Must See Sights and Landmarks in Saint Pete Beach Area

"Conveniently located close to downtown and adjacent to the Florida Aquarium, the American Victory Ship is one of Tampa's hidden gems. One of only four WWII ships that are fully-functioning, the Ship is a memorial to the dedicated men and women of the American Merchant Fleet. Almost all areas of the Ship are open to investigation, including the bridge, weaponry, galley and mess halls, crew cabins and Captain's quarters, radio and gyro rooms, and much more."

"There is always something happening at the Amalie Arena, whether you are interested in ice hockey, basketball, arena football games, or music concerts. So it is worth checking their schedule if you are visiting the area. Formerly known as the Ice Palace, the building's naming rights were sold to the St. Petersburg Times in 2002 (which subsequently became the Tampa Bay Times)."

"If you’re after an exciting event to attend when in town then watch Tampa Bay Lightning play a fast-paced ice hockey match at the Amalie Arena. The colossal stadium lies along the Tampa Riverwalk, overlooking the Garrison Channel. Originally known as the Ice Palace, the arena was opened in 1996 and has since hosted countless NHL games."

"Looming across the entrance to Tampa Bay is the four-mile-long Sunshine Skyway Bridge, connecting St. Petersburg to Manatee County on I-275. The bridge was built in the 1980s after the original bridge collapsed after being hit by a freighter during a storm. For a toll of only $1.50, it’s worth the ride to see this architectural wonder and get a high view of Tampa Bay."

"Curving its way right through the heart of the Tampa downtown as the Hillsborough River gives way to the water channels of the Garrison Channel, this lively stretch of promenade is one of the nerve centers of local and cultural action in Cigar City. Starting with the play pools and fountains of Water Works Park in the north and running all the way to the manicured lawns of Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park in the south, the sun-splashed strip hosts countless picnic spots and food trucks (homemade American mac and cheese and Tex-Mex are just two of the specials to look out for). There are also oodles of museums to see, and the shops and eateries of the Channelside Bay Plaza to boot."

"The Tampa Riverwalk is a pedestrian trail beside the Hillsborough River that runs alongside many of downtown Tampa's main attractions. It's a relaxing and fun way to enjoy the city and a great way to get to the Tampa Arts District. Attractions that you can access via the Riverwalk include: MacDill Park, Curtis Hixon Park, Glazer Children's Museum, Tampa Museum of Art, Rivergate Tower, and the nearby Florida Museum of Photographic Arts."

"We stayed at the Sheraton Downtown Riverwalk, a spacious hotel with huge rooms and a good-sized pool that looks over the waterfront. One of the things that really resonated with me is how easy, breezy and chilled out Downtown Tampa is. The Riverwalk is a great place to start if you have just arrived and want a feel for the southwest Florida vibe."

"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."

"Located on the north and south sides of Tampa Bay, the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is based on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge that connects St. Petersburg with Sarasota and provides an excellent fishing venue. While the piers of the bridge are extremely high above the water, accessible areas around the pier offer excellent fishing, and you can find both shallow flats and deep-water channels. Fish species that can be found here include redfish and spotted sea trout throughout the year while the warmer months bring migratory fish such as cobia, tarpon, Spanish mackerel, and kingfish."

"Grab your rod & reel and plonk down at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. Reaching state park status in 1994, the pier extends four miles into Tampa Bay. Skyway Fishing Pier State Park runs parallel to the massive Sunshine Skyway Bridge."

"Something about the site makes freshens you up the second you arrive – the view overlooking the mirror, the tall palm trees, the picnic tables and the simply but beautifully decorated temple itself. It’s tranquil and peaceful and it’s fascinating to watch the monks go about their business. Services are usually between 1pm and 2pm, and while you’re invited to observe the ...Read more"

"The epic sliver of sand that is Pass-a-Grille Beach is the most idyllic barrier-island beach, backed only by beach houses and a long stretch of metered public parking. Here you can watch boats coming through Pass-a-Grille Channel, hop aboard the Shell Key Shuttle to unspoiled Shell Key, and retire for eats and ice cream in the laid-back village center."

"UPDATE: As of June 2019, the Anna Maria Oyster Bar is no longer serving brunch. However, they open at 11 a.m. every day, so it’s still a great location for lunch and bubbles!"

"Pioneer Park in St. Petersburg, Florida is located between Central Avenue and 1st Avenue South and Bay Shore Drive and Beach Drive Southeast. This beautiful waterfront park honors 600 of St. Petersburg's early settlers. Conveniently situated between the St. Petersburg Yacht Club and Al Lang Stadium, this shaded city park is right in the middle of all the action."

"Neal Preserve is home to some of the best Anna Maria nature trails, with more than 120 acres for you to discover. Located on the mainland in nearby Bradenton, Neal Preserve is more than just a remarkable natural site – it also has a lot of historical significance. The preserve is home to reconstructed burial mounds, initially built by the Native Americans from 3000 BC to 1400 AD."

"On your way in to Anna Maria Island you’re sure to spot Neal Preserve while making your way across Perico Island. Neal Preserve is set against the stunning waterways around Anna Maria Island and offers fantastic examples of Florida’s natural wildlife and native plants. But there’s more to this 120 acre preserve than meets the eye."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. A 120-acre (48.5 hectares) preserve, Neal Preserve in Manatee County is a combination of mesmerizing coastal habitat and oak hammock upland. The area comprises mangrove forests and salt terns."

"In 2020, the community-favorite Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream Parlor got a serious upgrade. It’s now Uncle Andy’s Market, and while they’re still serving your favorite local ice cream, they’ve got so much more!. Uncle Andy’s is located in the Don Boutiques shopping area in the Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach."