Beach Vacations

Sirata Beach Resort Is The Perfect Family Hotel In St. Pete Beach

Last updated 21st March 2019

St. Petersburg, which glimmers between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, draws a young, hip crowd with unique boutiques, ice cream parlors (don’t miss Larry’s Ice Cream & Gelato), kid-friendly breweries and museums. Of course, there’s also the pristine white sand beaches for fun in the sun and water. Sirata Beach Resort in St. Pete Beach provides an idyllic family escape.

Why Go?

St. Pete Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast is a popular spot for families looking for a convenient beach destination with year-round sun and warm temperatures. It’s only a 35-minute ride from Tampa International Airport and for those wanting to escape the East Coast winter, it’s ideal. Although the beach, considered one of the best in the U.S, is the biggest draw for many families, St. Pete Beach offers easy access to theme parks, zoos, art museums and professional sports venues in the Tampa Bay area.

Sirata Beach Resort has just undergone a multi-million dollar transformation, which has turned it into a top vacation spot for families wanting a great value escape. The independent, fifties-style beachfront resort has been modernized and updated but has still kept its retro charm. Its colorful coastal theme carries from inside to out. Kids will love the bright, one-of-a-kind wall murals of sea life by local art legend Derek Donnelly around the property. This resort enjoys hosting families — including their furry friends! — and the private white-sand beach is absolutely stunning.

You can expect upscale accommodation and good facilities, including one fine dining restaurant, two beach bars, two beachfront pools (heated/cooled depending on the season), hot tubs, giant fire pits, a small fitness center, shaded beach loungers and onsite activities for all ages. There is also a small store for souvenirs and any supplies families might want to purchase upon arrival.

There’s an onsite water sports center offering thrilling activities such as parasailing, jet skiing and kayaking. You can also go on a boat trip to Shell Island, where the snorkeling is superb, or head out to do some dolphin spotting — this is prime dolphin territory after all.

A big plus if you have younger ones in your crew is that everything on the property is in close proximity, which makes it easy to get around. There’s also a new wooden path that takes you from one side of the resort to the other.

A short drive away is St. Petersburg, which has been revitalized thanks to its vibrant art scene. Adults and older kids can enjoy a fascinating walking tour around some of the incredible wall murals located across the city, The main strip is filled with art galleries, boutiques and cool cafes, and there’s also a Saturday morning market. The city’s Waterfront District is home to the Chihuly Collection and the famous Salvador Dali Museum, which features the largest collection of Dali’s work outside Europe, and even has children’s programming.

When it comes to getting around, you can rent bikes from the resort, take the Free Beach Ride to any of the beaches between Clearwater Beach and Pass-a-Grille, and there’s even a car rental company right next door.

Just For Kids

The resort provides several kid-approved amenities including a playground on the beach and the Sprouts Kids Club Game and Activity Center for kids ages 4 to 13 years old, where kids can participate in creative activities (although it’s not a drop-off). There’s also the new Splash Zone where they can play and cool off and an Extreme Gaming room featuring Xbox Ones, which will be a big hit with teens.

Chic poolside cabanas provide relief from the sun and come with a television for kids who are worn out from splashing around in the pool. Sirata Beach Resort also offers a daily program of beach and pool activities ranging from family bingo to table tennis competitions.

There are many kid-friendly attractions within easy reach including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium of Dolphin’s Tale fame, Tampa Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo and Crystal Springs, where kids can come face to face with a manatee.

Room types for families

There are 382 new beachfront rooms including 170 one-bedroom suites, which are ideal for families wanting more space as they feature two queen beds and a separate area with kitchenette, dining table and sofa. Some suites come with bunk beds. Rooms are bright and airy with a coastal chic vibe and an ocean-inspired color palette. Many rooms have ocean views and private balconies — perfect for spotting dolphins as they skim the water or watching sunset. Some rooms come with patios leading directly to the beach. Cribs are available.

Dining Options

The resort has three dining options including two newly renovated beachfront bars. The legendary Harry’s Beach Bar is a local institution and the oldest beach bar on St. Pete Beach. Originally opened in 1983, it often has live music acts that draw a crowd. The reopened Rum Runners Bar & Grille has an open-air lounge with Adirondack chairs and a huge fire pit, where adults can watch the spectacular sunsets with a craft beer or cocktail in hand. It serves up beachside favorites such as burgers and fresh seafood. It’s also the perfect spot for an open-air breakfast. If you fancy something more upscale, then enjoy a night at the Compass Grill, which has a contemporary American menu. Kids menus are available at all three venues.

If you’re looking to venture farther afield, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes within easy reach of the resort. Try FarmTable Cucina in St. Petersburg for family-style Italian-inspired fare.

By Janine Clements

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