what's St. Petersburg like?

[howwefail]

I am going to Florida for the first time and we fancy staying in St. Petersburg..what can I expect there and what is there to see and do there?

[Jenna]

St. Petersburg has beautiful beaches and top attractions like the Salvador Dali Museum, Fort De Soto Park and the St. Petersburg Pier, and the best thing is that St. Petersburg is located close to Clearwater where you can visit even more beaches.

St. Petersburg has also both at a number of snorkeling sites, but it also offers the chance to snorkel alongside marine mammals in its Crystal River. Some of the best snorkeling spots include Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Egmont Key and Siesta Key

[LynxLady]

Well, if you arrive and you only want a few hours of beach - - then head over to Tampa for excitement!

They have a theme park/zoo that will delight all ages - - the best rollercoaters in the US plus zoo exhibits for the younger/older visitors. Be sure to check online for hours and discount tickets - - buy them online for easier entrance (no queues!)

Tampa has professional sports teams in Baseball, Football, Hockey - - there's a Basketball team in Orlando (75 min drive).

Downtown St. Petersburg has restaurants, boutique shopping, 2 art museums, a Holocaust museum (rather dour, not for the squeamish), a history museum, theatres, etc. Always worth a day to us!

Rent a car to travel to Sarasota and visit the Ringling Brothers Museum - - Fantastic! Circus museum, art museum and a stunning Morocco inspired mansion built by John Ringling - at one time the richest man in North America! (who knew?) Nearby is a car museum (my husband put that in!)

Travel north 30 minutes to Wikki Watchee Springs and see the mermaids! There is NO explanation for this VERY 50's Florida site - - look it up online before you go for hours/cost. AND on your way back, set your GPS for Tarpon Springs - - the only Greek Sponging village in the US - - (look it up online) and have some lamb and moussaka for dinner, plus fresh baklava for dessert.

There are plenty of deep sea fishing boats to be hired off Pass-a-Grille point, shelling cruises or even Casino cruises can be found.

And there's always THE Mouse in Orlando . . .

Have FUN!