Tampa??

[Anchored]

We are looking to do a non-Disney trip in Feb. 2023. Any recommendations on where to stay in St. Pete?

Are you looking for a beach vacation? A city vacation (more museums, eating at nice restaurants, shows etc) or to do theme parks like Busch Gardens and Adventure Island?

 

[SwanVT2]

Are you looking for a beach vacation? A city vacation (more museums, eating at nice restaurants, shows etc) or to do theme parks like Busch Gardens and Adventure Island?

Beach vacation with a good pool and eating nearby.

 

[NotUrsula]

Beach vacation with a good pool and eating nearby.

If you want a lot of restaurants/concessions on the coast near Tampa, Clearwater has the most. If you want more truly good restaurants and are willing to get in your car to go to them, then the St. Pete Beach area might be a good option for you. The beach in St. Pete is MUCH less crowded than in Clearwater, and you're a 10 minute drive to downtown St. Pete, which has a huge array of great dining options.

 

[Anchored]

Beach vacation with a good pool and eating nearby.

I would go with any of these, in this order
Don Cesar
Tradewinds
Sirata

As a PP stated, St Pete Beach is superior to Clearwater. And you must visit Downtown so it is better proximity.

If you decide to book, I can give you lots of restaurant, museum, and parks information

 

[a1tinkfans]

Quick update if anyone was interested. That Westin on south harbor Blvd was east walk to convention center. Felt totally safe during daylight and early eve.
a bit on the costlier side for certain rooms n parking fee but
Great for convenience.

 

[DizDaD7]

Sorry to ambush but Great info on here so far...
We are also heading down. In 1 weeks actually. Have a few things booked...I will report once we return. FWIW I was told by a local that in downtown St Pete's that there is an awesome Mexican restaurant that he says locals usually frequent. Sry the name escapes me at the moment.

 

[NotUrsula]

Sorry to ambush but Great info on here so far...
We are also heading down. In 1 weeks actually. Have a few things booked...I will report once we return. FWIW I was told by a local that in downtown St Pete's that there is an awesome Mexican restaurant that he says locals usually frequent. Sry the name escapes me at the moment.

Red Mesa, perhaps? I wouldn't say it's any kind of secret, but it's very popular.

 

[Sweettears]

We ate at Ozona Blue Grill in Ozona. Fabulously fresh fish. Situated on a wharf down by the water. On the coast North of Clearwater.

I would go there again in a heartbeat

 

[Aimeedyan]

Red Mesa, perhaps? I wouldn't say it's any kind of secret, but it's very popular.

I would guess that, too. It is very popular, especially during peak tourist season.

 

[DizDaD7]

Ughh...I don't necessarily want to head to a predominantly high tourist restaurant, but will do so if the food were over the top for sure.. thanks

 

[NotUrsula]

In that case, I'd suggest you try Bodega, which is outstanding (very casual, though). However, Bodega is Cuban, not Mexican. (The other outstanding Cuban restaurant in St. Pete I can recommend is La Segunda Bakery, which is a spin-off of the original in Ybor City. Of course, the granddaddy of all foods Cuban in Tampa proper is the original Columbia restaurant in Ybor, but that's much more upscale. (Excellent, but upscale.))

I'm not a huge fan of Mexican food myself, but I've been told that Agave Lounge in SPB is very good. It's a bit of a hole in the wall; if you really like Mexican food, that might appeal.

 

[Anchored]

If you want good authentic Mexican you do not get it in St Pete
Bodega is good cuban food. Poppo's has better tacos than Red Mesa. If you want authentic Mexican, go to El Monterey in Plant City

 

[Aimeedyan]

We don't eat Mexican here, unless someone else is making plans. But we're Texans and nothing compares to our beloved TexMex...

There is plenty of good Cuban food, though!