{"id":136861,"date":"2026-01-29T22:32:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T22:32:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/136861\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T22:32:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T22:32:12","slug":"where-to-have-swashbuckling-fun-without-leaving-pinellas-county","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/136861\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to have swashbuckling fun without leaving Pinellas County"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Gasparilla may be the biggest party of the year in the region, but that doesn\u2019t mean Tampa has a monopoly on pirate-themed fun. St. Pete has plenty to offer if the Pirate Life\u2019s for you, but traffic on the bridge isn\u2019t. Maybe it\u2019s just too cold this year. Temps in the 40s with the threat of rain is enough to shiver anyone\u2019s timbers. <\/p>\n

Whatever your reason, our fair peninsula can be your deserted isle, and there\u2019s 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\u2019 rum. Oh, and if you see this in time, don\u2019t miss the Seas The Day Pre-Gasparilla Party at Jimmy B\u2019s Beach Bar<\/a> on Friday, January 30.<\/p>\n

\"People\"PeopleInside The Ship\u2019s Hold<\/p>\n

Food and drink<\/p>\n

Doc Ford\u2019s Rum Bar & Grille<\/a> \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

The Galley<\/a> \u2013 27 4th St N
St. Pete\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

The Getaway<\/a> \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Tiki Docks<\/p>\n

Mastry\u2019s Brewing Co.<\/a> \u2013 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\u2026 Mastry\u2019s even has wood barrels of the good stuff surrounding imbibers, though in this case it\u2019s beer, not Navy grog. <\/p>\n

The Ship\u2019s Hold <\/a>\u2013 37 4th St N
Not only is The Ship\u2019s Hold one of the best cocktail bars in the region, and it\u2019s also one of the city\u2019s best-kept secrets. Moreover, it\u2019s the closest you\u2019ll feel to truly being in the bowels of a ship, sipping on rum-filled libations and enjoying fresh catch.<\/p>\n

Stormrunners Tavern<\/a> \u2013 3128 Beach Blvd S
One of Gulfport\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Tiki Docks<\/a> \u2013 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\u2019s fantasy. The classic tiki drinks are the cherry on top of your pina colada.<\/p>\n

\"The\"TheEnjoy Caribbean bites and tiki tours from the St. Pete Pier. Photo via Doc Ford\u2019s<\/p>\n

Activities<\/p>\n

A Pirate\u2019s Place, Studio & Gallery of the Bizarre<\/a>
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\u2019re a buccaneer or just a lover of all things vintage and fun.<\/p>\n

Bucky the Big Pirate<\/a>
Did you know there\u2019s 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\u2019s the perfect photo op while you\u2019re at the beaches. <\/p>\n

Hubbard\u2019s Marina pirate boat tour<\/a>
There is no more iconic sight around John\u2019s Pass than the Royal Conquest Pirate Ship, and it\u2019s a fantastically enjoyable experience for scallywags of all ages. Take a sunset cruise into the Gulf and sing the night away.<\/p>\n

Pirate\u2019s Cove Shell House<\/a>
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.<\/p>\n

Totally Tiki Tours
<\/a>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!<\/p>\n

The Tropical Treasure Hunt
<\/a>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 \u201cchallenges\u201d of life on the briny.<\/p>\n

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