USA

Florida: Always a Perfect Vacation

by Daniel Smajovits

Florida in the summer is poetic in nature. Like clockwork, sun and humidity give way to a chorus of thunderstorms in the afternoon, which quickly pass, clearing the sky for the perfect sunset.

While some shun the heat and humidity during the summer months, for those that choose to make the trek down south, the state’s so-called offseason is anything but. Undoubtedly a year-round destination prior to the pandemic, Florida has emerged as the hub for outdoor-friendly vacations as Canadians look to travel during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

Despite having traveled to all corners of the Sunshine State dozens of times in the past, our family set our sights on the Tampa Bay area, specifically, St. Pete Beach this summer. Roughly 45 minutes south of the tourist host-spot of Clearwater, St. Pete Beach remains a quaint and overlooked part of the West coast, despite its namesake ranked as Trip Advisor’s #1 beach in the United States last year. Awaiting travelers are miles of white sand, ideal for lounging, playing, running or even a bicycle ride. Although we chose on St. Pete Beach, if the white sand is your raison d’être, the West coast of Florida is home to multiple award-winning beaches, all of whom consistently rank near the top of lists in both the United States and the globally.

For most travelers, the beach or pool is always the perfect way to spend the day, but for families, the name of the game is finding activities to keep everyone entertained. Even before booking our trip, we knew that we wanted to dedicate a full day to Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park. Once named the #1 Family Friendly Zoo in the country by Parents Magazine, the whole experience was exactly what we had envisioned. More than 1,300 animals await guests in their five unique sections, which not only brings you around the world, but also ensures you leave with a taste of the wildlife endemic to Florida. Yet, despite the roars in the background from elephants or primates, the loudest cheers from our party came when we walked into the Children’s Zoo. Located in the Wallaroo Station amongst animals native to Australia, the Children’s Zoo includes a much-needed splash pad, unique and refreshing treats and served as our highlight of what was already a wonderful day. Personally important to us was the Zoo’s conservation work, ensuring that the animals receive the care and treatment they deserve. Additionally, the zoo hosts a hospital for Florida manatees, which rehabilitates them before returning them to the rivers around Tampa Bay.

Located a few miles from St. Pete Beach, consider spending an afternoon at the new St. Pete Pier. Located in downtown St. Petersburg, The Pier is a free attraction which was recently renovated to offer something for all ages. With a splash pad and playground for children, adults can also enjoy the open-air market, walking paths and endless views of the Tampa Bay. The attraction also includes a host of dining options and even a Spa built into the beach. While indoors, steps from The Pier is the Salvador Dali Museum, home to over 2,400 of Dali’s works and is a must-visit for art aficionados.

A more tourist-heavy hotspot is John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk. Located north of St. Pete Beach, John’s Pass offers many fun shops, restaurants, and bars. Families can also rent jet-skis on nearby Madeira Beach or take a dolphin-watching cruise from John’s Pass itself. Should you be traveling with children, we recommend the pirate-themed cruise which stays true to the pirate history of the Tampa Bay area.

With unique attractions and beautiful beaches, St. Pete Beach is also in the heart of an up-and-coming gastronomy scene. Downtown St. Petersburg restaurants such as Datz and Red Mesa Cantina are local favourites, but Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish tops the list amongst St. Petersburgers. One of the few restaurants that can live up to the famous is its name, since 1951, raw fish has been laid on racks and smoked over red oak for four to six hours, leading to a unique dining or take-out experience. More upscale spots include 400 Beach in downtown St. Petersburg, Pia’s Trattoria in Gulfport and Bern’s Steakhouse in Tampa, which is also featured on page 24.

Whether this is your first trip to the Tampa Bay area or you’re a veteran, the West coast of Florida is like a blank canvas, offering travelers endless options to create the vacation of their dreams. From the incredible beaches to award-winning attractions, when under the Florida sun, your days will be filled with endless relaxation, activities or a mix of both. With so much to see and do, you are sure to leave excited and ready to come back for more.