Samantha Elliott is a social media content creator for Downtown St. Petersburg and Beach Drive, where she shares the best of what the city has to offer—from hidden gems to local events. With a passion for exploring new spots and sharing her experiences, she helps bring the vibrant St. Pete community to life online. She also posts about her international travel adventures on her blog, Samantha Somewhere.
What's your name and how many years have you been in St Pete?
My name is Samantha Elliott, and I've been living in St. Petersburg for 2 years. I fell in love with the warm weather, the beautiful beaches, and the endless outdoor activities. The people are so welcoming, and there's always something to discover, whether it's a new restaurant, a hidden gem to explore, or an exciting event happening downtown.
What do you do for work and for fun?
For work, I’m a social media content creator for Downtown St. Pete and Beach Drive, where I post about all things St. Pete — from local events to hidden gems around the city. It’s a job that lets me showcase everything I love about this place! For fun, I’m always out exploring, whether it’s trying new restaurants, soaking up the local art scene, or enjoying the outdoors. I love spending time at the beach, checking out live music, discovering cool new spots around town, and of course, I’m always looking forward to my next travel adventure.
What would your perfect day in St. Pete consist of?
My perfect day in St. Pete starts with a long walk or run along the waterfront to get moving. Then, I’d grab coffee at one of my favorite spots — Grove Surf & Coffee, Crislip Cafe, or Pete's Bagels. After that, I’d swing by a market to check out some local finds. For lunch, I’d pick up a sub from Gateway Subs and head to the beach. In the evening, I’d hit up a happy hour on Beach Drive at Bacchus or Birchwood Canopy, then wrap things up with some live music at a local spot.
How about your perfect date night?
A perfect date night depends on the mood. Sometimes it's a nice dinner at Pia’s in Gulfport or grabbing drinks at In Between Days, which has an awesome Tokyo-style vibe. Other times, it’s a happy hour on Beach Drive, a beach sunset, or something fun like mini golf at Par Bar. I like to keep it relaxed and mix in some good food, a little activity, and whatever feels right.
What's a hidden gem - a drink, a meal, a place or an experience in DTSP that many may not know about?
I love Egmont Key and Shell Key for spending time outside in nature—whether it's kayaking, exploring or just relaxing by the water. I love the sushi at Pin On Cafe. For wine, Cellarmasters has such a cozy vibe and a great selection. If you're in the mood for something unique, In Between Days is an awesome Tokyo-style listening bar with amazing cocktails. And for happy hour, Bacchus Wine Bistro is a fantastic spot to sit outside, enjoy some great wine, and people-watch on Beach Drive.
One thing you still want to see in DTSP?
One thing I still want to see in DTSP is a larger music venue or amphitheater for bigger artists. We have so much great live music here, but a venue that can host larger acts would really elevate the local music scene and bring even more energy to the city.
What gets you out of bed every day?
What gets me out of bed every day is the excitement of exploring something new. Whether it’s checking out a new spot in St. Pete, discovering a hidden gem, or simply enjoying the outdoors, there’s always something to look forward to. I love sharing all of it with others and helping people experience the best of this city.