Family Travel Influencers Visit St. Pete/Clearwater
Monet Hambrick and her family from @thetravelingchild discover the perfect vacation spot.
Pier 60's sunset celebration is a great place to shop for unique souvenirs from local crafters.
Pier 60's sunset celebration is a great place to shop for unique souvenirs from local crafters.
While amazing family vacations in St. Pete/Clearwater may begin at the beach, they don’t need to end there. Keep reading for can’t-miss travel tips from family travel influencer Monet Hambrick (@thetravelingchild) on why St. Pete/Clearwater is one of her go-to places for a well-rounded family getaway any time of year! And check out this highlight video of the Hambrick family's trip!
The beaches at Caladesi and Honeymoon Island State Parks are untouched and beautiful.
The beaches at Caladesi and Honeymoon Island State Parks are untouched and beautiful.
Fun Things to Do
Caladesi Island:
Caladesi Ferry Tickets, 1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin, FL 34698
One of the few pristine barrier islands along Florida's Gulf Coast, this lovely beach is accessible only by boat or kayak. While on the ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park, you can spot dolphins and osprey while learning about the history of the area. The island features abundant wildlife, a ranger station, boat docks, beach chair and umbrella rentals, kayak rentals and mangrove kayak trails. Caladesi Island was named America's #1 Beach in 2008, and the #2 Beach in 2022 by Dr. Beach.
Kids absolutely love Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise in Clearwater Beach.
Kids absolutely love Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise in Clearwater Beach.
Captain Memo's Original Pirate Cruise:
25 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
This family-oriented pirate-themed cruise is located right in the heart of Clearwater. It’s perfect for families with young children who love being out on the water while releasing their "inner pirate." Lucky for parents, no one is forced to walk the plank here.
A trainer and dolphin interact at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a rescue and rehabilitation facility for marine animals.
A trainer and dolphin interact at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a rescue and rehabilitation facility for marine animals.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium:
249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767
CMA is the perfect place to take kids who want to see dolphins, sea turtles, and more! The aquarium is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick and injured marine animals, as well as public education, conservation, and research. Your kids will have a ton of fun while also learning how to treat the planet well.
With its splash pad, Spa Beach and kid-friendly dining options, the St. Pete Pier is popular with families.
With its splash pad, Spa Beach and kid-friendly dining options, the St. Pete Pier is popular with families.
The St. Pete Pier:
600 2nd Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
The new St. Pete Pier was designed with families in mind. From little ones to pre-teens and beyond, children can engage in a wide array of activities that are sure to keep them physically and mentally entertained. Whether it’s frolicking on a fun splash pad, biking the beautiful grounds, dining at a casual waterfront restaurant, enjoying Spa Beach, or learning about Tampa Bay’s unique marine life at the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, the St. Pete Pier is a do-it-all destination that provides all-day fun and adventure.
Enjoy creative cuisine at Clear Sky Beachside Cafe.
Enjoy creative cuisine at Clear Sky Beachside Cafe.
Great Places to Eat
Clear Sky Cafe:
490 Mandalay Ave., Suite 1, Clearwater, FL 33767
Breakfast and lunch at Clear Sky Beachside Café is served with an upscale twist. Their award-winning menu offers a culinary tour of the world’s best flavors all in one friendly café.
Badfins Food & Brew:
Wyndham Grand Resort, 215 S. Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767
Badfins Food + Brew is a family-friendly seafood and Mexican restaurant located at Wyndham Grand Resort. It was recognized as one of the best new restaurants on Clearwater Beach and is known for its great seafood and Mexican food, local craft beers, wines, handcrafted cocktails and live music.
Dock's Pool Bar & Grille:
Wyndham Grand, 100 Coronado Dr., Clearwater, FL 33767
Enjoy the Florida sunshine, plus a selection of classic favorites and regional specialties at this poolside haven. Complement your snack or meal with a frozen cocktail, local craft beer or glass of wine.
Iconic Frenchy's Rockaway Grill in Clearwater Beach is a must if you're into seafood with a beach view.
Iconic Frenchy's Rockaway Grill in Clearwater Beach is a must if you're into seafood with a beach view.
Frenchy's Rockaway Grill:
7 Rockaway St, Clearwater, FL 33767
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is a Clearwater favorite among travelers and locals alike offering open-air beachfront dining right on the Gulf of Mexico. The stellar views are a perfect pairing to their large selection of fresh seafood, sandwiches, our famous She Crab soup and other Floribbean style dishes. Rockaway also features live music daily from the best local artists and two large bars serving up the beach’s best rum runners and other refreshing beverages.
Ocean Hai at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach is a perfect sunset dinner spot.
Ocean Hai at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach is a perfect sunset dinner spot.
Ocean Hai:
Wyndham Grand, 100 Coronado Dr., Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Indulge your senses at Ocean Hai and experience the premier Asian-fusion cuisine in Clearwater Beach. Uniquely prepared under the culinary eye of Restaurant Sous Chef Nana Darkwah, each dish is inspired by locally sourced ingredients and fresh, seasonal fare.
Relax and enjoy the beautiful grounds of Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach.
Relax and enjoy the beautiful grounds of Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach.
Where to Stay
The Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach:
100 Coronado Dr., Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Our family stayed at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach and it was one of the best parts of our vacation. Warm and inviting with a splash of excitement, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach had everything that we needed. The resort has beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico, a great restaurant, multiple bars, an outdoor pool and a hot tub. One of our favorite amenities was the spa where my daughter and I had a girls' day. Be sure to check it out.
The Hambrick Family Faves
Our family enjoyed our trip to St. Pete/Clearwater immensely. The kids loved Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise and Clearwater Marine Aquarium while my husband and I couldn’t get enough of the local restaurants. We will definitely be coming back soon! If you're planning a trip, check out our YouTube vlog of our trip.