Famous for its eternal sunshine, the city of St. Petersburg is located on the Pinellas Peninsula on Florida’s central Gulf Coast, between Tampa Bay and Boca Ciega Bay. The peninsula is a chain of long, narrow islands with beaches and many marinas. Clearwater is largely a resort and retirement community located 22 miles west of Tampa. People are drawn here by the wide stretch of white sand beach that is connected to the town by a two-mile causeway.
1 Editor’s Pick The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg
The Salvador Dali Museum in Saint Petersburg houses an extensive collection of paintings by this surrealist master. Dali’s entire artistic career is represented by his early work in Impressionism and Cubism to later experiments in more “classical” styles. There are oil paintings, watercolors, drawings, sculptures, pictures, photographs and other works of art.
The museum now has a fantastic new building that better reflects the creativity of the artist it promotes.
Address: One Dali Boulevard, St Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
Official site: https://thedali.org
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2 Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Located on I 275 crossing the waters at the entrance to Tampa Bay, this spectacular bridge is impressive from a distance or from the road while driving across. For a total distance of 12 miles, just over 4 miles of the bridge rises high above the ocean, allowing large water vessels to pass beneath. Two major pillars tower above the road and the pinnacles add striking drama to the bridge.
3 Fort DeSoto
Five different keys make up the 900-acre Fort DeSoto Park. There are numerous nature and recreational trails suitable for walking, cycling, skating and hiking. There is also a beautiful swimming beach and two fishing piers. The park is named after the fort located on the south side of Mullet Key. It was built in 1898 during the Spanish-American War, but never saw action. Remains of the fortress can be visited.
3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde
Official site: https://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm
4 Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is often rated as one of the best beaches in the United States. The pristine white sands attract both locals and sun worshipers on holiday here. Additional highlights along this route include Pier 60 and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
5 Sandy Key Park
Sand Key Park offers local vegetation, hiking trails and a half-mile long, wide sandy beach. The park has an artificial reef program and an area where sea turtles lay eggs annually. Sand Key Park is ideal for bird watching, where herons, roseate spoonbills, great horned owls, anhinga and common moorhen breed and feed in the salt marsh.
Address: 1060 Gulf Boulevard, Clearwater
Official site: https://www.pinellascounty.org/park/15_sand_key.htm
6 Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park is a 600-acre island. It is a state-run park accessible by ferry, boat or canoe. There is a 3 mile beach for swimming, walking, fishing or shelling, and nature trails for wildlife watching. The inaccessible location of the area has saved it from development and the flora and fauna remain undisturbed.
Official site: https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Caladesi-Island
7 Dunedin
Dunedin has retained its village atmosphere, which started in the early days when it was a seaport and trading centre. The Toronto Blue Jays have spring training camp at Dunedin Stadium. Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area and Caladesi Island State Park are just offshore, offering opportunities for water and nature lovers.
8 Indian Rocks Beach
Indian Rocks Beach is a resort community located near Sand Key, off the coast of Pinellas County. The beautiful stretch of soft-sand beach on the ocean is always popular with walkers who stroll early in the morning and sunbathe in the afternoon in good weather.
9 Tarpon Springs
Formerly the center of a thriving sponge industry, Tarpon Springs is a primarily Greek community and well-known tourist destination. There are still sponge boats at the dock and others offering deep sea fishing trips. The Mediterranean heritage is represented in the city’s many restaurants and bakeries, cultural festivals and in the Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
10 Pinellas Trail
Created along an abandoned rail corridor, the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is currently 37 miles long and a trail for everyone to enjoy. The Pinellas Trail is a linear park and recreation trail that runs from downtown St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs.
The path is used for walking, jogging, skating and cycling. There are a number of shops, restaurants and cafes along the route.
Official site: https://www.pinellascounty.org/trailgd/
11 Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
This beautiful park with walking trails, boardwalks, and camping and picnic facilities is a wonderful retreat for those looking for a bit of nature. The reserve overlooks Lake Maggiore and offers wetlands, pine trees, scrubland and wildlife, with everything from turtles to birds of prey. Many people come here for birdwatching, but the park is particularly popular with those who want to get out and about for a walk or want to make a family outing.
Where to stay in Saint Petersburg for viewing
We recommend these highly rated hotels in St. Petersburg near popular downtown attractions like the Dali Museum:
- The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club: 4-star luxury resort, 1925 landmark, stylish decor, multiple restaurants, luxury spa, outdoor heated pool.
- Avalon Hotel: mid-range hotel, historic district, funky retro feel, art deco room decor, access to adjacent pool, free area shuttle.
- Hampton Inn & Suites St. Petersburg Downtown: Affordable rates, beautiful outdoor pool, modern room decor, free hot breakfast.
- The Inn on Third: budget-friendly hotel, great owners, fun decor, antique furniture.
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