Biking in St Pete, FL

[Blue82]

Looking for a little local advice for a weekend trip to St Petersburg, Fl with my 4 year old.   We’re planning on staying roughly 9th ave Ne and 2nd st N, and want to be able to see the many sights within roughly a mile or so of there.  As an adult, I would probably just walk it all, but that gets a little far for a 4 year old, especially compounded with fun and walking/running around at many of the destinations.

How bikeable is that area?  Kiddo has a seat on my bike, and we are very experienced riders, but don’t know the area at all despite living only a couple hours away. It just seems crazy to me to be driving a mile or so and perhaps dealing with parking at each place so I’m hoping it’s very bikeable!

Also, if you have any additions to our list of fun options, so far we have:
- sunken gardens (please confirm the presence of flamingos!)
- children’s museum
-  Dali museum
- chihuly glass blowing
- big parks/playgrounds (which are the best?)

Thanks!

[Lalalauren]

St. Pete is very bikeable, especially that area! You will be good!

Sunken Gardens was a bit of a let down for me, but I only went once. I don’t remember seeing flamingos at that time but it was over 6 yrs ago. 

I don’t have many comments on your other items, but I do LOVE the Dali museum.

Have fun!!

[jac941]

Our friends who live there bike everywhere with their kids. When we visit, we bike with them and our kids. It’s great.

We don’t do the tourist thing while we’re there, but our kids enjoyed the ride out on the pier and the view from the building on the end. They also liked the Galzer Playground on the pier. We also rode down Coffee Pot Blvd and got to see some manatees right off the dock. That was a big hit.

Enjoy the trip.

[Blue82]

Thanks to you both! That sounds great! 

One other quick question - is the 4th of July extra fun or a big deal?  And also safe enough for a 4 year old to experience?  I was thinking of going the weekend before and coming home right before the 4th, but if it’s extra fun in St Pete, I might be convinced to stay an extra night or two.   

[jac941]

I’ve never been in July. To be honest, I try to avoid summer in Florida. Too hot!

[LifeHappens]

Downtown St. Pete is quite bikeable. There are a number of bike lanes and the Pinellas Trail https://pinellas.gov/pinellas-county-trail-guide/

As far as tourist stuff, I LOVE the Sunken Gardens and they do have flamingos as well as several parrots and other large birds they have rescued.

The whole St. Pete Pier is kind of a huge playground.

Weedon Island Preserve is pretty awesome if you want to see trails, birds, etc. It's not biking distance from downtown for a family, though.

I've never been in downtown for the 4th of July, but I can tell you the big fireworks shows are out at the beaches, which are super, super busy.

It's a fun town. Enjoy your visit.

[Blue82]

I’ve never been in July. To be honest, I try to avoid summer in Florida. Too hot!

Haha, my husband would definitely agree with you.  Unfortunately we live here (a couple hours further south) and can’t get away from the heat for a long break this summer so are trying to explore a little more “locally” as a result. 

It does mean we know what it feels like in Florida in July, though.   And we know we can handle it. 

[Lalalauren]

Btw, if you like bagels - I highly recommend St. Pete Bagel Co.

I used to get this every day before work. And now, when I go visit, I take home a dozen and freeze them while I eat 1x/day.

My fav combo - everything bagel with scallion cream cheese.

[Blue82]

Thanks for the tip - we will keep an eye out for it. 

Kiddo saw his first Chihuly piece at a local museum here today and was entranced, so I think we are going to have to put that collection on the agenda, too!