Best History Museum in Saint Pete Beach

"For history buffs, the perfect place to spend the day is the Manatee Village, Historical Park. The park is home to a collection of historical objects, artifacts, and buildings that help show visitors how life in Florida was during the pioneer years. Some of the historic buildings include a smokehouse and mill, Potter's Barn, Fogarty Boatworks, Curator's Corner, a blacksmith shop, Wiggins General Store, and an 1887 church."

"Learn about the history of Manatee County with a trip to the Manatee Village Historical Park. The venue features dozens of photographs and artifacts of Manatee County through the decades and is managed by the Florida Association of Museums. Head here for the annual Heritage Days for special exhibits, live performances and reenactments that tell the story of life in Manatee County."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0. An open-air museum and a park in Florida’s Bradenton, Manatee Village Historical Park is recognized as a National Historic Site. This space comprises 14 replica and preserved structures to honor Manatee County’s founding period from 1840-1918."

"If you would like to learn a little more about the history of the area, the Florida Maritime Museum provides you with a glimpse of the people and events that shaped Florida into the state it is today. The museum occupies 4 acres of land and includes the historic fishing village of Cortez as well as a 1912 schoolhouse building. The Florida Maritime Museum was designed to showcase the significance of the regional commercial fishing industry."

"Florida Maritime Museum 4415 119th Street W Cortez, Florida 34215 • 941-708-6121. A non-profit organization, the old Cortez Rural Graded School was transformed into the Florida Maritime Museum to educate visitors on the topic of Florida’s maritime heritage. It sits on 1.6 hectares (four acres) of land in the historic fishing village of Cortez."

"Discover old Florida through the history of Cortez Fishing Village. Explore the traveling exhibits such as the current attraction, Caught in the Storm, 100 Years of Florida Hurricanes. Permanent exhibits feature an expansive shell collection, ship models, and more."

"The only surviving plantation house in South Florida as well as the oldest building in Manatee County, The Gamble Plantation Historic State Park features a plantation restored to resemble its original beauty during the mid-1800s."

"Rick’s Reef is a laid back, homestyle St. Pete Beach restaurant, serving American diner inspired seafood dishes. A beachy must visit, Rick’s Reef is the perfect juxtaposition of a fresh beach atmosphere and rich and hearty dishes. We love that their food is not only fried to perfection, but varies from your usual fried seafood menu."

"We ordered tons of food and everything was excellent (lobster fries, steak quesadilla, bang bang shrimp, Buffalo shrimp with si... More reviews"

"5717 18th St. E., Ellenton; 941-722-2391; woodysriverroo.com. Woody’s River Roo, opened in 2003, is the Woodring family’s waterfront sister business of beloved downtown Bradenton bar The Lost Kangaroo. Dubbed “The Roo with the View,” Woody’s offers a charming Old Florida experience on the north bank of the Manatee River in Ellenton."

"This favorite is located in nearby Ellenton on Manatee River. Affectionately known as the Roo, Woody’s River Roo Pub and Grill provides Old Florida-style dining in a fun atmosphere. This family-owned restaurant offers fresh seafood in a casual environment."

"Its philosophy is all about taking you on a journey of discovery and reconnection that enhances your overall well-being. This spa provides a variety of signature experiences. One of its best-selling packages is The Ultimate Glow, which includes a signature GLOW facial, a hot stone massage, and a seasonal spa paraffin manicure and spa pedicure."