St. Pete’s Winter Beach
📍 St. Pete Pier, Florida

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Do you live in Tampa Bay and dream of a White Christmas? Not to be a pessimist, but chances of that happening in St. Pete are slim to none. If you live on the sunny Gulf Coast and are looking for a healthy dose of holiday cheer, look no further than the Pier’s newest attraction. Last week, I had a special opportunity to get a sneak peek at St. Pete’s Winter Beach. It’s a unique destination with all of the charm of a winter wonderland, but with water views and 70-degree weather. 

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When and Where

The St. Pete Pier instantly became a local landmark when it re-opened to the public in July of 2021. With seasonal events year-round, there’s always something new and exciting to explore. Now it’s the time of year to add Winter Beach to that list. From November 20th through January 17th, you and the entire family have something to enjoy. Once you snag a parking spot at the Pier or along Beach Drive, simply head to Spa Beach for our rendition of a winter village. If this would be your first time visiting St. Pete’s Pier District, there will be plenty of signs to point you in the right direction.

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Festive Food and Drinks

Even in Florida, there’s just something about winter where only comfort food will suffice. During my preview of Winter Beach, one of the first stops was at the Kahwa stand to grab a celebratory Hot Chocolate. Kahwa is a local coffee institution, and I’m happy to report that they have a full menu of beverages for the holiday village. If you need a little bit more pep in your drink, be sure to order their Peppermint Mocha. For something a little more filling, you can order either a Smoked Turkey Leg from Uncle John’s Pride or delicious Gyozas from Ling’s Dumplings. For more details on what’s available at the Food Market, be sure to visit here for more details. 

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Holiday Activities For Everyone

Sipping Hot Chocolate is only half the fun while visiting Winter Beach. Throughout the holiday season and beyond, they have a jam-packed schedule. From Meet-and-Greets with Santa to Snow Days, it’s sure to be a magical experience. Be sure to mark your calendars for November 27th for the official Tree Lighting and Santa Parade at 6:30. Throughout the event, you can also test your “ice” legs with a 4,000 square foot ice rink with pristine views of St. Pete Pier and the city skyline. Because walk-ups are guaranteed, it’s highly recommended to book in advance. Tickets are $17 per skater and can be booked here.

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Once again, thank you so much to the Winter Beach team for letting me a first look at the festivities to come. I can promise it’s an absolute treat to visit, and I already have many return trips planned through the holiday season. Afterward, be sure to keep supporting local St. Pete by dining at your favorite restaurants on Beach Drive and beyond. I hope toes you around!

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Summer Activities in St. Pete
📍 Vinoy Hotel, St. Pete

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This may not be new information, but Florida can get unbearably hot in the summertime. Even on a seemingly cooler day, we’re still over the 90-degree mark. Luckily, St. Pete benefits from a lovely sea breeze, so at least we have that. When it comes to staying cool during the summer, I think it’s all about location, location, location. Here’s a list of some of my favorite activities for even the hottest day in the Sunshine City.

Go Brewery Hopping

St. Pete is known as a beer lover’s paradise. Within city limits alone, there are at least 15 amazing breweries to choose from, with even more a short drive away. Many of these breweries are within walking distance from one another. Pick a starting destination and Uber from one location to the next. Some of my top favorites are St. Pete Brewing, Bayboro, and Cage, but the list goes on and on. For a complete list, check out this article on the Gulf Coast from Visit St. Pete-Clearwater.

Visit an Art Museum

With so many museums to choose from, you could take a whole weekend to explore and still not visit each one. It also makes the ideal escape from the heat and inevitable inclement weather. One of the most notable museums in the city is the Salvador Dali Museum. Outside his hometown in Spain, this museum hosts the largest collection of Dali pieces in the world. For something a little less surreal, I adore visiting the Museum of Fine Arts right in the heart of Beach Drive. 

Get a Birds Eye View at the Pier

One of St. Pete’s newest additions is also the focal point. Just over a year old, the new and improved St. Pete Pier isn’t to be missed. On a hot day, take the tram to the end for rooftop cocktails and bites at Pier Teaki. Here you’ll get a full view of the city’s skyline in front of you and a pristine look at Tampa Bay behind you. Because this rooftop bar is several stories up and almost a mile out, it’s also the breeziest spot in town. 

Take a Drive to the Beach

Going to the beach in the summer? Groundbreaking, right? Well, on a hot day, it may be the best reprieve. There are so many beaches to choose from that are a quick drive away, but my favorite is always Pass-a-Grille. To beat the crowds and the hottest time of the day, I recommend getting there in the morning. Make a pit stop at Grove Surf and Coffee for a refreshing cold brew lemonade and pastry. Here you can also stock up on any beach essentials you may have left at home. Don’t forget the sunscreen! 

Enjoy a Cocktail at the Vinoy

While there are countless places to visit for a great cocktail in St. Pete, the Vinoy Hotel always tops the list. There’s such great energy at this historic, pink hotel. On any given weekend, there’s a good chance you’ll find me at Paul’s Landing. This poolside spot gives you the feeling of sitting outside without compromising on the blissful air-conditioning. What do I order? The Congelado. Always the Congelado! If you’re visiting from out-of-town, this is also my top hotel recommendation. You’ll be able to take full advantage of the resort pool, and I’ll be just the touch jealous. 

Dine Along Central Avenue

While Beach Drive has the glitz and glamour of St. Pete, my favorite restaurants are located in the Central Business District. Whenever David and I want a date night with good food, we always try and grab a spot at Baba on Central. Typically, we are happy to eat at the bar, but last weekend they were packed and couldn’t seat us. I learned my lesson and will be making reservations from here on out. Another great option that is just across the street is Wild Child. At either destination, you can expect an incredible meal and even better cocktails.

Get Tickets to a Baseball Game

If you’re searching for AC and entertainment, then look no further than Tropicana Field. Centrally located in the heart of downtown, it’s kind of hard to miss. St. Pete is so proud to be home to the Tampa Bay Rays. Here the stadium is permanently at a comfortable 72 degrees. Grab even the cheapest of tickets and enjoy an afternoon of America’s favorite pastime.

Kayak Through Weedon Island

For the more outdoorsy inclined, kayaking is the perfect activity for you! Weedon Island Preserve is just north of downtown St. Pete, offering over 3,000 acres to explore. The highlight of the park is a 4-mile loop exclusive for kayaking and paddleboarding. If you don’t own a kayak, have no fear! There’s a spot for you to rent or buy all of your outdoor needs.

Just because it’s too hot to handle doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the day. Enjoy the sunny day in St. Pete, wear your sunscreen, and don’t forget to stay hydrated with lots of water!

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.