As my fellow blogger, Angela, astutely pointed out; visiting Disney World during the summer months is like navigating through the mall on Black Friday… which leads me to this post on the many other reasons to visit Florida, besides touring the House of Mouse.
The Sunshine State is home to a litany of other exceptional family-friendly cities and attractions. For example, I happen to think that St. Petersburg is one of Florida’s most understated travel gems. Located at the base of the Tampa Bay peninsula, the picturesque city is surrounded by water on three sides, which means that you are never far from panoramic ocean views and white, sandy beaches.
If you are traveling with younger kids, then you don’t want to miss visiting the Great Explorations Children’s Museum. The popular St. Petersburg attraction is a mecca for hands-on exploration. It features a series of high-tech and traditional exhibits housed in large rooms that allow your kids to learn how to design cars and sail boats.
Children of all ages will also enjoy vising St. Petersburg’s famous Pier Aquarium. The structure boasts amazing exhibits that house marine creatures the likes of which you’ve never encountered on dry land. In addition, the educational facility allows you to partake in a number of interactive exhibits, including the extremely popular touch tanks.
Another can’t miss site is the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. The sprawling public avian hospital provides a rare bird’s eye view on how injured wildlife is nursed back to health. The sanctuary is staffed by professionals and knowledgeable volunteers, who care for and rehabilitate a variety of birds, including herons, raptors, egrets and pelicans.
If you are looking for unique souvenirs to take home from your trip to St. Petersburg, then don’t miss making a pit stop at The Pier. The local landmark consists of a five-story structure with an inverted glass pyramid that juts over Tampa Bay’s tranquil waters. Inside you will find popular chain stores, local retailers, as well as dozens of restaurants, and boat rentals.
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