The city of St. Petersburg, famed for its perpetual sunshine, lies on the Pinellas Peninsula on the central Gulf Coast of Florida, between Tampa Bay and Boca Ciega Bay.
Off the peninsula is a chain of long, narrow islands with beaches and numerous marinas. Clearwater is largely a resort and retirement community located 22 miles west of Tampa. People are drawn here by the wide stretch of the white sand beach, which is connected to the city by a two-mile-long causeway.
Clearwater has become even more famous over the past few years as the home of Winter, star of the hit movie “Dolphin Tale” and “Dolphin Tale 2.” Visitors flock to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to meet the famous dolphin.
Clearwater is an ideal destination for travelers of all ages and interests, occupying prime real estate along Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast. The City’s beaches are consistently ranked among America’s most beautiful, offering miles of sugar white sand, tranquil Gulf breezes, and crystal clear waters. As a top, year round location for both leisure and business, Clearwater boasts an endless supply of sun, warm weather and great dining, along with extensive outdoor activities both on land and at sea.
We made a list of the top rated tourists attractions in St. Petersburg and Clearwater.
The Dali Museum in St Petersburg
The Salvador Dali Museum in St Petersburg houses a comprehensive collection of paintings by this Surrealist master. Dali’s entire artistic career is represented from his early work in impressionism and cubism to later experiments in more “Classical” styles. There are oil paintings, watercolors, drawings, sculptures, graphics, photographs and other artworks.
The museum now has a fabulous new building that better reflects the creativity of the artist it promotes.
St Petersburg Pier is one of the longest of its kind in Florida, extending for over a quarter of a mile into Tampa Bay. At the end of the pier is an inverted five-story pyramid containing shops, restaurants and an observation platform. It also features fishing, water sports, and the Pier Aquarium.
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. Stretching 12 miles in total, a little more than 4 miles of the bridge rises high above the ocean, allowing for large water vessels to pass below. Two main pillars tower above the road and the high points adding some eye catching drama to the bridge.
Five different keys make up the 900-acre Fort Desoto Park. There are numerous nature and recreation trails suited for hiking, biking, rollerblading and walking. There is also a beautiful swimming beach and two fishing piers. The park is named for the fort located on the southern end of Mullet Key. It was built in 1898 during the Spanish-American War, but never saw action. Remains of the fort can be visited.
Clearwater Beach is often rated as one of the top beaches in the United States. The pristine white sand attracts locals as well as sun seekers who come here on vacation. Additional highlights along this stretch include Pier 60 and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Sandy Key Park features local vegetation, walking trails, and a half mile stretch of wide sandy beach. The park has an artificial reef program and an area where sea turtles annually lay eggs. Sandy Key Park is ideal for bird watching, where heron, roseate spoonbill, great horned owl, anhinga, and common moorhen nest and feed in the salt marsh.
Caladesi Island State Park is a 600-acre island. It is a State operated park accessible by ferry, boat, or canoe. There is a 3-mile beach for swimming, strolling, fishing or shelling, and nature trails for wildlife watching. The area’s inaccessible location has saved it from development and the flora and fauna remain undisturbed.
Dunedin has preserved its village like atmosphere, which began in the early days when it was a seaport and trading center. The Toronto Blue Jays have spring training camp at Dunedin Stadium. Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area and Caladesi Island State Park are located just off the coast and offer opportunities for water and nature enthusiasts.
Formerly the center of a thriving sponge fishing industry, Tarpon Springs is primarily a 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 town’s numerous restaurants and bakeries, cultural festivals, and in the Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail, created along an abandoned railroad corridor, is currently 37-miles and a multi-use trail everyone can enjoy. The Pinellas Trail is a linear park and recreation trail that runs from the downtown waterfront of St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs.
This lovely park featuring walking trails, boardwalks, and camping and picnic facilities, is a beautiful retreat for those looking for a little nature. Looking out onto Lake Maggiore the preserve features wetlands, pine trees, scrubland, and wildlife, with everything from turtles to birds of prey. Many people come here for birdwatching but the park is most popular with those who are looking to get out for a walk or enjoy a family outing.
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Whether you are traveling for business and you want some taste of these beautiful sights, or you are traveling for pleasure expect the best limo experience choosing Alpha Limousines.
With our extensive fleet of limousine vehicles, Alpha has the perfect solution for all your transportation needs. We can easily accommodate groups of any size with the highest quality limousine services available anywhere in the Tampa Bay area.