St. Pete is indeed for lovers. If you planned a romantic getaway to the Sunshine City, you’re in for a weekend of charm, culture, and unforgettable experiences. Of course, you’ll want to stroll the stunning St. Pete Pier and get lost in the surreal world of the Dali Museum, but there’s more for couples to explore here. Sip on craft brews together, dine at top-tier restaurants, or catch a show at the theater–whatever you do, St. Pete offers endless ways to create special memories.

Attractions and activities

Get lost in the art (with a sweet detour)
Set amongst the banyan trees and glimmering waves of St. Pete Pier is the Museum of Fine Arts. With exhibits spanning 4,000 years of arts and culture, adult tickets are $22 with discounted ticket prices for 65 and older. After making your way through the exhibits, sit back with a coffee and pastry from one of the biggest museum’s specialties, Café Clementine. Located within the museum lobby, it’s hard to miss. Here, you’ll find unforgettable seasonal pastries, breakfast and lunch options, and creative drinks. Our personal favorite? The Blueberry Cobble Chai Latte.

255 Beach Dr NE

Take a tour of our breweries
Whether it’s an IPA, stout, or non-alcoholic draft, St. Pete’s breweries has you covered. In fact, there are so many local craft breweries to choose from that the St. Pete-Clearwater region has been affectionately named ‘The Gulp Coast’. Want to play outdoor games or watch live events? Check out 3 Daughters Brewing. If you’re missing your furry friend on vacation (or even if you brought Fido along), Pinellas Ale Works, known as PAW, has dog-themed brews in the Grand Central District. And if you drive a bit further to check out the neighborhood of Gulfport (which we highly recommend you do!), make a stop at Gulfport Brewery + Eatery for their rotating beer list and delicious food specials.

3 Daughters Brewing: 222 22nd St S
Pinellas Ale Works: 1962 1st Ave S
Gulfport Brewery + Eatery: 3007 Beach Blvd S

Try your hand at shuffleboard
Ahh, shuffleboard: the picture-perfect vacation sport. If you’re looking to squeeze some activity into your vacation, the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club is the world’s largest shuffleboard club. It’s also celebrating its 100th anniversary this year! For only $10 for non-members, the club hosts weekly Friday Night Shuffles from 7-10pm. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the game; the club’s volunteers and staff will teach you how to play. Mingle with some St. Pete locals and hit the courts!

559 Mirror Lake Dr N

Plan a night at the theater
Not too far from the pier is St. Pete’s largest venue, the Mahaffey Theater. Treat yourself to a romantic night for two by picking up tickets to the Florida Orchestra. From classical ballads to band tributes and themed concert series, the orchestra plays an impressive range covering different eras and styles. Depending on which section you prefer, tickets can be as low as $20 for the main floor to $55 for boxes, the orchestra pit, and the dress circle. 

400 1st St S

Restaurants and bars

Taste the wines around town
Nothing says romance like a glass of wine, charcuterie, and warm ambiance. For a more relaxed date night, take a tour of St. Pete’s many wine bars. Near the pier, you’ll find Bacchus Wine Bistro, a downtown favorite known for their unbeatable wine and charcuterie happy hour prices. For a cozier setting, Bar Chinchilla, the smallest bar in St. Pete, is only a few blocks away. Wines are priced by the glass, and they also offer a wide selection of international beers. Finish your tour at St. Pete’s latest addition to the vino scene, Pistil House. This wine and flower bar brings a taste of the Pacific Northwest to the Sunshine City with wines from Oregon and Washington.

Bacchus Wine Bistro: 124 2nd Ave NE
Bar Chinchilla: 439 1st Ave N
Pistil House: 2533 1st Ave S

400 Beach Dr

Experience chic Beach Drive dining
New and trendy, Juno & the Peacock is Beach Drive’s most recent dining establishment to open its doors. Serving New American Coastal Cuisine, this restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients prepared in-house to bring diners a taste of Floridian sophistication. For dinner, expect fresh seafood and raw bar options, shared plates, and elevated entrees, from ribeye and veal chop to grouper and scallops. After dining, head to their adjoined Pluma Lounge for cocktails inspired by Latin American drinking traditions and small bites, if you’re still hungry.

Graze in the garden
Fairy lights, clear skies, and rocking chairs set the perfect mood at Lolita’s Wine Market’s outdoor garden area. Located at the Morean Center for Clay, this eclectic restaurant offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes in St. Pete. You can choose from their international wine list and either build your own charcuterie plate or select from one of their signature boards. Lolita’s also features a variety of tapas and seasonal specials, but you can’t go wrong by adding their Chorizo and Gorgonzola Stuffed Dates to your meal.

420 22nd St S

Get a little ‘wild’ in the Grand Central District
A little further from the waterfront district, you’ll find international dishes and a fabulous Sunday brunch at neighborhood bistro and cocktail bar Wild Child. This local hot spot opened in 2020 and has been cemented as a St. Pete go-to for foodies ever since. Their creative dishes combine local flavors with global influences. Seafood lovers will enjoy their Octopus al Ajillo small plate and fresh Tuna Tostadas. Don’t leave without trying their Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich, often regarded as the best chicken sandwich in the region. 

2710 Central Ave

End the evening with jazz
With live music every night, Ruby’s Elixir is the perfect spot to enjoy premier cocktails, local talent, and, if the mood strikes, a cigar. This sophisticated downtown lounge and music venue has no cover charge, so couples can drop in whenever they like. The happy hour band plays daily from 7 to 9:30 p.m., followed by a late-night band from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Ruby’s can get crowded — and loud — so for a more intimate experience, it’s best to visit earlier in the evening.

15 3rd St N

Where to stay

For couples looking for downtown charm
Just a few blocks away from the St. Pete Pier, you’ll find the historic Cordova Inn, once known as The Pier Hotel. This boutique hotel goes back to 1921. Though the building maintains its historic ambiance, rooms come fully equipped with modern amenities. During your stay, you’ll have access to The Scott, their lobby café and bar. Before exploring St. Pete, be sure to grab a breakfast bite and coffee, or if you’re returning from a day out, stop by for their happy hour, which has been long regarded as one of the best in the city.

253 2nd Ave N

For couples looking for modern convenience 
There’s something for everyone at Hyatt Place. Located in the heart of downtown, this hotel is just steps away from local museums, theaters, and restaurants. Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of vacation? Head to the rooftop, where a 59-foot pool offers the perfect spot to unwind. Hyatt Place is also pet-friendly and offers a variety of rooms to fit your preferences and, most importantly, your budget.

25 2nd St N

For couples looking to indulge
So you want the full downtown experience, complete with classic elegance, historic charm, and luxury rooms? Then look no further than one of the most romantic hotels in America, The Vinoy Resort. Hospitality has been at the heart of the Vinoy since 1926, when it opened its doors on New Year’s Eve in 1925. Reflecting Mediterranean architectural influences, you’ll be immediately transported to bygone eras when you walk through its doors. With views of the marina and pier, get ready to take in breathtaking sights and prepare to treat yourself. The Vinoy offers world-class amenities, including spa treatments, access to their Golf Club and tennis courts, and a crystal clear pool.

501 5th Ave NE

For couples looking for a beachy boutique hotel
Inspired by the magic of Pass-A-Grille and located in the historic district of St. Pete Beach, Berkeley Beach Club blends its romantic seaside location with style and comfort. Their suites have been described as an oasis by some, and their rooftop lounge offers some of the best views of the Gulf imaginable. Trust us, this is where you’ll want to be with your other half when the sun goes down. Its on-site restaurant, The Dewey, promises a sophisticated dining experience with beach-inspired eats, seasonal cocktails, and extravagant desserts.

109 8th Avenue St.

For couples looking for the quintessential St. Pete Beach stay
Since 1928, The Don CeSar, also known as the “Pink Palace,” has welcomed both tourists and locals to the sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast. This iconic hotel has hosted celebrities ranging from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Tom Petty. Newly renovated, its beach-inspired rooms combine textures and fabrics from the seaside Art Deco era with modern amenities. While you’re here, take time to pamper yourself at the spa or savor award-winning coastal cuisine at one of the hotel’s restaurants and lounges.

3400 Gulf Blvd