Florida's Beach: St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay Area
Family Nightlife

The fun doesn't end when the sun goes down. The St. Petersburg area has got lots to do to keep those kids occupied into the night. Get your beach time in early, take a siesta, and then head out to catch the sunset over the water, a movie or even a pirate!

SUNSET CRUISE WHERE THE KIDS GET TO BE PIRATES (Recommended for younger kids)
Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise
25 Causeway Blvd. Dock 3, Clearwater Beach, FL 34630.
Two-hour day cruises at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Champagne evening cruise at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Free beverages served on all cruises.
727-446-2587
www.pirateflorida.com

SUNSET CRUISE ON A SAILBOAT (recommended for older kids)
Dolphin Landings
4737 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL
This charter boat center offers dolphin watch sailing cruises, Shell Key adventure trips and sunset sails. Dolphin watch cruises are two hours. The Shell Key Adventure takes visitors on a 3-4 hour trip to an undeveloped barrier island for beach relaxation. Two-hour sunset sails take visitors into the Gulf of Mexico for an unobstructed view of the sunset. Visitors will see wild dolphin on all cruises and get to try their hand at operating a sailing yacht. Sailing times vary.
727-367-4488
www.dolphinlandings.com

NIGHT HIKES THROUGH A NATURE PARK (also cookouts and sleepovers)
Moccasin Lake Nature Park
2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL 34619.
This 50-acre park features an environmental and energy education center with a lake, upland forest, wetlands and lots of native plant and animal species. A one-mile nature trail winds through the park and the Interpretive Center features wildlife exhibits, displays and information. The sun and wind provide the park's power and water supply.
727-462-6024
www.clearwater-fl.com

Boyd Hill Nature Trail
1101 Country Club Way South, St. Petersburg, FL 33705.
Discover the mysteries of the night as you search for the creatures that come to life after dark. This area features 216 acres of natural beauty with six trails that lead visitors through Florida's various ecosystems. Wildlife abounds in this park and excellent photo opportunities exist on every trail.
727-893-7326
www.stpete.org

EVENINGS WITH DALI: (recommended for older kids)
Salvador Dali Museum
1000 Third Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
The Dali features the world's most comprehensive collection of work by the famous Spanish master. The museum features a film series, lectures and music on Thursday evenings with topics related to Surrealism and Dali. Valued at more than $125 million, the collection includes 95 oil paintings, 200 watercolors and drawings and 1,000 graphics, sculptures and objects d'art. Open Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (open Thursday until 8 p.m.), Sunday noon - 5:30 p.m.
727-823-3767
www.salvadordalimuseum.org

GULFPORT GALLERY WALK Art Village
Beach Blvd. South, Gulfport, FL 33707.
Enjoy more than 40 galleries, studios, boutiques and restaurants all within walking distance in this pedestrian-friendly historic district. Gallery walks with free trolley service, street entertainment and snacks run from 6-10 p.m. the first Friday and third Saturday of the month.
727-321-7741

OTHER FUN STUFF
Celebration Station
24546 US 19 North, Clearwater, FL 34623.
Family oriented mini-theme park with go-karts, bumper boats, games, miniature golf, batting cages, shows and dining. Open Sunday - Thursday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 12 p.m. to midnight; Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight.
727-791-1799
www.celebrationstation.com

MOVIES, CHILD CARE AND BARS/RESTAURANTS ALL IN ONE PLACE
BayWalk Entertainment Center
153 2nd Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
The $40-million "BayWalk" entertainment complex has become a hot spot for shopping and nightlife. Adding momentum to a revitalization of downtown St. Petersburg, "BayWalk" opened in the fall of 2000. The 150,000 sq. ft. open-air themed plaza is anchored by a 4,200 seat, 20-screen Muvico Theater complex featuring stadium seating theaters, childcare service and fresh cuisine. The Mediterranean Revival-themed complex known as the "Soul of St. Petersburg" includes bars and restaurants such as Wet Willy's, dish and Dan Marino's Town Tavern as well as a full-line Ann Taylor shop and other retail outlets.
727-895-9277
www.stpete.org

A CLASSIC FAVORITE AND SCENIC SPOT
The Pier
800 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
The landmark Pier in the heart of St. Petersburg is a unique piece of Florida architecture that offers visitors a chance to experience the waterfront along Tampa Bay. Located at the end of a mile-long approach, this five story inverted pyramid features shops, restaurants, its own aquarium, live music and even boat docks. The top floor of The Pier combines both the tropical dining of Cha Cha Coconuts with a huge observation deck, giving the visitor a truly unique observation point on Tampa Bay. No admission fee charged. Open daily; most shops open 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.
727-821-6164
www.stpete-pier.com

CATCH SOME RAYS - AT NIGHT
Tropicana Field
One Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg, Fl 33705.
St. Petersburg's Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays baseball team, was named the second most fan friendly stadium in the major leagues, according to a fan survey by Sports Travel Inc. The Trop rated high on access to the ballpark, comfortable seats, high-quality food and other amenities. The Devil Rays contend against teams like the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians from March to October. The Trop is first domed stadium and only the seventh in the United States is home to Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Devil Rays, other athletic events, conventions, trade shows, concerts and other entertainment. Seating configurations range from 12,000 to 60,000.
Information Line: 727-825-3120
Ticket Line: 727-898-2100
www.stpete.org/dome.htm or www.devilrays.com .

More on Destination Florida's Beach (Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg) here.