St. Pete Beach Makes Parents Magazine's Top 10 List

St. Pete Beach slides into the No. 3 slot for Best Beach Town for Families in Parents Magazine's annual ranking.

It was one of only two Florida beach towns to make the Top 10 list. The other was Amelia Island.

What convinced the staff at Parents Magazine to include St. Pete Beach – one of the Florida locations for the film, "Spring Breakers" – is that Fort De Soto Park in Tiera Verde is a short drive away.

The magazine reports:

St. Pete Beach is the closest town to Fort De Soto Park -- home to miles of lifeguard-patrolled white-sand beaches along with nature trails, fishing piers, a fort, and playgrounds, as well as kayak and bike rentals. "The North Beach area is like nature's wading pool," says Jim Wilson, park supervisor. "The gentle gulf water and gradual slope makes it perfect for little kids." St. Pete Beach itself also has 6 miles of beaches but no lifeguards on duty.

The magazine also recommends that visitors head to:

• The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, which has activities geared to youngsters, while the grownups can enjoy great art;
• Great Explorations Children's Museum in St. Petersburg;
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to Winter the Dolphin;
• Snapper's Sea Grill in St. Pete Beach, which has outdoor seating, free baked pita chips and hummus, and a kids' menu.
• Postcard Inn On The Beach, which is affordable and kid-friendly;
• Don Cesar Beach Resort in St. Pete Beach, which has a beachfront pool with splash pad for kids and child-proofed guest rooms upon request.

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