A Sensory-Friendly Weekend in St. Pete-Clearwater

Friday

Breakfast at Leisure

Choose your pace:

• The Frog Pond – For a hearty, locals-loved breakfast
• Grove Surf Cafe – Boho-chic café with specialty drinks and light bites

Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Explore Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Florida’s Marine Life Rescue Center, known for rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles, dolphins, and marine animals. It’s a relaxed and interactive environment, perfect for curious yet calm exploration.

Lunch at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill

Steps from the beach, Frenchy’s offers a casual setting with signature grouper sandwiches and Gulf views. Great for recharging before more outdoor fun.

Afternoon at Caladesi Island State Park

Board the Caladesi Island Ferry from Honeymoon Island and escape to one of the most untouched beaches in the U.S. for a truly serene afternoon. With powder-soft sand, nature trails, and minimal crowds, it’s a sensory-friendly paradise.

Note: Ferry runs 10 AM – 5 PM, weather permitting

Dinner in Downtown Dunedin

Wrap up the evening in the charming and walkable Downtown Dunedin, where sensory-conscious dining options abound:

• Bon Appetit Restaurant & Bar – Award-winning waterfront views and upscale seafood
• Caracara – Globally-inspired small plates with a chill, modern atmosphere

Saturday

Brunch at The Library

Start your day with a quiet, stylish brunch at The Library, a cozy restaurant inspired by the historic Johns Hopkins medical library. With its book-lined walls and comfortable seating, it’s a welcoming place to fuel up for the day.

Museum of Fine Arts & Sensory Saturday

Visit the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg, where every second Saturday is designated as Sensory Saturday—offering lowered lighting, quiet spaces, and a more relaxed environment. Enjoy world-class works of art in a setting that promotes peace and reflection.

Note: Open 10 AM – 5 PM | Downtown St. Pete

Explore Downtown & St. Pete Pier

Wander through the shaded paths of Straub Park, cool off under the iconic banyan trees, and take a gentle walk along the St. Pete Pier. With open-air breezes and breathtaking views of Tampa Bay, this is a perfect spot for relaxed exploration.

Clear Kayaking at Shell Key Preserve

Take a guided clear kayak tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking, departing from Tierra Verde. Paddle through the calm mangroves and enjoy natural sights in a quiet, small-group setting. This experience offers low noise, gentle movement, and close interaction with nature—ideal for sensory-friendly travelers.

Rated the #1 U.S. Activity on TripAdvisor in 2021
Meet behind Billy’s Stone Crab Restaurant – 1 Collany Road, Tierra Verde

Sunset Beach Walk

Take a peaceful stroll along St. Pete Beach, named one of Tripadvisor’s Best Beaches in America (2023). Watch the sun dip below the horizon at approximately 8:00 PM, creating a soft, golden glow across the Gulf.

Dinner at Maritana at The Don CeSar

Enjoy an elevated, sensory-conscious dining experience at Maritana, located inside the iconic Don CeSar Hotel. With dim lighting, sophisticated ambiance, and a coastal-inspired menu, it’s a perfect place for a calm and luxurious dinner.

Sunday 

Breakfast & Craft Beer at Big Storm Brewing Co

Enjoy a relaxed brunch or lunch at Big Storm Brewing, known for award-winning craft beer, spirits, and casual gourmet fare. A great stop before hitting the trails or the road.

Hike at Weedon Island Preserve

For a quiet morning immersed in nature, explore Weedon Island Preserve, a 3,000-acre coastal sanctuary in North St. Pete. Walk peaceful boardwalks, visit the Cultural History Center, and enjoy scenic views from the tower lookout.

Note: Trails range from 1 to 3 miles | Free admission