Florida in December with teens

[Anonymous]

We're flying into Tampa during winter break. Looking for a relaxing few days at the beach and pool but also don't want to get bored with two teens. Would people recommend staying in Clearwater? St. Petersburg? Somewhere else?

[Anonymous]

I live in St Pete and sorta hate Clearwater - but it might be best for these purposes. You can get a beachside hotel with a pool. The area is pretty walkable.

You can go do a dolphin tour one day, get in the car and go to Busch Gardens or downtown Tampa or St Pete another day.

I'm in the city of St Petersburg, and there is a lot to do here - but our city beach probably isn't what you're dreaming of (in the city we're on the bay, not the gulf - St Pete Beach is on the gulf).

Before deciding, I guess I should ask - what do you and your kids like to do when you're not enjoying a beach or pool?

One thing to keep in mind is that Dec weather can be hot or cool - there's just no predicting. It will almost certainly be warmer than DC, but it might not be sunny beach weather.

[Anonymous]

I live in the area and I can’t imagine my kids swimming in December… are you sure you’re not thinking about Miami?

[Anonymous]

December won’t be beach weather.

[Anonymous]

Why did you choose TPA for December? That’s an odd choice. We love Clearwater Beach but we visit in the summer when it’s hot since we love swimming.

There’s the Dali museum in St Petersburg if your family likes very weird art.

[Anonymous]

How long are you there for? Your teens will probably get bored. Can you change your flights to a better city for that time of year, like New Orleans or Key West?

[Anonymous]

This is OP. We’re also seeing some family while in TPA so that’s why we chose that area. Yes I know it won’t be really warm but better than DC so I want to pick the best place to stay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How long are you there for? Your teens will probably get bored. Can you change your flights to a better city for that time of year, like New Orleans or Key West?

There is TONS of stuff to do in the Tampa Bay area even in December! Even if it's too cold to swim in the ocean.

OP, there are resorts in Clearwater and St Pete on the beach. Some may have heated pools. The beaches themselves would be nice even if it's not swimming weather. In Tampa is Busch Gardens, the teens would enjoy that (I'm assuming you're renting a car) and they do a big ChristmasTown thing there. They might enjoy the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa, where you can take a boat ride or rent a boat or bike, and take the streetcar to Ybor City and walk around, plus there is the Aquarium and a History museum and a art museum and a children's museum (they're old for that though). Also , there is Zoo Tampa, which is a first class zoo.

In St Pete is the Dali museum and the St Pete Pier-teens would enjoy the Pier. It's a pretty, quirky downtown to walk around there.

If you are up for a drive, there is Weeki Wachee State Park about 1.5 hrs away in Weeki Wachee. That is where there is the famous live mermaid show. There you can also rent kayaks and paddle down the river and they bring you back to the park-the water is 74 degrees year round and it's an easy paddle (no rapids) and you might see manatees.

[Anonymous]

Caladesi Islamd is fun. Maybe a TB Lightning Hockey Game.

[Anonymous]

Thanks PPs!