This Florida hotspot has quickly become the go-to destination for bachelorette parties and has just been recognized as the best food city in the U.S.

When Jessica Venditto, a Tampa resident, was planning her bachelorette party in late 2023, the choice was clear and close to home.

"We were looking for a city vibe, but not just for barhopping," Venditto shared, ultimately choosing downtown St. Pete, a quick 30-minute drive from her home.

"St. Pete offers greater walkability than Tampa and has superior resorts," she mentioned, adding that she and her friends chose to stay at the newly renovated Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection for their weekend getaway, attracted by its fantastic pool and spacious suites perfect for getting ready before a night out.

With its pleasant year-round climate, numerous dining and nightlife options within walking distance of various hotels, and pristine beaches nearby, St. Pete has rapidly become a hot spot for bachelorette parties in recent years.

"On weekends in downtown St. Pete, it’s hard not to notice the abundance of bachelorette parties everywhere. It’s becoming increasingly obvious," said Brian Lowack, president of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. "The whole area has welcomed a variety of new venues — hotels of all sizes, rooftop bars and pools, upscale dining, and beach bars — all ideal for fun weekend get-togethers with friends."

In 2022, Tampa resident Lauren Barnhart started her venture, Tampa Bay Bachelorette, after contemplating her own bachelorette party in cities like Nashville and Scottsdale (ultimately choosing Scottsdale) and noticing similar planning services available.

While Barnhart’s company provides itinerary and decorating services throughout the Tampa Bay area, including downtown Tampa and Clearwater Beach, inquiries for St. Pete have surged recently. “This destination offers the perfect balance for many groups, particularly those seeking both city nightlife and beach relaxation,” she noted.

If you’re organizing a bachelorette party in St. Pete, here are some essential tips to keep in mind.

Familiarize yourself with the area.

"I often encounter groups that don’t realize the distinction between downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach," Barnhart explained. Downtown St. Petersburg is home to a concentration of bars, restaurants, and shops along Tampa Bay, which borders the eastern side of the city. In contrast, St. Pete Beach is about an eight-mile (20-minute) drive to the west and features the beautiful sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.

"Many groups choose to stay at a house or hotel on the beach and take an Uber to downtown for nightlife," Barnhart noted. However, if your group enjoys brunch or a bar atmosphere more than beach time, consider reversing that plan and booking accommodations downtown instead.

Choose the right accommodation for your group.

Visitors to the area have an abundance of accommodation options. Luxury resorts in St. Pete Beach feature The Don CeSar (the Pink Palace), famous for its Barbie aesthetic and vibrant pool bar, and The Hotel Zamora with its chic rooftop. In downtown St. Pete, consider The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection, the retro Hollander Hotel, or the brand-new Moxy St. Petersburg Downtown, which includes a rooftop pool and three-room blocks that can be reserved for your group. Barnhart also recommends boutique and retro-style properties like The Saint Hotel and The Pearl Cabana Club for bachelorette parties in St. Pete Beach.

However, Bellwether Beach Resort boasts the best rooftop of all the beach properties, accessible via a private elevator and offering stunning 360-degree views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway.

For a slightly more southern stay, explore the charming community of Pass-a-Grille, where the Berkeley Beach Club features a rooftop restaurant, a lively wine bar, suites accommodating up to six guests, and easy access to the beach.

Discover the perfect restaurants and bars for a bachelorette party.

St. Pete has recently been crowned the best food city in the U.S., making it crucial to know the best spots to eat and toast.

Downtown St. Pete — encompassing Central Avenue, the Edge District, and the vicinity of Beach Boulevard — is bustling with bars and restaurants. Just arrive to ignite the festivities, especially from Thursday to Saturday nights.

Start your night on a high note with sushi and karaoke at Good Fortune, where the Sakura Spritz cocktail is as delightful as it sounds. Lala is another fun spot for karaoke where you can create your own cheese and charcuterie boards before belting out the bride-to-be's favorite tunes.

For a more upscale experience, check out the bar scene at Allelo, an elegant Mediterranean restaurant featuring both indoor and outdoor seating perfect for people-watching.

A nearby sister restaurant, Juno & The Peacock, opened its doors in August 2024 and is stunning — its patio, adorned with red and white umbrellas and French bistro-style chairs, invites you to linger with an Aperol spritz and a platter of oysters Rockefeller.

Adjacent to Allelo, Pluma Lounge offers Latin American-inspired cocktails influenced by locales like Lima and Tulum, all within a chic ambiance. Another trendy spot on Beach Drive is Helyx Restaurant, nestled inside Try Wine.

Is your group the adventurous kind? Bring your own drinks to the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club on Friday nights — it's the world's oldest and largest shuffleboard venue, offering a fun, relaxed atmosphere to kick off your weekend.

Popular spots to explore later in the evening include Concrete Jungle, featuring a fantastic basement bar, and The One Night Stand, where laughter and mechanical bull rides await. Don't forget to check out Good Night John Boy, a vibrant 70s-themed bar complete with a dance floor, disco ball, and a Farah Fawcett poster, along with My Rich Uncle, showcasing an energetic 80s vibe. For a taste of the speakeasy scene, visit The Saint and Dirty Laundry.

Add some culture to your itinerary.

Explore The Dali Museum (where the café serves excellent espresso drinks), or indulge in high tea and an intriguing history tour at The Vinoy. Unleash your artistic side with a glassblowing class at the Morean Arts Center or Zen Glass Studio & Gallery. Don't miss a leisurely walk or bike ride to the beautifully redesigned St. Pete Pier, featuring public art installations, an urban beach with Adirondack chairs for relaxation, and a scenic boardwalk.

Enjoy the beach in style.

Florida’s beaches are celebrated for their stunning natural beauty, but you can elevate your experience with a service like The Cabana Club, which provides private themed setups. These packages include beach chairs, cabanas, Yeti coolers, sunscreen, mini lockers, Bluetooth speakers, phone chargers, and more, plus a beach concierge to assist with setup and takedown (you can even arrange to stay for the sunset).

It's equally exciting to leave the beach and venture out onto the water here. Bach Boats offers rentals for pontoons with waterslides, deck boats, and other craft for a day of fun on the water.

Whatever you choose to do, raise a glass early and often to the best things in life: your closest friends and unforgettable memories.