We are always looking for budget-friendly activities for our family, and beach days are almost always at the top of the list! Below are three must visit beach spots in St. Petersburg for families. Whether you’re local or just visiting the area, I’d definitely add these to your itinerary.
There are a few things that will win our family over when it comes to beach days: easy parking, access to bathrooms, and the option for food. I mean, you just never know when the next “I’m starving!” meltdown is bound to hit and it’s typically when the final snacks are long gone. Having a restaurant option nearby can be a lifesaver for our family of five.
Upham Beach
Upham Beach is a favorite for our kiddos because not only is it a beautiful white sandy beach with clean water, but there’s also a large rock formation that they love to climb. It’s a great activity for bigger kids who might get bored in the sand after a while or those who aren’t strong swimmers and rather stay on land. Upham also tends to have some shallow water making it easier for the small kiddos to stay safe while having fun.
Parking isn’t great at peak times, but if you are willing to arrive early you can snag a spot up close and that will give you access to the beach as well as restrooms (which are surprisingly clean). Plus there’s Paradise Grille right there offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options to keep your whole crew happy.
Want an iced coffee to start your beach day? Swing by Grove Surf + Coffee on your way over! We had some drinks from this spot a few weeks ago, and I’m thinking it definitely deserves to be added to my list of best coffee shops in St. Petersburg.
Upham Beach – 6850 Beach Plaza, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706, USA
Outside Showers: YES
Easy Access Bathrooms: YES
Nearby Restaurants: YES
Lifeguards: NO
Fort De Soto North Beach
Fort Desoto North Beach is our go-to spot when we are unwilling to fight the parking game. In peak beach going, tourist season, Fort Desoto is a saving grace. While a bit more of a drive from our home, the large parking lots, numerous bathrooms, and rentable pavilions, make this a great fit for families. They even have a lifeguard which provides a little peace of mind while your littles play.
Our kids love that there’s always pooled water leftover from high tide where they can hunt for small crabs and other sea-life in addition to playing in the waves. Fort De Soto also has a decent snack bar, just in case you don’t want to plan to pack meals in your cooler.
Fort De Soto North Beach 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde
Outside Showers: YES
Easy Access Bathrooms: YES
Nearby Restaurants: NO, BUT SNACK BAR
Lifeguards: YES
Pass-a-grille Beach
Pass-a-grille Beach is the first beach our family fell in love with thanks to some gorgeous sunsets and yummy nearby food, and that makes it one of our must visit beach spots in St. Petersburg for families. Although not a great parking situation a peak times, Pass-a-grille is still a favorite for evening beach hangs or early mornings. There’s a public bathroom nearby and lots of local restaurants to help you make it a full day outing.
As a professional child and family photographer, this is my favorite beach for photo sessions! I just love the feel and vibe of this part of town, and there are plenty of restaurants nearby for dinner after family photos!
Our favorite nearby restaurant was Sea Critters, but is now unfortunately called Red, White and Booze. Even with a less than stellar name, the shrimp and grits is top notch and the casual environment is great for kids.
If planning a special vacation, the Don Cesar, often known as Florida’s “pink palace” is right on the beach with two gulf front pools making it a perfect getaway (maybe without the kids?).
Pass-a-grille Beach – 1009 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Outside Showers: YES
Easy Access Bathrooms: YES
Nearby Restaurants: YES
Lifeguards: NO
And that’s it for our list of favorite beach spots in St. Pete! I know there are plenty more to be explored, so we’ll be sure to update this list after some more time with our toes in the sand.
