{"id":5274,"date":"2025-10-15T19:13:36","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T19:13:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/5274\/"},"modified":"2025-10-15T19:13:36","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T19:13:36","slug":"where-to-eat-shop-and-explore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/5274\/","title":{"rendered":"where to eat, shop, and explore"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A guide to spending a fun day in St. Pete, Florida: the local coffee shops, retail shops, parks, museums and more to visit.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve ever asked me what I love to do around St. Pete<\/a>, you\u2019ve probably heard me mention a few of my favorite spots. I moved to the area in 2009 to attend Eckerd College<\/a> (graduated in 2013) and got a front-row seat to the city\u2019s transformation. I\u2019ve lived in Coquina Key, the Old Northeast, the Old Southeast, Historic Kenwood, and even off of Gandy (long live JJs Deli<\/a>), yet some favorite places have remained constant.<\/p>\n

Back in the day, the scene revolved around spots like The Local 662 and Cafe Bohemia\u2014at least for me. I\u2019ll never forget a night playing pool at Octave (now The Lure), where I once made a dollar off a guy who went by \u201cSeven.\u201d<\/p>\n

These days, my weekends look a little different. This is more like an ideal Saturday in St. Pete rather than my everyday experience. Listen, I have laundry to do and groceries to buy too.<\/p>\n

This current story is clearly inspired by the recent lists created by The New York Times<\/a> and Southern Living.<\/a> We love that our local hubs are getting national recognition, so here\u2019s a perspective from longtime residents who have loved and lived the \u2018Burg for a long time.<\/p>\n

For the record, this isn\u2019t a definitive guide to enjoying St. Pete\u2014it\u2019s more like an introvert\u2019s guide to appreciating a city. I love being among people, shopping, and even running, and I\u2019ll be sharing more perspectives on what to see and do around town.<\/p>\n

\"a\"aSeminole Park plays host to multiple community events in Historic Kenwood<\/p>\n

Early morning in dog-friendly St. Pete<\/p>\n

My dogs always get me up around 6 a.m., which means extra time for adventure\u2014and for clocking in my 15,000 daily steps (I\u2019m kind of OCD about it). We usually take a walk at Booker Creek Park, say hi to the ducks, or cruise through Seminole Park in Historic Kenwood. Shoutout to the quirky cicada sculpture by the playground and the cool, mural-covered benches painted by local artists.<\/p>\n

\"two\"twoMy pups Bandit (left) and Mokha (right) waiting by the Bandit Coffee pickup window on a Saturday morning<\/p>\n

If my dogs need some social time, we head to Bandit Coffee<\/a> (2662 Central Ave). Although dogs aren\u2019t allowed inside, they have a to-go window open Friday through Sunday, so I usually order ahead online. I\u2019m all about their cold brew, and if I\u2019m hungry, a vegan burrito hits the spot. It feels like a power move to skip the typically long Saturday line there. After a walk around the Grand Central District, I always swing by Black Crow<\/a> (2157 1st Ave S) for round two of cold brew.<\/p>\n

\"a\"aThe Pinellas Trail leads through the Warehouse Arts District. Take MAR has worked to plant more shade trees along the trail. <\/p>\n

Riding the Pinellas Trail<\/p>\n

By midday, I\u2019m all about staying active. If you\u2019re new to St. Pete, the Pinellas Trail<\/a> is a must. Sometimes, I ride it all the way up to 37th Street, then head down to the Skyway Marina District. I love tackling the Pinellas Bayway Bridge\u2014it offers an insane view of the Pink Palace and some cool architecture underneath.<\/p>\n

\"a\"aThe spectacular view from under the Pinellas Bayway Bridge that connects St. Pete Beach to the Maximo area of St. Pete. A bike\/pedestrian path is available on either side of the bridge, and leads directly under offering this great view. <\/p>\n

Note: I usually access the trail at the intersection of 22nd Street and 5th Avenue South. Head east to pass by Tropicana and through the EDGE District all the way to the waterfront, or go west toward Tyrone, Pasadena, and the beaches.<\/p>\n

The trail lets you explore all of Pinellas County, and I\u2019m often pedaling with no real end destination in mind.<\/p>\n

After that long ride, I catch a break by hopping on the Sunrunner<\/a> to head back home.<\/p>\n

\"exterior\"exteriorOutside Tombolo Books, located at 2153 1st Avenue South. Mural by Leo Gomez<\/p>\n

Shopping, skating, and more coffee<\/p>\n

When I\u2019m in the mood for shopping (and I always am), St. Pete has no shortage of amazing local spots. I always hit up Tombolo Books<\/a> (2153 1st Ave S) for a good read, but there are tons of others like Wilson\u2019s Book World, The Book Rescuers, and Book + Bottle. If I\u2019m not sure what to grab, I check out Tombolo\u2019s staff picks wall or grab one of their \u201cblind date\u201d books wrapped in brown paper. <\/p>\n

Major props to Kelsey at Tombolo for frequently hosting some of the best author events.<\/p>\n

\"a\"aThe mini ramp at Anchor Skate Supply is open on designated days\/hours<\/p>\n

Another hidden gem is Anchor Skate Supply<\/a> (501 16th St S). This skate shop, adorned with murals from local and national artists, sits right near the St. Pete Skatepark\u2014definitely one of the coolest in the area. It even has a mini ramp outside for customers. I must admit, I suck at skateboarding. I\u2019ve never had that \u201cdog in me,\u201d but I could watch pro skating all day.<\/p>\n

Curated Heat<\/a> (2456 Central Ave) is another spot I love. Whether I\u2019m hunting for a Stone Cold Steve Austin tee or a retro Seattle Supersonics hat, I always find something cool there.<\/p>\n

For runners, if you need the hookup and advice on great running shoes I beg you to check out St. Pete Running Co.<\/a> (6986 22nd Ave North). Running is one of my favorite hobbies, and I love supporting a local shop that fuels my passion. Top running tip: every 1.5 laps at Booker Creek Park equals 1 mile! I also love locking my bike over at Vinoy Park and running up to Coffee Pot Park on the waterfront\u2014with a side quest over the bridge to Snell Isle.<\/p>\n

\"The\"ThePhoto courtesy Green Bench Brewing Co.<\/p>\n

For an NA vibe<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t drink, but I\u2019ve still got my favorite hangouts. Webb\u2019s City Cellar<\/a>\/Green Bench Brewing<\/a> (1133 Baum Avenue) has a killer non-alcoholic selection, and I love chilling in their cozy lounge. One bartender described their NA wine as \u201ca Capri Sun Kombucha moment,\u201d which is perfect.<\/p>\n

\"interior\"interiorBeech Kombucha\u2019s brewery is one of the best kept secrets in the \u2018Burg<\/p>\n

Beech Kombucha<\/a> (3100 Freemont Terrace S) is another spot I love. The vibe there is so chill, and it\u2019s the perfect place to relax with a book. Is there a part of me that wants to start a Silent Sustained Reading Club there? Yes. <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re after a super cozy spot, I can\u2019t recommend Pistil House<\/a> (2533 1st Ave South<\/a>) enough. The place is beautifully decorated, the music is always on point, and it smells like fresh flowers. Their green room has one of the comfiest couches, and they serve Look Alive Coffee, wine, and charcuterie that never disappoint. Plus, you can sit outside, enjoy the St. Pete breeze, and snap some 10\/10 mirror selfies in the stylish bathroom.<\/p>\n

\"a\"aThe Saturday Morning Market is a cherished event in downtown St. Pete<\/p>\n

Free sheesh to do around the Sunshine City<\/p>\n

Want something free? Check out Vinoy Park<\/a>\u2014keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, especially around midday or sunset. There\u2019s also this sweet white-and-brown dog that loves pacing the seawall, and when he focuses on the water, you know dolphins are near. <\/p>\n

Did you know St. Pete is an open-air art gallery. You can explore miles mural covered buildings. You can either go off on your own utilizing this handy Shine mural map<\/a>, or you can take part in Florida CraftArt\u2019s weekly mural tours<\/a>. <\/p>\n

If it\u2019s a Saturday, head to the Saturday Morning Market<\/a>. Even after all these years, I\u2019m still hooked. I love grabbing fresh-cut pineapple and kombucha from St. Pete Ferments and just soaking in the local vibe. The market is at the Al Lang Stadium Parking Lot (230 1st St SE) every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the fall, winter, and spring. It moves to Williams Park in downtown St. Pete during the summer. <\/p>\n

\"a\"aThe beautiful trails at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve offer ample opportunity to engage with nature <\/p>\n

Craft Kafe<\/a> (200 Central Avenue) is another local favorite. This gluten-free spot is perfect for a cozy break. I get their cold brew and a date pastry, or sometimes I\u2019ll grab a slice of vegan carrot cake or a matcha truffle. The owner, Teddy, is a gem, and Jason behind the bar always has the best coffee recommendations.<\/p>\n

Boyd Hill Nature <\/a>Preserve (1101 Country Club Way S) I have no notes. You\u2019re perfect. Thank you for being you. It has miles of trails, perfect for bird watching or appreciating nature. I\u2019m thankful to everyone who helps keep it preserved.<\/p>\n

\"Grey\"GreyGreen Light Cinema is located at 221 2nd Ave. N. in downtown St. Pete.<\/p>\n

A home for cinephiles in the \u2018Burg<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re into indie films, Green Light Cinema<\/a> (221 2nd Ave N) is a must. It\u2019s a cozy little place with just 55 seats, which makes for an intimate movie experience. I saw\u00a0Flow\u00a0there recently, and I swear, everyone was in tears by the end. It\u2019s one of those places where you can feel the owners\u2019 passion for film, which makes it even more special.<\/p>\n

This is also the only local theater that has cans of Agua Bucha by Mother Kombucha, so it\u2019s concessions are GOATed. <\/p>\n

\"Exterior\"ExteriorCasita Taqueria is my go-to restaurant when I can\u2019t figure out what I want for dinner <\/p>\n

Where to eat in St. Pete<\/p>\n

For anyone vegan,\u00a0World Vegan Cuisine<\/a>\u00a0is a must-try. It\u2019s tucked away at 3375 34th St N, and while it\u2019s not the flashiest place, the food is incredible. I always get the Sweet Orange Divine Bowl with golden wontons.<\/p>\n

For a casual vibe, head to\u00a0Casita Taqu<\/a>eria<\/a>\u00a0(especially the one on Central Avenue and 27th Street). I\u2019m all about their veggie Casita bowl with tempeh, tortillas on the side, and chips with guac. It\u2019s super family-friendly, with both indoor and outdoor seating. And don\u2019t miss\u00a0Twisted Indian<\/a> (2639 Central Ave)\u00a0right next door\u2014the best fries in St. Pete and a killer Tofu Bollywood Bowl.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re craving something a little fancier,\u00a0Brick and Mortar Kitch<\/a>en<\/a>\u00a0on Central Avenue is always a win. Their burgers are top-tier (or at least they were when I ate meat). They also just opened\u00a0Pulpo<\/a>, a Latin-inspired spot that\u2019s getting rave reviews. I haven\u2019t been yet, but it\u2019s definitely on my list.<\/p>\n

\"room\"room<\/p>\n

Local gems that I love<\/p>\n

Adieu Glu<\/a>: A fab gluten-free bakery. The everything bagel with vegan cream cheese is a must, and their vegan chocolate chip cookies are incredible.<\/p>\n

Cage Brewing<\/a>: Great local brewery with live music\u2014I\u2019ve caught some of my favorite bands here for free.<\/p>\n

Unlimited Video Games<\/a>: Retro arcade games and old-school consoles like GameCube\u2014perfect for a bit of nostalgia.<\/p>\n

Cultosaurus<\/a>: Designer toy store with art books and vinyl figures you won\u2019t find anywhere else.<\/p>\n

Nah Dogs<\/a>: Vegan hot dog cart that makes my heart skip a beat. If you see it around, come say hi!<\/p>\n

House of Vegano<\/a>: Vegan sushi that\u2019ll change your life.<\/p>\n

Free Outdoor Gyms: Booker Creek Park and North Shore Park both have free outdoor gyms.<\/p>\n

Sawgrass Lake Park<\/a>: Gators, peaceful nature vibes, and just a beautiful spot to be.<\/p>\n

ArtPool Gallery<\/a>: This place is so quintessentially St. Pete. Vintage clothes and jewelry, really great art, old band tees, records, decor and more. It\u2019s been around for a long time in my opinion is the beating heart of the Grand Central District. <\/p>\n

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