New Coffee Pot Swing, Banyan Trees, Pier Playground

Published on 04/15/22: The new swing near Coffee Pot, the huge Banyan trees in North Straub Park, expansive playground at the pier and the Hangar Restaurant & Flight Lounge. All located within 5 minutes of each other! We live by what I’m told is the third largest, preserved, waterfront park system in the United States. So much to explore!

Know any children who are early risers? We do. While no school today, it was still “go time” for Colt at 6:30am. Rather than play at home, waking the neighborhood (and mom), we decided it was a good chance to watch the sunrise. In the process, we formed a morning itinerary that you may want to try.

New Waterfront Swing Near Coffee Pot Bayou

✅ Check out the new waterfront swing by Northshore Drive NE & 18th Ave NE. Great spot for the sunrise, even though cloudy today. The swing was recently added by the Downtown Waterfront Parks Foundation, Inc. as a test. Once they have feedback, they plan to tweak and add more waterfront swings around downtown! So many people out exercising in this area.[note to self, do something active today]

Banyan Trees in Downtown St Pete

✅ On the drive (or walk) from the swing to the huge playground at the pier, you’ll pass the Banyan trees along Beach Drive. Colt thinks of Tarzan of course every time.

Pier Playground

✅ Then head over to the incredible playground at the pier. We had it to ourselves today, which Colt was excited about. Playground opens at 7am, though the adjacent Spa Beach Bistro doesn’t start serving food & drinks until 11am Mon-Fri and 10am on Sat-Sun. Once it’s open, plenty of food, ice cream & adult beverages. And occasional live music on the weekends.

Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge

✅ Our final stop was to watch planes and helicopters over some pancakes. If you haven’t visited the Hanger, it’s certainly worth a stop, especially for those who love aviation (my dad was a #DeltaAirlines pilot for 39 years, I grew up loving planes). The children’s menu is provided on a balsa wood airplane the kids assemble and then can fly around. This morning we saw no less than 12 (real) airplanes take off & land from Albert Whitted Airport, plus a helicopter. Tables are practically on the runway. 🛩

The ideas above are an easy way to pass a couple hours along the downtown waterfront. Only ‘waterfront’ exception is the Hangar, a few hundred yards off the water. Parking was easy this morning, right in front of each spot.

Colt’s now off to a park with mom so I can knock out some work. Don’t stop won’t stop.