St. Petersburg Spring Break for Families

Florida isn’t just a spring break destination for the college crowd. Learn about the best family spring break activities in St. Petersburg, FL.

Spring break and Florida go hand in hand, but if there’s one area that caters to families more than the crazy college party crowd, it’s St. Petersburg.

The city of St. Petersburg and its beaches are a quick 25-minute drive south from Tampa via the Howard Franklin Bridge. Families can rent a car from Alamo at Tampa International Airport (TPA) and be on their way to a spring break adventure full of sunshine and local culture in no time flat.

There are two notable areas in St. Pete for families visiting during spring break: The beaches and downtown.

St. Pete Beach

First and foremost, the beautiful beaches are what draw travelers to the gulf coast of Florida— they’re simply spectacular with their soft, sugar-white sand and gentle currents. A string of hotels and restaurants line Gulf Boulevard, giving families endless options suitable for every budget.

St. Pete Beach St. Pete Beach


Where to Stay & Play on St. Pete Beach

 

Don CeSar hotel Don CeSar hotel

If a luxury beach vacay is what you crave, the legendary Don CeSar hotel is the place to stay. Also known as the “Pink Palace,” the hotel is nearly 90 years old and is an iconic landmark on St. Pete beach.

The full-service hotel has just about everything you could want or need, from direct beach access to multiple pools, spa, kids’ programs and award-winning restaurants on-site. The service is truly top notch, with a friendly team of waiters there to serve you right on the beach in your own private cabana. The atmosphere is relaxed, without being too stuffy, making it a great bet if your family is looking to unplug.

TradeWinds resort TradeWinds resort

One of the most family-friendly resorts on St. Pete beach is TradeWinds, which combines two hotels, TradeWinds Island Grand and Guy Harvey Outpost, for the ultimate beach getaway.

The amenities between the resorts include a 15,750-square foot floating ocean water park, a three-story tall triple slide, seven swimming pools, a kids club and 14 dining options. It’s a playground for active families who want a mega-dose of sun and fun.

If you opt for a hotel or condo without direct beach access, the public beach is easily accessible, but note that parking will fill quickly in high season, when schools are on break and in the summer months. Once on the beach, you’ll find beach rentals for everything from chairs and umbrellas, to water sports equipment and jet-skis.

St. Pete Beach St. Pete Beach


Where to Eat on St. Pete Beach

For seafood and a sunset on St. Pete Beach, the Hurricane Seafood Restaurant is practically an institution in historic Pass-A-Grille. Enjoy crab cakes, fresh grouper and key lime pie while you take in 360-degree views from the rooftop deck.

Downtown St. Petersburg

 

Mural in downtown St. Petersburg Mural in downtown St. Petersburg

Over the past 10 years, downtown St. Petersburg has been revitalized into a hub for local art, food and culture.

What to Do in Downtown St. Petersburg

The Dali Museum – If there is one museum you should visit during your stay in St. Petersburg,  it’s The Dali Museum, featuring more than 2,100 works by Salvador Dalí — one of the most celebrated artists of all time.

Dali Museum Dali Museum. Photo credit: www.thedali.org

Wall Murals – Downtown St. Pete is home to dozens of wall murals hand-painted by local and visiting artists. You can visit on your own by car, with this handy map, or take a walking tour to learn about the artist and inspiration behind each piece. Make sure you have your camera ready for a ton of Instagram-worthy shots!

Mural in downtown St. Petersburg Mural in downtown St. Petersburg

Sunken Gardens – A bit of a hidden gem, Sunken Gardens is St. Petersburg's oldest living museum. At 100 years old, the botanical gardens are home to 50,000 lush tropical plants and flowers, and a flock of pink flamingos. Strolling through the gardens is relaxing and fun, and a great way to spend a few hours out of the direct afternoon sun.

Downtown St. Pete is easily walkable, though bikes are available to rent for those looking to explore the area on two wheels. Cyclers must be at least 16 years old to ride on these rentals.

Additionally, Segway tours are a fun option for families with children 12 and over.

Where to Eat in Downtown St. Petersburg

You’ll never run out of dining options in downtown St. Pete because a new restaurant opens practically every week….and they’re all fantastic!

The Taco Bus on Central Avenue is great for a quick bite in the afternoon, while Hawkers offers small plates that can be shared family style. You won’t have to look hard to find something for every palate.

No matter how you divide your time in St. Petersburg for spring break, it’s guaranteed to be filled with fun and family memories.

Vacation Stories

More Destination Guides

 

How to Spring Break at Any Age in Destin, Florida

How to Spring Break at Any Age in Destin, Florida
From families with small children and teens to adults seeking the ultimate beach getaway, visitors find themselves smitten with Destin’s charms.

Fort Myers and Sanibel Island: Beyond the Beaches

Fort Myers and Sanibel Island: Beyond the Beaches
With brilliant white sands and calm waters in varying shades of blue, Fort Myers and Sanibel Island radiate beauty, so it’s no surprise they’re popular beach destinations in southwest Florida.

Quiz: What’s Your Ultimate Spring Break Destination?

10 Bucket-List Vacations to Take Before Your Kids Grow Up
Before planning your spring break vacation, take our quiz to figure out where you should go!

Going to St. Pete Beach?

Rent a car in St. Petersburg, Florida!

Stefanie Fauquet

About the Author

Stefanie Fauquet is the founder of MommyMusings.com, where she blogs about her favorite subjects: food, travel and life adventures. She lives in the Tampa Bay area with her husband and 12-year-old daughter.