Ditch circling crowded parking lots or zig-zagging across the city in wild traffic. Holiday shopping in St. Pete is more fun (and way less stressful) when you leave the driving to someone else! Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has got you covered with their Spark and Sunrunner routes.
Spark is PSTA’s newest high-frequency travel line. It runs along 34th Street South and connects riders from neighborhoods like the Eckerd College area all the way up to Grand Central Station, where you can transfer to dozens of other routes (SunRunner’s included). Operating roughly every 15 minutes (with frequent service throughout the day and evening), the Spark route brings easy access to your favourite local shops and cafés.
On the other hand, the SunRunner is St. Pete’s signature Bus Rapid Transit service. It’s a fast, frequent ride linking Downtown St. Petersburg with St. Pete Beach, running along some of the city’s most popular spots in a loop. With service every 15 minutes and dedicated stations across a roughly 10-mile route, SunRunner gets you quickly from one local hotspot to the next, perfect for those wanting to knock out their shopping in the most effective, efficient way possible.
Photo by Patrick Goergen of The Buzz 727
Spark Route Holiday Shops With Nearby Stops
The Buzz 727
2920 34th St S, Near SPARK 30th Ave S
Not your average coffee shop. Sip on a mean brew or latte while browsing through handmade goods from local makers to gift to your bestie.
Antique Galleries of St. Petersburg
450 34th St N, Near SPARK Grand Central Station
A shop selling vintage and antique goods for all price points. Goods include collectibles, vintage luxury clothing, and unique furniture.
Wonderland Floral Art and Gift Loft
2887 22nd Ave N, Near SPARK Grand Central Station
A family-owned and operated florist selling custom bouquets, balloons, artisanal candles, and cards that look like works of art.
Photo via Book + Bottle
SunRunner Route Holiday Shops With Nearby Stops
Book + Bottle
17 6th St N, Near SunRunner 5th St S
A bookstore with wine, and a wine shop with books. Pair one of each for the perfect gift bundle.
The Merchant
645 Central Ave, Near SunRunner 8th St S
A modern urban spin on a general store featuring artisanal goodies. Items include small-batch soaps, artisanal foods and chocolates, and artwork you can’t find anywhere else.
As Above So Below
4615 Gulf Blvd, Near Sunrunner Beach Access
A metaphysical shop ran by a mother/daughter duo. You can purchase gift cards, crystals, and even tarot readings.
Kalamazoo Olive Co
1008 Central Ave, Near Sunrunner 13st S
This shop prizes that its products are made by farmers and artisans, not in factories or laboratories. They have olive oils, vinegars, spreads, and other foodie goodies.
Shoppers riding on the SunRunner
Stress-Free Holiday Shopping Starts Here
With Spark and SunRunner doing the navigating, exploring St. Pete’s local shops becomes part of the holiday fun. Whether you’re hunting for artisanal treats, vintage treasures, handmade goods, or unique gifts you can’t find in big-box stores, these routes make it easy to support local businesses without the pressure of parking or traffic. Just hop on, hop off, and let the city’s most festive spots come to you. Happy holiday shopping!