There are shopping destinations, and then there’s Corey Avenue. The stretch of storefronts, galleries, restaurants, and boutiques that runs through the heart of St. Pete Beach has been drawing locals and visitors for over 80 years — and the recognition is catching up to what the community has known all along. Here’s why you should consider shopping on Corey Avenue.
Sunshine State Tourism recently named Corey Avenue the #1 Shopping District in Florida, topping a list that included Disney Springs, Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Park Avenue in Winter Park, and Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. You can see the full results here. It’s a meaningful recognition — not because Corey Avenue needed the validation, but because it reflects something real: this is a place worth making the trip for.
A Shopping District Built From the Ground Up
Corey Avenue didn’t happen by accident. In 1936, what is now one of Florida’s most beloved shopping corridors was nothing more than a mangrove swamp between the present-day Beach Theatre and the Corey Causeway. The Upham Company, acting as sales agents for International Realty Associates and the First National Bank of Tampa, saw something different. When property owners passed on the opportunity, Upham bought the land, filled the swamp, and paved the street themselves.
On February 13, 1937, Corey Avenue officially opened with a motorcade and a crowd of dignitaries — including mayors, civic leaders, and even Mrs. William L. Edison, daughter-in-law of the famous inventor. By May of that year, the first building was up, and the storefronts quickly followed: clothing stores, shoe shops, a pharmacy, a hardware store, restaurants, bars, and a theater. The bones of what you walk today were laid nearly 90 years ago.
That history is still alive on the avenue. The Beach Theatre, one of the original landmarks, reopened in 2025 after more than a decade of dormancy — and after surviving two devastating hurricanes in 2024. Its revival is a symbol of the resilience that defines this community. Read the full history of Corey Avenue here.
What to Shop on Corey Avenue
The businesses on the avenue today reflect the spirit of the original vision: a walkable district where you can spend a full day moving between shops, stopping for food and drinks, and discovering something you weren’t expecting. Here’s a look at what’s on the avenue, organized by category. View full business details in the Corey Avenue Business Directory.
Boutiques & Apparel
Corey Avenue’s apparel and jewelry scene is defined by independent shops you won’t find at the mall. Elizabeth’s BARtique blends boutique shopping with wine — a combination that’s as St. Pete Beach as it sounds. Sun Drunk Boutique carries the kind of coastal lifestyle apparel that travels well beyond the beach. JoJo’s Boutique & Curvy Mermaid is an inclusive clothing destination with a dedicated following. Metaphysically Me brings crystals, spiritual goods, and wearable art to the mix. And Natural Comfort Footwear handles the practical side of beach life with quality footwear built for walking.
Home Goods, Gifts & Décor
For those who shop to bring something home, Corey Avenue has a strong lineup. Sail Market Boutique & Gifts is a fixture on the avenue with a curated selection of coastal gifts and accessories. Coastal Cottage and Paradise Contemporary Coastal Décor offer home goods and décor ranging from casual beachy to refined coastal design. Simply Perfect rounds out the gift shop options with a thoughtful assortment for any occasion.
Art Galleries
Two galleries anchor the creative side of the district. Art Expo Gallery showcases original works from local artists and is a destination for collectors and casual browsers alike, primarily focusing on custom framing services for any art enthusiast. Studio Jomac brings a working studio energy to the avenue, with original artwork that reflects the character of this coastal community.
Restaurants & Bars
Shopping on Corey Avenue is as much about where you stop as what you buy. Tiki Bagel is a St. Pete Beach institution — a bagel shop with a full menu and a loyal local following. Chill Restaurant & Bar is a full-service dining and entertainment spot on the avenue with live music every week. Category 36 Taphouse & Kitchen brings craft beer and a kitchen to the mix. Swigwam Beach Bar and Twisted Tiki Bar & Grill keep the beach bar energy going from afternoon into evening.
Services & Other Businesses
The district’s full-service nature is part of what makes it a true neighborhood commercial corridor, not just a tourist strip. Lemon Tree Spa offers wellness and relaxation steps from the avenue. The Beach Theatre is a historic entertainment anchor now back in operation. Additional businesses including Coastal Properties Group, Vaughn Law, Veterinary Healing Arts, Digital Eel, Synovus Bank, and Beach Memorial Chapel reflect the full range of community life that has always defined this stretch of St. Pete Beach.
The Corey Avenue Sunday Market
Every Sunday, Corey Avenue adds another layer. The Corey Avenue Sunday Market transforms the avenue into an open-air marketplace with more than 60 vendors offering locally made ready-to-eat foods, organic produce, plants, crafts, and more. The market runs year-round — Sundays from 10AM to 2PM November through May, and 9AM to 1PM during summer months.
Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, the official tourism authority for Pinellas County, recognizes the Corey Avenue Sunday Market as one of the top markets in the entire St. Pete-Clearwater region — a list that spans markets across the county. Their listing calls it “a must-visit hot spot” and notes the uplifting atmosphere that makes it a standout Sunday destination.
Follow the market on Facebook for vendor updates, seasonal schedules, and event announcements.
Shopping Events on Corey Avenue
Beyond the everyday retail experience, Corey Avenue has built a calendar of community shopping events that give visitors a reason to come back throughout the year. These aren’t generic sidewalk sales — each one is thoughtfully organized by CABA (Corey Area Business Association) to bring the district to life in a distinct way.
Corey Ave Art & Craft Festival
Each year, the Corey Ave Art & Craft Festival transforms the avenue into an outdoor gallery showcasing handmade work from skilled regional artisans. Presented by SIK Promotions and the Corey Avenue Business Association, the two-day festival draws thousands of visitors to browse and buy one-of-a-kind pieces — fine art, jewelry, ceramics, décor, wearable art, and handcrafted gifts. It’s one of the most attended events on the avenue’s calendar, drawing over 2,500 interested attendees for recent editions, and it runs alongside the existing shops and restaurants that make the district worth exploring on its own. Free admission, family-friendly, and held outdoors along 300 Corey Avenue.
Small Business Saturday & Sip and Stroll
The holiday season on Corey Avenue is anchored by two back-to-back community events that turn November and December into the best time of year to shop the district.
Small Business Saturday on Corey Avenue goes well beyond the national campaign. Participating businesses offer exclusive in-store discounts, individual giveaways, and raffles — all unique to each location. Past editions have featured prize entries at shops including SunDrunk, Metaphysically Me, Coastal Cottage, Art Expo Gallery, JoJo’s Boutique, Chill Restaurant & Bar, Sail Market, Studio Jomac, Simply Perfect, Twisted Tiki, Elizabeth’s BARtique, and Category 36 Taphouse. A passport-based Sweepstakes has also been a signature feature, where visitors collect stamps across the district for a grand prize drawing.
Sip & Stroll follows in December — a free Friday evening event that invites guests to wander the avenue with a drink in hand, shop the boutiques after hours, and enjoy live entertainment at multiple venues simultaneously. Past lineups have included live bands at Chill Restaurant & Bar, music near SunDrunk and Sail Market, and Christmas carolers strolling the avenue. It’s the kind of event that makes a walkable shopping district feel like exactly what it’s supposed to be. Read more about the holiday events on Corey Avenue.
Shamrock Shop Hop
St. Patrick’s Day on Corey Avenue isn’t just a street party — it’s a shopping event. The Shamrock Shop Hop runs alongside the Corey Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Street Party, inviting visitors to pick up a passport at any participating business, collect stamps at each stop along the avenue, and drop their completed passport for a chance to win prizes donated by local shops. Past editions have featured prize packages from SunDrunk, Elizabeth’s BARtique, Tiki Bagel, Chill Restaurant & Bar, Metaphysically Me, and Sail Market Boutique & Gifts — with a combined prize pool valued at over $300. It runs 10AM to 2PM on the day of the street party, giving shoppers a structured reason to explore every corner of the district before the evening festivities begin. Learn more about the Shamrock Shop Hop.
These events give people a great opportunity to show up, stay longer, and shop local. Check the Corey Avenue events calendar to see what’s coming up next.
The Organization Behind the Avenue
The vitality of Corey Avenue doesn’t sustain itself. The Corey Area Business Association (CABA) is the organization dedicated to the economic health, community engagement, and continued growth of the Corey Avenue District. CABA coordinates marketing, organizes community events, and advocates for the businesses and residents that make this area what it is.
Membership is open to boutiques, galleries, restaurants, bars, real estate agencies, service providers, and more — any business operating within the district boundaries between Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, from 73rd to 76th avenues. Annual dues are $125, covering marketing, networking, and advertising initiatives that benefit the entire district.
If you’re a business owner on or near Corey Avenue, learn more about CABA membership and apply here.
Plan Your Visit to Corey Avenue
Corey Avenue is located in downtown St. Pete Beach, along the stretch between Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It’s walkable, parking is available, and the mix of shops, galleries, food, and entertainment means a few hours can easily turn into a full day. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime local, the avenue has a way of offering something new every time.
Browse the full Corey Avenue business directory to plan your visit, or check the events calendar to time your trip around one of the district’s community celebrations.
