A guide to spending a fun day in St. Pete, Florida: the local coffee shops, retail shops, restaurants, parks, museums and more to visit.
Living in a place where others vacation is a daily dream. But what if you only had one day to experience the magic of St. Pete and Pinellas County? From sunrise to sunset and beyond, these are our staff picks for the best way to spend 24 hours in St. Pete and beyond. Whether you’re a resident looking to make the most of a day off or a visitor hoping to pick up some tips for locals, these are our can’t-miss places and experiences from sunrise to sunset.
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As we celebrate 727 Day, this is an ode to all the places, people, sights and tastes that make our region special. No matter the time of year, there’s always something to make you happy here. We have this broken up by time of day and particular activity, with our individual picks shared for each.
Best way to start the day
- Alexa
- Pete’s Bagels – Bacon, Egg, & Cheese on an Everything bagel with scallion cream cheese is my favorite way to start a Sunday morning.
- Eat Art Love – Everything they make is done well and with love, but their grits are something serious that I haven’t been able to find many places around town.
- Bob
- Perry’s Porch – Few things make me happier than a coffee, a croissant, and a sunrise walk along the downtown waterfront and St. Pete Pier.
- Bagel Babe – Any splurge day for me starts with a bagel, and the boiled circles of love coming out of the kitchen at Bagel Babe are among the best I’ve had anywhere.
- Dex
- Kahwa – The kind of coffee I can have more than once a day. Pair that with a warm ham, egg, and cheese croissant!
- Kelly M.
- Paradeco – Location is hard to beat and I can buy some of the best coffee beans in town.
- Trip’s Diner – For when I’m missing that classic NYC diner vibe. You can take the girl out of the city… you know the rest 🙂
- Ysanne
- Craft Kafe – OG or downtown = either is the perfect stop to fuel up for this gluten-free gal before a big day exploring my favorite peninsula.
- Fruit Float Cafe – one of our fave beach mornings is a coffee, acai bowls and loaded toasties from Fruit Float Cafe. Then we get smoothies to walk along Madeira Beach.
When it’s time to treat yourself
- Alexa
- A dirty martini and the Focaccia “Pull Apart” bread from Elliott Aster
- OR a spa day at The Don Cesar
- Bob
- Jimmy B’s Beach Bar – The beach is nature’s pick-me-up, while coconut shrimp, pina coladas and live music are manmade ways to heal all. An afternoon or evening at Jimmy B’s hits all of the above.
- Dex
- Atlas Body & Home – A very well-curated men’s clothing and accessories store for great finds for my summer fits or for a friend as a present.
- Kelly M.
- Kilwins – The smell as you walk by is impossible to resist. Plus I have always been a sucker for peanut butter fudge.
- Ysanne
- Had a good day? Time to go to a bookstore. Had a bad day? Also time for a bookstore. We are #blessed with a plethora of really phenomenal local indie bookstores across Pinellas County. If I need a little treat, I’m heading to one (or three) of our local shops: Tombolo, The Book Lounge, The Gilded Page, Portkey Books, or Book Rescuers.
Go-to spot for lunch
- Alexa
- The Four Bowl at Fresh Kitchen with steak, broccoli, double sweet potato noodles and balsamic on the side.
- Bob
- Red Mesa Mercado – The Cali-Mex, fast-casual spot quietly has some of the best street food in the area, including burritos the size of a small child. And they have two locations!
- Dex
- Alesia – Always get the bun bowl with grilled pork or shrimp or both! Add a side of bokchoy and mushrooms to complete the meal.
- Kelly M.
- Engine No 9 – The Black Flag is one of my favorite burgers in town. And don’t sleep on the Corn Doggie!
- Ysanne
- Carupano Kitchen at Foodie Labs is my fixation restaurant right now. The mother-daughter duo behind it cooks their Venezuelan arepas with so much heart and love. And, virtually the entire menu is gluten-free safe. I get “La Reina Pepiada” aka avocado chicken salad arepa almost every time.
Favorite seafood spot (when in Florida…)
- Alexa
- I will never stop talking about Dockside Dave’s and their grouper sandwich, but I’m also a big fan of Hookin’ Ain’t Easy and their fresh catch
- Bob
- If you like your seafood with a side of sand and sunsets, Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is a grouper sandwich classic. For Old Florida vibes that fall somewhere between tropical and swampy (in a good way), Mullet’s Fish Camp is always packed for a reason.
- Dex
- Ceviche – Always get the gambas al ajillo (shrimp) and tuna tartare as the base for my tapas choices.
- Kelly M.
- Tides Seafood Market – Michelin recommended and a passionate team. Plus you can always grab something fresh from the market to cook at home.
- Ysanne
- House of Vegano – I hear what you’re saying. It’s vegan it’s not seafood. BUT, if like me, you are not a seafood eater but you LOVE sushi, this is the spot you need to check out. Portions are big and worth every penny.
Favorite “tourist activities” even locals should try
- Alexa
- Rooftop views at The Canopy or a proper beach day with ice cream at Candy Kitchen after both always hit the spot and remind you that we’re in paradise.
- Bob
- The Dalí Museum – It’s obvious because it’s great, and it’s one of the few “tourist” attractions that even locals frequent. Seeing so many larger-than-life works by the master Surrealist stirs inspiration every time.
- Dex
- A walk along the St. Pete Pier is always a good idea. It’s free, it’s beautiful and it’s good people watching!
- Kelly M.
- Sunken Gardens – I could spend all afternoon here with a good book…when the Florida weather cooperates.
- Ysanne
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium – Once a dolphin girlie, always a dolphin girlie. I love visiting the animals at CMA. They do a lot of important animal rescue and conservation work, and I love any day I get to say hi to the animals there.
- Take a boat to Egmont Key – Whether you boat, ferry, paddleboard (a choice but I respect it), you need to explore Egmont Key. One of the best parts of living here is our incredible nature, especially our beaches.
Best date night or fancy dinner spots
- Alexa
- Lolita’s Wine Market is the perfect mix of an intimate setting with relaxed vibes, plus fantastic small plates you can share with the whole table.
- Sauvignon Wine Locker – Nestled above Central Avenue, the fresh pasta and impressive wine list make for a great experience time after time.
- Bob
- There may not be a spot that more perfectly embodies the area than 1200 Chophouse, a steakhouse that delivers a high-end product while welcoming walk-ins right off the sands of St. Pete Beach. They don’t take reservations, and you should have no reservations about going.
- Dex
- Bin 6 south – No frills. Just excellent seasonal food and great selection of wine. Just note that there’s very limited seating and it’s communal.
- Kelly M.
- ISU – Perfect dark and cozy atmosphere for date-night. And hands down my favorite Sushi in St. Pete.
- Taverna Costale – Best pasta in town, great cocktails, and fantastic service. If you’re lucky, you might catch celebrity chef, Fabio Viviani!
- Ysanne
- Pia’s Trattoria – If it’s a date night or if we have family in town, we always head to Pia’s Trattoria in Gulfport with a walk down to the water. They have a surprisingly robust amount of gluten-free options still and you can’t beat the romantic lil ambiance. It’s a fave for us.
Favorite budget eats
- Alexa
- Twisted Indian for the chicken tikka masala naanwich, The Joint for the big gooey, or Dead Bob’s for a smashburger
- An extra shoutout to the Steak Hoagie at Original Pizza in Treasure Island
- Bob
- Sunset Grille – For casual eats that don’t break the bank, there may not be a better spot around. The BLT is a masterpiece, the wings are fantastic, the fried food comes by the basket, and the beer is always cold. What more do you need?
- Dex
- Southern Grounds – Great for a healthy, filling and delicious lunch! Love the Korean Steak Bowl or Mediterranean Power Bowl.
- Kelly M.
- Bodega – A fantastic Cuban sandwich, but the chicken sandwich with jicima slaw is my go-to. Plus it’s huge. Did I hear leftovers for dinner?
- Ysanne
- Empanada Brothers – This Seminole gem is a budget meal fave. and their menu is super gluten-free/celiac-friendly.
Best place to watch the sunset
- Alexa
- On a blanket with a Yeti cocktail and sushi from Jimmy’s Sushi in Seminole at any of our beautiful beaches
- Bob
- Is picking Sunset Beach too obvious? There’s a reason it got the name. Catch the sunset in the sand or on the roof at Caddy’s Treasure Island, then hop over to Ka’tiki for a night cap once darkness settles in.
- Kelly M.
- Fenway Hotel – The rooftop has incredible sunset views, great drinks, and one of the coolest historic settings in Pinellas Co.
- Ysanne
- Upham Beach or Treasure Island with a sweet tea, sandals in hand, going for a quintessential walk on the beach.
Evening plans? Cocktails, dancing and nightlife
- Alexa
- Craft cocktails and corndog nuggets at The Ship’s Hold – name a better late night duo.
- Bob
- For dancing, we’re hitting Goodnight John Boy, Lost & Found, or Enigma. For cocktails and the kind of lively atmosphere you can still have a conversation in: Bonu is my go-to for just about any occasion under the sun (or moon, as it were). I’ll also second the In Between Days and Ship’s Hold call outs.
- Dex
- In Between Days – Low-key, good vinyl music, delicious small bites, unique cocktails. The lighting gives a good atmosphere.
- Kelly M.
- Good Night John Boy – When you want to dance your heart out and sing along to throwback hits.
- Ysanne
- I don’t drink alcohol anymore, but I do love bringing friends to In Between Days for standout phenom sips and vibes.
