|
|
The Pier
Fair + to Fun
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
Location: 800 Second Ave., St. Petersburg
Phone: 727-821-6164
Web site: www.stpetepier.com
Parking: $3-$5, depending on the lot or if there are any special events
Hours: Monday through Thursday 10:00a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
A landmark of downtown St. Petersburg, the Pier features an array of waterfront shops,restaurants, and attractions. The 5-story inverted pyramid is difficult to miss. Here you’ll find Captain Al’s Restaurant, the Pier Aquarium, and much more. It’s great place to spend a relaxing afternoon or evening. Even if you just walk around, you can enjoy the view out over the waters, as well as the skyline of St. Petersburg.
Some of What You Will Find
The M/V Dolphin Queen offers catamaran cruises around Tampa Bay. 727-647-1538
The Pier Aquarium is a small nonprofit aquarium and education center on the second floor of the upside-down pyramid.
Admission is $2 for those 12 and over, free admission on Sundays www.prevaquarium.org; tel. 727-895-7437. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sundays noon to 6:00 p.m.
Segway Tours of St. Petersburg offers a guided tour around St. Petersburg that lasts about 1 1/2 hours. 727-896-3640; www.segwaytourofstpetersburg.com
At Solar Surrey Boat Rentals, you can rent one of the 21-foot surrey boats, with or without a captain, and tour around the bay for a half hour ($35) or a full hour ($65). 727- 898-2628; www.solarsurrey.com
Whimsical Wheels offers surrey bikes to rent for those who prefer to tour by land. 727- 896-3640; www.whimsicalwheels.com
Pier Bate House on the Pier offers fishing poles or full-blown boating excursions. 727- 821-3750
Dining at the Pier
A food court-style eatery aptly named the Dockside Eatery offers Chinese food, burgers, pizza, and ice cream. For a more substantial meal, try Captain Al’s (listed in the restaurant section of this chapter) or the Colombia Restaurant (which is more formal and more appropriate for adults). You’ll find a handful of snack spots as well.
Great Explorations: The Hands-On Museum
Fun
Best for kids ages 3 to 8
Location: 1925 4th St. N., St. Petersburg (near the Sunken Gardens)
Phone: 727-821-8992
Web site: www.greatexplorations.org
Admission: Everyone $9; kids under 11 months are free
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 4:30 p.m.
You won’t hear anyone say “don’t touch” around here. The entire museum is full of hands-on activities and exhibits that kids are meant to touch and interact with. They can test their skills on the climbing wall or build their own race car to race on the track. Kids can even race model sailboats, learning how the boat works with the wind. Other exhibition areas include Explore Galore, Exchange, the Think Tank, Touch Tunnel, and the Body Shop.
Just So You Know
The Pinellas Trail winds its way throughout the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area, offering 37 miles of wide open space (15 feet wide, to be exact) for biking, skating, or just plain walking. You can take in the beautiful surroundings without any interference from traffic. Rental shops for bike and skate rentals are scattered along the trail so no matter where you are, one is sure to be close by. For a complete list of bike rentals along the trail check out www.pinellastrail.com and for detailed maps of the trail head to http://www.pinellascounty.org/trailgd//default.htm
Sunken Gardens
Fair+ to Fun
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages (though older kids over 9 or 10 will likely
get bored)
Location: 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg
Phone: 727-551-3100
Web site: www.stpete.org/fun/parks/sunken.html
Admission: Adult $8, kids 3-12 $4
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday noon to 4:30 p.m.
Surrounded by the city of St. Petersburg, this oasis of sorts features 6 acres of tropical plants and flowers. The Sunken Gardens’ winding pathways take you past gardens, ponds, waterfalls, and some rather unique exhibits. In addition to the lush gardens themselves, some of Florida’s other natural inhabitants reside here as well. Butterflies fly freely about the butterfly garden as well as in a walk-through enclosure. Exotic birds can be observed flitting about the aviary, and many of birds native to the area can be seen flying about the gardens too.
Dolphin Landings
Fun+
Best for families with kids ages 4 and up though some excursions are appropriate for all
ages
Location: 4737 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
Phone: 727-367-4488
Web site: www.dolphinlandings.com
Hop aboard the Islandtime and cruise along the Boca Ciega Bay. You may very well spot the dolphins playfully swimming around the waters. Dolphin-watch cruises last about 2 hours, and trips to Shell Island for snorkeling last 3 1/2-4 hours. Free water and soft drinks are included as well as the use of a snorkel and mask.
Dolphin Watch:
Adult $30; kids $20
Shell Key and Egmont Key excursions: Adult $40; kids $30
Evening cruises are available for $30 per person regardless of age.
Additional Island excursions, fishing excursions, and sightseeing excursions are available as well – it just depends what type of experience you’re looking for.
Egmont Key State Park and the Egmont Key Ferry
Fantastic
Best for families with kids ages 4 and up though appropriate for all ages
Access is only via ferry or boat (several area charters offer service –many of which are listed in this guide). The park is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay southwest of Fort De Soto State Park
Phone: 727-893-2627
Web site: www.floridastateparks.org
Hours: 8:00 a.m. until sunset
The only way to access Egmont Key is by boat. If you want to snorkel in the warm and beautiful waters above the sunken ruins of Fort Dade, tour one of the last working manned lighthouses, or just explore the island or enjoy its beaches, a boat is the way to get there. The 440-acre island is also a wildlife refuge and home to loggerhead sea turtles, gopher tortoises, as well as plenty of other natural inhabitants. You’ll have to bring along a picnic if you want to eat while you’re here as there are no facilities available on the island itself.
The Egmont Key ferry departs from Fort DeSoto Park at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. daily, with return trips departing at 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Tickets: $15, snorkel rentals are $5 and a ferry to the sunken ruins will run you an additional $10.
Fort De Soto State Park
Fantastic +
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
Location: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde
Phone: 727-582-2267
Web site: www.fortdesoto.com and www.pinellascounty.org
Hours: daily 7:00 a.m. to dark
The largest of the parks in the area, consisting of 5 islands, Fort De Soto has plenty tooffer, from beautiful beaches to camping facilities. There are over 900 acres of coastal grounds with 7 miles of unspoiled white sandy beach (another of the top rated in the country), 2 fishing piers (one bay side one gulf side), and plenty of picnic areas. There are trails for biking and skating with rentals available too. An old fort built during the Spanish-American war provides the perfect place for young explores to play. If you prefer the pool, there are also 2 large swimming centers located at the northern end of the park, with a concession area located close by (there is another concession stand located farther south).
Hubbard’s Marina
15 John’s Pass Boardwalk Marina, Madeira Beach
Phone: 727-393-1947 or 800-755-0677
Web site: www.hubbardsmarina.com
Dolphin-watching, shelling, fishing, and more--it’s all available at Hubbard’s Marina.
You can set sail on a number of different cruises any day of the week.
Dolphin Watch (and sightseeing) departs at 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. daily.
Adult $11.95; kids 11 and under $6
Sunset cruises depart at 6 p.m.. The cost is $11.95 per person (including free beer for the adults).
Shell Island beach tour departs Monday through Saturday at 9 a.m., returning at noon.
Adult $19.95, kids: 11 and under $9.95
Deep-sea fishing excursions are offered for a half day: either 8 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1 p.m.-6 p.m. at a cost of $15 per person.
All-day tours depart Thursdays at 7:00 a.m., returning at 7:00 p.m. $25 per person.
Overnight excursions are available as well
The half-day trips (by far the most popular) are on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan to get there early so you don’t miss out. The longer excursions are by reservation. Fares include the trip, bait, license, parking, and instruction, as well as all the fish you can catch.
Rules for the Deep-Sea Fishing Excursions
-Kids under 12 may not participate in the all-day or overnight excursions.
-Kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
-Kids under 6 may not rent rods/reels, but they may share an adult’s.
-No kids under 2 years of age are allowed on board at all.
The Pirate Ship at John’s Pass
Fun
Best for families with kids 4 and up
John’s Pass Boardwalk Place, 140 Boardwalk Place, Madeira Beach
Phone: 727-423-7824
Web site: www.thepirataeshipatjohnpass.com
Rates: Pirate Cruise Adults $ Children ages $
Rates: Dolphin and Sightseeing Cruises Adult $ Children ages $
Hours: Daily departures at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and at sunset. Departure times can change seasonally, so double-check the schedule a few days ahead of time for the most up-to-date information.
Take a Pirate’s Tour around Boca Ciega Bay and you’ll be treated to an up-close look at some of Florida’s wildlife along the way. Pelicans, herons, and egrets are just a few of the birds you will see as you sail by Bird Island. Dolphins can often be spotted swimming about the waters. All the while, there will be merrymaking and tales being told as the pirate ship sails around the bay.
The Sun Coast Seabird Sanctuary
Fair+ to Fun
Location: 18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores
Phone: 727-391-6211
Web site: www.seabirdsanctuary.org
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to sunset
Admission: No charge, but donations are welcome.
A nonprofit sanctuary, this center is dedicated to the preservation of Florida’s wild birds, from rescue to rehabilitation to release. There are more than 600 birds on display at any one time including cranes, pelicans, owls and many others. The birds on display are permanently injured and unable to be released back into the wild. The sanctuary treats literally thousands of birds every year that are able to survive on their own when released back into their natural habitat. The sanctuary is a great place for kids to learn about some of Florida’s wildlife and what an important role the sanctuary plays in preserving it.
Clearwater Beach
Fantastic +
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
Another popular beach, Clearwater Beach, which is not surprising as it’s rated as one of the top in the country. The beach is a bustle of activity from morning till night because the area is home to an array of restaurants, shops, and resorts, as well as the Clearwater Beach, the Clearwater Marina, and Pier 60 (itself a center of activity). The white sand beaches, dotted with colorful beach umbrellas, stretch in either direction as far as the eye can see.
Sand Key Park
Fantastic
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
Location: 10160 Gulf Boulevard, Clearwater
Phone: 727-588-4852
Hours: 7:00 a.m. to sunset, with lifeguards on duty from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Web site: www.pinellascounty.org
Parking: Over 1,000 metered spaces are available
Sand Key Park, located on the island of Sand Key just next door to Clearwater Beach, is a 90-acre outdoor playground. The beautiful half-mile stretch of white sandy beach has been rated as one of the top 20 beaches in the United States. There are bathhouses (with changing areas and restrooms) and lifeguard stations dotting the beach. Just back a bit you’ll find picnic shelters, grills, playgrounds, and water fountains. Cabana rentals are also available to protect little ones from the searing Florida sunshine.
Caladesi Island State Park
Fun + to Fantastic
Best for families with kids ages 4 and up though appropriate for all ages
Location: 1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin (just north of Clearwater Beach)
Phone: 727-469-5942
Web site: www.floridastateparks.org
Hours: 8:00 a.m.-sunset
Admission: $4 for up to 8 people by private boat; if coming by ferry from Honeymoon Island, the fee is included in the cost of the ferry ride.
Another park accessible only by boat, Caladesi Island is one of the few islands left that remains relatively undisturbed. It is the perfect place for shelling, swimming, diving, and snorkeling. The 3-mile-long nature trail is the perfect way to explore the interior of the island. A small concession stand and picnic shelters are also available.
Honeymoon Island
Fun +
Best for families with kids ages 6 and up
Location: 1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin
Phone: 727-469-5942
Admission: $2 per person per car (not to exceed $4 per car)
Honeymoon Island, like Caladesi Island, is relatively undisturbed. It features 2 bird observation areas in addition to a beautiful stretch of beach for shelling and sunbathing.
Snorkeling and fishing are popular here too, with nature trails winding throughout the island as well. There is a concession stand and picnic pavilions so you can make a day of it. The ferry to Caladesi Island departs from here as well.
Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise
Fun +
Best for families with kids ages 4 and up
Location: 23 Causeway Blvd., Dock 3, Clearwater Beach
Phone: 727-446-2587
Web site: www.pirateflorida.com
The “Pirates Ransom” looks as if it sailed right off the set of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean. Adventure for swashbucklers and pirates alike await aboard the 70-foot pirate ship as it sails the high seas several times a day. Treasure hunting, games, and merrymaking all make for a grand adventure aboard. Day cruises set sail at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with a 2:00 p.m. departure on Sundays.
Evening adventures are offered as well, but the schedules vary by season. The cost for this swashbuckling adventure is $20 for kids up to the age of 12, $25 for kids 12-17, and $30 for adults. If you or your kids want to dress the part, there is plenty of pirate paraphernalia to be had at the gift shop.
Show Queen Cruises
Fun
Best for families with kids ages 5 and up
Location: Clearwater Beach Marina, 25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach
Phone: 727-461-3113 and 800-772-4479
Web site: www.showqueen.com
If you’re in the mood to sail around the scenic waterways, Show Queen Cruises offer both lunch and sightseeing cruises to do just that. The Lunch Cruise is a narrated cruise with a buffet lunch included. Adult $19.85; kids ages 4 to 10 $9.95. Departures: Monday through Saturday 12:30 p.m., Sundays 1:30 p.m. The Sightseeing Cruise (daytime sightseeing: adults $10.95, kids ages 4 to 10 $6.95, evening sightseeing: adult $12.95, kids ages 4 to 10 $8.95) allows you to catch a glimpse of the dolphins, heron, and other native marine life that call the coastal waters home.
Departures: Monday through Saturday 12:30 p.m.; Sundays 1:30 p.m.
Pier 60
Fun+ to Fantastic
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
Located at the northern end of Clearwater Beach
Phone: 727-462-6486
Clearwater Beach is by far one of the most popular beaches in the area, and Pier 60 is in part responsible for this. It offers not only a beautiful stretch of beach but an array of activities from water-sport rentals to entertainment. A large covered playground is in the center of it all, the perfect place for kids of all ages to run around and just have fun. Little ones will get a kick out of the dancing fountains. There’s fishing off the pier and swimming in the warm Gulf waters with lifeguards keeping a watchful eye on things. If you get hungry, food concessions are available.
The Sunset Celebration
Web site: www.sunsetatpier60.com
The nightly celebration begins 2 hours prior to and lasts 2 hours after the beautiful sunsets of Clearwater Beach. Concession stands, craftsmen, artists, and entertainers come out to celebrate, sell their wares, and entertain the crowds throughout the evening.
The Original Dolphin Encounter
Fun +
Best for families with kids ages 4 and up
Location: Clearwater Beach Marina
Phone: 727-442-7433
Web site: www.dolphinencounter.org
Aboard the double-deck Clearwater Express you can watch the dolphins swimming in the warm Gulf waters, all the while enjoying the sights of the shores of Clearwater Beach and Caladesi Island. The excursions last about an hour and 15 minutes and depart at various times throughout the day. Schedules change seasonally, so you will need to call for the exact departure schedule. Adult $14.95; kids 4-12 $7.50
Caladesi Island Adventure
Fun+
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
Phone: 727-734-1501
If you’re up for a longer adventure, the Caladesi Island Adventure is just the ticket. The boat trip to the island is a relaxing 30-minute ride, after which you can stay for up to 4 hours on the island. There are beautiful beaches with plenty of chairs and umbrellas, not to mention bathhouses, boardwalks, and a children's playground. If you get hungry, there is a concessions stand that sells snacks and drinks. The boat departs hourly every day from morning to evening. Adult: $7, kids 4-12: $3.50
Starlite Cruises (with cruises departing from the marinas at Clearwater Beach and St Petersburg)
Fun +
Best for families with kids ages 4 and up
The Majesty
25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach
The Princess
3400 Pasadena Ave. S., St. Petersburg
The Starlite Princess is an authentic paddle wheeler, full of old Florida charm and atmosphere, while the Starlite Majesty is a sleek, sophisticated, modern yacht full of glitz and glitter. Both offer sightseeing cruises. Luncheon cruises last 2 hours, with lunch as an optional addition to your ticket, but there is a snack bar in case a full lunch is more than you need. The Skyway Tour takes you around the Intercoastal Waterway, through drawbridges, and under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. This cruise includes both a continental breakfast and a sit-down lunch and lasts just under 5 hours.
Sightseeing activities and games are included as well as a short stop at the Pier in St. Petersburg.
Lunch Cruises depart from both Clearwater Beach and St Petersburg.
The Majesty: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday departures at noon. Adult $11.25, kids $8.20
The Princess: Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday departures at noon. Adult $11.25, kids $8.20.
If you want to include meals, add $11.95 for each adult and $6.95 for each child to the prices listed above.
The Skyway Tour (only from St. Pete Beach)
The Princess: Thursdays from October through May departing at 9:00 a.m. Tickets are $45,
The Sea Screamer
Fun+ (for older kids)
Best for families with kids ages 5 and up
Location: Clearwater Municipal Marina, Slip #15, Clearwater Beach
Phone: 727-447-7200
Web site: www.seascreamer.com
Admission: Adult $15; kids 5-12 $10; kids 4 & under free
If you’re looking for a more exhilarating cruise around the Gulf, the Sea Screamer will take you on a faster and more thrilling ride than any other around while you take in the sights and surroundings of Florida’s Gulf Coast. You will cruise along Clearwater Harbor, Clearwater Beach, and Sand Key Park, and then it’s out into the open Gulf waters. Dolphin sightings are guaranteed or the next ride is free. They offer 3 daily cruises at noon, 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., with an additional cruise at 6:00 p.m. during the summer season. The ride lasts about an hour.
Sealife Safari Cruises
Fun
Best for families with kids ages 4 and up through appropriate for families with kids of all
ages
Clearwater Beach Marina, Clearwater
Phone: 800-42-2628
Website:
Admission: Adult $14; kids 3-12 $9.00
After picking up passengers from both the Clearwater Beach Marina as well as the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, you will have an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the sea life that inhabits the Gulf waters. Creatures like sea horses, crabs, and sea urchins are just an example of what you’ll find. You’ll visit the bird sanctuary and be able to search for shells along the shore. The cruise lasts 2 hours, departing at 12:45 and again at 3:30 p.m..
Celebration Station
Fair
Best for families with kids ages 5 and up
24546 Highway 19N, Clearwater
Phone: 727-791-1799
Web site: www.celebrationstation.com
Admission: Varies by activity
Hours: Sunday through Thursday: noon to 9:00 p.m.; Friday: noon to midnight; Saturday:
10:00 a.m. to midnight. Hours can vary seasonally.
Admission: Varies by activity.
While I much prefer the natural offerings of the area, there's no escaping the fact that kids are attracted to these mini-parks like magnets. Celebration Station offers both indoor and outdoor activities from mini-golf, batting cages, go-carts, and bumper boats, to laser tag and more. And if after all that running around you find that you’re hungry, the restaurant offers pizza, hot dogs, wings, and other snacks to satisfy your stomach.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Fun +
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
249 Winward Passage, Clearwater
Phone: 727-441-1790 and 888-239-9414
Web site: www.cmaquarium.org
Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.;
Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission: Adult $9; kids 3-12 $6.50
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a nonprofit working aquarium dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick and injured marine life. The aquarium offers families an opportunity to experience some of Florida up close. With wildlife hands-on experiences, kids (and adults) can feel the silky skin of a stingrays and the stubbly skin of a starfish. Sharks can be viewed from underwater, and dolphins can be seen playing about as well. Interactive programs such as Marine Life Adventures, SeaLife Safari, and Trainer for a Day also are offered. While not nearly as extensive or flashy as the Florida Aquarium in Tampa, it is definitely an experience the kids can enjoy.
Fishing on the Gulf Coast
Whether you’re heading for the high seas on a chartered expedition, or simply prefer the peace and quiet of fishing off the pier, there are plenty of places to fish along the Gulf coast.
-John's Pass Pier and Charter Center; 727-367-5772
-Hubbard’s Marina--charters; 727-393-1947
-Dolphin Landings--charters; 727-360-7411
-Fort DeSoto Park--pier fishing; 727-582-2267
-The Pier--pier fishing (no phone)
-Sunshine Skyway Bridge--pier fishing; 727-865-0668
Florida state law requires a license for fishing for those between the ages of 16 and 65.
They are readily available at many of the fishing piers as well as tackle shops and other
fishing spots. You can also call 888-347-4356. Exceptions to this include some of the
chartered fishing trips, where the charter covers all those aboard.
Gulf Coast Sightseeing Charters
The Gulf Coast offers an array of sightseeing charters for exploring its warm waters. A quick list follows, but the details for each are listed above.
Clearwater Marina
-Starlite Majesty
-Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise
-Sea Screamer
-Show Queen
-Dolphin Encounter
Madeira Beach
-Hubbard’s Marina Cruises
-The Pirate Ship at John’s Pass
St. Pete Beach
-Dolphin Landings
St. Petersburg
-Dolphin Queen
-Starlite Princess
If you prefer to sail the high seas on your own, a handful of area sailing schools offer 2- and 3-day instructional courses from the beginner to the advanced. Below is one of the closest schools to the tourist area.
Clearwater Community Sailing Center
1001 Gulf Boulevard, Clearwater
Phone: 727-517-7776 or 866-289-7039
Basic sailing classes, running a total of 20 hours and include both classroom and on the water experience, are available for children (ages 8 and over) and adults for approximately $300 per person per class. Private lessons are available as well however all arrangements must be made directly with the center. Basic Sailing is offered from January through May (on select dates - listed on the center’s website). Additional programs are offered throughout the year that cater particularly to tourists only visiting for a limited time though again, these too must be arranged through the center.
Golf Anyone? (Mini, That Is)
Congo River Mini Golf, 20060 Highway 19, Clearwater; 727-797-4222. In addition to the mini-golf, there is a live iguana and alligator too.
Captain Bligh’s Landing, 630 Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach; 727-443-6348. Climb the mountain, explore the caves, and climb aboard the pirate ship along the course.
There’s also a large game room.
Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf, 15395 Gulf Boulevard, Madeira Beach; 727-398- 7008.
Ruins de El Dorado Mini Golf, 5301 Gulfview Blvd., St. Pete Beach; 727-367-7396
Spectator Sports
If you prefer to watch, rather than play, Tampa Bay, as well as the Gulf Coast, offers an opportunity to check out some of your favorite teams up close.
Football
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Raymond James Stadium
Location: Between the Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa Bay Boulevard, and Himes Avenue
Phone: 800-282-0683 and 813-879-BUCS
Web site: www.buccaneers.com
Soccer
Tampa Bay Mutiny
Raymond James Stadium
Location: Between the Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa Bay Boulevard, and Himes Avenue
Phone: 813-289-6811
Ice Hockey
Tampa Bay Lightning
St. Pete Times Forum
Channelside Drive, Tampa
Phone: 813-223-4919
Web site: www.tampabaylightning.com
Baseball at Tropicana Field
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
One Tropicana Drive, St Petersburg
Phone: 727-825-3250
Web site: www.devilrays.com
|
