Bachelorettes are saying “I do” to St. Peterburg. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Burg is the country’s “new bachelorette party hot spot.”
With bars, beaches, and an abundance of bites, it’s no surprise brides are bringing their besties. But what should they do?
Something old
Despite its vast development in recent years, St. Pete still has reminders of Old Florida littered throughout its storied streets. One of the best ways to see those streets is on the St. Petersburg Museum of History’s monthly trolley tour.
If you’re more interested in touring yourself around, a stop at the Sunken Gardens is a must. With links as far back as 1902, the gardens offer tranquil Florida botany, flamingos, and plenty of photo ops.
When hunger strikes, El Cap has been serving up old-school burgers for over 60 years in timeless interior surroundings.
Another adventure can be found at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club — founded in 1924 — which often hosts events for beginners.
Something new
Now that you’ve done the history stuff, it’s time for what you really came for: Food + drink. It’s a near-impossible task to name all the recently-opened St. Pete bars and restaurants, but here are some of our faves:
- Located on the iconic Beach Drive, Allelo specializes in sharing platters + Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
- Fortu offers elevated pan-Asian plates in luxurious surroundings — perfect for a special occasion.
- If you want your dinner with a side of fun, Concrete Jungle boasts food inspired by Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, plus top-notch cocktails and a DJ playing at the downstairs dance floor.
- For more daytime vibes, Pistil House offers coffee, light bites, wine, and flowers for sale.
Make sure to take a peek at Alleo’s pink flock.
Photo by @allelostpete
Something borrowed
For the adventure seekers, there are plenty of rentals to create lasting bachelorette party memories. Tripadvisor ranked Get Up and Go Kayaking’s Shell Key Preserve Clear Kayak Tour the No. 9 best excursion in the US. Mangroves, crystal clear water, and a see-through kayak are all in the cards for a unique + memorable activity.
We also recommend booking a tiki boat or dolphin tour to quench your thirst for adventure on our pristine waterways. If you’re wary of getting seasick, maybe try a paddle board at the beach instead.
You can also borrow a spot by the pool at The Don CeSar hotel — St. Pete Beach’s iconic 1920s pink palace. A day pass is a one-way ticket to fun in the sun beside the Gulf of Mexico.
Something blue
Speaking of the Gulf, there are countless white sand beaches along its waters. Tranquility + gently lapping waves await in some of the world’s most glorious ocean water. Something more upbeat? Clearwater Beach is a good option. Away from the tourists? We recommend Indian Rocks Beach.
Closer to downtown, there’s plenty more waterfront to enjoy along St. Pete’s 244 miles of shoreline, including a constant stream of events at the St. Pete Pier.
In the 1960s, St. Pete set the world record for most consecutive days of sunshine with 768. So you can expect cloudless blue skies and envious green eyes. If we’ve missed any spots, we’d love to hear from you.
