3 Must-See Family Beaches in Florida’s Gulf
Whether you want a remote beach with more sand than people or a more popular strand with water activities and facilities, the Gulf Coast has something for everyone. We put together 3 must-see family beaches in Florida’s Gulf Coast, so read along!
Overview
1. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater is one of those unique and exquisite beach communities that has it all. The location, which is located near Tampa on Florida’s west coast, has an average of 361 glorious days of sunshine per year. It also holds the record for the most consecutive sunny days with 768—that’s more than two years!
It’s no surprise that travelers from all over the world, particularly snowbirds, rush to Clearwater to swim in warm blue waters. Warm weather year-round (temps ranging from the low 70s in the winter to the low 90s in the summer) and proximity to two airports (St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport and Tampa International Airport) make vacationing here a no-brainer!
Families can select from a choice of beachfront hotels and beach resorts, as well as a variety of activities for fun things to do with family, at this Florida beach. Some of our favorite activities to do in Clearwater Beach are:
PIER 60
Sunsets at Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach has evening sunset celebrations with street artists, musicians, craftsmen, and a large playground for the youngsters. During the summer, families can also enjoy free movies in the park on Friday evenings.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Winter, the star dolphin from the film Dolphin Tale, who passed in 2021, had once inhabited the waters of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. At the aquarium, you may see other dolphins and show and learn about all of the other marine animal rescues.
There is also a Summer Glow celebration in the summer months that include extended evening hours, live entertainment, and family fun with free boat tours. Be sure you check them out.
Dolphin Cruise
The Clearwater Marina offers several dolphin-watching cruises on a regular basis. The shark-themed Mega Bite tour boat or the Sea Screamer boat tour are two options for kids.
Fishing
On a 4-hour Florida fishing tour for kids, reel in a big one. You can check out places like Queen- Fleet Tours and others.
Dalí Museum
A short drive to St. Petersburg can treat families to a tour of the Salvador Dal Museum, which houses the fantastic paintings and other works of the Spanish artist.
2. Indian Rocks Beach
Indian Rocks Beach is a renowned tourist site in Florida. The Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway surround this calm coastal town, making it a fantastic site for family fun and water sports.
From giant water slides and dolphin excursions to visiting local museums and nature centers, there are lots of family-friendly activities to do outside. Make a reservation for a vacation rental in Indian Rocks Beach today. Check out the best things to do with kids in the Indian Rocks Beach area:
Splash Around At Splash Harbour Water Park
Splash Harbour, a renowned water slide park with slides to fit every adrenaline rush, is a great way to cool off from the hot Florida sun.
If you’re feeling daring, take a tube trip down Smuggler’s Run, a 42-foot slide that curves and twists in all the right places.
Visit Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve
Visit Indian Rocks Beach Wildlife Preserve, which has a boardwalk, a fishing lake, and stunning scenery of the Clearwater Beach Bridge, to teach your kids about nature.
Learn About Floridian History At Indian Rocks Historical Museum
The Indian Rocks Historical Museum is a great source of information about local history. Discover how the city earned its name and tour the many rooms filled with one-of-a-kind things, such as “Kahuna,” a tiki god statue that previously greeted tourists to Florida’s Tiki Gardens Restaurant.
Spend The Day At The Beach
When exploring Indian Rocks Beach, a family beach day or two is a necessity. Fill a beach bag with basics, bring a cooler, and travel to Indian Rocks Beach for a day of fun in the sun.
Visit The Birds At Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary
The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, which homes over 3,000 birds and is located less than a mile away at Indian Shores, is less than a mile away. The sanctuary is a non-profit organization that takes in injured, sick, and orphaned birds and gives them a secure and comfortable place to recover and grow.
3. St. Petes Beach
The beach is a great place to start a family vacation in St. Pete/Clearwater, but it isn’t the only place to go. After you’ve had your fill of sun and sand, visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, go on a swashbuckling pirate cruise, or cheer on the Rays at Tropicana Field.
You’ll discover you’re only scratching the surface of all the family fun this area has to offer.
A Family Resort
A waterpark made of inflatables. A trampoline with bungee cords. RedBeard, the resident pirate. That’s only a taste of the excitement that awaits them at TradeWinds Island Grand and its sister hotel, RumFish. Watch dive-in movies in a beachfront pool or toast s’mores by the fire at night.
And, while we’re on the subject of diving, Rumfish’s “Swim with the Fishes” experience allows you to get up and personal with local sea life in a 33,500-gallon tank. You don’t even have to stay here to take advantage of everything.
A Cool Sunset Celebration
Sunsets at Pier 60 transform Clearwater’s bustling Pier 60 into an all-ages festival every evening. A large playground as well as craftsmen manufacturing and selling their goods, and singers and jesters entertaining.
Check Out a Pirate Cruise
Captain Memo’s Original Pirate Cruise departs every day from Clearwater Beach for two hours of games, dancing on the deck, and possibly a little mystery. So climb aboard the Pirate’s Ransom for an experience that will please swashbucklers of all ages.
Fly a Kite Or Zoom Down a Waterslide
Treasure Island, after all, is a town where there’s likely to be entertainment around every turn. Exhibit A: a large inflatable water slide near the 104th Avenue parking lot on the beach (across from Publix supermarket).
For a few dollars, the kids (and you!) can ascend the steps and enjoy the thrill of slipping and sliding to the bottom.
Splash Around At The St. Pete Pier
Downtown St. Pete’s greatest and latest outdoor attraction, St. Pete Pier, is just a short drive from the beach areas and Most cheapest place to live in California offers hours of waterfront excitement. The splash pad is a great way for kids to cool down. Parents can relax at the PCI Beach Bar.
Conclusion
The Florida Gulf Coast offers many family-friendly amenities and attractions worth seeing. You can learn more of the 10 Must-See Family Beaches in Florida’s Gulf Coast, here.
Until next time, safe beach travels!
