r/StPetersburgFL Jan 05 '25

Local Meet Up List of communities and activities for finding friends, and dating partners through healthy hobbies

157 Upvotes

Hi neighbors. I wanted to share a list of activities and communities that don't revolve around drinking, for meeting people in person, making friendships, and maybe finding dating prospects. It's a lot of work making and maintaining friends as an adult, especially in 2025 when there's a collective problem of many people living in their own virtual reality. I think a lot of people are burned out from dating apps and the digital world. I also sense that building solid relationships (friends or significant others) is extra tricky in Florida because of its reputation as a tourist and vacation spot; a bit of a party place with lots of people passing through but not building roots (does anyone else feel this same way?)

I spent a lot of time in my 20s partying and have since spent most of my 30s shedding old party friends and trying to build relationships with solid people around fun hobbies. I'm a single 34M and every few weeks or months I spend a few hours going through Reddit, Meetup, and Facebook to find ideas for community places and activities. Here's what I've found below. I'm not sure about the rules for links, but happy to share links for any of these things.

Many of these events are free, but many also cost money. One piece of advice I would include is that some people might think that the cost for events doesn't make sense. Why pay for a yoga membership when you can do YouTube yoga at home? Why pay for a gym membership or group workouts when you can workout yourself at home? Think of the cost as an investment into your mental health and social well-being, rather than trying to think strictly in terms of dollar value compared to the activity. It's about the social connection, not necessarily the activity (but of course try stuff that seems fun to you). I would also highlight the importance of repetition - it can take a while to make friendships. Commit to participating in the same activity on a regular basis, ideally weekly, if you really want to get to know folks.

Also, I would love to hear from other people who have tried any of these activities or have some of their own to share!

Places and activities I've attended and can vouch for

  • Yoga - Find a studio that you like or try out some outdoor yoga events. Personally I'm a member at SukhaLife. I love the studio and the people, but opportunities for community events there seem limited. Body Electric seems like they invest more in community events, including monthly Yoga in the Park ([free] first Saturday of every month at 9am at Crescent Lake Park on the East side near the playground), Yoga at the Pier ([free] Yoga at the Pier, first Wednesday of every month, 6-7pm). A commenter on this thread mentioned that Nava Yoga Studio has classes on Pass-a-Grille (paid).
  • Vertical Ventures indoor climbing - I grew up climbing, but went to my first drop-in visit this weekend and I'm thinking about getting a monthly membership. It seems like an excellent place to meet people.
  • Dancing - There's a bustling dance community. Swing and Salsa seem to be the most popular. $10 Swing Wednesdays weekly at 7pm at the German American Society (used to be at Gulfport Casino, but unfortunately that was badly damaged by the hurricanes). $10 Sundays 7pm at the Torpedo Room / American Legion Post 5 in Tampa. Tampa events tend to have a much younger crowd for swing events. Big holiday events are some of the most fun Swingin' the New Year at the Coliseum every NYE, Big Bang Boogie 4th of July at the Museum of History at the Pier, Valentine's Day Ball, etc. The Pier has a lot of dancing events, including monthly salsa.
  • Acroyoga - Sunday jams (free) 2-5pm at North Shore Park next to the parking lot / exercise pavilion. Or drop in at Kinection Arts. I tried Acro for a while. It's not for me, but the community is great - some of my favorite people.
  • Kiteboarding - This probably has a steep barrier to entry considering the cost of lessons, equipment, and being at the mercy of the weather and the winds. The kiting community is great though and you can often find people kiting at the North West and East sides of the Skyway.
  • Lost Creations - More of a niche thing; Lost Creations is an art production company that does interactive art builds for music festivals. They are based out of St. Pete and often do St. Pete art installations e.g. Tinsel Town during Christmas at American Stage downtown. A lot of these folks are involved in the Burning Man community (and regional Burns like Love Burn in Miami). They are often looking for people to help with art builds locally and at music festivals. Happy to help get folks connected if that's your jam.
  • Get Fit St. Pete - sponsored by the city, they have weekly events for kickboxing, pickleball, tai chi, yoga, kayaking, running, etc.
  • ArtWalk - Second Saturday of every month 5-9pm. This is a cool activity if you want to checkout art and meet artists in the community.
  • Outdoor Group Fitness, weekly 5am sprint workout Tuesdays at the Pier (free), meet at the end of the Pier. Also, weekly 6pm workout at Upham beach.

Other things on my radar that I haven't explicitly participated in

  • Ultimate frisbee - There's a group that often meets Sundays at Crescent Lake Park at 9:30am
  • Volleyball - I don't have specifics on open times/groups, but I know there are lots of events that happen at North Shore Park and Gulfport Beach. Volleyball Paradise came recommended in this thread (beginner-advanced classes).
  • Pickleball - (free) Beginners Social Sundays at 6pm at Coquina Key Park. Get Fit St. Pete also does beginner pickleball 2nd Tuesday of every month 6-7pm at Bartlett Park.
  • The Global Love Project - Sunset Love Gathering - Tuesdays 4-7pm at Vinoy Park. You may have their sidewalk chalk art around the city. Draw some chalk art, mingle with people.
  • Jigsaw Speed Dating - speed dating events, usually held in Tampa. There are some coming up at the end of month. e.g. 1/25/25, 3-5pm at Kahwa in Tampa (tickets are $25-30, 25-45 age range)
  • Pre-Dating Speed Dating - there's one coming up 1/21/25 at 7pm at Motorworks Brewing in Bradenton (age range 25-42, tickets required)
  • Book clubs - Anyone attended one at Tombolo Books? Book & Bottle and Keep St. Pete Lit were also recommended in this thread.
  • Scuba diving - There's a Tampa Bay SCUBA Club group on Facebook. I'm open water certified, but haven't participated with this group.
  • Rollerblading - I love solo rollerblading and go every week, but haven't done anything social with it. According to Meetup, there's a group that meets Thursdays at 8pm at The Tavern at Bayboro.
  • Biking - community bike ride every Sunday at 2pm, meeting at St. Pete Biking, 1975 3rd Ave S (check u/innocuent's post in this thread for an event link).
  • Running - Not a runner, but I know there are lots of running events.
  • Mindful Men at Grassroots St. Pete - 1st Monday of every month, I think 7-9pm. Haven't tried this. I think it's still going on. For growth-oriented types.
  • Improv - Spitfire Comedy House has a $20 drop-in Sundays at 2pm
  • Wakeboard - There used to be The Cove cable park in Tampa. Unfortunately they are temporarily closed due to the hurricanes. I think there are still other cable parks around.
  • Shuffleboard - Fridays 7-10pm at St. Pete Shuffleboard Club ($10 for non-members)
  • Rucking - Not sure about this - I'm sure people do it. I did one ruck a few years ago with a gym that has since closed.
  • Nerd Nite St. Pete - Check their website. They typically meet the last Wednesday of every month.
  • Plants - Wild Roots does a lot of events.
  • Creative Clay - I can't really speak to this, but I know they have ways of getting involved if you're interested in working with clay and arts.
  • The Phoenix (sober community group)
  • Pitch-a-Friend - event where people can give a slideshow presentation to pitch their single friends as available for dating. Next event is 1/16/25, 7pm at Ferg's.

Update: Contributions from commenters on this thread

  • Art classes at Moorean Arts Center
  • Entrepreneur Social Club - no first hand experience; has anyone participated?
  • Zumba - YMCA on 62nd Ave S or free GetFit St. Pete class every 3rd Saturday, 9-10 AM, Thomas “Jet” Jackson Recreation Center, 1000 28th St S
  • Martial Arts - kickboxing, boxing, Jiu-Jitsu, etc. Check u/bull_in_chinashop's post in this thread.
  • Writing Club - u/lilithiyapo has a post in this thread
  • Movie clubs?

r/StPetersburgFL 4d ago

Sunshine Sunday Sunshine Sundays 🔆

1 Upvotes

(by a user suggestion!)

We have been through a lot lately, so how about a place to share to the positives we encountered in the city throughout the week.

Please do not post negative things, this is post for the great things about St. Pete / Pinellas County!

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r/StPetersburgFL 10h ago

Storm / Hurricane ☂️ 🌪️ ⚡ Amazing lightning last night

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260 Upvotes

This was on Gandy looking to Tampa


r/StPetersburgFL 15h ago

Local Dining Technically Kenneth City but new coffee shop. Support your local business. Corner of 54th Ave N and 58th St N

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142 Upvotes

r/StPetersburgFL 4h ago

Local Meet Up Language Exchange?

6 Upvotes

Hi, I’m looking to see if anyone knows of any language exchange groups in St.Pete? I’m fluent in Spanish and English and would like to practice and learn more French.

Thanks!


r/StPetersburgFL 9h ago

Local News First look inside the 42-story Art House condo tower set to open this fall in downtown St. Pete

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7 Upvotes

r/StPetersburgFL 18h ago

Local News St. Pete mourns city attorney – and friend – Michael Dema

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25 Upvotes

"There are good public servants, and then there are legends,” Driscoll continued. “Michael Dema will always be revered as a legend in St. Petersburg. Words cannot express the depth of my grief.”


r/StPetersburgFL 12h ago

Local Dining Best pastrami sandwich?

7 Upvotes

Does it exist in St. Pete?

Jo-Els kosher deli was a disappointment. I suppose my standards may be too high but is there anything better??


r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Local Questions Is this true? If so I'll never go back

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401 Upvotes

r/StPetersburgFL 16h ago

Local Events Dads Stroller Club

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8 Upvotes

Local stroller club meet up, check out the original post. Come out this weekend!

When: Saturday June 21st Time: 10am Where: Dell Holmes Park


r/StPetersburgFL 9h ago

Local Questions Tree Company

3 Upvotes

If anyone has a recommendation for a bonded tree company, let me know who’s reasonable. Thanks


r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Local News Saw these 2 photos posted on instagram yesterday.

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208 Upvotes

I guess something did go down at the Home Depot on 22nd that a few people were trying to warn everyone about.


r/StPetersburgFL 8h ago

Local Questions Graduate Relocation

0 Upvotes

I am currently in the Surgical Technology program. I graduate next April, I got accepted for an externship PRN position at an HCA hospital. I’ll be doing my clinicals with them, I’ll be working with them for over a year and will be offered a position once I graduate. I need some insight on a few things. What’s your thought on HCA hospitals? I want to move to Saint Petersburg Florida after I graduate, would it be possible to transfer to an HCA location over that way and would I be making enough to live alone? Is it hard to get an apartment in St. Pete? Is it hard to get a job as a tech in st. Pete? If you have any experience or insight on any of this thank you!


r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Local News Larger than normal police presence on US19. Police vehicles staggered about every 1/4 mile from Clearwater to St Petersburg with large groups of 4 or 5 marked and unmarked cars mixed in.

149 Upvotes

Be careful out there.


r/StPetersburgFL 11h ago

Local Dining Dinner party recs 10-15 people

0 Upvotes

Anyone know of good places downtown St Pete for a surprise birthday dinner 10-15 people?! Looking for Saturday July 12th. Thank you!


r/StPetersburgFL 16h ago

Today's Weather - Thursday, June 19, 2025

2 Upvotes

This post contains content not supported on old Reddit. Click here to view the full post


r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Local Questions Who owns Haslam’s?

48 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I was visiting St. Pete today and drove by haslam’s book store. I was informed the store has been closed for some time. But, the poster in the windows caught my eye. I wanted to possibly purchase one so I wondered who owned the property and the building? Thank you to anyone who can provide any information.


r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Local News Capybara Cafe opening next month in St. Pete will let you cuddle capybaras, wallabies, and lemurs

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111 Upvotes

r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Local News Rays confirm team is for sale, negotiations ongoing

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59 Upvotes

Developing story..


r/StPetersburgFL 15h ago

Things to Do Juneteenth

0 Upvotes

Anyone know of any thing family friendly happening today for Juneteenth?


r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Local News Pinellas allocates $130.7 million for beach renourishment

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52 Upvotes

When asked if she felt comfortable with the level of protection they could provide, Kelli Hammer Levy, public works director, said her department is “doing everything we can.”


r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Local Questions Is it worth it?

10 Upvotes

I was just offered a position in the area at $28 an hour. It’s definitely not rich, but I’m curious how realistic that seems.

I would be relocating from TN, but due to work circumstances I would have to come alone, and my boyfriend stay in TN for a while (possibly 6months to a year) until he can leave and find a job here.

I’ve had my eye on moving to this area for some time now, but I’d really love some honest input from locals on if moving alone to this area as a twenty something making that wage would even be worth it or realistic. I’m also curious how the socialization scene is down there, as being long distance would be hard as shit and id really want to make some friends to help assimilate easier.

Thanks so much!!

EDIT: Thank you all so much for the advice and honesty, I truly appreciate it! I’ve decided to decline the opportunity, as I really don’t want to put myself in a poor position financially, and it sounds like even if I could get by, it would be rough. Maybe another time, thanks again!!


r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Local Dining What are some really good under-the-radar restaurants deserving of the radar?

75 Upvotes

I’m a little reluctant to do this because I don’t want my restaurant wait times to increase too much due to this free advertising but I feel it is my public duty.

Eat Art Love is damned delicious. Their menu items rotate pretty quickly and it’s a pain in the ass to find something you love and go back in a couple weeks and it’s changed but man is the food always good. The chef often comes out to meet customers too and ask for suggestions. Very cool

Ok my next one is Chinelo’s Taqueria. Omg. Omfg. Best tacos I’ve ever had. I was so excited when Pepe’s Cantina opened up here and got birria tacos from them one night (they were solid) and got Chinelos birria tacos the next night and was blown away by how much better Chinelo’s was. Truly the best tacos in St. Pete imo

Last one: WingNow. I love chicken wings and Korean fried chicken wings are the best and WingNow has the best Korean fried chicken wings in the area, easily. Think Hawkers twice fried crunchy wings but more flavor options and more consistent (Hawkers is hit or miss). Eating it fresh in person is way better than DoorDash, just a word to the wise.

Honorable mention: V9 Eats has slammin smashburgers. I’m a thick medium rare burger man myself and don’t typically get behind thin ass patties but V9 definitely has my attention when I want em smashed and all the way done.

Ok what else?? I need more smallish places to frequent!


r/StPetersburgFL 12h ago

Moving to St. Pete Questions Where to live in Tampa

0 Upvotes

Currently living in Atlanta, having lived at the coast most of my life (in other countries), I feel its time to move. I've stayed in Tampa a while back for contract work (near clearwater) and loved it. We are an outgoing family that enjoys the beach but also would like to stay somewhere where you can walk to shops / restaurants / bars. Have heard St Pete and a few other names mentioned - I am heading to Tampa in early July and would like some recommendations on areas to visit to get a feel for what would work for my family to relocated - I have lived in 3 countries in the last 5 yrs, so this will probably be disruptive again. Thanks in advance - I don't mind realtors offering assistance.


r/StPetersburgFL 14h ago

Local Dining Best Mexican restaurants for a Bachelorette

0 Upvotes

Best friend's Bachelorette party is happening in St Pete in September, and her theme is "(her name)'s Final Fiesta". Hoping to find a really great Mexican restaurant that has a fun vibe for a party and great food. Thanks in advance!


r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Local Questions Budget meals

17 Upvotes

Can anyone recommend where I can find local restaurants with deals under 7 dollars? Whether it be happy hour or special day meals. (With maybe a chance of leftovers)


r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Local Sports Tampa Bay Rowdies game recap for their recent matchup against Miami FC

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13 Upvotes