The Pass-A-Grille community on the southern end of St. Petersburg Beach offers vacationers seven miles of wide beaches with white sand and gradual slopes, a wide choice of accommodations and resorts, great restaurants, and loads of amenities. Kids will enjoy the gentle waves and warm water temperatures of the beaches at St. Petersburg Beach, while teens might enjoy renting a jet ski and skimming over the relatively calm waters. Nature-lovers and shell collectors should take one of the many 10-minute boat trips over to nearby Shell Key and enjoy beachcombing and watching the birds in their nesting sites. The white sand beaches of Shell Key are especially beautiful, and are perfect for picnicking and relaxing. Make sure to bring plenty of sun screen, as it's easy to get burned here.
If you're interested in coming to St. Petersburg Beach for a vacation, take a look at a few of the many accommodations options available here:
Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa: Once visited by the likes of Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, this pink palace majestically rises over the beach here. Beautifully restored, it offers guests a beautiful beachfront setting, 277 nicely decorated rooms and suites, two pools, an outdoor jacuzzi, a full spa, fitness room, restaurants, tours, and a full children's program for ages 4-12. Etiquette classes are also available for children and other guests. Seventy-one bedroom condominium type suites are located directly on the gulf one-half mile down the road at The Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar. A shuttle runs between the two properties. Both the accommodations and restaurants are expensive, however, the hotel provides excellent service and a beautiful setting for enjoying your family vacation. For more information, call (800) 282-1116 or visit their website at: The Don CeSar Beach Resort.
The TradeWinds Resort: Set on 18 acres of white sand beach directly on the Gulf of Mexico, the TradeWinds caters to families with a wide variety of one-, two- and three-bedroom suites and hotel rooms. The TradeWinds is really three neighboring resorts combined into one -- each with its own personality and flair. Guests can use the facilities of all three properties which are easily reached by a short walk along the beach, although they are also connected by a shuttle. The 4-Diamond Island Grand Resort is the family-friendly main property where the children's program and many of the family-oriented activities are offered. The Island Grand's 585 rooms have been newly renovated, and over 200 suite accommodations are available. Families love the meandering waterways that wind through the property, and paddleboats and gondolas are included for exploring. The somewhat quieter Sandpiper Suites are also a great choice for families, with over 100 suites with kitchenettes and separate bedrooms that allow for privacy and more room to spread out. The 385 room Sirata Beach Resort is a lively place, and families flock to its Durango Steakhouse at night for the large portions and great values. The huge TradeWinds complex includes acres of white sand beaches, five swimming pools, two whirlpools, over fifteen dining options, water trykes, beach cabanas, and more. The extensive KONK children's program is also offered, complete with a Bounce House, Bouncy Boxing Ring, an Adrenaline Rush obstacle course, and the Redbeard Pirate Show performed twice weekly outdoors If you visit during the summer months, make sure to try out the three-story Hippo Slide on the beach. For more information, call (888) 686-6716 or (941) 779-0010 or visit their website at: The TradeWinds Resort.
Some "don't miss" experiences for families coming to Pass-A-Grille: dining at Crabby Bill's (reasonable prices and big portions) or the Hurricane Restaurant (great grouper and seafood); stopping at the Don CeSar's Uncle Andy's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor for some great ice cream treats, visiting Merry Pier for fishing tips, boat rentals, or trips to Shell Key; and going to nearby Busch Gardens for some great amusement park fun. Ride lovers in your family will enjoy Busch Garden's Kumba roller coaster and the Congo River Rapids water ride. Animal lovers will enjoy the world-class zoo at this theme park.
For more information, call the St. Petersburg Beach Chamber of Commerce at (813) 360-6957 or visit them online: St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce. Another nice feature of this area: it's located only 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport.
