The St. Pete Boat Show is back, taking over downtown St. Petersburg from January 23-26, 2025, as one of the Gulf Coast’s premier boating events. Why not turn it into a weekend escape and enjoy everything Florida’s Gulf Coast has to offer? For out-of-town visitors, we’ve curated the ultimate St. Petersburg Visitor’s Guide, packed with top-rated activities, attractions, dining spots, and entertainment options—all within 10 miles of the boat show. Discover the boat or yacht of your dreams and immerse yourself in the vibrant charm of St. Petersburg for a truly unforgettable experience.
Quick Links – St. Pete Visitor’s Guide
Entertainment Options in St. Petersburg
- St. Pete Pier – The St. Pete Pier highlights plenty of entertainment options for the whole family. Twenty-six acres seamlessly combine the Tampa Bay waters with the vibrant city of St. Petersburg, creating the ultimate place to stroll, bike, dine, drink, shop, swim, and more. Just pay the small fee for parking, and stay the whole day. View upcoming events.
- Boyd Hill Nature Preserve – 245-acres of protected natural habitats and tropical landscapes located on the shores of Lake Maggiore in south St. Petersburg. Home to the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center that offers camps, rental space, and programs.
- Sunken Gardens– 4 acres of well-established botanical gardens, located in the Historic Old Northeast neighborhood of St. Petersburg, Florida. The Gardens have existed for more than a century and are one of the oldest roadside tourist attractions in the United States.
- Fort De Soto Park – Spanning 1,136 acres at Tampa Bay’s mouth, Fort De Soto Park offers 7 miles of waterfront, fishing piers, trails, picnic spots, camping, and a historic fort with stunning Sunshine Skyway Bridge views. Explore North Beach, kayak the 2-mile paddling trail, or enjoy the dog beach.
Art & History — St. Petersburg Visitor’s Guide
- Dali Museum – This renowned museum houses the largest collection of Dalí’s works outside Europe. Discover an unparalleled collection of art, from the iconic melting clocks to imaginative visual illusions and avant-garde symbols.
- Museum of Fine Arts – The MFA is ready to inspire you with a collection covering 5000 years, fascinating traveling exhibitions, and exciting events in the heart of St. Petersburg.
- The Florida Holocaust Museum – The St. Pete Holocaust Museum is one of the largest Holocaust museums in the US. It is also is one of three accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The permanent exhibition displays one-of-a-kind artifacts from the Holocaust and traveling exhibitions of art and history.
- Chihuly Collection – This collection is a stunning, permanent collection of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork. Dale Chihuly is an American glass sculptor and entrepreneur. His works are considered to possess outstanding artistic merit in the field of blown glass.
Shopping Options in St. Petersburg
- John’s Pass Boardwalk in Madeira Beach- An original fishing village that has grown into a favorite for local boaters due to the many dining and shopping options.
- Sundial St. Pete– Classy outdoor mall with premier retail options, dining, and entertainment in the heart of downtown St. Pete.
- Central Arts District – Lined with numerous art galleries and filled with artwork for sale made by local artists.
- Tyrone Square – This shopping mall has been around since 1972 and features many retail stores, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Dillard’s, Five Below, Hitchcock’s Green Market, J. C. Penney, Macy’s, and PetSmart. It also has a food court and movie theatre.
- Corey Avenue Shopping District– Located on St.Pete Beach, Corey Avenue is a shoppers paradise that has been around for over six decades. Shoppers will find plenty of unique boutiques and specialty shops, art, craft, jewelry galleries, clothing stores, and imaginative gift shops.
Top-Rated Beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast
With an average of 361 days of sunshine each year, St. Pete weather makes any day the perfect beach day. The variety of shoreline options is outstanding, with plenty of top-rated beaches and parks to visit while in town. View our top picks below.
Fort De Soto Park
St. Pete Beach
Sand Key Park
Honeymoon Island
Shell Key Preserve Beach
Treasure Island Beach
Indian Rocks Beach
Redington Shores Beach
Pass-a-Grille Beach
Sunset Beach
Exquisite Dining Options — St. Petersburg Visitor’s Guide
- Rococo Steakhouse (4.5 Rating) – In a 1920s atmosphere, this baroque-chic steakhouse serves grass-fed beef, seafood, small plates, and wine. The steakhouse was born out of an undying passion for creative cuisine with avant-garde sensibility and artistic flair.
- Brick & Mortar (4.6 Rating) – Rustic-chic style restaurant with seasonal new American fare, unique wines, and craft beers, plus outdoor seating.
- Engine No. 9 (4.7 Rating) – This casual hotspot is known for its creative burgers and sophisticated flare on bar favorites. Engine No.9 won the best burger from 2013-2019.
- St. Pete Bagel Co. (4.5 Rating) – Family-owned bagel and donut bakery serving the downtown St. Pete area. From breakfast and lunch sandwiches, paninis, coffee, and espresso favorites, they have it all.
- Bandit Coffee Co. (4.6 Rating) – Locally owned and operated, Bandit Coffee Co. has been a St. Petersburg favorite since 2015. This all-day café and specialty coffee roaster offers a full espresso bar, tea, kitchen, bakery, and seasonal treats, all crafted with ingredients sourced from Florida farmers and small businesses.
- Mio’s Grill & Café (4.9 Rating) – Mediterranean restaurant with a variety of homemade staples., plus Vegetarian and Vegan options. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
- Bacchus Wine Bistro (4.7 Rating) – Casual eatery with old-world charm serving up small plates, charcuterie, and French eats, with contemporary options. This restaurant also features nearly 100 selections of wine from France, Italy, Spain, the US, and other notable countries.
Contact the Boat Show Experts — Galati Yacht Sales
Now that you have your bucket list full of activities to indulge in while visiting the area, talk to the experts for your VIP St.Pete Boat Show experience. Set up an appointment on our site and we’ll set you up with one of our knowledgeable yacht brokers attending the show. Our certified brokers can serve as your yacht show concierge and show you any brokerage boat at the event including our exceptional line-up of new and brokerage yachts. Enjoy the exceptional St.Pete Boat Show as a VIP, which only a Galati yacht broker can offer. Learn more about the boat show.
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St. Petersburg Boat Show Information
