St. Petersburg Beach

Video: Family-Friendly St. Pete Beach
ST. PETE BEACH – Pack up the family and head out to St. Pete Beach for a day filled with activity. A large pink resort appears on the horizon while driving across the Pinellas Bayway drawbridge toward the beach.
If St. Pete Beach has a defining landmark, this is it: The Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa. However, this is not the only thing the beach is known for.
The family-friendly atmosphere is recognizable once you set foot on the sand. Families spread out their towels and open up their umbrellas. Kids lathered up with sunblock rush to start building their sand castle creations.
Once those energetic little ones get bored with the sand and water, there are plenty of rentals families can enjoy. The beach offers parasailing, aqua bikes and a giant air slide built for both kids and parents.
St. Pete Beach is a tourist haven. Gulf Boulevard is lined with hotels, motels, restaurants and a variety of neon lit beach shops.
A few public parking lots with beach access can be found along the main road. Like any beach, you should try to get there early to ensure a spot. It costs only $5 for a full day. You can pay at the machines with cash or by credit card.
Hungry for lunch or a sunset meal? It's an easy walk to various cafes or hotel tiki bars, many of which include entertainment.
Other fun offerings at St. Pete Beach include putt-putt golf and a movie theater. The Beach Theater on Corey Avenue is a hidden treasure for area film buffs. A historic landmark built in 1939, the theater shows mostly foreign and independent films.
Fishing fans flock to Sunset Park, 7300 Sunset Way— a small waterfront parcel with free parking. If the fish aren't biting, two seafood restaurants are located next to the fishing area.
The beach alternatives don't wane at night. This beach doesn't go to sleep early, especially during tourist season. Many bars and restaurants are hopping when the sun goes down.