If your family is seeking a getaway destination that’s both relaxing and provides the opportunity for adventure, St. Pete Beach is the ideal spot. This barrier island community enjoys year-round sunshine, inviting adventurous hearts to enjoy beautiful weather. Located off of Florida’s western coast, St. Pete Beach offers miles of award-winning beaches and plenty of exciting attractions. After you settle into your St. Pete Beach vacation rental, set out for an exciting adventure with the kids. Get started with one of these top 11 activities.
1. Head to the Beach
Leave your vacation rental early in the morning to secure your spot on the sandy white beach. Spread out your beach towel or set up your umbrella, and get ready to soak up the rays and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of St. Pete Beach. Take a book to read in your beach chair while the kids build sandcastles. When you need to cool off, take a dip in the tranquil Gulf of Mexico surf.
2. Take a Cruise
Book the whole family on a cruise to Shell Key Island to collect seashells. On the way, the boat may stop in the shallow sandbars, letting you catch sight of dolphins playing. Check out Suncoast Watersports for a relaxing cruise, featuring whale-watching from the comfortable catamaran boat. A small-group sunset tour is the perfect way to wind down after a day of adventure.
3. Visit an Aquarium
When you need a break from the sun, head straight from your vacation rental to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Delight the little ones by watching the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins entertain the crowd, or take in presentations that feature otters, stingray, and sea turtles. Kids 12 and up participate in the Trainer for a Day program, where they spend three hours helping to feed and work with otters and dolphins.
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4. Check out the Pier
Pass some time and relax with the kids; pack up some sandwiches and head to Merry Pier. Fishing charters and island shuttles depart from the historic fishing pier, and there’s a bait and tackle shop to sell you anything you need for a day of casting your reel. If you didn’t pack rods, rent some here. Browse the fresh seafood for sale at the pier, and take some back to your vacation rental for a family feast.
5. Get in the Water
When your adventure-seekers are ready to get wet, there’s no shortage of activities at St. Pete Beach to keep them entertained. Hit up Allen’s Aquatic Adventures to try scuba diving or snorkeling. Rent a jet ski to explore the open waters, or consider a heart-pounding round of river rafting. Those looking for a real thrill might love water-skiing, while stand-up paddleboarding presents a calmer alternative.
6. Grab a Bite
When hunger strikes, choose from a variety of family-friendly restaurants in St. Pete Beach to please everyone in your group. Surprise the kids with a trip to RumFish Grill, where you can enjoy a scrumptious seafood dinner as you take in the breathtaking view of the 33,000-gallon fish tank that graces the restaurant. Patrons even have the opportunity to enter the tank and swim with the fish, including grouper and moray eels.
7. Explore a Museum
In the event that you do experience a rain shower during your trip, don’t waste time holed up at your vacation rental. Dodge the drops by heading to Gulf Beaches Historical Museum. Learn all about Pass-A-Grille, the beach town at the southern tip of St. Pete Beach, by browsing old photographs, newspaper articles, historical documents, and other memorabilia. Enjoy historical stories from the museum staff, and if you’re truly intrigued by the history, pick up some books from the gift shop before you leave.
8. Plan Your Escape
For the family that loves to play together, a trip to Beach Escape Game is a must. This fun and interactive game lets your group work together to solve puzzles and crack codes to escape the room within 60 minutes. Choose from various themed rooms, or come back again to retry a room that stumped you. The Lost Treasure room lets you search for Captain Eli Godsey’s shipwrecked treasure, while the challenging Where in the World? room sends you on a globe-hopping to find a missing travel ticket. Since the game is located directly on St. Pete Beach, you can enjoy the amazing sunset views as you leave to head back to your vacation rental.
9. Go Shopping
When you’re exhausted from the outdoor adventures, try some retail therapy with a trip to the Corey Avenue Shopping District. Art lovers are spoiled for choice in something to take home in the Kapfer Studio and Boutique. Browse a variety of items at the Attic Shop Thrift Store. If you need a few essentials to stock your vacation home, stop by the grocery store at Dolphin Village Shopping Center. The Corey Avenue Sunday Market is a vibrant destination for fresh food, unique art, fun souvenirs, and delicious smoothies.
10. Play at the Water Park
Beat the heat with a trip to the water park. TradeWinds Island Grand isn’t just any water park, though. It’s 15,750 square feet of floating, splashing water park fun. Inflatable slides and floating trampolines offer a delightful day to children of all ages. Lay back on a tube and relax while they play, as there are certified lifeguards on duty for the safety of all guests.
11. Relax at the Park
To catch some quiet time with the family, visit one of the serene parks in St. Pete Beach. Pack up a lunch and go to McKenney Park for a picnic beneath the old trees. Egan Park has tennis courts and a baseball field, while Horan Park often hosts arts and craft shows in the spring and winter seasons. In October, Horan hosts free Friday night concerts.
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