Shopping for Art, Antiques and Collectibles

Peruse local artists’ works in the heart of downtown St. Pete at Shapiro's Gallery, Florida CraftArt and the Morean Arts Center. These popular shops feature fine art and crafts made by artists working in a wide variety of media including oil paintings, multimedia, glass, clay, metal sculpture and jewelry. Shop during regular business hours or evenings during Second Saturday ArtWalk. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to bring home a special handcrafted souvenir (or two) to remind you of your trip.

Bonus: For vintage finds and eclectic gifts, head to the tucked-away Pageboy Vintage Market, Apothecary & Hair Studio on Fifth Avenue North.

A bit to the west, wander around St. Pete’s Grand Central District to find an array of galleries and antiques and collectibles shops scattered along Central Avenue, including ARTpool. Venture a few blocks south to the Warehouse Arts District – there you’ll discover unique pieces at the Duncan McClellan Gallery, The Clay Co-op and Zen Glass Studio.

No art lover’s visit to St. Pete-Clearwater would be complete without stopping in at Evander Preston Jewelry in the Pass-a-Grille Historic District. The space is a tribute to its late namesake, a celebrated local artist who made and sold his signature jewelry and other artwork from the shop. Across the street is an adorable gallery, A Little Room for Art. For more local art, explore Suntan Art Center’s Art on the Patio, held on weekends, or get creative yourself with its art classes, workshops and special events.

If you happen to be visiting St. Pete Beach on a Sunday, be sure to check out the Corey Avenue Sunday Market, where local and visiting craftspeople sell their wares along vibrant Corey Avenue. While you’re there, pop into Paradise Contemporary Coastal Decor for home accents with a coastal touch.

Wonderfully wacky Gulfport hosts its popular Night Market along Beach Boulevard on the first Friday and third Saturday of every month and themed walks throughout the year. Similar to the St. Pete events, art walks here are fun ways to shop for artwork, meet the artists, listen to live music and dine at great restaurants.

This pint-sized city’s highly walkable downtown district is a vintage and antique hunter’s dream. Favorites include the Gulfport Beach Bazaar – featuring an eclectic assortment of clothing, tchotchkes and second-hand items. For more antiques and collectibles, venture beyond downtown to the Boulevard Shoppe Garden on Gulfport Boulevard South.

Spend many happy hours browsing at Oddities and Antiques (taxidermy, creepy dolls and other one-of-a-kind items) and Vintage Sunshine Shop (antiques, upcycled furniture and vintage goods).

While you’re exploring this artsy enclave, check out a life-sized pink elephant sculpture adorned with flowers welcomes visitors to the Safety Harbor Art & Music Center. Inside, browse handmade creations by more than 50 local and national artists at The ARTery Boutique.

Bonus: Explore mid-century modern furniture and vintage finds at Rad Harbor Vintage—contact the shop before visiting to confirm its current location and hours.

Dunedin's eclectic downtown is famously pedestrian-friendly and artsy, with a sprinkling of funky shops among its many restaurants and art galleries. Discover a range of unique merchandise to bring home, from affordable trinkets to vintage decor. You'll also find a treasure trove of antiques from more than 100 dealers in Knot On Main Street.

Located near the water, Studio 1212 Art Gallery is a long-running artists’ cooperative. In addition to its regular hours, the gallery holds workshops and “open critiques,” where the public can bring in their own work and receive feedback on it.

For a different spin on glass as fine art, make an appointment to visit La Mancha Glass Gardens, a studio in Tarpon Springs where artists Julian and Karin Mesa create carved and etched glass, from decorative doors to sculptures and portraiture.

Antiquing in the historic downtown is easy, with several antiques stores and malls within a single block. Court of Two Sisters, featuring antiques, vintage finds and fine furnishings, is a good place to start. Stop into Antiques Forever next door, then check out Bear Haven Land Company Vintage Toys, where you’ll find everything from antique porcelain dolls to Barbies and old-school Star Wars action figures (still in their original packaging, of course).

If you have any energy left after all that shopping, wander past downtown to the Sponge Docks along Dodecanese Boulevard for even more shops and restaurants.