Vacations Blog

St Petersburg Vacations

I’ve written a lot about spring break destinations and spring break in Florida over the last couple weeks in anticipation of the spring break 2009 season.  But here’s a secret – I’m too old for your typical spring break vacation and I have kids.  My days of looking for the best party beaches are long past.

But, like many families, my kids get a spring break from school and we still like to travel.  I’d just like to do it somewhere where I won’t have to explain “wet t-shirt contest” and “partial nudity” to my 9 year old son.

Where can families take kid friendly vacations during peak spring break months?

This past weekend, I stumbled upon the perfect place for Florida family vacations in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Family Beaches for Vacations in St. Petersburg, Florida

Treasure Island Beach in St Petersburg

St. Petersburg offers several beaches and tourist “zones”.  On the north side you’ll find Clearwater, which tends to draw more of a spring break crowd during March and April.  But head further south and you’ll find yourself on a tiny stretch of beach known as Treasure Island, Florida.

Treasure Island, with it’s family friendly resorts and proximity to downtown St. Petersbug, offers an ideal setting for family vacations with kids.

You’ll find locals enjoying a day on the beach as well as families enjoying their Florida vacations on the white sands of Treasure Island.  Sure, they have beach volleyball – but you’ll also see inflatable water slides and homemade sand castles up and down the coastline.

Choose a Family Friendly Resort

Tradewinds Island Grand in Treasure, Island Florida

If you’re bringing your kids on vacation, look for a hotel that caters to children and families.  I highly recommend Tradewinds Island Grand on St Pete’s Beach, Florida.

A resort with a child friendly environment like Tradewinds Island Grand provides beaches and pools like any other beach front hotel.  But they also offer children’s shows, a kid’s club for childcare and kid friendly activities, and even a local pirate!  You’ll find your family fits right in as kids of all ages wander the resort and splash in the pools.

As an added bonus, Tradewinds Island Grand has a designated adults only pool – a must for any true family friendly resort.  You can relax in the quieter pool when you need some time to yourself, and you don’t have to worry about dirty looks from the other guests because your kids are being kids in the family pools.  The first time you find yourself feeling guilty for an overzealous splash, remind yourself that an adult looking for a relaxing swim can head over to the adult pool at any time.  (It’s not just me that obsessively monitors their children’s splash zone around strangers, right?)

Lazy River at Tradewinds

Of course, the key to happy family vacations is variety.  When you notice your children’s attention span and behavior level waning in the pool or the beach, take them for a ride on a paddle boat along the lazy river that winds through the resort.  Or teach them how to play tennis over on the courts – keeping in mind this is a family resort so no one will be annoyed at your child chasing a ball around.  These amenities and more are included in your $28 resort fee.

St Petersburg Vacations – family friendly things to do

If you’re in town for a while, you might find yourself looking for a change of scenery.   Drinking in the aquamarine waters of the Gulf of Mexico can get so old after a while.  At least it can if you’re a 4 year old and crazy.

A short 10 minute drive from the beach, you’ll find a new change of scenery and plenty more to do in downtown St. Petersburg.  The locals here enjoy their weekends walking and biking along the pier.  The marina and St. Petersburg yacht club provides plenty of photo opportunities and beautiful boats for you and the kids to ogle.  (On a side note, I’ve found “what would you name your boat?” always leads to an interesting conversation, especially if no one nominates “My Mom Is Awesome” as the perfect name.)

St Petersburg Marina and Yacht Club

Across from the marina, you’ll find South Straub Park.  This park provides a huge open grassy field, perfect for running back and forth when you’re supposed to be playing an organized game of catch.  An interesting touch are the mini boulders set up for climbing.  I’m told it’s only challenging for a child to climb these rocks and that any self respecting adult over 5′6 should be able to jump to the top.  Whatever.  Climbing minature boulders is fun for all ages.

Rock Climbing in St Petersburg

Two blocks from the pier and the park, you can enjoy BayWalk.  The BayWalk is a mini shopping center with restaurants and bars (don’t take the kids at night) and, most importantly, a megaplex movie theater with iMax movies.  I cannot comprehend, personally, why you’d forego the beach for a movie – but apparently people do.  BayWalk is the place to do it.

St Petersburg Florida's BayWalk

Also in downtown St. Petersburg, The Salvador Dali Museum offers free guided tours 363 days of the year.  Visit the Salvador Dali Museum website for more information.

St Petersburg is the perfect location for family vacations.  Whether you can drive in for a weekend, or fly in and stay a week, you’ll find plenty to do in and around St. Petersburg.  Especially if you make your home base on Treasure Island!

All photos by Britt Reints, who stumbled upon the perfect spot for family vacations while trying to enjoy a romatnic anniversary weekend away.  Because she is awesome like that.

The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas.

Looking for a certain je ne sais quoi for your next Las Vegas vacation? Luckily the era of themed resorts added a little French to the center of the Las Vegas Strip. Whether planning a risqué weekend with a partner or a rendezvous with family and friends, the centerpiece of a French inspired vacation is Paris Las Vegas. The resort, along with a variety of French restaurants and stage productions on The Strip, offer vacationers who can’t afford a trip to Paris a taste of the famed City of Light with the added excitement of Sin City, of course.

Upon arrival at the 2,915 room Paris Las Vegas Resort & Casino the essence of Paris is overwhelming apparent as the front facade of the elaborate and luxurious structure is designed to emulate elements of the Paris Opera House and the Louvre. Its architecture also incorporates many of the famous sights of Paris, including a 540-foot tall replica of the Eiffel Tower, now a signature of the LasVegas Skyline, a neon sign in the shape of the Montgolfier balloon, a two-thirds size Arc de Triomphe and a La Fontaine des Mers. This picturesque resort is sure to make any vacationer utter “c’est magnifique!”

The Eiffel Tower
Start your vacation on a high note with a trip up the Eiffel Tower. Don’t forget your camera because the observation deck provides extraordinary views up and down the Las Vegas Strip and a 360° panorama of the entire Las Vegas Valley.

Tickets may be purchased at the Eiffel Tower Box Office located inside the casino. The cost is $10 for adults; $7 for seniors 65 and older and children 6-12; free for children younger than 5. From 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., when the Las Vegas Strip lights up, admission is $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and children. Family packages (two adults and two children) are available for $30 from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Las Vegas Strip north from the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas

A Culinary Adventure
If you’re like me, you’re really into food. Paris Las Vegas’ restaurants turn vacationers into the bon vivant with an offering of everything from the classical French cuisine to the Pan Asian Parisian.

Popular for its al fresco dining, with an up close view of the impressive Fountains of Bellagio, Mon Ami Gabi French Bistro offers a simplistic French menu with everything from traditional Hors D’Oeuvres to Steak Frites. The restaurant’s desserts, including profiteroles and crème brûlée, are awe inspiring. A children’s menu offers a number of kid-friendly meals, including macaroni and cheese and burgers.

Reservations at Mon Ami Gabi are highly recommended for indoor seating. Unfortunately, seats on the patio are first-come, first-serve. Since they are highly sought by guests, a request may result in a long wait as guest tend to stay a while. Of course, who can blame them for enjoying a café au lait and the stunning view after their meal?

Another great restaurant with al fresco dining is Ah Sin, offering an Asian Fusion menu with a diverse collection of flavors and cooking techniques from the Pacific Rim. Reservations are recommended for both patio and indoor dining.

You’ll say “bon appetite” as you make a toast to the dazzling lights 100 feet below your table at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. Located on the 11th floor of the iconic structure, the restaurant is fine dining with view. The restaurant serves the most acclaimed French cuisine available in the city, including a flawlessly seasoned lamb and foie gras that’s unrivaled. To ensure a seat with the best view, reservations are required.

It’s all about great food and ambiance at the two-story, art deco inspired Les Artistes Steakhouse. The restaurant’s à la carte menu offers a variety of specialties, including grilled rack of lamb, a 50-ounce porterhouse steak, and roasted whole Maine lobster and tasty poultry dishes. Reservations at Les Artiste Steakhouse are recommended.

In all, Paris Las Vegas offers 11 dining options, from the low-cost, no-frills to the epicurean experience. There are also a variety of French restaurants in the Las Vegas resort corridor, including Daniel Boulud Brasserie at Wynn, Alizé at the Palms, Fleur de Lys at Mandalay Bay, Joël Robuchon at the Mansion at MGM Grand, Le Cirque at Bellagio, and finally the famous Pamplemousse, located at 400 E. Sahara Avenue.

No matter your appetite, you’re sure to find the right French meal for the occasion.

Bring on the Night
After the sun sets behind the Spring Mountains to the west and the neon glows, Paris Las Vegas’ nighttime establishments come to life. From the ultra-chic Risqué Nightclub, to the charming Le Cabaret lounge to the lively Napoleon’s Bar, guests are sure to find the right setting for an all night vacation celebration.

Paris Las Vegas’ location at the center of the LasVegas Strip also provides for easy travel to city’s most popular nightclubs, including Pure at Caesar’s Palace, LAX at Luxor, Tao at the Venetian and Tryst at Wynn. Take a taxi, limo, the Las Vegas Monorail or a walk along the Strip to find your ultimate party spot.

And who can forget the shows of Cirque du Soleil. Okay, the shows are not a product of France, but Canada’s Quebec province, so they are still essentially French. There are now six Cirque du Soleil shows at various hotels in Las Vegas: O at Bellagio, Mystere at Treasure Island, Ka at MGM Grand, Zumanity at New York-New York, Love at the Mirage and the newest show, Criss Angel’s Believe. Tickets for these shows are expensive, but well worth the money.

From the street, the 540-foot Eiffel Tower extends into the clouds.

The Spa Treatment
After a night out, a spa treatment at Paris Las Vegas’ Spa by Mandara provides the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation. Massages and facials, as well as other beautification packages are available. For folks not willing to skip their fitness routine, the spa also features a fully equipped fitness center, personal training and steam and saunas rooms.