Instead of taking one long vacation this summer, we chose several short trips so we could discover more places. We began with a three-night stay in Charleston, SC, spent time with my parents in the Georgia mountains in July, and finished the season with a family getaway to St. Petersburg, Florida. Sherry and I had only briefly visited St. Pete back in 2008, so we were excited to return and explore the city with the kids.

Here’s a recap of what we did, where we ate, and why we’re already planning to go back.

Where We Stayed in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg sits on Florida’s Gulf Coast, just across Tampa Bay from Tampa. While the region offers many beautiful beaches, we chose St. Pete for its city and cultural life. We were drawn to its mid-size, artsy vibe and strong food scene—qualities that reminded us of our former hometown.

We stayed in an Airbnb just outside the Grand Central District so we could be near downtown attractions. The house was clean, well-stocked, and dog-friendly. It turned out to be less walkable to some of the places we visited than we expected, so next time we’ll likely pick a spot slightly further east or choose a beachside rental and drive into downtown. The city is compact and traffic was light during our stay.

What We Did: The Pier

Our first stop was the St. Pete Pier. If you picture a small fishing pier, think again—this is a large, thoughtfully designed waterfront destination full of green spaces, dining options, public art, and family activities. We arrived on a warm morning and, despite a rain shower, could have easily spent much more time there.

From the pier’s end you get a great view of downtown and the waterfront. A multi-story structure near the tip houses restaurants and overlooks the bay—definitely not your standard pier.

Our family favorites were the large, modern playground and the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. The small nature center was an affordable way to learn about local marine life, and the kids loved the interactive displays. The playground’s thoughtful design entertained our children—and gave the adults a shady spot to relax.

Before the rain picked up, we also admired a massive tree near the St. Petersburg Museum of History—its size is impressive in person and a fun photo op for families.

The pier hosts rotating markets and public art installations, and we’d love to return on a weekend when the marketplace is active or at night when the pier’s light art is illuminated.

What We Did: The Salvador Dalí Museum

Another highlight was the Salvador Dalí Museum downtown. The museum appeals to visitors of all ages and includes interactive exhibits and immersive experiences. Our kids enjoyed the surreal, intricate artwork, and the museum offers family-friendly features that make art accessible and engaging.

We were impressed seeing many of Dalí’s works up close. Unfortunately a sudden rainstorm kept us from exploring the outdoor garden, and we just missed the opening of a new immersive dome experience—one reason to return.

Explore and Shop

Much of our trip was spent wandering Central Avenue and the Grand Central District. The area is lively, filled with restaurants, colorful murals, and a handful of independent shops. We enjoyed visiting a local indie bookstore and admiring street art that gives the neighborhood a cheerful, inclusive vibe.

Public art and colorful storefronts make strolling the area visually rewarding. Pete’s Bagels became our favorite breakfast spot; the mural outside was a cheerful backdrop to a great meal.

We also drove through different neighborhoods to get a feel for the city. Snell Isle and nearby residential streets feature a mix of historic and tropical architecture that we found charming. One neighborhood felt especially lush and wild—so much greenery it felt like a short, leafy adventure.

Where We Ate

With kids and a dog, we leaned toward casual, family-friendly dining. Here are a few favorites from our trip:

Pacific Counter felt like a poke and sushi version of a build-your-own fast-casual place. Building our own bowls and sushi burritos was fun and delicious. Ceviche was a cozy spot we ducked into during a rainstorm and enjoyed small plates the whole family could share. Casita Taqueria offered relaxed, dog-friendly dining with satisfying tacos and quesadillas.

Dessert highlight: La Diperie, where you dip soft-serve and treats into flavored coatings and toppings. We also loved local coffee shops like Bandit and an art-deco–inspired café with great atmosphere.

One Last Stop: The Beach

After checking out of our Airbnb, we made a short drive to Passe-A-Grille to squeeze in some beach time. The stretch of sand is welcoming and easy to access, and the drive includes views of the iconic pink Don CeSar hotel. We had a relaxed beachfront breakfast and enjoyed being right on the sand—a different experience from the taller dune-backed beaches we’re used to at home.

It was a peaceful way to end the trip. We left feeling excited to return and explore both downtown and the coast more thoroughly.

Trip Summary

We can’t wait to go back to St. Pete. For convenience, here are the highlights from this post in one place:

• St. Pete Pier and its green spaces, playground, and dining
• Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
• The Salvador Dalí Museum and its exhibits
• Immersive art experiences when available
• Shopping and dining along Central Avenue in the Grand Central District
• Tombolo Books for indie book hunting
• Pete’s Bagels for breakfast
• Driving through neighborhoods like Snell Isle and lush residential streets
• La Diperie for dipped desserts
• Local coffee at Bandit and other neighborhood cafés
• Beach dining and sand time at Passe-A-Grille

Other Family Trips

If you enjoy family travel recommendations, we’ve written about several other kid-friendly destinations that might inspire your next trip. We love short trips that let us discover new neighborhoods, try local food, and find activities everyone in the family can enjoy.