Gulf To Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL

There are so many fun things to do in St. Pete/Clearwater that you can’t go wrong. Immerse yourself in one of nature’s escapes? Pick the perfect pint at our local breweries? Keep the kids entertained for hours? Luckily, they’re all in play for your vacation. Follow along as we suggest some of the best attractions we have to offer.

family fun

From fun in the sun to jaw-dropping magic tricks, St. Pete/Clearwater is the place to create memorable family moments.

Made famous by the hit move Dolphin Tale the Clearwater Marine Aquarium has a new 1.5-million- gallon dolphin habitat that allows the Aquarium to care for more rescued dolphins like their former resident, Winter, who unexpectedly and tragically passed away in November of 2021. Winter’s fans will be able to interact with her through an immersive virtual reality experience in the Clearwater Marine Aquarium theater. You can still experience nose-to-nose encounters with Hope, PJ, Nicholas, and Hemingway from the Dolphin Terrace. There are also resident nurse sharks Thelma and Louise, otters, sea turtles and stingrays that you can feed as part of the animal experience. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the animal hospital that takes care of injured marine life. After the animals are rescued, they are rehabilitated and released back into their natural habitats.

Observe dolphins in their natural habitat during a tour on the Little Toot Dolphin Adventure, a charming tugboat that offers dolphin sightings up close as the wild dolphins jump and play in the wake from the boat.

Set sail for a daytime or evening cruise aboard the Calypso Queen Tropical Party Buffet Cruise from Clearwater Beach. Dine on a delicious buffet meal while taking in panoramic views of Tampa Bay. Sunsets at Pier 60 is a great way to end the day on the beach with a festive send-off for the sunset, and a lineup of entertainment and artisans selling their wares. On Fridays and Saturdays, lay out a blanket on the beach for free movies played on a jumbo screen just after sunset.

The St. Pete Pier is a popular waterfront destination with lots to do from the St. Peterburg Museum of History to shopping at The Marketplace and dining outdoors at the Spa Beach Bistro. There is plenty of space for the kids to explore at the nautical themed Glazer Family Playground with slides, swings, and a kiddie obstacle course. Kids and adults can cool off in the splash pad, a water play area with fountains and vertical jets before heading to the Tilted Lawn to dry off and relax.

The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center is an indoor classroom that tells the story of Tampa Bay and its unique ecosystem offering several interactive exhibits and an aquarium that showcases many different species found in local waters. Get your hands wet in the touch tank, watch a seahorse supper feeding and meet the two newest residents at the center, Bertha and Ruby, two rare Ornate Diamondback Terrapins. The “wet classroom” offers larger outdoor demonstrations and lectures and includes an amphitheater-style observation deck.

Kids get a unique hands-on learning experience while playing at the Great Explorations Children’s Museum. There are places to climb, experiments to try and tables of building materials to enhance learning through creative play.

Enjoy an exhilarating blend of sleight-of-hand, family- friendly comedy, and breathtaking grand-scale illusions in a 70-minute performance that captures hearts and imaginations at Zubrick Magic Theatre in downtown St. Pete, winner of the Merlin Award for Best Family Magic Show by the International Magicians Society.

Look for the High Tide Water Slide, a popular attraction located on the sand behind the TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach. At three stories tall, it can be seen from anywhere along the beach and thrill-seeking riders can’t wait to get in line. TradeWinds also offers activities for the family including mini-golf, dive-in movies, paddleboarding, and private cabanas perfect for taking a break from the sun.

If you prefer a bird’s eye view you can tour our beaches from the air or charter a private aircraft to your own paradise. Tampa Bay Aviation provides Airplane & Helicopter Aerial Sightseeing Tours out of Albert Whitted Airport in St. Pete/Clearwater Airpark.

The Dunedin Fine Art Center has a variety of creative exhibits for art enthusiasts with a gallery and activity center for kids. The David L. Mason Children’s Art Museum is an interpretive and interactive gallery space for children and their families. This hands-on experience for 4- to 12-year-olds provides an environment where you can explore how art and science go hand in hand in the wonderful world of animals.

At the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary you will find chimpanzees, orangutans, alligators, reptiles, tropical birds and more. Over 100 animals that were once in the film industry or a personal pet call the sanctuary home where they live a peaceful life. Pack a lunch for the family and enjoy a picnic with the primates. You can feed the animals too using a unique pulley system; hand-feeding is not permitted. The sanctuary is an outdoor facility, grab the sunscreen and check the weather before you go.

Travel back in time to the mid to late 19th century to explore some of the area’s most historic buildings at Heritage Village. The Village is a living history museum and includes a school, church, railroad depot, sponge warehouse and general store as well as a variety of historic homes.

In the heart of the city, you will find a lush 70-acre park with plenty of shade, beautiful fountains, and the Rainbow Rotary Playground at Largo Central Park. Train enthusiasts can explore the grounds on a locomotive traveling the one-mile scenic route through the park. Largo Central Railroad has modeled scale steam and diesel engines to share their love of railroads with the community. Families can ride the train for free during the first weekend of every month on Saturday (10 a.m. -3 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. -1 p.m.).

Known as the sponge capital of the world the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks are famous for the harvesting and sale of sponges. In addition to the history of sponge harvesting, visitors can also experience the Greek influence found throughout the area by visiting local shops and restaurants.

The Replay Amusement Museum features the most popular arcade games from the past to the present. It has more than 120 playable games and unique amusement devices for all ages and skill levels that you can play all day for one set price. Bridge the gap between the sweet memories of games from your childhood with the coolest technology for today’s gamers.

Spongeorama Cruise Lines can bring you up close to the Anclote Key Lighthouse, one of the oldest working lighthouses that you can climb at Anclote Key Preserve State Park.

Escape the heat in the Blue Lagoon at the Splash Harbour Water Park where you can find a lazy river, water slides, splash zone and sun deck. There is even plenty of fun on land including a mini golf course and a game room.

You can kiss a gator at the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center at John’s Pass. The center is home to a variety of animals that were wildlife rescues, reptile rescues and exotic pets surrendered by their owners. Alligators, snakes, skunks, and pigs are just some of the few orphaned animals that can no longer return to the wild. The Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center educates visitors about the abundant reptile and aquatic wildlife found in Florida to ensure their survival for future generations.

If adventure is what you are seeking, head to The Pirate Ship Royal Conquest at John’s Pass for the ultimate pirate excursion. Board the Royal Conquest for a 90-minute experience including pirate stories, a swashbuckling dance party, water gun battles, and a treasure hunt that is fun for all ages.

events Being an outdoor paradise with ideal weather lends St. Pete/Clearwater to hosting world-class events year-round. From enjoying music along the waters of Tampa Bay to cheering on sports’ biggest names to fun on the famous sugar-white sand, you can plan trip after trip around special events.

Check out the full up-to-date list of diverse celebrations at VisitSPC.com/Events.

breweries

At one time, St. Pete/Clearwater had but a mere drizzle of small-batch beer operations and one bona fide brewpub. That lone wolf, Dunedin Brewery, opened in 1995. First of its kind in Florida, the roadside pub set a standard for hoppy entertainment. Almost two decades later, St. Pete’s Green Bench Brewing updated the template with family-friendly events and accommodations. Today, brewpubs connect us to our community, provide pet- and kid-friendly spaces, grown-up recreation and a bevy of live entertainment.

Veteran-owned, Five Branches Brewery refers to the branches of the military. Find them at the historic sponge docks district. Or head downtown to the ironically named Unrefined Brewing, a boutique craft establishment set up in a historic house.

Silverking Brewing Co., headquarters in a firehouse building established in 1909. Right off the Pinellas Trail, Brighter Days Brewing spreads out with an expansive outdoor patio, walk-up window and thirst-quenching sessions.

Two Frogs Brewing Company charms us with its slogan, “Don’t worry, be hoppy!” and downtown Tarpon location. Rainbow-bright homebrews include Tangerine Vanilla Wheat and the Blackberry Blueberry Lemon Hibiscus Wit.

de Bine Brewing Co., pairs well with the laid-back, Old Florida feels of Palm Harbor’s Alt. US 19 corridor. Expect quality, award-winning brews on tap and food trucks, plus live standup comedy and music.

Another spot along the Pinellas Trail, Stilthouse Brewery refreshes and nourishes trekkers with a spectrum of hoppy flavors, and they surprise us with new events and bonus features like winevodka Bloody Mary cocktails, games and food trucks.

Imagine, if you will, the Beermuda Triangle in downtown Dunedin. Woodwright Brewing occupies a charming, renovated home and woodworking shop. Downstairs, a welcoming porch spills out onto a spacious outdoor area featuring bluegrass jams and the Duneatery food truck.

Craving something creamier? Get bonked with the Toasted Coconut Porter at Soggy Bottom Brewing. Caledonia Brewing occupies an old newspaper building and pays homage to the city’s Celtic heritage. Try their QuadDrePhenia, a potent Belgian Quadrupel.

Fearlessly experimental, 7venth Sun Brewery serves Florida Weisse, barrel-aged beer, IPAs, Saisons and a sought-after creamsicle wheat.

Hitting the Pinellas Trail? Make a pit stop at Cueni Brewing Co., located right off the 26-mile path. Award-winners include the Monkey Skull Porter, Drunken MONK’E and Belgian 3WAY. HOB Brewing Company serves craft beers and cider on tap and relaxes Pinellas Trailblazers in a spacious outdoor patio.

Named after the shape of the Pinellas peninsula, Crooked Thumb Brewery keeps customers straight in a charming historic neighborhood hub just outside downtown. Crooked Thumb has a tasting room, beer garden, picnic tables, yard games and live music.

Safety Harbor is also home to the ironically named Troubled Waters, run by a family in its third generation doing business on Main Street. The creative spot brews in house and prides itself on being different.

Fun, laid-back, Southern Lights specializes in handcrafted small-batch ales and lagers while entertaining customers with Monday trivia nights, and free pinball Wednesdays. Grindhaus Brew Lab hosts movie screenings regularly, but they’re best known for small-batch brews with quality, natural ingredients.

Four beer-loving pals founded Clearwater Brewing Company, highlighting inventive brews like the Gator Guava Kölsch and McLovin Spoonful Belgian Quadrupel. Music, belly dancing, a drum circle and open mic nights add to the fun.

True to its name, Anecdote Brewing Co. delights like a good story in the shoreside town of Indian Rocks Beach. Try their Passion Paradox, a Gose brewed with passionfruit and Thai basil, and live music.

Big flavors come in small batches at Rapp Brewing Company, a friendly spot and local progenitor of artisanal ales and lagers. Acclaimed as Florida's Best Small Brewery in 2018 and 2019, Arkane Aleworks sweetens the scene with celebrated sours and a sizable variety of brews.

Mad Beach Craft Brewing Co. stands out in a sea of beachy kitsch with its hometown bar ambiance. Along with a formidable slate of brews on tap, the pub serves tasty tapas-style small plates with a comfort-food satisfaction that pleases every taste.

An OG in St. Pete, 3 Daughters Brewing concocts award-winning lagers and IPAs and spills out into an ample outdoor gathering/event space. Green Bench Brewing Co. has expanded with Webb’s City Cellars, a tribute to an old drug store and shopping wonderland. The tasting room specializes in mixed culture, sour and wild ales.

Slink into some sours and gawk at a fascinating array of local art in Overflow Brewing Company. Pinellas Ale Works Tap Room takes dog-friendly to a new level. Humans dig PAW’s stouts and ciders.

If I Brewed the World may allude to a Nas/Lauren Hill song, but the funky pub does indeed rule the world, if just for their local art, hip-hop themes and cheeky, inventive tap menu. Take an outspoken approach at Dissent Craft Brewing Co., whose Hefeweizens and Triple Hazy IPAs sing out loud with bold notes.

Avid Brewing has an alley-adjacent beer garden with umbrella tables. You never know what you’re going to find there; magicians haven’t been ruled out. Another sudsy neighbor, Cage Brewing, relaxes customers in an outdoor space with live music and an on-site food truck.

The Brutalist has landed where Flying Boat used to dock but still features a boutique variety of brews and the resident dumpling-doling food truck, Shiso Crispy. Right Around the Corner Arcade Brewery, Florida’s first pinball and old-school videogame arcade brewpub, goes full tilt with a pet-friendly craft beer game room. St. Pete Brewing Co. features killer nightly specials and “latitude-friendly” small-batch brews.

Grand Central Brewhouse is a favorite for mellow live music, drag queen bingo and trivia nights.

Markets, beignets, movie nights and showgirl bingo (!) have highlighted the entertainment offerings at Bayboro Brewing Co.

Kick back with friends Florida-style at Gulfport Brewery, a beachy, pink bungalow with eclectically satisfying food options. Sea Dog Brewing brews onsite at the breezy pub.

For more Florida beach-bum vibes, Pesky Pelican Brew Pub serves homebrews and hearty grub with trivia nights and live entertainment. Cross the causeway to St. Pete Beach, where the acclaimed Mastry’s Brewing chills you out with Gulf breezes and a killer gold-medal-winning Hefeweizen.

bars

Chill out when the sun is out. Or howl and swoon when the moon is up. Day or night, just about every type of drink, mood and setting awaits at St. Pete/Clearwater bars and restaurants. Looking for a rooftop to enjoy a drink? Flip to the next page for our top rooftop spots to quench your thirst.

St. Pete bars have found novel ways to stand out. In this spirit, or shall we say, “spirits,” Saigon Blonde resembles a 1960s South Asian hideaway, where regulars love the expertly crafted cocktails. Dirty Laundry may seem like an unglamorous place to knock back a drink, but the laundromat-themed venue serves refined lunch fare, craft brews and coffee, and it transforms into the Havana Speak-easy, where you pick up a payphone in the cafe and listen for a code to enter.

Slip away to another ’50s Havana-style rendezvous spot at Bar Chica. Cellar Masters, like Valenty’s, in the South Pasadena district, tucks behind a liquor store, and fulfills grape expectations with its natural wines, pours by the glass and outdoor patio.

For a classic mainstay, hightail it to Mandarin Hide, meanwhile, which has aged like a fine Scotch. Vested bartenders shake and stir elegant cocktails in the speakeasy-style, brick-laden hideaway. Mule lovers find bliss in a copper mug at the Hide.

The Bends, a favorite of young Burgians, packs a punch in a tiny shotgun bar with craft cocktails, art shows and cutting-edge live music. The seven-decades-strong Emerald Bar also supports the local art and music scene.

A favorite cure for boogie fever, the blues and whatever else ails you, Cocktail St. Pete is an upbeat LGBTQ+-friendly bar/nightclub that locals flock to when they want to go out dancing, and The Saint is a dark intimate spot that’s perfect for midnight confessions.

If you’ve got upscale tastes but still like to get down with your friends for a howling night of karaoke, then LALA is your spot. The new Grand Central hotspot sports chic decor with a variety of settings and seating options. Super-stylish and fun, Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe serves craft beer, wine and locally sourced deli yums.

For a fun and funky vibe, lounge with a mai tai and plastic pink flamingos at No Vacancy, a bright and colorful motel-themed bar and eatery with affection for all things vintage Florida.

For a tres chic weekend afternoon, lounge in the patio of COPA, owned and operated by a former international soccer player and his br other. The spot opens at 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and enchants visitors with a st ylish mix of global sensibilities.

If you’re headed south, stop at a tropical retreat that’s en route to Fort de Soto Park, the Skyway Bridge, or just go on purpose. Tiki Docks, at the Maximo Marina, serves up “rum, fun and fresh seafood” with waterfront views in a spacious, shaded patio.

While there are too many beach hotel bars to mention, Undertow has swept up a local following for decades with its reggae and roomy deck. Head north to the retro-surftastic Postcard Inn, where the PCI Beach Bar keeps ’em coming for the daiquiris and margaritas.

Craving something laid-back but lively? Jimmy B’s Beach Bar hosts live rock bands right on the beach. Or, toast good times right on the water at Woody’s Waterfront.

Down the way in the picturesque district of Pass-a-Grille Beach, Shadrack’s serves cheap cold beer and busts out a Bloody Mary bar on Sundays. Head to Brass Monkey or the Hurricane Seafood Restaurant, a beach classic, if you’re craving food and views with your brews.

A local institution, Caddy’s Treasure Island serves no-nonsense drinks, shareable appetizers and mere feet from the shore on Sunset Beach, an almost hidden, laid-back neighborhood south of Gulf Boulevard. Also, on Sunset Beach, Ka Tiki blends beach bar vibes with live music from notable locals.

O’Maddy’s Bar & Grille, near Boca Ciega Bay, is a favorite for people-watching and taking in the views from sidewalk tables. Linger after sunset for their popular karaoke nights. LGBTQ+-friendly Caddy’s Gulfport gets you all loosey-goosey with live music, two floors, a terrace and balconies overlooking Gulfport Beach and Boca Ciega Bay.

Angry Pepper, a cute little shanty-style bar-restaurant, whets your thirst right on the Intracoastal Waterway. Just across the bridge, Bamboo Beach Bar liquifies the boisterous energy at John’s Pass with cocktails served in a relaxing tiki-style beer garden. For a chill vibe and kava, Bula on the Beach is a must-visit if just for its friendly servers and welcoming patio.

For laughs, beer and bites, head to the dollar-billfilled mega dive bar, Mahuffer’s in Indian Shores. Crack open some fun and tasty apps with a pina colada at the Conch Republic in North Redington Beach. In Indian Rocks Beach, dine inside or on the deck at Jimmy Guana.

Right across from the public beach at The Redington Shores, The Friendly Tavern reigns as the king of karaoke on the beach, offering hearty grub and straightforward drinking.

A chill spot for a nightcap, Willard’s Tap Room cozies you up with a first-rate selection of local craft brews and two TVs for game-watching.

It may be on the mainland, but Rumba Island Bar & Grill takes you to the Caribbean and Keys with expertly prepared, Floribbean-style cocktails and food. Pour Yours, a chic pour-your-own wine bar, welcomes with “a stylish but organic” design motif that appeals to wine lovers of all ages. For a night of dancing, make a move to WAVE at Shephard’s Beach Resort or kick back with nifty appetizers and craft cocktails at Bar Tiki.

LGBTQ+-friendly Blur Nightclub keeps the good times rolling with an expansive bar, live DJs and drag shows. Next door, Crown & Bull spreads out across a spacious patio, providing plenty of elbow room for both dining and drinking. Skip’s Bar & Grill has been a longtime favorite for its dog-friendly patio. For a Euro-inspired rendezvous, cozy up to The Nest at Caracara, a cocktail bar that features a French colonial theme with elevated bar snacks and small plates.

Happy Hour is the best time to visit Sonder Social Club, when you sidle up to the bar, relax on a swivel stool and drink in style for neighborhood pub prices. The midcentury-inspired, dress-up kind of joint serves aromatically blended craft cocktails and chi chi nibbles.

For a unique retreat, try Gigglewaters, a social club and screening room that gets its name from a 1920s slang word for booze. Craft cocktails, stylish digs, good food and a mini-theater make this spot the bees’ knees.

Every Florida trip should include a stroll down the shady streets of historic Ozona, where Molly Goodhead's Raw Bar has been serving beers, fresh seafood and oodles of charm for decades.

Enjoy live music on a lively patio at Smugglers Island Pub, which occupies a wooden house in the heart of the Palm Harbor historic district shaded by old mossy oak trees.

No longer just the “Beer-muda Triangle,” St. Pete/Clearwater has begun to overflow with new small-batch distilleries and wineries.

Named Distillery of the Year in the New York International Spirits Competition, St Petersburg Distillery serves their award-winning hooch in adorable vintage-style bottles you’ll want to keep after your last sip.

Homemade but refined clear liquor? Why, yes, don’t mind if we do. Just head to Cotherman Distilling Co. in Dunedin for hand-crafted distilled spirits. Try their 727 Vodka, a 24-plate column, small-batch distilled ‘single malt’ vodka.

Murielle Winery took a long time to get going, but the fruits of its determined owner have paid off. Former corporate executive Michael Biglin enlisted his wife to open Murielle Winery almost two decades ago and named it after his mother, Muriel.

Veteran-owned and award-winning Preez Distillery & Tasting Room makes more than 400 bottles of distilled vodka every month. Tampa Bay Times named them Best of the Best in 2021.

From the Polish village of Jablonka comes another award-winning distillery, Kozuba & Sons Distillery. The Kozubas say their spirits result from “art, science, ambition, and just a little bit of magic.” For something different, try the cranberry-and juniper-flavored vodka. Whiskeys and bourbons are sometimes featured, too.

He wants wine, but she wants a beer. It’s a classic dilemma. Settle it at Two Lions Winery and Palm Harbor Brewery, where homecrafted brews and an array of varietals mellow out any differences in opinion and where oenophiles don’t look down their noses at their Best of the Bay-winning wine slushies.

Another local award-winner, Tarpon Springs Distillery, takes you on tours and tastings of its craft spirits, which are made onsite.

Roofttop bars

The Canopy, St. Pete • The Birchwood Inn entices a steady stream of guests to The Canopy, where glass railings allow for unrestricted views of the stunning downtown waterfront. Cocktails and light bites are served at a bar; there’s also living room-style seating and high-top tables with private cabanas available for rent.

Pier Teaki, St. Pete • Atop the St. Pete Pier, Pier Teaki affords sweeping views of the St. Pete skyline, fiery sunsets and Tampa Bay. Guests at the tiki-style lounge can watch planes take off from Albert Whitted Airport while enjoying bar bites and frozen and signature cocktails in Teaki souvenir mugs.

Vantage Rooftop Bar Karol Hotel, Feather Sound • From the 12th-floor Vantage Rooftop Bar, guests can see Tampa Bay and the Tampa skyline. The menu includes charcuterie, wings and soups and salads.

Hotel Zamora, St. Pete Beach • From the aptly named 360° rooftop bar, guests can see the Don CeSar Hotel to the south, the Intracoastal Waterway to the east and the north-south sweep of beach across Gulf Boulevard. Tapas can be ordered from the hotel’s Castile restaurant.

The Rooftop Bar at the Berkeley Beach Club, Pass-a-Grille • Opened in 2019 on Pass-a-Grille’s funky Eighth Avenue, the Rooftop Bar is known for its Gulf Primeval, an oyster and raw bar and a seafood-focused menu that includes raw, smoked and cured fish.

Spinners Rooftop Grille, St. Pete Beach • This 12-story high revolving restaurant is one of the area’s highest rooftop restaurants, boasting superlative views. There’s a full menu with fresh seafood, Black Angus beef and locally grown greens.

Vista at the Top, Tierra Verde • Just over the bridge to Tierra Verde is a Residence Inn, and on the roof is Vista at the Top. Enjoy cocktails and a light meal while taking in views of Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway and the upscale condos lining the road to Fort De Soto Park. The hotel is next to a marina, making it a good place to cap a day on the water.

Bar Tiki, Clearwater Beach • Another tiki-themed rooftop bar, this one is in the Clearwater Marina. Part of a restaurant group that includes Salt Rock Tavern and Island Way Grill, Bar Tiki is known for cocktails with colorful names like Hana Hu Hemingway. Coconut shrimp, Hawaiian flatbread and Island Steak skewers are among the menu items.

Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest, Clearwater Beach • Toast the sunset on Clearwater Beach with a free shot at Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest, rated No. 1 people’s choice rooftop bar in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar, Dunedin • Perched atop the historic Fenway Hotel, the Hi-Fi looks out across the Intracoastal Waterway to Caladesi Island State Park and St. Joseph Sound. The name pays homage to the hotel as the site of the county’s first radio station, back in the days when there was a speakeasy in the Fenway’s basement. You’ll find an assortment of local craft beers, creative cocktails and select wines.

sports

Great weather and the ability to be active year-round makes the St. Pete/Clearwater area ideal for professional sports teams to practice and for residents to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities.

The area is home to several spring training parks including BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater where the Philadelphia Phillies make their spring home and the TD Ballpark in Dunedin where the Toronto Blue Jays play their spring training games. Local minor-league affiliates, the Clearwater Threshers and Dunedin Blue Jays also play at those stadiums. The spring-training headquarters of the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles — in Tampa, Bradenton and Sarasota, respectively — are all easy to find, navigate and great places to attend afternoon or evening games.

Tampa Bay has fondly become known as Champa Bay since its professional sports teams have dominated the fields of hockey, soccer, football and baseball the past couple of years. St. Pete is home to Major League Baseball’s exciting Tampa Bay Rays, who clinched their fourth American League East (AL East) championship in the 2021 postseason. Tropicana Field, familiarly called “The Trop,” is the air-conditioned home of the Rays and a glorious place to catch a game indoors and out of the summer heat. The 72-degree temperature-controlled setting means no rainouts or lightning delays for any games. Soccer fans can visit Al Lang Stadium and watch the Tampa Bay Rowdies play along the city’s picturesque waterfront. The USL Championship pro soccer team recently advanced to the finals in the 2020 season, adding to the Champa Bay winner’s circle.

American football fans can hop off the interstate and right into the parking lots of Raymond James Stadium to watch the National Football League’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The stadium also hosts two college bowl games each year (the Gasparilla Bowl in December and the Tampa Bay Bowl on New Year’s Day).

Every March, the annual Firestone Grand Prix races into downtown St. Pete with its powerful IndyCars roaring along the city’s waterfront. Fans can watch from stands erected throughout the route. Water races pick up in the fall as well with the Hooters Clearwater Offshore Nationals, one of the top power boat races in Florida. Also in March is the Skyway 10K, where runners and walkers of all levels enjoy stunning views as they cross over the span of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

The PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship is held at the renowned Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club in Palm Harbor for a week of great golf in the sunshine each spring, bringing with it some of the world’s top golfers and thousands of spectators. In November, the LPGA’s Pelican Women’s Championship is again scheduled to take place in Belleair.

For participants and spectators, the St. Anthony’s Triathlon celebrates its 40th year in April 2023 with international athletes racing on courses on land and in the waters of beautiful downtown St. Pete.

No matter what your skill level, the region is a paradise for athletes to enjoy everything from walking, running, hiking, swimming and boating to fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, biking and beach volleyball. Stretching from St. Pete north to Tarpon Springs, the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is an urban pathway perfect for a casual bike ride or a long jog. The St. Pete Run Fest features three days of family-friendly fun that includes running events, live music, craft beer and more. For some classic Old Florida fun, head over to the St. Pete Shuffleboard Club (founded in 1924) and enjoy some “open shuffle” at its popular weekly Friday Night Shuffle.

Florida has more golf courses than any other state and golfers can enjoy nearly 50 public and private courses in the Tampa Bay region, including many municipal courses offering affordable play on well-manicured greens. Many resorts also offer course play for guests, including St. Pete’s Vinoy Renaissance Golf Club’s par-72 course with natural scenery to match the ambiance of its nearby resort.

Several cities offer FootGolf for those who want to try something different. The combination of golf and soccer is available at Largo Golf Course, Dunedin’s Stirling Links or Treasure Bay Golf and Tennis in Treasure Island. Disc golf is offered on wooded courses like the Tocobaga Disc Golf Course in St. Pete’s Maximo and Azalea parks, Taylor Park Disc Course in Largo, and Cliff Stephens Park in Clearwater. And if you’ve had it with traditional activities and need to blow off some steam, try some axe throwing available at several venues including St. Pete Axe & Ale.

shopping

Tarpon Sponge Company Inc. is one of the oldest running sponge sellers in Tarpon Springs. The sponges are delivered to the store, from where the boats dock, just across the street. For a bit of tubside decor, you may consider an air plant in a natural shell holder. Sponges, plants and shells from $3 each. TarponSponge.com

Get ready to linger, take pictures and wish that you could live next door to Whimzeyland in Safety Harbor. We don’t want to give too much away. Just show up and tell others about this whimsical open-air studio. Indoor/ Outdoor stained glass. $40 KiaraLinda.com

Take a journey, with words, at Back In The Day Books located in downtown Dunedin. Choose from new, used, classics and rare finds. New York Times best-selling author and Florida resident, Craig Pittman, will have you laughing with his chronicled short stories about the wildest characters in Florida. The State You’re In $26.95. 727-221-0025

Artist and Shop owner, Amy Prue of Lil Hippie presents the pet dolphin you can take home. Made of lightweight mixed materials, it will brighten any room in your home. $45

Shape Shifter Fish and Friends multifunctional activewear and sun protection for the wee kids to “big kids.” These fun chemical free shirts come in sizes ranging from 2T to Adult 2X and provide a UPF50+ of sunblock. From 32.99 ssfishandfriends.com

The magic of handmade glass comes alive at Zen Glass Studio. A shop full of treasures awaits, or with an advance reservation, you can make your own! Ornaments $20 each. Glass Experience $100 ZenGlass.com

Take home a 3-D wooden map from Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center located on the St. Petersburg Pier. It’s not only a work of art, but a handy reference to remember where in the country your favorite memories were made. $399. TBWDiscoveryCenter.org

For those with a green thumb and those without, Downtown Dunedin is home to Seeds, a plant and gift store. These chic decor items are as cuddly as your favorite childhood toy. $45 and $60 as pictured. SeedsDunedin.com

Jennifer Simon will create Champagne flutes in colors that delight. Her Mandalathemed collection can be found at Beach House 5317 in Gulfport. $35/ pair. BeachHouse5317.com

Visit St. Pete co-op space, Sans Market and Lida’s Jungle, focused on local, sustainable and high quality. With a zero-waste focus, you will not see these shops adding to landfills. Meadow Botanical Perfume $48, Rose Facial Toner $23, LGBTQ+ Equality Bamboo Toothbrush $8, Cotton Facial Rounds $20.99, Tiny Plants $3 each. sans.market and lidasjungle.com

Wait no more to be “that person” who gets the sing-along started. Your ukulele awaits you at Urban Kai. Oh yes, it comes with an app to teach you all you need to know. You will find them in St. Pete, on the sandy shores of Gandy Bridge. Ukulele $89 UrbanKai.com

markets

St. Pete/Clearwater is home to a vast assortment of local markets where you’ll find funky antiques, tasty treats and unique gifts to bring back home.

Each Saturday, about 10,000 visitors and locals flock to this incredibly popular market in St. Pete. This event celebrates 20 years in 2022, making it the longest-running weekend market in the city. It’s a great place to pick out lush plants and flowers, shop for cute gifts and crafts or taste a local delicacy. Grab a fresh cup of coffee or kombucha (both are brewed in town) and bask in the lively music and people-watching — you’re bound to see multiple adorable dogs in strollers. The regular festival season runs from October to June on the downtown waterfront. A summer market takes place from June to September at Williams Park.

This eclectic weekday market, held year-round, is a great way to explore the funky waterfront town of Gulfport. Set to a soundtrack of local musicians performing live on the street, this event features a number of locally made specialties, from self-care necessities like candles and skin care items to hot sauce and honey. Shop for fresh produce and protein for your next meal, or just take in the show as local crafters make their artwork on-site.

Hunt through a trove of vintage treasures at the region’s largest monthly vintage market. Tucked in St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District, this 15,000 square foot building comes alive on the first weekend of each month. It’s stocked by local vendors who are skilled at finding the best curiosities and antiques. You’ll find vintage clothing and jewelry, comic books, Florida postcards and memorabilia, mid-century modern furniture and more. You can even visit multiple times throughout the weekend — a friendly staff frequently swaps in new items, so no two visits are exactly the same.

This fun year-round weekend event is hosted at the Oldsmar Flea Market, which spans 28 acres and has been an area staple for over four decades. You’ll encounter booth after booth of vendors peddling gourmet food, funky antiques and furniture, cute clothing and jewelry, locally grown produce, and more. Don’t forget to spend some time exploring the flea market portion too — it’s known as one of the largest markets of its kind on the west coast of Florida.

Spend a relaxing Sunday meandering through this farmers market hosted year-round at the Gazebo at John Wilson Park. Food vendors sell mouthwatering meals you can eat on the gazebo lawn, as well as items like fresh orange juice, baked goods and products pickled products that you can bring back to your hotel.

Near downtown Dunedin’s hopping craft breweries and restaurants, the picturesque John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park is home to a charming market on Friday and Saturday mornings from November to May. During June, the event happens on Saturdays. This market features over 60 local vendors selling items like gourmet foods, fresh eggs and cheeses, and handmade crafts.

From December through April, spend a morning picking out delicious snacks, plants and flowers, or crafts and collectibles at this area favorite. You’ll find fresh-baked bread, locally made salsas and jellies and much more. It’s hosted at the Treasure Island Community Center Park, just a hop away from the water.

Located just across the street from the beach, this family- and pet-friendly market offers a fun atmosphere with a Florida twist from December through May. The event prides itself on offering free space to local nonprofits, and you’ll also find products from Sunshine State farmers and artists, from local raw honey, plants and herbs, to hydroponic produce and ethnic foods. Vendors frequently rotate, so you’re bound to find something new to try each time.

Grab a bag of fresh kettle corn, shop for fresh fruits and veggies, and jam out to live music at this bustling market held every weekend in St. Pete Beach. The streets blocked off for the event are found near Corey Avenue’s artsy boutiques and galleries, which are open for browsing, so it’s easy to keep enjoying this charming beach community after you stop by.

From January to April, this art-themed market is hosted by the Suntan Art Center on a patio on Pass-a-Grille Beach. Just steps from the sand, vendors showcase everything from paintings and photography to jewelry and knick-knacks. Pick out a new piece for your home, then pop over to the Paradise Grille concession stand for a snack.

Check out this monthly St. Pete tradition while supporting a great cause. The First Friday Art Market is hosted by Creative Clay, an organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities live full lives through inspiring art experiences. Creative Clay’s Transition students present the outdoor market, which features handmade items like ceramics, decorative items, cards and original pieces of artwork.

These pop-up markets happen throughout the year in downtown St. Pete, so check out social media for the latest location and time. You’ll find products like locally made art prints, hand-poured candles, fresh pastries, racks of vintage clothing, and artsy earrings and necklaces. Come hungry and sample some treats from area food trucks.

visitor centers

Just about anywhere in the St. Pete/Clearwater area, you can find helpful Visitor Information Centers. They can help you find the best restaurants, get discount tickets and most even have local merch to take home with you.

AMPLIFY Clearwater Visitor Information Center at Surf Style 311 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater

AMPLIFY Clearwater Visitor Information Center 429 Poinsettia Ave., Clearwater

AMPLIFY Clearwater Visitor Information Center at Pier 60 1 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater

Metro's LGBTQ Welcome Center in the Grand Central District 2227 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport Baggage Claim 14700 Terminal Blvd., Clearwater

St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce 100 2nd Ave. N, Suite 150, St. Petersburg

Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce Kiosk at John’s Pass Village, 12902 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach

Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce 1 Pinellas Ave., Suite #A, Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Visitor’s Center 100 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs

Gulf To Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL - Gulf To Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL 2022

THINGS TO DO

fun for everyone

family fun

breweries

bars

Roofttop bars

sports

shopping

markets

visitor centers

Issue List

Gulf to Bay 2026

Gulf to Bay 2025

Gulf To Bay 2024

Gulf To Bay 2023

Gulf To Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL 2022