Gasparilla may be the biggest party of the year in the region, but that doesn’t mean Tampa has a monopoly on pirate-themed fun. St. Pete has plenty to offer if the Pirate Life’s for you, but traffic on the bridge isn’t. Maybe it’s just too cold this year. Temps in the 40s with the threat of rain is enough to shiver anyone’s timbers.
Whatever your reason, our fair peninsula can be your deserted isle, and there’s no shortage of buried treasure to be found. So break out the pirate hat, maybe dab on some eye black, and start your search for a bottle o’ rum. Oh, and if you see this in time, don’t miss the Seas The Day Pre-Gasparilla Party at Jimmy B’s Beach Bar on Friday, January 30.
Inside The Ship’s Hold
Food and drink
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille – 610 2nd Ave NE, or 8790 Bay Pines Blvd
Not only does this rum and seafood hotspot fit the nautical bill, but it was also inspired by the novels of a local author all about life on the seven seas. Get the Yucatan Shrimp and a tiki drink, and enjoy.
The Galley – 27 4th St N
St. Pete’s friendly neighborhood tavern is not only a mainstay, but it was one of the first to take on the theme of pirates. Faded maps, stained wood, tables made from barrels, and tasty food and drink make The Galley a dream for landlubbers and sea dogs alike.
The Getaway – 13090 Gandy Blvd N
You might actually be convinced you really are on a remote island at The Getaway, though the presence of bartenders, servers, and kayakers will prevent for mistaken it as deserted. This is one of the most picturesque places in St. Pete, with great tiki drinks to complement the views.
Tiki Docks
Mastry’s Brewing Co. – 7701 Blind Pass Rd
You could be forgiven for taking a seat at this St. Pete Beach staple and thinking you were on the deck of a moored ship. The salt air, the crash of the waves… Mastry’s even has wood barrels of the good stuff surrounding imbibers, though in this case it’s beer, not Navy grog.
The Ship’s Hold – 37 4th St N
Not only is The Ship’s Hold one of the best cocktail bars in the region, and it’s also one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Moreover, it’s the closest you’ll feel to truly being in the bowels of a ship, sipping on rum-filled libations and enjoying fresh catch.
Stormrunners Tavern – 3128 Beach Blvd S
One of Gulfport’s newest additions is also the most on-brand for a piratey excursion. The entire experience was designed to feel as if you were a bootlegger in search of safe harbor in a storm. Bonus: rooftop cocktails and fantastic food. Bring the pups, too.
Tiki Docks – 3769 50th Ave S
The Skyway Marina District oasis, which has flourished under new ownership, feels like something out of a movie. The gigantic thatched tiki hut and massive, 360-degree wooden bar situated along the water and local docks makes for an escapist’s fantasy. The classic tiki drinks are the cherry on top of your pina colada.
Enjoy Caribbean bites and tiki tours from the St. Pete Pier. Photo via Doc Ford’s
Activities
A Pirate’s Place, Studio & Gallery of the Bizarre
This hidden gem in Pinellas Park is packed full of incredible artwork (some by the owner), antiques, vinyl records, used and rare books, and oddities of the pirate variety. Add this to your list whether you’re a buccaneer or just a lover of all things vintage and fun.
Bucky the Big Pirate
Did you know there’s a 20-foot-tall pirate statue in Treasure Island? Bucky stands tall, complete with raised sword, peg leg, and a treasure chest. For any budding pirates, it’s the perfect photo op while you’re at the beaches.
Hubbard’s Marina pirate boat tour
There is no more iconic sight around John’s Pass than the Royal Conquest Pirate Ship, and it’s a fantastically enjoyable experience for scallywags of all ages. Take a sunset cruise into the Gulf and sing the night away.
Pirate’s Cove Shell House
The family-owned gift shop makes it easy to find your treasures. No digging, map following, or shark encounters here. Just a pirate-themed beach shop packed full of souvenirs and fun gifts.
Totally Tiki Tours
Set sail from the St. Pete Pier aboard your personal floating tiki boat, with room for a dozen of your closest mateys. What more needs to be said? Fill up the cooler (ahem, treasure chest) with all your sundries and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the water. Keep an eye out for dolphins!
The Tropical Treasure Hunt
This outdoor, pirate-inspired escape-room style adventure is an ideal way to spend some time outdoors while embracing your inner pirate and facing the “challenges” of life on the briny.
