A Guide to LGBTQ-Owned Businesses in St. Pete & Clearwater
Check out some of the top recommended gay-owned spots for dining, shopping, partying and more.
St. Pete shopping spots like Zazoo'd in the Central Arts District embody the city's creative, fun-loving spirit.
Dreamy beach escapes and casinos aren’t the only things you’ll find in Florida. If you’re an LGBTQ+ traveler, St. Pete/Clearwater is full of LGBTQ+-owned businesses you’ll love to support.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to gamble the weekend away or buy loud-and-proud rainbow-colored souvenirs for your flamboyant family, keep these St. Pete/Clearwater gay-owned businesses in mind when creating your itinerary.
Where to Stay
It’s not a gay Florida getaway without the right hotels. Here are the best gay-friendly accommodations in lively St Pete/Clearwater.
Casa Del Merman at Gaystpete House
4505 5th Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Casa Del Merman is a small accommodation centrally located in downtown St. Pete that features a sauna and a heated pool. It's pet-friendly and has a free continental breakfast and a beer/wine happy hour.
113 11th Ave., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
For LGBTQ tourists who want to stay somewhere more tropical, the Coconut Inn in Pass-a-Grille Beach (part of St. Pete Beach) is peppered with beautiful pavilions and a waterfall fountain, and is just a stone’s throw away from the beach. Take advantage of the complimentary beach cruiser bicycles and pedal through the quaint and historic neighborhood.
2349 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Opened in June 2023, Mari Jean Hotel in the Grand Central District will be St. Pete’s premier adults-only gay accommodation, designed by award-winning entrepreneur David Fischer. The Mari Jean will provide everything you need for the perfect vacation or staycation, from a dip at The Wet Spot pool bar and day club to a night of dancing and drinks at COCKtail, in the lobby. You don’t have to leave the Mari Jean to shop for home décor and gifts at charming ZaZoo’d – there’s a version right in the hotel. The Saint speakeasy is in the building, too, but you’ll need to slip around the corner to the side street and knock on the red door to get in (if you know the password).
Where to Eat
Florida is a melting pot of cultures, so it’s no wonder that St. Pete/Clearwater has an impressive selection of cuisine options. These LGBTQ-owned bars and restaurants have something in store for everyone, no matter your food preference.
516 Grant St., Dunedin, FL 34698
The Honu Restaurant and Tiki Bar is Dunedin’s original Polynesian restaurant and Tiki Bar. For years, The Honu (the name means “Turtle” in Hawaiian) has served up family recipes, incorporated traditional fresh ingredients from the best local markets and blended delicious tiki cocktails.
400 6th St. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Run by Chef Jeffrey Jew, Lingr is one of the best upscale restaurants to “linger” in when in St. Pete. Travelers with sophisticated palates will love its innovative dishes, like the hamachi crudo and soy sauce cured salmon. If you want to treat your family to something special, book Lingr for a private event.
2057 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Love Food Central is a plant-based haven serving homemade vegan and gluten-free entrees, salads, snacks and desserts from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except Tuesdays. We recommend the Love Burger, which is made with fresh beets and black beans. Pair it with on-tap kombucha for a perfectly refreshing brunch.
449 Central Ave., Suite 102, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
If you have a sweet tooth, you have to try what Pink Daddies Donuts & Delites in the Central Arts District has to offer. Daddies bakes their pastries fresh daily, including its fully topped Tootie Fruity and PB & Jelly donuts to its delectable donut sundaes. Daddies’ pink and turquoise backdrops are extremely Instagram-worthy – you’ve probably already come across it on your social media!
2501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Now part of famed breakfast destination Stella’s, Salty Nun is a local favorite that offers delicious sandwiches, snacks, and build-your-own omelets for creative food enthusiasts. Guests will also enjoy a full liquor bar and head-bobbing live music on weekends. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
3922 6th St. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Coffee lovers have to try the upscale and stylish Southside Coffee Brew Bar. Southside’s selection of espressos, Americanos, and macchiatos will satisfy any coffee enthusiast. Say hello to owner Sheila Smith while there!
2105 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
2D Cafe is designed to look like it's completely two-dimensional. It's a European-style cafe with coffee, wine and alcoholic beverages, pastries and other delights including sandwiches, salads and breakfast bites.
2914 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport, FL 33707
If boozy brunch is your thing, Stella’s in Gulfport has to be on your list of must-sees. Since 2009, Stella’s has become one of Florida’s favorite breakfast go-to's, thanks to its signature homemade corned beef hash and fried green tomatoes (plus a full list of liquor, wine and beer).
2462 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33712
At Valhalla Bakery, you'll find a variety of treats that are made from scratch with only the best ingredients. From cupcakes and cakes (even wedding cakes) to cookies and pastries, there's something for everyone. And the best part about this lesbian-owned foodie haven? It's all vegan!
2444 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Just two doors down from Valhalla is its sister store, Valkyrie. This vegan donut shop is a favorite among locals with a sweet tooth. At Valkyrie, the donuts are made fresh daily and come in a variety of delicious flavors. From classic glazed and chocolate sprinkle to more adventurous flavors such as key lime pie and maple "bacon" (vegan of course), there's a donut for every taste bud.
Where to Party
Are you really having a hot, gay weekend in St. Pete/Clearwater if you don't hit up its loudest and proudest gay bars and clubs? Avid partygoers shouldn’t miss out on these party destinations.
325 Main St., Dunedin, FL 34698
Open since 2007, Blur Nightclub is the best dance club in downtown Dunedin. Here, you can experience lively drag queen shows, DJs and more! Plus, the bold and daring can show off their skills at the Off the Dome Freestyle Hip Hop Open Mic.
2355 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713
COCKtail is a stylish gay bar offering ““stiff drinks, hard liquor, raging good times.” COCKtail is attached to the new Mari Jean Hotel.
2355 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Right next to COCKtail is The Wet Spot, a daytime pool club where everyone can enjoy being under the sun with a drink in hand. Float to head-bopping tunes from a live music cabana and enjoy cocktails at the three-sided bar.
1110 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Known for its daily happy hour and comedic drag shows, Enigma is St. Pete’s most famous gay club. We recommend dropping by on Mondays for Karaoke Night. If you don’t like being the center of attention, that’s okay – Enigma has something for everyone, including full liquor bars and pool tables.
2729 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Run by longtime wedding DJ Bill Kody, The Garage is an alternative gay bar that takes its partygoers back to the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s.
9057 Ulmerton Rd., Largo FL 33771
The Lady’s Room in Largo is the only lesbian club in the St Pete/Clearwater area. The bar has made a reputation for itself as a fun place to dance, drink and watch a diva or burlesque show.
2760 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Lucky Star Lounge is a local St. Pete watering hole with diner-style seating and colorful interiors, perfect for LGBTQ visitors looking for a more casual setting.
Mad Hatters Ethnobotanical Tea Bar
4685 28th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33714
Visit the Mad Hatters Ethnobotanical Kava Bar if exotic teas, nitro coffee, boba milk teas , real fruit smoothies and kombucha pique your interest (in fact, this is an alcohol-free zone). Hookah lovers can order shisha service on the patio. Mad Hatters is open 24 hours a day and a food truck is there from 4 p.m. to midnight.
13284 66th St. N, Largo, FL 33773
Considered the sexiest “all-welcoming” LGBTQ bar in Largo, Quench Lounge is a party go-to that occasionally hosts fundraising events for the community. Enjoy an upscale experience where you can relax, socialize, and be entertained.
49 24th St. N, St. Petersburg, Florida 33713
If you’re looking for something a little more laid-back, The Saint is an intimate speakeasy that welcomes “sinners” from all walks of life. Enjoy some of the most luxurious-tasting cocktails in the area, served by bartenders called the Mischief-Makers. End the night by taking home The Saint merch, ranging from signature candles to its own line of glassware.
Where to Shop
There’s nothing like taking home a little piece of your trip. Make sure to drop by these LGBTQ-owned shops when souvenir shopping around gay St. Pete/Clearwater.
919 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33705
For classic and graphic men’s apparel, curated goods, and home furnishings, shop Atlas Body + Home. Browse a selection of hundreds of eclectic shirt prints – looking for something tropical? Atlas Body + Home has it. Are you looking for something to hit the beach in? You’ll find plenty in stock!
5317 Gulfport Blvd, Gulfport, FL 33707
At Beach House 5317, discover a wide range of unique furniture, art, home decor, crystals, jewelry and gift items created by over 30 local artists and curators, including works by owner Jamie Edwards.
3129 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport, FL 33707
If you’re traveling with your pet, don’t forget to pick up a special something (whether it’s a treat, a brand-new beach-themed collar, or pet-safe pastries) at Paw Pet’s Pet Boutique of Gulfport. Paw Pet also gives back to local shelters and advocacies.
2153 1st Ave S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Bookworms, worry not – you can get your reading fix at Tombolo Books, located in St. Pete’s Grand Central District. Enjoy a curated selection of books from all over the world, including banned books picks for younger readers.
631 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
Offering a mix of new and vintage furnishings, Zazoo’d speaks to every eccentric shopper’s heart. Take home unique home decor pieces or treat your family to a beach-inspired gift. You might even find something in store for your dog or cat!
Where to Relax, Connect & See Art
St. Pete/Clearwater’s gay scene can get lively, so you may want to set aside some time to unwind or enjoy quiet time. Consider adding these calmer activities to your itinerary.
The Body Electric Yoga Company
3015 7th St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
The Body Electric Yoga Company.is all about mindfulness and movement. Take one of many yoga or athletic classes or workshops, or sign up for live-streamed sessions. The Body Electric Yoga Company began as the love child of Katelyn Grady and Jenny Miller, the yoga teachers, business and life partners who hatched a plan to create the kind of space in which they would like to practice and teach.
2300 1st Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Come to Ensō and let your tension melt away. Ensō Clinic focuses on therapeutic modalities, stretching and specific body work. They take a holistic approach to health and wellness, focusing on the mind, body and spirit.
1211 1st Ave. N, #105, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
There’s nothing like a bit of self-care in the middle of an activity-filled vacation. Head to St. Pete Massage Therapy for anything from a medical or deep tissue massage to aromatherapy. Lead therapist James Thomason has experience in musculoskeletal kinesiology, so you can rest assured you’ll get any strain corrected and rejuvenated.
5500 Shore Blvd. S. Gulfport, FL 33707
If you’re in St. Pete/Clearwater and want to connect with like-minded others, check out Unity of Gulfport. Join daily meditations, sound bath healings and sacred resets held around the city to get in touch with your inner self. In addition, Unity’s LGBTQ-led Sunday Celebration, held in the Gulfport Casino, is the perfect space for being your unique self without judgment.
2323 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Fine art enthusiasts see curated collections from over 30 artists at the Woodfield Fine Art Gallery. If you’re an artist living within 50 miles of St. Petersburg, you can even participate in future collections. Be sure to attend the Woodfield gallery’s seasonal events, like the Saturday Art Walk.
The Bottom Line
When you think of LGBTQ Florida, St. Pete/Clearwater offers an endless amount of experiences for queers of all ages.
Content by Rachel Covello. Covello is the CEO and Publisher of OutCoast.com, an LGBTQ-focused destination marketing travel blog highlighting inclusive destinations in Florida in which to visit, celebrate, and live. Explore LGBTQ Florida on OutCoast.com to find the best rainbows in the Sunshine State.
