Southern Living has placed St. Pete among the underrated Southern destinations to visit in 2026, a recognition that carries weight for business leaders evaluating relocation options. When a publication with national reach consistently highlights a city, it validates a key factor in corporate relocation decisions: quality of life that attracts and retains talent.
What Southern Living said
According to the magazine’s travel experts, St. Pete continues to evolve beyond its beach reputation, earning praise for its cultural growth and creative energy. The publication noted the city maintains a relaxed rhythm that appeals to travelers who want both culture and coastal access, describing it as having a mix of beaches, arts, and everyday livability that makes it one of the South’s most quietly compelling cities.
This recognition follows Southern Living‘s March 2025 ranking of St. Pete at #7 on their “Best Cities in the South” list, based on input from over 10,000 survey respondents. The magazine specifically cited St. Pete’s world-class art museums, nature preserves, craft breweries, and surrounding beaches.
Southern Living’s 13 best things to do in St. Pete
The publication also highlighted specific attractions that define St. Pete’s appeal:
- Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center – Featuring fantastical blown-glass creations by Dale Chihuly
- Central Avenue shopping – Browse curated housewares, handmade jewelry, and affordable fashion
- Museum of Fine Arts – Neoclassical grandeur housing works including a Monet
- Sunken Gardens – A century-old botanical wonderland in the heart of downtown
- The Dalí Museum – Stunning home for works by Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí
- Pass-a-Grille – Historic neighborhood with powder-soft white sand and turquoise water
- Barrier island exploration – Shell Key shuttle for snorkeling, sunbathing, and dolphin-watching
- Red Mesa Cantina – Latin and Caribbean flavors in a bustling atmosphere
- Tryst Gastro Lounge – Frequently changing menu on Beach Drive
- Chill Restaurant & Bar – Relaxed dining on historic Corey Avenue
- Hurricane Seafood Restaurant – Rooftop bar with beach views
- Allelo – Mediterranean-inspired small plates and wine
- The Mandarin Hide – Sophisticated speakeasy-style bar on Central Avenue
Why this matters for business relocation
These aren’t tourism awards—they’re data points in a relocation pitch. When trying to convince a senior executive to move their family from New York or San Francisco, third-party validation from a respected publication carries more weight than any economic development marketing materials.
The qualities Southern Living highlighted—cultural sophistication, livability, and a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere—directly address the challenges companies face in attracting talent to new markets. Executives want to know their employees won’t feel they’re sacrificing lifestyle for opportunity.
Beyond the recognition
St. Pete delivers the fundamentals that make relocation attractive. The city offers world-class cultural institutions including The Dalí Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, both currently hosting exhibitions typically found in global capitals. Three St. Pete restaurants—Il Ritorno, Fortu, and Sushi Sho Rexley—earned Michelin Guide recognition in 2025, reflecting a maturing culinary scene. The downtown features an active entrepreneurial community, with over 300 local businesses celebrated annually at the Localtopia festival.
Southern Living also recognized St. Pete as one of Florida’s best cities for antiquing, highlighting the city’s support for local businesses and the monthly Vintage Marche event—evidence of a thriving small business ecosystem.
For outdoor-oriented employees, Fort De Soto Park attracts 2.7 million visitors annually with its beaches, trails, and waterfront access. The historic Sunken Gardens provides a 100-year-old botanical attraction in the heart of downtown. The St. Pete Pier offers 26 acres of waterfront space for dining, recreation, and community events.
The city has demonstrated resilience and momentum following 2024’s hurricane season. A $125 million beach nourishment project will complete in early 2026, doubling the size of several beaches. The Vinoy reaches its 100-year milestone in 2026, while the Don CeSar reopened after renovations with updated dining concepts and refreshed amenities.
The recruitment advantage
For CEOs evaluating locations, consistent national recognition creates a recruitment advantage. It’s easier to attract talent to a city that Southern Living calls “quietly compelling” than to sell a market that requires extensive explanation. The recognition provides validation for HR teams when recruiting candidates from other markets.
St. Pete offers both business fundamentals and the lifestyle infrastructure that makes corporate relocation viable.
For more, visit “8 Underrated Southern Destinations To Visit In 2026, According To Travel Experts.”
