How should we spend a week in FL? (Tampa, St. Petersburg: hotels, home)

[Ohioun]

We've never been to Florida, we'll be there for 1 week. Two adults, two teens. We enjoy seeing the unique areas of the places we travel. We're staying in the St. Petersburg area, so we would appreciate information on what sets the different beaches apart.

We like getting off the beaten path, but let me know if there are some must-see spots within a couple of hours. We also love great seafood, doesn't matter if it's a food truck or nice restaurant.

Right now we don't plan on visiting a theme park, but we might change our mind. Feel free to give your opinion on the different parks there. We're considering going to Universal to see Harry Potter world.

Appreciate any ideas you throw our way!

[Zambon]

Definitely spend some time at St Pete Beach and/or North Beach at Fort De Soto. Both are world class beaches.

St Pete is a wide white sand beach with plenty of hotels (too many actually) and restaurants right near the beach. The Pass-a-grille end is usually a little less crowded, and not as built up, but harder to find parking.

Fort De Soto is a historical Spanish fort that you can visit, and has miles of nice beaches on either side. There are lagoons to kayak and bike trails around the park, and it isn't built up at all. Fort De Soto is a really wonderful place to spend the day with family. Bring some burgers and charcoal and you can grille right behind the sand. There is also a fishing pier.

If you want to get off the beaten path (a little) visit Egemont Key. It is a wildlife preserve on an island at the mouth of Tampa Bay. There is a ferry that you can take to the island.

Downtown St Pete has some great restaurants. Beach Dr is a good place to go for dinner and a stroll by the water. My favorite restaurant in town is Hawkers though on Central Ave. It is an Asian Fusion restaurant with a Singapore theme.

The teens might like Busch Gardens if your considering a theme park. It has some fun roller coasters.

[jambo101]

Along with Ft Desoto Pinellas County, Florida, Park & Conservation Resources - Fort De Soto Parkyou might want to give Johns Pass a visit John's Pass Village & Boardwalk | Madeira Beach, FL, rather touristy but an interesting place with a great beach just west of the bridge.
Speaking of bridges a drive over the Skyway bridge is quite scenic https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshine_Skyway_Bridge.
Over in Tampa there is Busch Gardens if you want a world class theme park or if you want something a little more sedate theres the Lowery Park Zoo,Tampa is Home To The Acclaimed Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo

[wizrap]

I second Fort Desoto. For seafood, I recommend Rumfish Grill in St. Pete Beach. Also loved walking along the waterfront in downtown St. Pete. Grab a snack two blocks north of there at the historic Hollander Hotel. Enjoy your visit to our beautiful state!

[BucFan]

If you decide on Busch Gardens, expect to have sticker shock for admission.

Just a warning.

[Kayaker13]

Downtown St. Pete. Dunedin and Honeymoon Island. On the other side of the state (2.5 hour drive, but only an hour from Orlando), Canaveral National Seashore and Mosquito Lagoon. Enjoy!
Also, visit springs if you can. Crystal Springs, Blue Springs, DeLeon Springs.

[bobandsherry]

Originally Posted by BucFan

If you decide on Busch Gardens, expect to have sticker shock for admission.

Just a warning.

OP had mentioned a visit to Universal and will really have sticker shock once he sees those prices

[Swimmom32]

Originally Posted by bobandsherry

OP had mentioned a visit to Universal and will really have sticker shock once he sees those prices

my girlfriend who practically lives there was just saying that they are raising the Admission prices again..I GOT sticker shock when I looked

[Phil A. Delphia]

Calendar | MLB.com

If there's any baseball fans in your family, you can take in a Rays game if they're at home the week you're in St. Pete. Or go to a minor league game in the area - there are several.

[projectmaximus]

Dali museum?