Weekend Itinerary in Saint Petersburg (by Golf Cart)

Written By Stephen Henck

Your perfect three-day cruise through DTSP, packed with flavor, sunshine, and that unmistakable waterfront magic.

Friday Evening

Start: St. Pete Pier at Golden Hour

People walking along the St. Pete Pier during golden hour with paddleboarders on the water and soft sunset colors in the sky.

The views from the pier hit different right around sunset. The sky slides from warm gold to soft pink, and the whole waterfront catches that glow. It’s the perfect “we made it” moment to shake the week off.

  • Choose Teak: Order the Key West Shrimp and Grits and a Bartender’s Old Fashioned. It feels upscale but relaxed, like you’re celebrating something without trying too hard.

Dinner: Doc Ford’s

Nighttime waterfront dining at Doc Ford’s in St. Pete with string lights, palm trees, and a vibrant sunset over the bay.

The vibe is energetic but never chaotic. You’ll hear the clinking of glasses, the low hum of waterfront conversations, and the occasional burst of laughter from a big table.

  • Must-order: Yucatan Shrimp

  • Drink: Painkiller #3

    Both hit tropical without being tacky

Nightcap: Birchwood Canopy

Rooftop seating at the Birchwood Canopy in St. Pete with glowing neon lights, firepits, and a sunset view over the water.

Soft lighting, rooftops, and the bay stretching out in front of you.

  • Drink: Cucumber Gimlet or Lavender Lemon Drop
     It’s smooth, breezy, and a little bit bougie in the best way.

Saturday

Morning Coffee: Paradeco

Interior of Paradeco Coffee in St. Pete featuring pastel decor, patterned tile floors, modern lighting, and customers working and enjoying their drinks.

Bright, airy, pink-and-gold art-deco design. It instantly wakes you up even before the caffeine hits.

  • My Order: Vanilla Draft Oat Latte

  • Food: Toasted Coconut Açai Bowl

    This is the “fuel up before the adventure” move.

After Coffee: Saint Pete Morning Market

Crowds walking through the St. Pete Saturday Morning Market at golden hour with vendor tents, palm trees, and warm sunset colors in the sky.

This is St. Pete’s heartbeat on weekends. Live music from local artists, the smell of fresh empanadas floating through the air, produce stands, handmade crafts, dogs everywhere. The energy is warm, welcoming, and effortlessly local.

  • Food Rec: KURT’s Sausages (German bratwurst)

    It feels like wandering through a village — but with beach weather.

After Market Vibe Check: Hammock or Workout

People relaxing in a hammock under shady trees at North Shore Park in St. Pete, overlooking the waterfront on a sunny morning.

Option 1: Hammock Time at North Shore Park

Spread between the palms, you get that soft bay breeze brushing across your skin. It’s peaceful but never lonely, with just enough people walking by to feel alive. This is your slow-down moment.

Interior of Brickyard Gym in St. Pete with weight racks, cardio machines, and functional training equipment in a modern industrial space.

Option 2: Mid-day Workout at Brickyard (via ClassPass)

High energy, motivating atmosphere, instructors who hype you without screaming in your face. You walk out of here feeling sharper, stronger, and ready for the day. Plus the contrast of sweating indoors and then rolling back out into the sunshine feels amazing.

Lunch: Bodega

Exterior of Bodega in St. Pete with bright yellow umbrellas, outdoor seating, and the restaurant’s bold yellow signage on a sunny day.

Bustling, flavorful, always a line (but it moves fast).

  • My Order: Pollo Asado Plate or Chicken Cuban

  • Drink: House-made Limeade


 Everything tastes fresh and real. Zero frills, full flavor.

After lunch, roll over to the marina and hop on a St. Pete Coastal Cruise for an easy, scenic break on the water. Warm breeze, skyline views, good music, and maybe even a dolphin or two. It’s the perfect reset before dinner, and you can park your golf cart steps from the dock.

Dinner: Bella Brava

BellaBrava restaurant on Beach Drive in St. Pete with warm evening lighting and guests dining at outdoor tables.

Slide into a table at BellaBrava for coastal Italian comfort, wood-fired pizzas, and people-watching along Beach Drive. It’s relaxed, delicious, and the perfect way to ease into your St. Pete night.

My Order: Margherita Pizza - Wood-fired, simple, and always a crowd-pleaser — especially if you want something shareable. Their dough + fresh mozzarella combo never misses.

Drink: Bella Sangria (Red or White) - Fruit-forward, easy-drinking, and great if you’re sitting outside watching the people walk by.

After Dinner Night Cap: Copper Shaker

Bartender crafting a cocktail at Copper Shaker in downtown St. Pete, surrounded by warm lighting and shelves of spirits.

Expert craft cocktails but in a laid-back environment. Dim lighting, comfy booths, and that “let’s sit and talk for a bit” energy.

Drink rec: Espresso Martini… no question

Sunday

Brunch: The Library

Interior of The Library restaurant in St. Pete with tall bookshelves, warm lighting, and elegant tables set for brunch.

Clean white interiors, glossy bookshelves, and a calm vibe that feels like a reset button.

  • Order: Fried Chicken Benedict or Brioche French Toast

  • Drink: Cappuccino

Sunday Afternoon: Fergs (NFL Football)

Crowded interior of Ferg’s Sports Bar in downtown St. Pete with fans watching games, drinking, and enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Head to Ferg’s for that classic St. Pete game-day energy. It’s loud, packed, and full of locals, with TVs everywhere and cold drinks flowing. Grab a spot at the bar, catch some football, and lean into the chaotic-but-fun atmosphere before easing into the rest of your day.

  • Order: Wings with Ferg’s Signature Sauce

  • Drink: your call — bucket of beer, Bloody, or whatever fits the mood

Explore St. Pete by Cart
Stephen Henck
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