Anyone from St. Petersburg?

[poohfriend77]

Or know the area well? DH has a conference there in Jan. and we're trying to decide whether DDs and I will tag along and add in a few Disney days as well. DD5 is dying to go to a "real" beach and hunt for shells. I know Tampa Bay will be too cold to swim in late Jan., but it is reasonable to think we could spend an afternoon building sandcastles and shell-hunting? We're from IL, so anything over 50 degrees will feel great to us!

Any St. Pete's/beach advice is appreciated! We'd be at Hilton St. Pete Bayfront.

I know this question isn't directly Disney-related, but it is all part of an effort to get my family back there. I didn't know where to look for info, but Dis-ers seem to know everything!

 

[mom2twingirls]

My favorite beach in St Pete is actually in Treasure Island. It is beautiful! That is really the only beach that we have gone to recently with the kids, Daytona would be too far of a drive. I live in the tampa area

 

[of2dbeach]

I am in Sebastian ( east coast ) but found this link for you. it has maps and things to do in st. pete. They have beautiful beaches over there usualy clean and clear where ours can be murky. Get one of those mesh bags like for lingere they are great for shells because even the tiny ones dont fall thru and it is easy to rinse them off while still in the bag
i am sure you will have a great time though and dont forget the sand castle toys
http://www.floridasbeach.com/cms/index.php?id=37

 

[GoofyGang]

I would definately tag along. St Pete has several beautiful beaches. You could also go to Fort DeSoto Park nice beach and picnic areas. We have camped there several times. Check out the website for Pinellas County FL website: pinellascounty.org

 

[srwarden1928]

St. Pete Beach is my favorite beach in Florida--actually my favorite anywhere.

Tampa has Busch Gardens, Museum of Science and Industry, and the Florida Aquarium.

Sarasota, not far to the south, has Ringling Museum, Mote Aquarium, Marie Selby Gardens, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, a classic car museum

There is alot to keep you busy in that part of Florida.

BTW I cant speak for January, but I know we enjoyed the water at St. Pete in February several times when I was a child. It is MUCH warmer than eg the panhandle.

 

[poohfriend77]

Get one of those mesh bags like for lingere they are great for shells because even the tiny ones dont fall thru and it is easy to rinse them off while still in the bag
i am sure you will have a great time though and dont forget the sand castle toys
http://www.floridasbeach.com/cms/index.php?id=37

Great tip! I just threw one of those bags into my garage sale pile, but I will definitely save it now.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm ready to start planning... now I just have to talk DH into it.

 

[mmkk]

Most of the time the highs in winter average in the 50's and 60's so you more than likely will have pleasant temps. All the beaches along Pinellas County coastline are beautiful so you don't have any problems there! Since your DH's convention is in downtown there are several museums to go to and the Pier has a lot of neat little shops as well as a small aquarium in it, and its all close to the Hilton. Tampa also has (in addition to what PP said) the Lowry Park Zoo which is an awesome zoo. There is plenty here to do!