New Year’s resolutions are all about bettering your life, and nothing makes life better than good old-fashioned fun. As we look ahead at another great year in paradise, we’re making a bucket list of all the things we want to do in Pinellas County in 2026, some for the first time and others for repeat performances.
For those of us who live here, and it can always be easy to put off activities. The beach will still be there tomorrow, we can go to that festival next year, etc. This year, we’re putting a stop to the excuses and we’re taking advantage of all the great things the area has to offer.
And one rule we have on this list: we aren’t too cool for anything. From parasailing and museums to fine dining and big festivals, we aren’t waiting any more or skipping anything because it’s “too touristy.” Those are some of the best parts, anyway.
With that said, here are the top events, experiences and restaurants we have on our 2026 Pinellas County Bucket List. Check yours off with us! And if you’re planning a trip from elsewhere, we highly recommend using this handy guide from our friends at Visit St. Pete-Clearwater.
Photo via Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
Must-attend events in 2026
Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg – February 27-March 1
The annual IndyCar Series transforms St. Pete’s downtown waterfront into a high-speed race track. It’s a full festival experience within the Grand Prix grounds and all of downtown buzzes with the excitement.
Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training – February 27-March 24
The boys are back in town. Dunedin is the hotspot for America’s Pastime every spring, as the Phillies and Blue Jays take over their spring training parks for nearly a full month showcasing MLB’s biggest stars.
Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival – March 27-April 12
This is one of the world’s premier sand sculpting competitions, hosted on one of the world’s most beautiful white sand beaches. The dozens of hand-carved sculptures are the draw, but the entire festival is packed with live performances, great food and drink, and activities for all ages.
Country Thunder Music Festival – May 8-10
This is one of the biggest music festivals to ever hit St. Pete Beach. Zach Top, Kane Brown, Shaboozey, and Gavin Top headline the three-day festival in the sand, along with plenty more big and upcoming acts joining in on the fun.
St. Pete Pride – June
One of the country’s biggest Pride celebrations, festivities run for the entire month of June. The highlight is the last weekend in June when tens of thousands of people arrive for Saturday’s Pride Parade in downtown and Sunday’s Pride Street Festival in the Grand Central District.
John’s Pass Seafood Festival – October
Pinellas County is one of the best places in America for fresh seafood, and the John’s Pass Seafood Festival may be the best opportunity to experience it. The entirety of John’s Pass Village is filled for three days with incredible food, live music, games and more.
Must-try restaurants in 2026
Elliott Aster – 501 5th Ave NE, St. Petersburg
The new star in St. Pete’s burgeoning dining scene has rocketed to the top of everyone’s list, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see The Vinoy Resort’s flagship restaurant earn Michelin honors in this year’s updates. For fine dining with coastal flair, Elliott Aster is a must-try for dinner or brunch.
The Black Pearl – 315 Main St, Dunedin
The Black Pearl is a French culinary icon, and it has long been considered one of the best restaurants in the entire region. Even if you’ve been before, last year’s renovations (which restored much of the building’s 100-year history) make it worth another trip.
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill – 7 Rockaway St, Clearwater Beach
Perhaps no other restaurant is as celebrated as Frenchy’s, which now has several locations. You can’t go wrong with any, but an afternoon on the beach at Rockaway Grill with a famous grouper sandwich is a quintessential Pinellas County experience.
Pia’s Trattoria – 3054 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport
Pia’s is the ultimate “If You Know, You Know.” Here, you step off Beach Boulevard into the streets of Old Italy. The Old World charm, the freshly made pasta, the baskets of bread, the wine and cocktails… Now that’s amore.
The Tides Market – 305 Main St, Safety Harbor
Half market and half seafood restaurant, The Tides Market is the hidden gem in the area. From the raw bar and po’ boys to grouper romesco and shrimp and grits, no one does fresh seafood better. Plus, you can take home fresh fish or produce on your way out.
Experiences to try in 2026
Scalloping out of Tarpon Springs
There may not be a more quintessential activity than scalloping, and it’s one that’s easy to miss if you don’t plan. The exact season varies in late summer every year, and it’s an incredibly unique experience. Think of it as an underwater Easter egg hunt, where the captain takes you out and you dive into the shallows to fill your basket with live scallops. Afterward, cook and enjoy.
Snorkeling at Egmont Key
Egmont Key is an oasis of natural splendor, and its crystal clear waters are full of shells, sealife, and shark teeth. What the waters aren’t full of is humans, as it remains serene and never crowded. Even longtime locals have this uninhabited island on their bucket list. 2026 is the year to go.
Sunset Celebration at Pier 60 – 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater
For decades, Clearwater’s Pier 60 has been the go-to destination to watch the sun set into the Gulf. The spectacle of colors in the sky is made even better by live music, street performers, local vendors, and more activities.
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks – 735 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs
A visit to “Little Greece” is one of the most immersive experiences you can have, and the closest you’ll find to the Mediterranean country this side of the Atlantic. The famous sponge docks are the hub, where you can walk through history, pick out your own sponge, and dine on fantastic (and authentic) Greek food.
Florida Botanical Gardens – 12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo
This 100-acre park in the middle of the county is a natural escape, and you could spend days wandering the beautiful gardens and attending its rotating events. Weaved among its many trails, you’ll find formal gardens, scenic landscapes, and native habitats.
Book a staycation
There are few things more enjoyable than a nice hotel stay. It’s even better when you don’t have to pay for airfare or sit in the car for six hours. Spend a weekend in luxury at The Vinoy. Make it a foodie staycation at JW Marriott Clearwater Beach. Bask in regal digs at The Fenway Hotel and spend a few days strolling, sipping and dining your way through Dunedin. Whatever it is, you deserve it.
