Labor Day Weekend is the unofficial starting date of beach season for locals, and this weekend is giving us more than enough temptation to head for white sand and blue waters. Postcard Inn on the Beach is always our go-to for beachfront fun, and this weekend’s all-day parties are making them St. Pete Beach’s hotspot for LDW fun.

Perhaps the biggest draw of the weekend is the annual Girls of Summer Charity Bikini Contest, benefitting the Coastal Wildlife Advocacy Group. Presented by Day Life at PCI, the music and drink fueled event promises to be “an electrifying celebration of sun, sea, and the fiercest competition under the sun.” And this year it’s going bigger than ever, with competitions taking place every day this weekend – Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

The 21+ party starts at 12 pm each day, and entrance to the shows is completely free. The Music Bureau will have some its most popular DJs leading the way every day, with two different DJs taking over the afternoon and evening parties. Competitors in the bikini contest can sign up onsite, with massive prizes every day. The Saturday and Sunday winners will take home $500, while the Labor Day champion on Monday will win a whopping $1,000.

Street tacos steal the show at PCI Cantina

We do love food and drink here at I Love the Burg, so it’s no surprise that one of our favorite parts of going to PCI is their new food concept, PCI Beach Bar & Cantina. The cantina dishes up delectable Mexican fare, perfectly paired with days and nights on the beach. While PCI’s beach bar is famed for music and parties along the Gulf, the all-scratch-made eats coming out of the new cantina are worthy of a visit on their own.

The chimichurri wings are a huge hit, and if you’ve got a big group (or just a big appetite), we highly recommend the taco flights. The Mexican street-style tacos are loaded with freshly cut and cooked meats and veggies, and when paired with a margarita and sunshine, it doesn’t get more beachy. It’s hard to pick just one style of taco (though the pork belly is *mighty* hard to say no to), and the flight gets you one of each: chicken tinga, carne asada, fish, pork belly, shrimp.

The Cantina also serves up massive burritos, cheesy quesadillas, piled-high nachos, zesty rice bowls, house-made chips and salsa, and even desserts such as fried churro donuts and sopapillas. There is also a kids menu available for the youngsters. The kitchen is open daily from 11 am – 10 pm.

Kick it in the pool or get your own cabana at PCI

Of course, if you really want to bask in the glory of leisurely days by and in the water, then it’s time to take things up a notch. Luckily, PCI has fantastic cabana service and pool passes that give locals the chance to live like they’re on vacation for a day.

The new “Day Life” offerings give locals to live a day in the life of pampered vacationers. Guests can upgrade their day with exclusive cabanas by the warm Gulf, or take a dive into the largest pool and go for a quick dip while listening to live music. Both are excellent options to celebrate any fun occasion – birthdays, bachelorettes, or family gatherings.

Weekend Warriors can join “Day Life @ PCI,” the place to be and be seen, for top-notch EDM by the pool. Or, upgrade your experience to the VIP Day Life cabana steps off the dance floor, complete with bottle service and the best vibes. To get a bit more sandy, reserve a spot in the Day Life Beach Lounge and bask in the glory of the Gulf.

No matter where you go, margaritas and nachos are only an order away, and you’re always right next to the party. Learn more about the PCI Beach Bar & Cantina here, and make plans to stop by at 6300 Gulf Blvd. The bar is open from 10 am – 11 pm Sunday-Thursday, and 10 am – midnight Friday and Saturday. The kitchen is open daily from 11 am – 10 pm.