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Gay Travel Guide to St Pete, Florida

Stefan Arestis
Gay Travel Guide to St Pete, Florida

Everything you need to know to plan your vacation to St Petersburg in Florida: gay bars & clubs, queer events, places to stay, travel highlights, and more…

St Pete is the thrilling gay hub of west Florida. We've visited several times and always left with smiley faces wanting to return for more. It offers everything a gay would want – a super friendly vibrant LGBTQ community, glorious beaches, an exciting gay scene, and home to the largest gay Pride event in all of Florida.

St Petersburg also receives over 360 days of sunshine each year and has rightfully been nicknamed “Florida's Sunshine City”. And wherever the sun shines is a place the gays want to be, which is why many people from across the United States head to St Pete to make it their new home. 

Gay couple travel book Nomadic Boys Out in the World

Perhaps the stand-out reason why we love St Pete so much is the vibe. Everyone is so friendly and warm here. No one ever seemed to be stressed out and we were only ever met with smiles – from the many (straight) people on the beach offering to take our romantic sunset pic (“awww guys you're so cute!” – they said to us) to the rows of rainbow flags that proudly line the streets of Downtown during Pride.

Much like Palm Springs and Fort Lauderdale, St Petersburg is a little gay oasis in what has become quite a conservative state (Florida). We celebrate this exciting charming city in this article, featuring the best gay/gay friendly hotels, gay-owned businesses, gay bars, clubs, events, and more.

This is our experience of St Pete, which we hope you also fall in love with as much as we did!

Heads up: We just wanted to let you know that this post contains affiliate links. That means if you book something through one of those links, we'll get a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep our blog going – so thank you in advance for your support! ♥

Is Saint Petersburg Gay Friendly?

Very! You may be thinking…how can that be? Surely a place in Florida, notoriously one of the most republication states of the US, is full of conservative retirees. But in fact, it’s quite the opposite. There is a large draw for LGBTQ retirees, as well as a younger, diverse crowd. And in recent years, St Pete has seen an increase in transgender and non-binary residents as well.

St Petersburg has a large LGBTQ population and has consistently received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index (MEI). This is a study that looks at the laws within an area and rates them on the inclusivity of LGBTQ+ people who live and work there.

We felt very safe walking around St Pete holding hands and being openly gay. We not only felt tolerated but celebrated. Everyone we met was either super friendly to us, or more often than not, gay themselves! St Pete also has an epic Pride every June, famous for being the largest gay Pride event in Florida.

St Pete in Florida is one of the most gay friendly cities!
Super gay friendly and colorful St Pete

The Gay Area of St Pete

For all things LGBTQ-centric in St Pete, head on down to the gayboorhood of Kenwood. It’s where most gay people reside, it’s where the Pride parade used to begin its trail (until it moved downtown a few years ago), and where most of St Pete’s gay bars and clubs can be found.

Strolling through the gay neighborhood, you’ll find it’s mostly made up of bungalows, giving it a quaint and cozy atmosphere. You can totally imagine Rose, Blanche, Dorothy, and Sophia (if you know, you know) living here. The community is a major draw of living in Kenwood, with regular neighborhood events, walking tours, and artist open-studio nights for residents to get involved in.

Move on down from the peaceful ambiance of the residential area, across to the adjacent Central Avenue, and you will find gay clubs like Enigma, The Garage, and Lucky Star. These are where hundreds of partygoers visit each night – so it’s a great mix of both a homely residential area and an exciting going-out scene.

Colorful characters at St Pete Pride
Just keep your eyes peeled for the rainbow angels!

Gay Hotels in St Pete

When you’re looking for somewhere to stay, you'll want to ensure you will be accepted as a queer traveler, whether you're in a couple or traveling solo. In this section, we feature all the best gay-owned and gay friendly hotels in Florida that we tried, loved, and most importantly, welcomed us as a gay couple.

01

The Hollander

The Hollander is one of the best gay friendly hotels in St Petersburg Florida

In a nutshell


  • Lovely pool AND close to the beach
  • Great location for the local gay scene
  • On-site coffee shop and restaurant
  • Pet friendly!

We loved our stay at the gay friendly Hollander Boutique Hotel!

As soon as we stepped inside, we instantly felt the warm, homely vibe – from the decor in the reception area (you'll want to spend a bit of time snapping here for your Insta grid!) to the super friendly and welcoming staff who always greeted us with a big warm smile.

Staying here felt like we were in our own little gay home paradise in St Pete!

The pool area is massive and pretty swish. It makes for such a welcoming spot to chill out and destress after a long day in the Florida heat! Also on site is a cafe and excellent restaurant. In terms of location, the Hollander is a short Uber ride to the gay bars of Downtown and also to the seafront – St Pete's Pier. It's also around 20-minutes drive away from the beach.

Prices at The Hollander start from $143 per night:


STAY WITH A GAY LOCAL

Misterb&b is the Airbnb equivalent for the LGBTQ community. Unlike on Airbnb, you know your host is gay, voiding any nasty surprises when you check-in. It is also a great way to meet gay locals and discover the underground gay scene. Click below to get 10 € (or $10) off our first booking.

02

The Don CeSar

The Don CeSar is a luxurious and pink gay friendly hotel in St Petersburg Florida

In a nutshell


  • Pretty in pink!
  • Right on the beach plus there's a spa
  • Luxurious and well-located
  • Excellent restaurant and bar

You certainly won’t get lost trying to find the gorgeous Don CeSar. The gay friendly hotel looks like a giant, pink wedding cake!

And it's super lush! As well as being located right on the beach, the rooms are chic, modern, and spacious – all touched by the classic, Floridan charm.

Straight off the plane like us? Head to their beachfront restaurant, grab a few cocktails and take in one of the most magnificent sunsets you'll ever see – THIS is what Florida is all about for us!

That Floridian charm we mentioned? You feel it here. Not only are the staff super friendly, but as a gay couple taking a picture like the one shown here, not a problem! In fact, one family came over and offered to help us – full of smiles and curiosity about where we were from, being gay was just not an issue for them. It really was quite heartwarming.

Cute tip: locals told us that the Don CeSar is haunted! Apparently by a “gentleman sporting an old-fashioned Panama hat and white summer suit” (how do we break the news that this was Seby sneaking downstairs for a midnight snack?)…

Prices at The Don CeSar start from $399 per night:


03

Casa del Merman – GayStPete House

Casa del Merman is one of the best gay exclusive hotels in St Pete Florida

In a nutshell


  • Clothing optional gay guesthouse
  • Lovely swimming pool and sauna
  • Breakfast included
  • Can organize an on-site massage

Clothing-optional. Pet friendly. Free breakfast. This place ticks all our gay boxes (oh Matron!).

This gay guesthouse has that charming, 20th-century American feel, with its terrace and exterior staircases. It also feels super homely – they have just six rooms to book. We love that each room is named after a local beach and decorated in what the owners call a “definitely Florida” way (which we take to mean looking like the set of The Golden Girls).

Each room has its own separate entrance, a private bath and a TV, so you can basically lock yourself in with a loved one all week. 

In the center of it all is the fabulous, heated swimming pool. Guests can hang out (take that as literally as you like, it’s clothing-optional after all), do laps, or enjoy a drink. You can even arrange to have a poolside massage.

And don’t be alarmed if you spot a few parrots floating around – they’re just the hotel’s resident pets! Pecker, a Blue & Gold Macaw, is lovely but is known to give back talk. 

Prices at Casa del Merman start from $109 per night:


04

Mari Jean

Three fit men in their underwear having a pillow fight at the Mari Jean gay hotel in St Petersburg, Florida.

In a nutshell


  • Adult's only gay men's hotel
  • Developed by the owner of COCKtail, The Saint and Zazoo'd
  • Pool and day club (with bar)
  • Eccentric and colorful style

Gay travelers were shooketh when the iconic COCKtail bar owner announced he would be transforming the space into a male-only gay resort. Turns out they are a grower as well as a show-er!

And those who were worried the resort wouldn’t live up to the stylish and boisterous legacy of the bar can breathe a sigh of relief. The gay Mari Jean hotel is every bit as lively! The owner was conscious to bring the contemporary design the bar was known for throughout the rest of the hotel. So, let’s just say, expect tons of neon…

The resort, which still contains the COCKtail bar, includes 54 spacious hotel rooms, equipped with kings, queens, and suites. The pool bar, known as The Wet Spot, lives up to the name. Guests can hang out during the day, basking in the Florida sun, and splashing around in the pool. They also serve food for when you are feeling peckish.

Prices at Mari Jean coming soon:


Gay Bars in St Pete

Start your night off the correct way by stopping by one of St Pete’s famous gay bars.

COCKtail

The colorful murals show what's in store at COCKtail, one of the best gay bars in St Pete

Known for its stiff drinks and hard liquor, COCKtail bar is one of the best hangout spots in St Petersburg. And believe us when we say that it isn’t just the drinks that are hard and stiff… The gay bar is part of a larger complex, which also features a larger club area, a shop, and a hotel. The outside bar is where the gay clientele hang out.

COCKtail often host themed nights, with everything you can think of, like line dancing, drag shows, and karaoke. And when you’re using the toilet – make sure to look up. The ceiling is famous for its male organ murals (yes, you read that right), by artist Chad Mize. Let’s face it, we all have to resist temptation to “take a peek” at our urinal buddy’s little friend. Now we have giant pieces right over our heads to satisfy our curiosity.

Opening Hours: Daily from midday until 3am

Location: 2355 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg


The Saint

Find out if you're a saint or a sinner at The Saint gay bar in St Pete

At The Saint, they take the 1920s-style Prohibition theme to the max. Don’t stress though, we aren’t talking about the infamous Berghain club in Berlin here. Just make sure you dress snazzy and avoid singlets if you wanna make it through the door of this speakeasy. Once you're in, you’ll be charmed by its quirky décor, flirty staff, and tasty drinks.

As you go in, you are asked to write your darkest sins on a piece of paper and hand it to the doorman. Were our sins bad or juicy enough to be pinned up on the wall? You’ll have to go and see for yourself (wink!). Note, you will need a password to get in: check their Instagram Highlights on their story for the latest “Sin to get in” password.

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 5pm until midnight, open until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights

Location: 49 24th Street North, St. Petersburg


The Garage on Central Avenue

The name belies how fabulous the gay bar The Garage on Central Avenue in St Pete really is

The Garage is located in the heart of the city on Central Avenue. Walking in, you may wonder if you’ve found the right place. It appears nothing like a gay bar usually looks like. The lighting is dim and the interior is decorated with fine, dark woods. But once you spot the leather daddy and drag queen making out in the corner, you’ll know you’ve come to the right place.

As the gay bar has been around for a long time, it has a large and dedicated clientele who frequently visit. We thought this was an incredible way to chat with people who have lived in St Pete for years and learn more about this incredible city. They regularly host themed events like karaoke, disco, and leather nights.

Opening Hours: Every day from 4pm until 1am

Location: 2729 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg


Lucky Star Lounge

Lucky Star Lounge is the oldest (and one of the best) gay bar in St Pete

Just like the Madonna song, a night spent at Lucky Star will make “the darkness seem so far.” As St Pete’s oldest gay bar, it may not be the loudest or the flashiest, but it more than makes up for it with its welcoming clientele and charming ambiance. The dancefloor is splashed with unique lighting, the DJs tend to play throwback bops, and the patio area is a great escape for fresh air when you’ve worked up a sweat.

It’s a small space, so it can feel a tad crowded at times. Although, we always feel this makes it easier to strike up conversation with strangers and make new friends. It’s almost all men who visit and whilst we aren’t complaining, it is worth noting for women who may be looking to meet other women. 

Opening Hours: Daily from midday until 3am

Location: 2760 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg


The Dog Bar

While it isn't specifically gay, the Dog Bar in St Pete is welcoming to all, including furry four-legged friends!

We’re cheating a bit with this one as The Dog Bar isn’t specifically a gay bar. However, due to the fact it’s across the street from COCKtail, has a large queer clientele, and is full of little furries (no, not that kind of furry unfortunately), we thought it counted! The Dog Bar is half bar, half dog park. So, if you thought the name was tongue-in-cheek, think again! If, like me, you’re a dog person, then this spot will feel like Heaven.

Around the bar, you’ll find pups of all shapes and sizes, paddling pools, and feeding bowls. The bar is overlooked by a “wooferie” to make sure all doggos and patrons are safe and having a good time. After you’ve obsessed over all the cute puppies (and remembered half the reason you’re there is to drink), you’ll enjoy a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and beers. 

Opening Hours: Daily from midday until midnight, open until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights

Location: 2300 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg


Quench Lounge

While it's a little out of St Pete, Quench Lounge gay bar is worth the short trip

Whenever we see anything listed as being “straight friendly”, we know we are in for a gay old time! Quench Lounge is described as the “hottest” gay bar in the county. So perhaps they’ve named themselves quench as they are satisfying your thirsty cravings. Throughout the week, they have several events that’ll get your heart racing as well as perking up your competitive streak. Wednesdays they have karaoke, Thursdays are for drag bingo, and on Fridays, things get rather hot at Boyz Night.

The weekends are the most popular nights with On Diva Saturdays and there is the undie Sunday, where everyone walks around in their tightest underwear… expect to see more packages than at an Amazon warehouse!

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Thursday and Sunday from 2pm until 2am, Friday and Saturday 2pm – 3am

Location: 13284 66th Street North, Largo


Pro Shop Pub

Pro Shop Pub is a very underrated gay bar near St Pete Florida

Located in an inconspicuous part of the city, Pro Shop Pub is by far one of the most underrated gay spots in the city. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much. It’s a brick block, with the words Pro Shop spelt out in neon lights. Not your usual flashy, loud queer bar/club we’re used to seeing. But it turns out that its design was left over from the era when gay men used to meet there in secret.

When it opened its doors in 1976, it was one of the few places in the state where men could escape persecution and be themselves. And it was also the dawn of disco, which made it feel like even more of a piece of a heavenly sanctuary. Today, it is modest in comparison to the other spots on the list, making it perfect for anyone looking to have a peaceful night out.

Opening Hours: Every day from 11am until 3am

Location: 840 Cleveland Street, Clearwater


Gay Clubs in St Pete

After you’ve warmed up in one of the city’s most gay bars, it’s time to go out dancing. Luckily, there are plenty of gay clubs in St Pete for you to choose from.

COCKtail

COCKtail is one of the best spots for a club night in St Pete

We’ve told you all about the saucy bar area, now it’s time to gush over the sensational gay club. Trust us, visiting both is a must! You just can’t beat a big dance area and throw in the fact that they have live male dancers, and you have yourself a winning combo. These men are hot hot hot.

The music is just what you need for a night out dancing. Expect Gaga, Ariana, Cher, Dua Lipa (or as Wendy Williams calls her, Dula Peep), and Kylie. The club stays open until 3am each day, which in our view is the sweet spot between an early one and pulling an all-nighter. 

Opening Hours: Daily from midday until 3am

Location: 2355 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg


Enigma

Enigma is a fabulous gay club in St Pete with fierce drag shows

For dancing, drinks, and delicious men, you can’t go wrong with the most popular gay club in St Pete: Enigma. Using world-class lighting systems and expert sound machines, a boogie here is like no other. You can practically feel the music pulsing through you (or maybe that was the one too many drinks we had…?)

Friday nights are when Daphne Ferraro takes to the stage for “the best drag show in the world.” Her words, not ours, although we don’t disagree. Her comedic chops are legendary, her impersonations are spot on, and her musical performances are sensational. And best of all, they run a happy hour every day until 9pm. Visitors get 2 for 1 on all cocktails, bottled beers, house wines, and more. So, you know where you can find us…

Opening Hours: Every day from 1pm until 3am

Location: 1110 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg


Blur Nightclub

Blur Nightclub is a fun show bar with karaoke and regular drag bingo nights

Blur is first and foremost a show gay bar, so expect theater from the moment you arrive. Tuesday nights are for house-enthusiasts, with DJ sets blasting out the best of the genre until midnight. Wednesday/Hump Days are for hip-hop fanatics. They feature an open-mic night, so if you feel inspired, you can hop up on stage and spit your best bars. Thursdays are for karaoke. This is right up our alley – the only issue we have is deciding who gets sing to Lady Gaga’s part in ‘Rain on Me.’

For drag queen shows, come by on Friday for fantastic performances and incredible lip-syncs. Once a month, they have drag queen bingo, which merges our two favourite things, silly games and drag. On Saturday, they have a live band, and on Sunday, it’s Happy Hour all day. 

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 3pm until midnight, 3pm – 3am on Friday, midday till 3am on Saturday and midday until 8pm on Sunday

Location: 325 Main Street, Dunedin


Gay Shops in St Pete

Whether you’re in need of a new wardrobe, eager to throw the gayest party ever, or simply itching to redecorate your room, there are plenty of gay-owned businesses in St Pete for you to shop in. 

Atlas Body and Home

Atlas the best spot in St Pete for some furniture and clothes shopping

“Selling is more than just putting some things on shelves. It’s about creating the right experience and atmosphere”. Truer words have never been spoken. At Atlas Body and Home, it’s all about the expertise and technical design skills of gay owners, Michael and Tony. Having spotted the lack of clothing options for men in St. Pete, Michael and Tony put plans in motion to open a small gay store that sold undies and bathing suits. Flashforward to the grand opening, and they had a whole retail store rearing to go.

When we stopped by to freshen up our wardrobe, we knew we were in safe hands. Their range of men’s apparel, accessories, swimwear, and printed shirts came to fruition after intensive researching, traveling, and investing. The pair wanted to make sure each item, no matter how small, was well suited to their brand – and they couldn’t have done a finer job. 

Opening Hours: Tuesday from midday until 6pm, Wednesday – Saturday from 11am until 6pm, Sunday from midday until 4pm

Location: 919 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg


ZaZoo’d

Zazoo'd is a wonderfully quirky and eclectic furniture store in St Pete

Dorothy Gale may have said “there’s no place like home” but then again, her barnyard wasn’t touched by the magic of ZaZoo’d! Whether you’re coming to shop, browse, or snap pictures, you will leave ZaZoo’d itching to redecorate your whole house. The inside is stunning, full of quirky furniture, whimsical décor, and funky lighting fixtures. If you consider your taste in home décor to be in any way alternative, then this is the spot for you.

Every piece of furniture you’ll come across, regardless of whether it’s new or old, has been reworked into a truly unique piece that will become the main attention grabber of your room. They have an in-house interior design team, so if you are stuck or in need of a bit of inspo, you can chat to them for new ideas. 

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday from 11am – 6pm and Sunday from midday until 4pm

Location: 631 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg


Pride and Gay Events in St Pete

With a massive LGBTQ population, it only makes sense for there to be several gay Pride events throughout the year. Here are some of the highlights: 

Transgender Film Festival (March)

In the mood for some ‘trans-tastic’ filmmaking? Thanks to the work of the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and St Pete Pride, there is a space that specifically aims to elevate the voices of trans artists.

Each year, they show a mix of feature length films, documentaries, and short movies. And whilst most events don’t have any or little cost to them, visitors are encouraged to donate what they can to show their support.

Organisers have also put together candlelit vigils in both St. Pete and Tampa Bay to remember trans people who have been mµrdered.

They also run game nights, for people to relax, make friends, and enjoy some healthy competition.  

Tampa Bay and St Pete come together to organise the wonderful transgender film festival

St Pete Pride (June)

St Pete celebrates pride all month long! Once the clock strikes midnight in June each year, a string of events kick off that celebrate, commemorate, uplift, and inspire the queer community across the city and state.

The month is packed full of gay parties, workshops, talks, and vigils. In the past, they’ve had big names like Todrick Hall and Pussy Riot perform as part of a Friday Night concert. And it all climaxes over the final weekend, with a massive parade and concert. There are always dozens of street vendors, food trucks, and DJs to help people fill hearts and stomachs.

They’ve also created women's and non-binary-only nightclubs, so those who identify as such can be guaranteed a safe space to drink and dance during the evening.

And on the last day, they throw a street party, filled with dancing and carnival games. 

St Pete in Florida is one of the most gay friendly cities!

TIGLFF – Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (October)

To think LGBTQ folk have gone from being severely underrepresented in film (or if we had been, we were depicted as creepy, sad, or villainous), to having entire film festivals devoted to queer media all over the world!

The Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival takes place every October, and whilst it isn’t in St. Pete, we feel it’s close enough to count.

The festival has been going for over 30 years and always showcases the best LGBTQ films and short movies from around the world. They also hold panel talks, featuring actors and directors, who chat about the importance of queer representation. 

Tampa Bay is so close to St Pete that you can't miss out on their epic LGBTQI+ film festival

Gay Restaurants in St Pete

It’s time to get eating. Half the fun in traveling is expanding your waistline as well as expanding your horizons! Don’t be afraid to try new things and experience new cuisines. Here are our favorite gay restaurants in St Pete:

Social Roost

Social Roost is a fantastic gay owned restaurant in St Pete

Social Roost is owned by gay couple Rob and Jason, who both grew up in St Pete, went to school together, served time in the army, and traveled the world before establishing one of the city’s most fabulous dining experiences. If that ain’t a tale for the ages, we don’t know what is. Having seen so much of Mother Earth, it’s easy to see just how wide and diverse their menu is. Tokyo shrimp, salads inspired by Italy, the Mediterranean, and the southwest of the US, Peruvian chicken, Mexican-style tacos, you name it!

Their menu is almost as well traveled as we are (close, but no cigar). Their resident chef, Susan Burdian helped develop the global menu, and with mixologist Max Blowers also on board to whip up delicious cocktails, they are truly an unstoppable team.


Uptown Eats

Grab some rainbow cookies at Uptown Eats in St Pete

Uptown Eats is a gay-owned café that serves breakfast and lunch. From the second you walk in, you are pelted with the rich smell of roasted coffee, toasty pastries, and delectable sandwiches. It’s enough to make you never want to leave. Staff are always smiling, super welcoming, and are happy to suggest any items on the menu if you are struggling to decide.

The selection of foods ranges from the uber nutritious to the diet-crushing treats. So, no matter what you are craving, you’ll find something to tuck into. It's owned by Dan, who is a partner of Chad Mize (yep, the guy whose male organs murals you can find on the ceiling of the COCKtail bathroom). There is even an outdoor seating area so you can enjoy your brekkie in the morning air. And our big tip? Look out for their uber delicious rainbow cookies!


Lingr

Lingr is an excellent Nordic inspired and gay owned restaurant in St Pete

Lingr is another LGBTQ-owned business that you simply must visit! Their menu was developed by Chef Jeff (such a cute accidental rhyme), who appeared on and won the Food Network's Guy's Grocery Games. Inspired by his mix of Norwegian and Asian heritage, Jeff created a menu that is contemporary, whilst still feeling authentic. All dishes are made from locally sourced ingredients and are perfectly matched for Lingr’s selection of craft beers, cocktails, and wine.

You can clearly tell how much time, love, and attention went into each dish. Everything we saw being served up, both to our table and our neighbours, looked positively delish. We had a mix of veggies and spiced salmon – making us feel like we were dining right in the heart of Norway. The staff are equally as passionate about the food and sharing their recommendations as the chefs are preparing it. An all-round must-try! 


Pier Teaki

Pier Teaki is definitely one of the most fabulous spots for a drink and food in St Pete

Who doesn’t love a nautical theme? After all, there’s nothing better than a hot seaman! Pier Teaki has 360-degree views of the waterfront. So, as you wait for your food to arrive, you can breathe in the fresh, sea air and get excited to tuck in. Plus, if you book your table for sunset, your views are even better. Pier Teaki’s menu is packed to the brim with the likes of clam chowder, shrimp, and spicy fish.

The restaurant is surrounded by water, with stunning views out onto the gorgeous Tampa Bay waterfront. The staff were extremely pleasant, welcoming, and full of recommendations as to what we should try. We love it when you can tell the people love the place they work in and take pride in walking you through the menu. 


The Golden Dinosaurs Vegan Deli

If you're looking for vegan food in St Pete you have to try the Golden Dinosaurs Vegan Deli!

Opening its doors in 2018, Golden Dinosaurs has been the go-to place for vegans across the Tampa Bay and St. Pete area ever since. It serves a range of sandwiches, burgers, wraps, chilli dogs, and baked goods. Run by an indigenous couple, you can tell how much care and attention was put into crafting each meal. Even those who aren’t vegan (ahem us, sorry!) can find something suitable and delicious on the menu.

The staff are dedicated and ensure every customer has the best experience. The vibe is very chill, with seating on a private patio, decorated with a gurgling water fountain, bushy trees, and painted artworks. It’s a super relaxing place to tuck into your meal.


Gay Saunas in St Pete

Much like the rest of the world, the gay bathhouse scene in St Pete has seen a slow decline over the past decade. Blame the rise of gay dating apps! However, there is still one, the Casa del Merman. Although, if you fancy a short detour to Tampa Bay, there is also the Tampa Men’s Club. 

If you aren’t booked into the Casa del Merman, you can still enjoy the sauna by purchasing a day pass. From there, you can enjoy the pool, the bar, and the luxurious sauna. However, all intimate activities are banned outside of the guestroom, so if you fancy a quickie, you’ll need to book a room.

Best Things to do in St Pete

When you’ve picked your hotel and noted down where you plan to eat, drink, and shop, the only thing left is to figure out what activities you want to get up to. Here are the best things to do in St Pete for gay travelers:

The Dali

Experience the surreal at the Salvador Dali museum in St Pete

We loved visiting the Dali Museum. Its exterior design is a rectangular block with a glass blob wrapping around itself around the front –very retro Lady Gaga vibes. The mind-bending architecture had us gagging so much, people around us started to doubt we even had a reflex to begin with… The museum is dedicated to the surrealist artist, Salvador Dali, and it is the largest showcase of his work outside of his native Spain.

He was known for his charismatic persona, unique use of imagery, bold artworks that definitely took nerve to showcase, and incredible talent. (Pssst: He was also believed to be a fellow queen!) Inside, we found oil paintings, watercolors, photographs, and sculptures by the iconic artist. There are also exhibitions, sound recordings, and video clips that relate to his life, so you can learn about the man behind the magic.  


Street Art and Chad Mize Gallery

We loved the street art found throughout St Pete Florida

St Pete is known for its street art. Even taking a wander around the city and admiring the murals and works of graffiti is an experience in itself. The Chad Mize Gallery, a small but fascinating art gallery, used to be located right next to Uptown Eats (owned by Chad's partner). However, the space was only ever planned to be used for five years and now Uptown Eats has expanded into what was once the gallery space.

You can still see photos of previous exhibitions on the website, the gallery showcased local queer artists which was amazing. One previous exhibition featured several artists creating a work of art inspired by a decade. So, whether it was the classic look of the 50s, the funky 80s, or the hip 90s, wandering about felt like moving through a time portal. As well as the Say Gay exhibition, which commented on Florida’s controversial Don’t Say Gay Bill. While the gallery may be gone, you can still find excellent street art nearby!


Pass-A-Grille Beach

Pass-A-Grille Beach is one of the best gay friendly spots in St Pete to get some vitamin sea

With over 350 days of sunlight each year, there isn’t really an excuse to not hit up the beach on your visit to St Petersburg. Found at the southernmost tip of St. Pete Beach, is the white sand beach town of Pass-A-Grille. It’s laidback and every bit as quaint as you’d expect a beach town to be. Each night, people gather there for the nightly bell chime at sunset (appropriately marked on their event calendar as Ding Dong).

Nearby, there are outdoor markets, boutiques, rooftop bars, piers, and ice cream shops all within walking distance. Is it any wonder so many people choose to retire there? Over the years, the LGBTQ population has grown, and the town even hosts a gay-themed 5k run/walk, which is held each year to celebrate Pride. Anyone can take part and unlike most places, you’re guaranteed a gorgeous day to complete your journey.


Sunken Gardens

The beautiful Sunken Gardens are a must-see in St Pete, especially if you like flamingos

Aren’t we forever contradicting ourselves? Whenever we go somewhere remote, we’re looking for the nearest cocktail bar. And then when we’re in a bustling gay city like St Petersburg, we’re itching to escape into nature. In the Sunken Gardens, there are thousands upon thousands of tropical plants for visitors to get lost in.

Paths meander through the stunning gardens, ranging from colorful displays, lush plants, and a flock of flamingos who love to roam around because why not? There are also several parrots who reside there, called Bobbie-Sue, Mindy, Coconut, and Mitch (and who all love a game of peekaboo). The gardens are open until 4.30pm every day, with a $15 admission fee for adults.


Museum of Fine Arts

Get some culture at the Museum of Fine Arts in St Pete

Home to the most comprehensive art collection in Florida, a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts is a day well spent. There are over 18,000 objects that represent 5,000 years of civilisation, spanning across ancient Greece and Rome, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The museum also features a photograph collection, and art by iconic painters Monet, Auguste Rodin, Kehinde Wiley and Jacob Lawrence. They regularly host special exhibitions.

In the past, the museum showcased how photography shifted through 1970s America. Another successful exhibition was Black Portraits, a series of artworks that portrayed black identity and experiences. Events are often held, such as coffee talks, cocktail evenings, and dance parties. Adults can get tickets for $22. The museum is closed on Mondays, but stays open until 8pm on Thursdays, whilst closing at 5pm every other day.


Plan Your Trip To St Petersburg

We've put together some handy hints and tips to help you plan your own trip to St Pete. Read on to find out everything the gay traveler should know before they go.

Travel insurance: We never travel without the security of travel insurance and definitely recommend you do the same for your trip to St Pete. You just never know when a missed flight or lost luggage will derail all your plans, but at least with travel insurance, you are covered. We've been using Heymondo Travel Insurance and always recommend them as they provide excellent coverage at an affordable price. It's also easy to make a claim online if you need to.


How to get there: There are flights to the St Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport from regional parts of the US and Canada, although the nearby Tampa International Airport has a wider variety of flights and departure points to choose from. Of course, you can also reach St Pete by train or car, although we usually fly into the St Pete airport and get a private transfer in order to avoid stress from trying to figure out public transport or find a taxi late at night while juggling our luggage.


Getting around: St Pete has an affordable public transport system consisting of buses and trolley-buses, although the easiest way to get around is by hiring a car. Parking is also inexpensive and then you can more easily get to the beaches and attractions that are a bit further out of the walkable city center.


Accommodation: We love using Booking.com to find more accommodation options in St Pete, as they have all the best choices and many listings offer free cancellation if needed. They also have excellent 24/7 online customer support, in case you ever need help with your booking.


Sightseeing and adventure: For more fun activities and tours in St Petersburg, we also love GetYourGuide. They have so many exciting things to see and do compiled in one place, along with online customer support available 24/7.


When to visit: St Pete is nice and warm all year round, but the hurricane season from June-November is best avoided for obvious reasons. November-April (winter in America) is the high season, as people from the northern states flock down to the warmth. We personally think March-May is the best time to visit, as the weather is great and there's plenty to do.


Gay map of St Pete

Here's our gay map of St Pete which includes all the gay bars, clubs, hotels and sightseeing highlights we've mentioned in this post. Use it to plan your own amazing gay trip!

Use our gay map of St Pete to plan your own fabulous trip

Read more travel adventures like this in our book!

We've published our very own gay travel book called, ‘Out in the World'. It has all our practical safety tips, first-hand advice, and travel stories from some of our favorite destinations.

We hope it inspires you to have a fun and safe trip!

Click on the book to order:

Gay couple travel book Nomadic Boys Out in the World

For more inspiration:

Colorful characters at St Pete Pride

Stefan Arestis

Hey everyone, I'm Stefan, the curly-haired Greek flavor behind the gay travel blog Nomadic Boys. Together with my other half, I have explored more than 90 countries across 5 continents. What I love most about traveling is discovering the local gay scene, making new friends, learning new cultures. I've written about LGBTQ travel in numerous online publications such as Gaycation Magazine, Gaycities, Gay Times and Pink News as well as for other non-gay-specific publications including Lonely Planet, The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Huffington Post. Check my full bio here.