Tampa Vacation

Fly into Tampa, but head to the beaches! St. Petersburg Beach, Clearwater, Indian Rocks are all WONDERFUL!! The beach is miles & miles long, soft sand and the gulf waters are warm. My family & I have been going there for over forty years. Lots of kitchie type places to shop and great food around. Tons of family friendly places to visit. I too am in KC, so the beach is very important to us since we never get to see it. There are lots of beachfront hotels & condos in the area at a variety of prices.

Also, if you can afford it, Southwest Airlines flies non-stop to Tampa, so that's an easy trip and flying gives you extra vacation/beach time. Have fun! I may see you there this summer too.

We fly into Tampa, and then stay in Pinellas Park with my parents.

In St. Pete beach or indian Rocks beack a place called PJs (we go to indian rocks where I know the bird is located) ..Great food.

We go to St Johns pass, nice board walk with shops. There is wave running, fishing etc.. We did the wave runner last year and we got to see the dolphins.. less than 20 feet away it was awesome.

We like Mediera beach. But all seem pretty ncie.

Busch Gardens is nice.

Clearwater has the aquirum, have you seen the movin Dolphin Tale? if so that is where Winter is.
Good luck.

Be sure to go see Winter the dolphin!

We LOVE vacationing on the gulf coast of FL. I have been to many beaches and that area has my favorite ones. We stayed on Anna Maria Island on our past few trips are really like it there. It is very laid-back though...perfect if youy kids are happy with just beach and pool time...maybe not if you need more entertainment.

We will be there in May for a conference. We'll be at the Don Cesar resort. I love that place. Everytime there is a conference there, I make sure I go along!!

As for specfic things to do, I am not sure.. I know I am signed up for a dolphin watch one afternoon but that's about it other than great dinners.

lowery park zoo is fun.. they have about 6 rides for kids.. bring bathing suits as there are a couple of water fountains that kids can run in.

there is an aquarium also has a splash area so bring bathing suits for kids..

If your taking kids the Glazers kids museum is fun. Lowery Park zoo is in tampa. If your driving you can go to calisades (sp) island. It's the best beach around! You take a ferry boat and everytime we go we see dolphins:)