St. Petersburg holds the Guinness world record for the greatest number of sunny days in a row, so it has been nicknamed “The Sunshine City.” Topping out at 768 consecutive days of sun is just one of the many reasons St. Pete is a popular boating destination. Its vibrant downtown on Tampa Bay is host to galleries, theaters, a farmers’ market, an expansive waterfront park and a major league baseball team.
Standout attractions include the Dali Museum, which fills 20,000 square feet with paintings, photos and memorabilia from the master of Surreal Art. The Mahaffy Theater is a cultural jewel that features an elegant ballroom, stellar waterfront views and European box- style seating.
A short distance away from the city is St. Pete Beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Whether lying in the sun, walking on the white sugar sand or beachcombing, St. Pete Beach is the perfect day-trip getaway. A stroll through the Don CeSar Hotel, built in 1928, is a step back in time and a perfect venue for watching the sun set into the Gulf.
WHERE TO DOCK
St. Petersburg Marina
(727-893-7329)
Offering docks at two downtown basins, a mooring field and an exclusive superyacht marina (Port St. Pete), these municipal facilities are a “best bet” for visiting yachts to enjoy St. Pete. Port St. Pete is the only superyacht marina on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The team at Port St. Pete provide the experience and facilities to meet the needs of superyacht owners, captains, and crew.
Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club
(727-824-8022)
The marina features 74 state-of-the-art docks next to the resort, and it can accommodate vessels up to 130 feet. Both transient and annual slip leases are available.
WHERE TO DINE
Brick & Mortar
(727-822-6540)
This newcomer in the heart of downtown’s Central Avenue entertainment district has quickly garnered rave reviews. “It is upscale but not expensive, with a menu of New American food that feels contemporary but not gimmicky, with enough sly Indonesian and Spanish touches to be quirky and surprising,” writes the Tampa Bay Times.
Parkshore Grill
(727-896-9463)
Everyone’s favorite restaurant on Beach Drive along the downtown waterfront. Whether dining al fresco or inside surrounded by mahogany and waterfalls, tasting their award-winning contemporary American cuisine for lunch or dinner is a St. Pete must.
The Canopy Rooftop Lounge (727-896-1080)
Perched on top of the Birchwood Inn, this gorgeous sky-high eatery offers an extraordinary view of Tampa Bay and the St. Pete skyline while serving delicious dishes and cocktails. Lounge in private cabanas or get cozy around a firepit while you soak up the fun.
Bella Brava
(727-895-5515)
Inspired by traveling the hills of Tuscany, this Italian restaurant blends traditional and contemporary cuisine using the region’s freshest cheeses, herbs, meats and seafood.
Capt. Jeff Werner has been in the yachting industry for over 25 years. In addition to working as a captain on private and charter yachts, both sail and power, he is a certified instructor for the USCG, US Sailing, RYA and the MCA. He is also the Diesel Doctor, helping to keep your yacht’s fuel in optimal condition for peak performance. For more information, call 239-246-6810, or visit MyDieselDoctor.com. All Marinalife members receive a 10% discount on purchases of equipment, products and supplies from Diesel Doctor.
