When we first considered this area as a destination, I was confused about what was where and how to get there. Let me help you unravel the details so you can plan your dream vacation in this area. There are several distinct areas in this little nook in Florida. Tampa -the big city. St Petersburg- the quaint artist area. St Pete’s Beach - traditional beach strip. They are all close enough to enjoy the amenities of all, but your focus may determine where you want to stay. All are accessible from Tampa International airport - a large airport serviced by major airlines, and St Petersburg/Clearwater Airport - a smaller airport serviced by more regional flights. Check both airports for best flights.
Now on to the fun part.
Situated on the Gulf side of Florida, St Petersburg/St Pete enjoys the white sand and warm water that makes a vaca with the kids enjoyable. Water-sports and marine life are very accessible during the day, while outdoor eateries and bars help the evening wind-down enjoyable for everyone. You can always entertain the kiddos with a bucket and a shovel, but if you are looking for something more educational, check out some of our favorite activities in the area.
Fort De Soto Park - At the tip of Tampa Bay, this stronghold served as a watchpoint to protect the Bay from invaders. The old fort is still standing and offers tours for history buffs. But, the island also offers rentals such as kayaks, bikes, and paddle boards. There is a snack bar and public beaches. It’s easy to get to by Car or Uber - but harder to leave, so if you Uber out, have a plan in place for the return trip.
The Ringing Circus Museum. A bit of a ride out of town - in Sarasota - this museum is worth the half day break from the beach. The museum is not only the former home of old PT, but also has an art museum, gardens, and the traveling animal accommodations on display.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This is a rescue and rehabilitation facility for marine wildlife. The animals who are here permanently have been deemed not fit to return to the wild. So, if you are an animal rights do-righter (or just like to see dolphins) you can feel good about where your money goes. This is where dolphins Hope and Winter live. You can watch them do their rehab exercises each day.
Boat rentals and marine watching tours - there is no substitute for getting out on the water. Most marinas have rentals and daily tours available. We enjoyed Captain Allen of Allens Aquatic Adventures, a small boat operator that tailored the trip of snorkeling and lounging to our speed.
Keep in mind, this is a sea turtle nesting area. During season, consider searching for turtles at night or nests in the morning. Be sure to tell the tikes how to respect the turtles by not bothering them or their nests. But, marvel at the mystery of how these turtles return to the place of their birth year after year to lay their eggs.
If the sand between your toes is not your dream, you can still enjoy the laid back beach feel in downtown St Petersburg. My favorite part of this area is the enthusiasm of the locals. This area is a hub of artists, musicians and foodies. All of them have dogs.
Downtown St Petersburg has several museums to keep the trip high brow. The Dali museum is very popular. Also new on the scene is the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. Downtown also is host to the Museum of Fine Arts, which is in the park just across from the marina. Galleries are tucked between the eateries and are open in the evening for sipping and shopping. The walkway along the marina is full of walkers, bikers and those celebrating life. Often sandwiched between the yachts on the water and the weddings in the park, the people watching is outstanding. The public restroom are clean and the breeze inviting. There are often festivals or planned activities, so be sure to check the calendar before you go. You may get lucky and can add shopping in local booths to your activity list.
Once the daytime activities are coming to a close, downtown St Petersburg is the move. The pace is still beachy laid back, but Your Little black dress wear is appropriate. There is a strip along Beach street, overlooking the marina, that has a lot of wine- lovers restaurants and ice cream shops. Rooftop bars and sidewalk couches with umbrellas and cheese plates blend from one restaurant to the next. Champaign and sports cars create a happy hour for everyone.
If beer and pub grub is more your scene, check out Central Avenue. The Oyster Bar has daily happy hour specials and The Mill is a great place to enjoy a steak while sidewalk dining. Most places have dog-friendly seating - so even if your puppy had to stay home, it’s fun to see the four legged social scene.
Most hotels downtown are either walkable to the restaurants and shops, or an easy Uber ride. We enjoyed staying in the refurbished neighborhood, in a cute place called The Avalon. Their sister hotel, the Hollander, was a great boutique spot as well. If you like larger venues, check out the historic Vinoy Renaissance Hotel, which includes stunning views over North Yacht Basin or Vinoy Park
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If it’s the beach you crave, the most haunted hotel in all of Florida- The Don Cesar- is a great option. This is the opulence of the 20’s beach resorts come to life. This pink castle that towers over the beach is bound to make the little ones think they are about to stay in the most magnificent hotel of their lives. There is direct access to the beautiful beach, cool kid activities and pools. Mainly, you just cannot best the bellmen for the nicest guys around. The Don is awesome, but it is large enough that there is no real walking off the property. You will need a car or a shuttle to get around.
For a family stay, consider turning left at the Don to head to house rentals at Pass a Grille beach. This quint, walkable area is quiet neighborhoods and public beaches with a small town square. If budget is on your mind, do not fret! Just turn right at the beach and stay in one of the many St Pete beach resorts lined up along the white sand. Prices and luxury vary, but you shouldn’t be hanging out in the room anyway! We stayed at the cheapest one we could find. And it was fine! It even had a beach bar with live music in the evenings. Shoes optional.
