Live music will add a little extra pizzazz to the trip, as you gaze out at all of the breathtaking views around you. And it’s an especially lovely option in the evenings, when the vivid sunset forms a backdrop like no other.

As an added bonus, there are optional dining packages that offer up some of the finest meals in town for you to savor – and the perfect nautical venue!

• Dinners in St. Petersburg

29 –  Bike around Maximo Park

Located on Boca Ciega Bay, Maximo Park is both a beautiful waterfront park and also an important archeological site in the city. For thousands of years, the park was home to indigenous American people who fished and lived on these shores. There is information throughout the park about the tribes that once settled here.

Why not take some time to rest under the shady trees and play a game of Tocobaga Disc golf on the specially built 18-hole course. Explore the boardwalk trails and climb the 50-foot observation tower to glimpse some amazing panoramic views of the park.

For the keen fisherman, the park has seven boat ramps giving access to the bay water as well as shoreline fishing areas for those who prefer it. There is also a large selection of picnic shelters available and two playgrounds which is sure to keep the kids entertained.

Maximo Park has something for everyone.

30 – Climb aboard a family-friendly pirate ship

Hoist the sails, don the eyepatch, and get ready for an adventure above the towering Royal Conquest pirate ship! Setting sail from Madeira Beach on Gulf Boulevard (just a short drive north of Treasure Island and St Pete Beach), this stunning vessel promises an amazing day out on the Gulf of Mexico waters for kids and adults alike.

The youngsters can compete in limbo contests, work up a sweat during a little dance party, or cool off in a squirt gun battle — the crew runs interactive activities throughout the 90-minute journey, sure to keep the little ones occupied.

As for the big kids (read: adults), things get even more exciting with the free onboard beer and wine. With several departure times throughout the day (11 am, 1.30 pm, 4.30 pm and 7 pm), you can squeeze it in regardless of your schedule! But ask any former swashbuckling traveler and they’ll attest: the sunset ride is hard to beat.

• pirate ship cruises in St. Petersburg

31 – Camp at Shell Key Preserve

Part of the reason people return to St. Petersburg year after year is for the abundance of unspoiled natural environments it offers, Shell Key Preserve is one such place. An important habitat for nesting birds, Shell Key Preserve includes one of Florida’s biggest areas of undeveloped barrier Islands.

The center of the reserve is a protected area, so not accessible to visitors, but the outer edges have overnight camping facilities which offer the perfect place to really get away from it all. Sleep out under the stars to the sound of the sea lapping the shore and the gentle cry of birds. Paradise!

The Preserve is a great place for wildlife spotting and is a nesting site for sea turtles. Besides turtles, visitors may be lucky enough to spot starfish and fiddler crabs as well as egrets, spoonbills and plovers. Shell Key Preserve is accessible only by boat so plan ahead. Its beautiful beaches are waiting.

32 – Ride the Iron Gwazi at Bush Gardens Tampa

Busch Gardens hardly needs any introduction. This Tampa Theme Park and Zoo has been entertaining visitors for over 60 years with its thrilling white-knuckle rides and attractions. Its newest ride, Iron Gwazi, is the tallest hybrid roller coaster in North America as well as the fastest and steepest in the world.

If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can choose from 25+  nausea-inducing roller coasters that will spin you every which way around. For those that like the more sedate life, take a safari ride and view some of the park’s 200 species of animals, including rhinos, elephants and gorillas.

After a busy day of thrills and spills why not take in some live family entertainment. Busch Gardens has jaw-dropping ice skating extravaganzas, storytime shows for kids, and live music by No.1 tribute bands. A day at Busch Gardens is one of the most action-packed things to do in St. Petersburg and is something the whole family will love.

• Bush Gardens tickets

33 – Pay your respects at War Veterans Memorial Park

The sight of a Walker Bulldog tank may not be the most reassuring thing to see in a park but War Veterans Memorial Park is dedicated to honoring the memory of its Military Veterans.

The park has five dedications, one for each branch of the United States Armed Forces. It also has a battlefield cross monument dedicated to the 18 local members of the armed forces who died in the Gulf War.

The park has some nature trails to explore as well as a playground for the kids and even a boat ramp. Check it out while you’re in the area.

Fun fact! The Bulldog tank you see on entering the park is actually a four-man tank from the Korean War era and was built by Cadillac!

34 – Explore the colorful world of Fairgrounds St. Pete

Those expecting Ferris wheels and funhouses won’t be disappointed for long. Fairgrounds St. Pete is an immersive and explorable art and technology exhibition that is a collaboration of 60 artists. It’s a very unique attraction and you won’t find anything like this elsewhere in the state of Florida.

The perfect place to escape reality, even if just for a while, this playful self-contained world has exhibits based on the weird and wonderful stories and history of the region. It allows you to choose your own interaction and offers visitors multiple ways to engage.

This colorful and abstract world will draw you into its narrative, divulging small chunks of information piece by piece until you are hooked. You may find yourself returning to Fairgrounds St. Pete again and again.

35 – Unwind (with a drink in hand) on a tiki boat!

Bringing the laid-back vibe of the tropics to Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tiki Boat tours are all about the open-air party lifestyle.

Each tour runs for between 90 minutes and two hours and is fully equipped with a sound system, coolers and a licensed captain — so all you need to do is BYO food, drinks, and party hats (even if they’re metaphorical), and you’ll be all set.

Whether it’s a birthday, bachelor party, or even something as simple as a family outing on the water, these quirky vessels promise a great couple hours on the later (especially if you set sail in the late afternoon, in time to catch a sunset).

• tiki boat cruises in St. Petersburg

36 – Crack up with the stand-up talent at Spitfire Comedy House

From sketch, stand-up, and improv, enjoy the different comedic stylings of St. Petersburg’s local comedians as well as national ones at the Spitfire Comedy House !

The shows are typically held Friday-Saturday nights, with some shows taking place on Thursdays and Sundays as well, making it the perfect activity to do in St. Petersburg!

Enjoy a variety of shows, from a 40s-style murder mystery improv musical to a freeform comedy showcase, and interactive comedy shows where the audience participates!

If you’re feeling up for it afterward, you can ask about the improv comedy classes that the club offers to build up your own comedy chops!

With a seating capacity of up to 40 people, enjoy the shows in a small group setting. Children can attend, but it is held at the discretion of parents.

37 – Discover handmade beauty at the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement

If you need the inspiration to take up a craft, this is where you’ll find it. Step into a showcase of some of America’s best arts, pottery, textiles and more at the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement .

This unique museum is dedicated to the movement that spread across America in the late 1800s and early 1900s, as more people turned to creating their own crafted pieces in retaliation against the mass-produced items of the industrial era.

It features over 2,000 items in a stunning gallery that includes a restaurant, cafe and a children’s gallery that will entertain the kids. Admire the furniture, lighting, photography, tiles and jewelry that Americans created and expressed themselves through.

Located in downtown St. Petersburg, the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement will take you on a journey through the beauty of everything handmade.

38 – Start your weekend with a bang at St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market

One of the most fun things to do in St. Petersburg on a weekend is to drop by the Saturday Morning Market . Start your day the right way with freshly cooked food, locally farmed groceries and live music.

With over 120 vendors on site selling everything from fresh vegetables, meats and cheeses, teas and coffees and even artisan vegan popsicles, you know you’ll find something here you’re gonna love. The market also has stalls selling freshly cooked international dishes so you better bring your appetite.

Pick up some jewelry from one of the artisan craft stalls or choose some locally produced chocolates as a souvenir of your time in St. Petersburg. A trip to the Saturday Morning Market is a must-do thing while in the city and you can find it opposite Pioneer Park and a stone’s throw from Demen’s Landing.

39 – Spot dolphins at play on a boat tour

The calm waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast offer some of the country’s best conditions for boating. The gentle currents and clear green waters, which are lit up by year-round sparkling sunshine, may make you feel like you’ve found paradise on Earth.

One of the most fun things to do in St. Petersburg is to take a boat tour of the surrounding coastline. There are so many different tours to try that there is bound to be something to suit your tastes. Are you an adventurous speedboat kind of traveler, or a laid-back tiki bar boat kind of person?

Maybe you want to explore under your own steam on a kayak or go out to the deeper waters to spot dolphins playing in the surf? There are so many options you are really spoiled for choice.

Simply choose your departure point, whether from St. Petersburg, Tampa or nearby Clearwater and then enjoy the cruise. This is what St. Pete’s vacays are all about!

• dolphin watching in St. Petersburg

40 – Watch the sunset at Albert Whitted Park

With its privileged position at the southern end of St. Petersburg’s downtown seafront district, Albert Whitted Park has uninterrupted views of those spectacular Florida sunsets. The park is located near the airport and has an airplane-themed children’s playground.

It gained its name from the man who brought commercial aviation to the city in the early 1900s. With beautiful views of the yacht marina as well as some of the city’s most attractive buildings, including The Dalí Museum and Mahaffey Theater, this quiet park is a great place to just kick back and relax.

On busier days it’s a good place to watch the city’s Firestone Grand Prix or catch sight of old-fashioned biplanes taking off and landing at the nearby waterfront airport.

41 – Set sail on a magical sunset cruise

Relaxing, beautiful, and oh-so-very romantic, a St. Pete’s sunset cruise sells itself as the perfect way to end a long day of Florida sightseeing.

Hop aboard a luxurious yacht and take in some of the most incredible views St. Petersburg has to offer — from its striking buildings and sandy shorelines, to the colorfully illuminated Skyway Bridge.

With several companies offering these trips — whether it’s with a group of fellow travelers on a 45-foot modern catamaran or a private charter in an intimate sailboat — you can choose an evening cruise that suits your schedule (and budget).

And for something extra special, there are companies who make a point of venturing into high-traffic dolphin areas!

• sunset cruises in St. Petersburg

42 – See the baseball collection at the St. Petersburg Museum of History

It may seem like a dubious title but St. Petersburg’s Museum of History is home to the world’s largest collection of autographed baseballs. It has 4,999 signed baseballs in its collection, including balls autographed by four US Presidents and even Fidel Castro.

Why not 5,000 you ask? The plan is for Hollywood legend, Tom Hanks, to sign the 5,000th baseball when pandemic measures allow it. More than just a baseball collection though, the museum uses these autographed trophies to tell key moments in the country’s history and tell the story of modern American achievements.

There is even a baseball signed by the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, how is that for iconic! The museum also has an archive of thousands of photos and over 30,000 artifacts in its collection. Take a look around this fascinating museum during your time in the city.

43 – Float between sky and sea on a parasailing trip

If you happen to be strolling around Madeira Beach, you might spot something unusual: floating humans! But don’t worry, this is no apparition; it’s just some folks enjoying a bit of parasailing… and trust us, you’ll soon want to join them!

After all, it isn’t every day that you can get strapped to a giant parachute and hover above the surface of the sea!

Go by yourself or a couple of travel buddies, and embark on an unforgettable journey that lets you briefly experience a true bird’s eye view of your surroundings.

With an expert captain driving the boat and the wind as your co-pilot, you can enjoy your bit of sky time!

44 – Drive the Sunshine Skyway Bridge

While in St. Petersburg you have to take a cruise over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to see the exceptional views of Tampa Bay and the nearby cities.

Constructed in the late-1980s to cross Tampa Bay, after the old bridge was badly damaged and collapsed, the current Sunshine Skyway Bridge spans from St. Petersburg South to the north of Terra Ceia. The bridge extends for over 4 miles and at places is towers 190 feet above the water to give the necessary clearance for boats traveling beneath it.

This iconic sight on the Tampa Bay skyline is the second bridge on the site to be named the Sunshine Skyway, the first one was built in the 1960s. Why not take an aerial tour of the bay to and get see the bridge from above? Join a helicopter or light aircraft tour for a unique tour you’ll never forget.

Tip: Be sure to stop by in the evening to enjoy the spectacular Skyway light show !

45 – Be amazed by glass art at Duncan McClellan Gallery

St. Petersburg is the place to be for glass art. The Duncan McClellan Gallery is another of the city’s major exhibitions of studio glass and it resides in the most unlikely of places.

Based in a former fish and tomato packing facility, its 7,800 square feet of exhibition space displays work by some of the leading internationally known glass artists. Be sure to stop by the hot shop to watch some artisans creating their latest masterpieces!

An intrinsic part of the St. Pete art community, the Gallery is located in the center of the city’s Warehouse Art District. It houses work by dozens of artists and hosts regular exhibitions of contemporary glass art.

46 – Soak up the Florida sun on a boat tour

Enjoy the sunset views from the Gulf of Mexico, as you board the St. Petersburg, Florida: Sunset and Skyway Lights Boat Tour. See as the golden sun sets behind the water, and the lights of the Skyway Bridge begin as you enjoy fresh fruit and refreshments.

The S. Saint Petersburg Pier to Egmont Key Cruise is a 60-minute ferry ride to the stunning Egmont Key. Enjoy views of the turquoise waters, and nature around. Once at Egmont Key, you’ll enjoy 2 hours on its shores to explore the historic lighthouse, nature, and wildlife.

And of course, no Floridian trip would be complete without a few dolphin-watching cruises, where you can keep an eye out for energetic pods at play!

• boat tours in St. Petersburg

47 – Take a run in Vinoy Park

In a perfect position looking out over Tampa Bay, Vinoy Park is one of the city’s most visited attractions. It hosts some of the city’s major outdoor shows like the Tampa Bay Blues and Reggae Rise Up music festivals, The Festivals of Speed Car Show and food fests throughout the year.

featuring lengthy trails throughout, it’s an ideal place to walk or cycle and if you’re looking for somewhere to take your morning run, this place can’t be beaten. The cool breezes blowing in off the bay and sea views are sure to give you all the inspiration you need to get outside and run.

48 – Cruise the bay on a jet boat

A surefire way to see bottlenose dolphins in Tampa Bay is to take a ride on the Dolphin Racer speedboat . Cruise the beaches and waterways of the Gulf Coast on these thrilling and fun adventure rides.

The local population of bottlenose dolphins are a curious bunch and are drawn to the Dolphin Racer as it powers through the bay. They love to play and surf in the boats wake and jump alongside to catch a glimpse of the people onboard.

The trips last for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours and features narration from the team members. The crew is so confident that you will spot dolphins that they even offer a free ride to those who don’t. What are you waiting for?

• Speed boat in St Petersburg

49 – Explore the lush and tranquil Sunken Gardens

A tropical paradise in the middle of the city, The Sunken Gardens has been wowing visitors to the area for 100 years. It contains some of the best established tropical plants in the region and its collection includes 50,000 specimens including plants, flowers and grasses.

This tropical wonderland was created as a hobby garden by a local plumber in the early 1900s on a six-acre piece of land that formerly held a lake. The rich and fertile soil of the lake bed made the perfect environment for The Sunken Gardens botanical collection.

Visitors can explore its landscaped miniature waterfalls and flowing ponds and see the gardens flock of pink Florida flamingos. Visiting this secret garden in the midst of the busy city might be one of the most invigorating things to do in St. Petersburg and is sure to be a big hit with nature lovers.

50 – Shop, eat and relax at John’s Pass presented by Nathan Shirk Realty

If you’re looking for a one-stop destination for shopping, dining and entertainment in St. Petersburg, John’s Pass will likely fit the bill. With stores selling everything from clothing, apparel and jewelry to sweets, collectibles and Cuban cigars, there’s a lot to see here.

Take a family tour with lunch on the triple decked ship, Calypso Breeze , or board a tiki bar boat for a relaxing booze cruise around the bay. Try your hand at fishing or visit Splash Harbor Water Park for a wild afternoon on the slides.

Afterward, hit up one of the cafes or restaurants to grab a bite to eat and an invigorating coffee or cold beer. The choices are huge and you’re sure to find great fresh seafood, tasty grill and barbecue dishes and all your fast food favorites.

51 – See a live show at Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater

On the downtown waterfront within a stone’s throw of The Dalí and the Museum of Fine Arts is one of the city’s largest and finest performing arts venues. The Mahaffey Theater opened its doors in 1965 and has been the place to go in St. Pete for live performances of all types.

Now known as The Duke Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater hosts, on any given week, orchestral concerts, Broadway musicals and plays, stand-up comedy shows and touring live bands. Its position at the heart of the city’s waterfront makes it a beautiful venue to visit at any time of the year.

• The Duke Energy Center for the Arts tickets

52 – Revel at the bungalows and landscapes at Historic Kenwood

Step back over 100 years just a few minutes from Downtown St. Petersburg. Historic Kenwood is a charming neighborhood with bungalows built in the 1920s when real estate in Florida first flourished.

Stroll along brick sidewalks and imagine the old times, as you admire their well-kept landscapes and rows of trees lining the streets. You can time your visit during the Bungalow Fest in November when the homeowners open their doors and give tours to visitors.

See amazing gardens and get some inspiration, while checking out independent locally-owned coffee shops, restaurants, bars and boutique stores. This eclectic place has something for everyone — even for your furry friend like The Dog Bar . If you want to fully experience the vibe of Historic Kenwood, you can stay for a night or more at the art deco Avalon Hotel less than a two-minute drive from the neighborhood.

Hollander Hotel is also highly recommended and has over 20 craft beers and delicious cuisine to indulge yourself in at the Tap Room and Grill. Courtyard St. Petersburg Downtown is a historic hotel with modern amenities that is sure to tick all the boxes.

53 – Pick your aperitivo at Mazzaro’s Italian Market

Mazzaro’s started out as a coffee roasting business nearly 30 years ago and soon became the locals’ go-to place for anything Italian — stopping by here is one of the essential things to do in St. Petersburg and you won’t leave empty-handed for sure.

This Italian deli has got everything you need to satisfy your Mediterranean cravings such as coffee, wine, cured meats, cheeses, handmade pasta, pizza, bread, pastries, gelato and many more!

Mazzaro’s cellars include the largest selection of Italian wines in Florida. Not sure which wine to bring home? Join one of the free wine tasting sessions every Friday and Saturday lunchtime and get top recommendations from the staff.

54 – Scour the city on a scavenger hunt

Looking for a fun way to explore the city? Why not try a scavenger hunt to discover the best of St. Petersburg’s highlights. Gather together your team and hit the streets for a unique self-guided game experience.

This activity takes the tourist experience to the next level, turning the whole town into a treasure map of knowledge.

Simply download the app and follow clues and directions to locations around the city. Here you will have to use your eyes and intuition to answer trivia questions and solve puzzles. Uncover the history of the city, explore at your own pace and enjoy working together in these light-hearted and informative challenges.

• scavenger games in St. Petersburg

55 – Shop retro at ARTpool Gallery – Vintage Clothing Boutique & Vinyl Record Store

If you love to shop for vintage, retro and kitsch items, you’re gonna love ARTpool . This independent gallery, clothing boutique and record store is one of the most fun places to visit in the city to pick up those pre-loved gems from a bygone era.

The gallery portion is not restricted to paintings and prints but reflects the eclectic tastes of its owners. In fact, you may find something here that is so unique it defies explanation. The vinyl record store is a great complement to the vintage clothing on offer and will appeal to the crate diggers and record enthusiasts.

ARTpool hosts regular creative get-togethers and a monthly independent craft market. Beware though, you may come out with something fun and frivolous which you didn’t expect.

56 – Take in a show at Jannus Live

Music enthusiasts, rejoice!

This beloved venue, which opened in 1984, hosts an endless array of concerts, from the large to the up-and-coming and everything in between.

And in true Floridian fashion, it’s all outdoors, letting you breathe in that nice, warm air as you jam out to new and old favorites.

2,000 people can celebrate together here on any given night, but be aware that it is standing room only.

Heck, you might even catch a new DJ or other performer!

• Jannus Live tickets

57 – See rescued otters at St. Petersburg’s aquariums

If you toured the bays and beaches of the region and want to see its most spectacular sea creatures up close, St. Pete has some excellent aquariums to visit.

See rescued native sea creatures at Clearwater Marine Aquarium , including dolphins, sharks, sea turtles and pelicans. Many of the creatures here were in some way injured and cannot be returned to the wild but are well looked after in purpose-built habitats. The aquarium also has freshwater creatures such as its adorable river otters, Walle and Boomer.

The area’s other large facility, The Florida Aquarium , has some fascinating exhibits with native and exotic wildlife habitats. Visit the jungles of Madagascar to see lemurs and tomato frogs, then go deep beneath the sea to witness the elegant dance of the moon jellyfish.

58 – Tour the best craft breweries

After a long day of exploring and beachcombing, you might just be in the mood to check out some of the city’s best craft brews — and where better to go than straight to the source.

3 Daughters Brewery is a great place to start. Sample some of its fruity IPA’s flavored with Florida oranges, mango and watermelon. It also does some more traditional blonde ales, red ales and porters and has a bar with over 40 brews on tap.

For a selection of great beers and whiskies paired with hearty barbecue dishes, URBAN Brew and BBQ is the place to go. This Central Avenue restaurant is family and dog friendly and has a laid-back and relaxed ambiance. This is a great place for bourbon and whisky lovers with a large selection to choose from.

The Cider Press Cafe has a good choice of local and international beers, wines and ciders and also serves up a wide selection of light lunches and snacks. It is a good centrally located place to pick up beers and wines to go.

59 – Experience exciting flavors at the locals’ favorite restaurants

Satisfying your taste buds is part of the deal when you’re in town. Make sure to try some of the best restaurants and their unique and modern take on the traditional cuisine highlighting local ingredients —  including, of course, the best fresh seafood.

Head to Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille – Jungle Terrace to enjoy an incredible assortment of seafood and traditional Caribbean cuisine – plus some excellent beverages, of course!

Craving for a home-cooked meal? Famous for its fried chicken, PoFolks Restaurant is known for homestyle Southern cooking whether you want vegetables, catfish or barbecue grilled dishes. Give in to your cravings for fish, steak or chicken in its “all you can eat” on Fridays and weekends.

For classic Mexican dishes and cocktails, Red Mesa Cantina has fantastic traditional dishes and a wide selection of tequila. Taste the Shrimp Los Cabos served with avocado, cilantro, sweet tomato cocktail sauce and fresh tortilla chips. Dine next to the fountain in its outdoor courtyard and enjoy the delightful flavors this family-owned restaurant has to offer.

A local favorite, Bodega on Central is a “hole in the wall” known for its Cuban sandwiches and freshly squeezed fruit juices. Locals also recommend its delicious platters which you can diversify according to your preference (including vegan and vegetarian options). Check out the “Frita of the Month”, a Cuban-style hefty burger with exciting toppings.

60 – Take a trolley pub crawl

If you want to sample the St. Pete nightlife, you should definitely try a pub crawl of the city’s best pubs and bars. You could walk, or you could hop on to one of the city’s fun and rowdy trolley tours.

Join other party-goers to pedal your way around the city, stopping at the best drinking holes on the way. Pick up a little history from your trolley captain and best of all, don’t worry about driving.

It’s a wonderful way to make new friends, and get a taste of how and where the locals like to party!

• pub crawls in St. Petersburg

61 – Huck some blades at Hatchet Hangout

Raise your blade and keep your eye on the target – ax throwing is serious business at Hatchet Hangout !

Ok, technically it’s entertaining business; after all, the most important part of this activity is having as much fun as possible with your family and friends.

But let’s face it, the element of competition is equally important, as you duke it out to see who can hit the most bullseyes.

And while the prospect of flinging blades around might seem daunting, this low-key venue is focused on safety as much as fun, with friendly staff standing by to show you the best techniques.

After that, you just have to channel your inner lumberjack and perfect your aim!

62 – Have a drink in the best rooftop bars

Where better to while away those sunny Florida evenings than in the city’s best rooftop bars. Enjoy the sunset over a cold beer or cocktail and start your evening the right way.

360 Rooftop Lounge , located atop Hotel Zamora, is a popular choice for beverages thanks to its namesake views, with the Gulf of Mexico perfectly laid out in front of you.

Some of the city’s other great rooftop bars include Pier Teaki , at the end of the 2nd Ave NE Pier, Level 11 over at St. Pete Beach and The Cambria Hotel at Madeira Beach. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll be greeted with beautiful sea views to make an evening worth remembering.

63 – Play an infinite number of games at Laser Ops

Space battles, archery, and Pac-Man… oh my!

Laser Ops is an electronic wonderland that is the place to go for endless hours of fun, with electronic games and immersive activities that span the breadth and depth of arcade history.

Along with classic games and some incredible VR experiences, you can dive into some wonderfully nerdy sporting endeavors.

Take a crack at post-apocalyptic combat with laser tag, where you’ll weave your way through 8,000 square feet of wasteland and try to outwit your rivals.

Or set your sights on some very different targets with a round of Archery Tag, where you’ll channel your inner Robin Hood and fire arrows at each other – foam ones, of course.

And don’t miss the rowdy fun of Bazooka Ball, a hybrid option where you fire orbs from air cannons – or run around trying to avoid them!

64 – Enjoy all the fun for hours at the Historic Manhattan Casino

Step in for a fun time at the Historic Manhattan Casino, located in the lively Grand Central District. Historically known as a meeting space since the mid-20s, the casino has been renovated to reflect modern times while maintaining its community and history intact.

Check out the many things to do inside, from eating your heart out at the food hall to enjoying the soirees that take place here.

Check out the packed calendar, where you can attend everything from film screenings and watch parties, to the dozens of opportunities to join fun mixer events, comedy shows, private concerts, fashion shows, and so much more!

Locals recommend visiting for Sunday brunch as well, or the Jazz concerts on Saturday.

65 – Have a laugh at the Bonkerz Comedy Club

Making St. Petersburg and the country laugh since 1984, the Bonkerz Comedy Club has won the hearts of many, including a few celebrities, as one of their favorite comedy clubs, originally started in St. Petersburg.

The Bonkerz Comedy Club is one of the main comedy venues in Florida, so if you’re looking for a good show, you’ll find it here! The club hosts many celebrity comedians, as well as locals, from pop culture comedy to crude comedy, and relatable comedy – it’s all here!

Shows are typically held every 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, so be sure to plan ahead!

Pro tip: Buy your ticket ahead of time to receive a $2 discount! Also, seats are first come first serve, so make sure to arrive 1 hour before the show starts!

Where to stay in St. Petersburg?

Check out the comfortable digs inside Crystal Bay Historic Hotel , featuring a 24-hour front desk, shuttle services for guests, and beautiful views out to the terrace and gardens. Breakfast is served daily, which includes vegetarian and vegan options. This hotel is only 3.4 miles away from John’s Pass.

The Holiday Inn Express St. Petersburg North doesn’t disappoint with its highly rated clean rooms, filling breakfast options, and secure free parking. At just a short distance away is the Tropical Sunken Gardens, the Tropicana Field Baseball stadium, as well as a few other notable sights.

Welcoming guest with rows of palm trees, large pools, and beautiful and clean rooms is the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park . Soak up the Floridan way of life at this hotel, and focus on working on your sun tan in the lounge chairs by the pool, or working up a sweat in the state-of-the-art gym.

• best hotels in St. Petersburg

Where to go next?

If you’re in search of exploring other incredible cities and things to do in Florida , then look no further! Go people-watching at the famous Pier 60 in Clearwater as the sunset rolls in, or better yet, set sail on a Pirate Cruise full of non-stop fun activities!

Get nerdy at the Henry B. Plant Museum in Tampa , and afterward devour the goodies inside Ybor City for a taste of Tampa. Hit the mangroves on a kayak in Sarasota , or for the art lovers, head to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art for stunning works of art.

Take on all the water parks in Kissimmee , from Island H20 Live to Aquatica Orlando, and then wander back in time through Old Town Kissimmee for night fun! Create the perfect picnic to enjoy at Bok Tower Gardens in Orlando , or learn more about some of the local marine life in Crystal River.

Final thoughts

We hope you enjoyed our list of fun things to do in St. Petersburg! Which one was your favorite? Is it the mouthwatering restaurants, or the historic homes of Kenwood? Or perhaps it’s the stunning beaches like Fort De Soto Park?

Whichever it is, let us know! We hope your future travels take you to this Floridian slice of paradise.

Happy travels!

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• Peterhof (Petrodvorets)

Visiting Peterhof

If you only have time to make one trip out of St. Petersburg during your stay, then it should be Peterhof, the greatest of all the city's suburban estates. While the best time to visit Peterhof is of course the summer season, when all the varied buildings in the park are open to visitors and the famous fountains are in operation (early May to early October), this is also the time when Peterhof is most crowded, with long queues for some of the major attractions, and for transport back to the city.

There are various transport options to get to Peterhof from central St. Petersburg. Electric trains run from Baltiskiy Station to Noviy Peterhof, and take around 45 minutes. The station is about 20 minutes' walk from the gates to the Upper Garden across Proletarskiy Park, or there are several buses. Alternatively, marshrutka minibuses run from in front of Baltiskiy Station directly to the park gates in Peterhof. There are also marshrutkas from Avtovo (K-424) and from Leninskiy Prospekt (K-242) Metro Stations. The drive from the city should take a little under one hour.

Probably the best way to visit Peterhof is to take a hydrofoil across the Gulf of Finland to the jetty at the end of the Marine Canal. Two companies run regular hydrofoil services through the summer months from the Hermitage jetty, and Admiralteyskaya Naberezhnaya.

Address:	2, Razvodnaya Ulitsa, Peterhof (town)
Phone:	+7 (812) 450-5287
Website:
Admission:	Combined tickets are offered. For example: Lower Park + two pavilions/museums in the park: RUB 1000.00
Ticket purchase online:

Lower Park with Fountains

As well as Peterhof's celebrated fountains, the Lower Park contains the numerous elegant buildings constructed for Peter the Great along the shores of the Gulf of Finland.

Open:	Daily, 9 am to 8 pm. Last admission at 7:30 pm. Fountains operate from 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday and Sunday till 7 pm).
Admission:	Summer: RUB 500.00. Students and children: RUB 250.00. Winter: free. Photo (without tripod) is allowed.
Accessibility note:	Fully wheelchair accessible

Upper Garden

Surrounding the Grand Palace, Peterhof's Upper Garden is an immaculately laid out formal garden dating from the reign of Empress Elizabeth.

Open:	Daily, 9 am to 8 pm.
Admission:	Free
Accessibility note:	Fully wheelchair accessible

Grand Palace

This elegant baroque palace is the centre of the Peterhof estate, boasting regal facades and stunningly ornate interiors.

Open:	Daily, except Mondays, 10:30 am to 7 pm. Last admission is at 5:45 pm. Thursday: 10:30 am to 9 pm. Last admission is at 8 pm.
Admission:	RUB 600.00. Students: RUB 300.00. Audio-guide: RUB 500.00. Photo and video not allowed.
Accessibility note:	Partial wheelchair access is available. Free wheelchair rental is available.

Church Wing (building)

Recently opened after decades of restoration, the house church of Peterhof's Grand Palace once again boasts Bartolomeo Rastrelli's richly gilded interiors.

Open:	Daily, except Mondays, 10:30 am to 6 pm. Last admission is at 5 pm.
Admission:	RUB 400.00. Students and children: RUB 200.00
Accessibility note:	Fully wheelchair accessible

Special Collections (Jewelry Collection)

Housed in lavishly decorated chambers that once accommodated visiting royalty, this collection of Imperial jewels includes numerous pieces by Faberge.

Open:	Daily, 10:30 am to 6 pm. Last admission is at 5 pm.
Admission:	RUB 500.00. Students and children: RUB 250.00. Audio-guide: RUB 150.00. Photo not allowed.
Accessibility note:	Wheelchair not accessible

Grottos of Grand Cascade

Providing the chance to see the mechanisms powering Peterhof's most famous fountains, the grottos are also richly decorated with marble and gilded statuary.

Open:	May 28 to October 9: Daily, 11 am to 6 pm. Last admission is at 5:30 pm.
Admission:	RUB 300.00
Accessibility note:	Wheelchair not accessible

The private residence of Peter the Great at Peterhof, Monplaisir confirms the Tsar's excellent taste, with a variety of beautiful and unusual interiors.

Open:	May 23 to October 9: Open daily, 10:30 am to 6 pm. Last admission is at 5 pm.
Admission:	RUB 400.00. Audio-guide: RUB 150.00
Accessibility note:	Wheelchair not accessible

Catherine Wing (building)

Built for Empress Elizabeth, this pretty smaller residence next to Monplaisir is somewhat inconspicuous, but is used to display the extraordinary Russian Dinner Service.

Open:	May 28 to October 9: Daily, 10:30 am to 6 pm. Last admission is at 5 pm.
Admission:	RUB 400.00. Students and children: RUB 200.00. Photo not allowed.
Accessibility note:	Wheelchair not accessible

Bath Wing (building)

Developed and adapted over the reigns of several Emperors and Empresses, Peterhof's baths give an unusual glimpse into the intimate daily life of the Imperial family.

Open:	Daily, except Wednesdays, 10:30 am to 6 pm. Last admission is at 5 pm.
Admission:	RUB 400.00. Students and children: RUB 200.00. Photo not allowed.
Accessibility note:	Wheelchair not accessible

Aviaries of the Lower Park (Voliere)

It should be no surprise that even the birds at Peterhof live in unusual luxury, and these two pavilions - one housing Russian songbirds, one parrots - have beautifully painted ceilings.

Open:	May 28 to October 9: Open daily, 10:30 am to 6 pm. Last admission is at 5:30 pm.
Admission:	RUB 250.00
Accessibility note:	Wheelchair not accessible

Dating from the Petrine era, this small pavilion was designed to allow the Tsar to dine in privacy with his guests, ensured with an unusual system of pulleys.

Open:	Daily, except Tuesdays, 10:30 am to 6 pm. Last admission is at 5 pm.
Admission:	RUB 250.00. Audio-guide: RUB 150.00
Accessibility note:	Wheelchair not accessible

This pretty baroque mansion was designed as a retreat for Peter the Great, and is now used to display many of his personal effects.

Open:	Daily, except Mondays, 10:30 am to 6 pm. Last admission is at 5 pm.
Admission:	RUB 250.00. Audio-guide: RUB 150.00
Accessibility note:	Wheelchair not accessible

Benois Family Museum

The Benois family, emigres to St. Petersburg after the French Revolution, produced generation after generation of artists, architects and designers, celebrated in this museum.

Open:	Daily, except Mondays, 10:30 am to 6 pm. Last admission is at 5 pm.
Admission:	RUB 250.00. Photo not allowed.
Accessibility note:	Wheelchair not accessible

Museum of Private Collections

This museum was opened in 2003 to house collections gifted to Peterhof by private collectors, including porcelain and avant-garde art.

Open:	Daily, except Mondays, 10:30 am to 6 pm. Last admission is at 5 pm.
Admission:	RUB 250.00
Accessibility note:	Wheelchair not accessible

Museum of Playing Cards

A collection charting the history of card games, with beautiful examples from all over the world, as well as other luxurious games and accessories.

Open:	Daily, except Mondays, 10:30 am to 5 pm. Last admission is at 4 pm.
Admission:	RUB 250.00
Accessibility note:	Wheelchair not accessible

Museum of Imperial Yachts

A small pavilion with a collection of models, photographs, and accessories charting the yachting traditions of the Imperial family as begun by the keen sailor Peter the Great.

Open:	May 28 to October 9: Open daily, 10:30 am to 6 pm. Last admission is at 5 pm.
Admission:	RUB 250.00
Accessibility note:	Wheelchair not accessible

Tsarina's Pavilion and Olga's Pavilion

Commissioned by Nicholas I for his wife and daughter, these two pavilions on islands in the Kolonistsky Park have recently been opened to visitors.

Open:	May 28 to October 9: Open daily, 10:30 am to 6 pm. Last admission is at 4:45 pm. Pavilions can only be visited with organized group booked in advance.
Admission:	Pavilions: RUB 550.00. Gardens on Tsaritsyn and Olgin islands: RUB 100.00
Accessibility note:	Fully wheelchair accessible

Alexandria Park

Landscaped for Nicholas I's wife, this rambling park around the cottage palace is a far cry from the elegant splendor of the main park at Peterhof.

Open:	Daily, 9 am to 10 pm.
Admission:	Daily, 9 am to 5 pm: RUB 200.00. 5 pm to 10 pm: Free
Accessibility note:	Fully wheelchair accessible

Cottage Palace

Built to satisfy Empress Alexandra's desire for simplicity and peace, this pretty villa shows a more private side of the Imperial family.

Open:	May 28 to October 9: daily, except Mondays, 10 am to 6 pm. Last admission is at 5 pm. October 10 to May 27: Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. Last admission is at 4 pm.
Admission:	RUB 400.00. Students and children: RUB 200.00. Photo and video not allowed.
Accessibility note:	Wheelchair not accessible

Gothic Capella (Chapel)

This tiny church in the grounds of Nicholas I's Cottage Palace was the private chapel of the Imperial family and has an unusual neo-gothic design.

Open:	Daily, except Mondays, 10 am to 6 pm. Last admission is at 5 pm.
Admission:	RUB 250.00
Accessibility note:	Fully wheelchair accessible

Farmers' Palace

Once a simple rustic pavilion, this building in Peterhof's Alexandra Park gradually grew to become a sizeable villa for the family of the future Alexander II.

Open:	May 28 to October 9: Daily, except Mondays, 10:30 am to 6 pm. Last admission is at 5 pm. October 10 to May 27: Saturday, Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. Last admission is at 4 pm.
Admission:	RUB 500.00. Students and children: RUB 250.00
Accessibility note:	Wheelchair not accessible

Palace Telegraph Station

Built on the orders Nicholas I, this station connected Peterhof with Kronshtadt and the Winter Palace while the Imperial family had a monopoly on the telegraph in Russia.

Open:	May 28 to October 9: Daily, except Mondays, 10:30 am to 6 pm. Last admission is at 5 pm. October 10 to May 27: Saturday, Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. Last admission is at 4 pm.
Admission:	RUB 250.00. Students and children: RUB 150.00
Accessibility note:	Wheelchair not accessible

Palace of Peter the Great in Strelna

The oldest of St. Petersburg's Imperial suburban residences, this simple wooden palace has a collection of Peter the Great's personal belongings.

Open:	27 April to 14 October: daily, except Mondays, 10:30 am to 6 pm. Last admission is at 5 pm. 15 October to 31 December: Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, 10:30 am to 5 pm. Last admission is at 4 pm. 1 January to 26 April: Saturday, Sunday, 10:30 am to 5 pm. Last admission is at 4 pm.
Admission:	RUB 250.00. Students and children: RUB 150.00. Photo and video not allowed.
Accessibility note:	Wheelchair not accessible

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