MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS
ADVENTURE ISLAND The park is open daily March through October; hours vary. Single-day passes are $41 adults, $37 ages 3-9; children 2 and younger enter for free ($12 parking fee). Busch Gardens/Adventure Island combo tickets are available. 10001 Malcolm McKinley Drive, Tampa, 888-800-5447. adventureisland.com.
ARMED FORCES MILITARY MUSEUM The 33,000-square-foot facility features a range of military vehicles, weapons, uniforms and other artifacts from World War I through the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. $8 admission adults/$5 children 7-12 (free for ages 6 and under). Tuesdays-Sundays. 2050 34th Way N, Largo. armedforcesmuseum.com.
BIG CAT RESCUE This 45-acre facility is the world’s largest nonprofit sanctuary for big cats who’ve been abused, abandoned or are retired from performing. The 90-minute guided tours are offered at 3 p.m. Mon.-Wed. and Fri., and at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sat. and Sun. (ages 10 and up only); admission is $29 per person. The one-hour Kid’s Tour (for children 9 and younger, $19; must have a parent or guardian, $29) is offered 9 a.m. Sat. and Sun; other tour options also available. 12802 Easy St., Tampa, 813-920-4130. bigcatrescue.org.
BOYD HILL NATURE PRESERVE Amble through a 245-acre preserve along the shores of Lake Maggiore that features group camping, picnic and playground facilities, three miles worth of nature trails and boardwalks, and the environmental education study center and library. Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tues.-Fri. and Sun. and 7 a.m.-.7 p.m. Sat.. Trail admission is $3 for ages 17 and older, $1.50 for ages 3-16. 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326. stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill-nature-preserve.html.
BROOKER CREEK PRESERVE This 8,700-acre wilderness preserve is located in northeastern Pinellas and supports populations of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, otter, gopher tortoise, bobcat, and coyote. The four-miles worth of hiking trails are open from 7 a.m. to time posted daily, with guided hikes every Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. Online preregistration for these hikes is required by noon the Friday before the hike. The center is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, 727-453-6800. brookercreekpreserve.org.
BUSCH GARDENS 10165 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa (813-987-5000). This 300-acre African-themed park and zoo boasts more than 2,000 animals. Check website to see if some rides will close briefly for maintenance. Open daily; hours vary from week to week. Admission is $85 adults, $77 ages 3-9, and for Florida residents, this includes unlimited admission through the rest of the year (children 2 and younger enter free); parking is $15. buschgardens.com.
CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM The nonprofit aquarium is dedicated to public education, marine research, and the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick or injured dolphins, sea turtles and river otters. Guests can visit Winter, star of the movie Dolphin Tale and the dolphin rescue. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.- Sun.. 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, 727-441-1790. $19.95 adults, $14.95 ages 3-12, and $17.95 seniors 60-plus.
THE CHIHULY COLLECTION The permanent collection displays works by world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly’s, whose vivid and unique creations can be seen in an awe-inspiring, 10,000-square-foot space designed by award-winning architect Albert Alfonso. 400 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-822-7872. moreanartscenter.org.
THE DALI MUSEUM The bigger and better Dali is now open with an expanded installation of the museum’s permanent collection. Viewing salons offer visitors vistas of the paintings from various angles in ambient natural light. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Wed., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. and noon-5:30 p.m. Sun. Admission for adults is $21; $19 for seniors 65 and older, military, police and firefighters; $15 for children ages 13-18; and $7 for children 6-12; free for children 5 and younger. After 5 p.m. on Thursday, general admission is reduced to $10. Salvador Dali Museum, One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. 727-823-3767. thedali.org.
DINOSAUR WORLD Life-size models of dinosaurs welcome families and classes to learn, have fun, or just enjoy a quiet encounter with the lifelike animals. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; during the months of November, December and January the park is open from 9 a.m. time to 5 p.m. $14.75 plus tax for adults, $11.95 plus tax for children ages 3 to 12, $12.95 plus tax for seniors over 60. Well-behaved pets on leashes permitted free of charge. 5145 Harvey Tew Road, Plant City, 813-717-9865, dinosaurworld.com.
DUNEDIN FINE ART CENTER The non-profit state-of-the-art facility offers creative, entertaining, enlightening, Earth-conscious and educational experiences in the visual arts through changing exhibitions, from its annual Wearable Art Fashion Show to lectures, studio classes and workshops. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin. dfac.org.
FANTASY OF FLIGHT The aviation-themed attraction displays vintage aircraft culled from one of the world’s largest private collections. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $28.95 adults , $15.95 ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E., Polk City, 863-984-3500. fantasyofflight.com.
THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM This impressive, aesthetically soothing downtown Tampa attraction focuses on Florida marine life and habitats. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. $21.95 for adults; $18.95, seniors 60 and older, and $16.95 for ages 12 and younger (kids 2 and younger admitted free). flaquarium.org.
FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS See what’s in bloom at this cute, 182-acre park, which is filled with native Florida plants and exotic tropicals displayed in both natural and formal gardens. Open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, 727-582-2100. Free admission (donations welcome). flbg.org.
FLORIDA MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS In addition to exhibiting important works, the museum displays photography central to contemporary life and culture. FMoPA collects, preserves and exhibits historic and contemporary works by nationally and internationally known photographic artists, and enriches the community by operating outreach programs to educate children and adults. FMOPA, The Cube at Rivergate Plaza, 400 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa. 813-221-2222, info@fmopa.org. Hours: Tue.–Thu. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Free for members, $10 adults and $8 for students and military.
GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM The kid-fun facility boats a 53,000-square-foot, candy-colored wonderland for kids 10 and under. The 170 interactive exhibits in the ergonomic, safety-minded facility runs the gamut from high-tech stimulation to simple pretend-play settings that engage the imagination. Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. glazermuseum.org.
HERITAGE VILLAGE The 21-acre, open-air park features 23 historical structures reflecting turn-of-the-century lifestyles of Pinellas pioneers. An archive library contains more than 2,000 volumes, along with photos, maps and other materials. Docents in period costumes also offer tours and demonstrate embroidery, basket making, quilting, weaving and more. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sun. Admission is free (donations accepted). 11909 125th St. N. Pinewood Cultural Park. 727-582-2123. pinellascounty.org/heritage.
JOHN’S PASS VILLAGE & BOARDWALK Tampa Bay’s Key West-wannabe tourist haven is a turn-of-the-century shanty-style village with 100-plus souvenir shops, restaurants and tons of artificial, Old Florida goodness. Out on the dock, check out dockside dining options, the local fishing fleet, dolphin watching, shelling tours, boat rentals, parasailing and jet skiing. Recommended are Kohr Frozen Custard Family Ice Cream and DeLosa’s Pizzeria’s pies by the slice. 150 Johns Pass Boardwalk W, Madeira Beach. johnspass.com.
LEEPA-RATTNER MUSEUM OF ART LRMA’s building, designed by Tarpon Springs Architect Ed Hoffman, has been nominated as one of the Top 100 Buildings in the Florida Architecture: 100 Years, 100 Places competition held by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Florida. Opened Jan. 22, 2002 on the Tarpon Springs Campus of St. Petersburg College, the Museum has a 20th century collection made up of art from Abraham Rattner’s estate donated by Allen and Isabelle Leepa, and a large donation made by the Tampa Museum of Art in 1997 — much of it Rattner’s lithographs, tapestries, sculptures, paintings and stained glass. Hours: Tue.-Wed., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thu. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m. $5-$6. 600 Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs. spcollege.edu/central/museum.
LOWRY PARK ZOO 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa (813-935-8552). Recognized today as one of the top three mid-size zoos in the country, Lowry Park Zoo currently features 41 acres of lush, natural habitats. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $24.95 for adults, $22.95 seniors, $19.95 ages 3-11; free to children 2 and younger, not including the price of rides. lowryparkzoo.com.
MOREAN ARTS CENTER With roots dating back to 1917 as the Art Club of St. Petersburg, the center focuses on an innovative, community-oriented approach to art and art education. Its exhibitions have included contemporary art created by local, regional and national artists to the community in virtually all media — prominent artists such as Jasper Johns, Duncan McClellan, Allison Massari, Peter Max and Jun Kaneko. 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-822-7872. moreanartscenter.org.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Its renowned permanent collection with impressionistic masters like Monet and Renoir, 19th-century European paintings and early 20th-century American paintings, in addition traveling exhibits, unique events, ancient artifacts, a sculpture garden, glass gallery and one of Florida’s most respected photography collections. $15-$17. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (with reduced admission after 5 p.m.) and Sun. noon-5 p.m. 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, 727-896-2667.
THE HENRY B. PLANT MUSEUM A national historic landmark, the museum’s housed in what was once the luxurious Tampa Bay Hotel. Exhibits include original artworks from private collections, period sporting goods, clothes and décor, as well as a permanent Spanish-American War exhibit and mementos from Teddy Roosevelt’s frequent visits. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun. $5 donation adults, $2 kids. University of Tampa, 401 Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. 813-254-1891. plantmuseum.com.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY MOSI, a not-for-profit educational institution, is the largest science center in the Southeast. Museum highlights include two replica diplodocus dinosaur skeletons; the IMAX Dome Theatre and its 82-foot hemispherical movie screen; BioWorks Butterfly Garden, an engineered ecosystem that emulates natural wetlands; the Back Woods, 40 acres of special water conservation elements and outdoor exhibits. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.-Sun. General admission: $23.95 adults, $21.95 seniors, $19.95 kids ages 2-12 (includes IMAX film and entry to all exhibits); member admission, $3. Ongoing. General admission: $23.95 adults, $21.95 seniors, $19.95 kids ages 2-12 (includes IMAX film and entry to all exhibits); member admission, $3. 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-987-6000. mosi.org.
THE PIER Visit before it closes on May 31. Special events are scheduled throughout the month. Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m. -9 p.m. Fri.-Sat., and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun.; attractions and restaurant hours vary. 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg, 727-821-6443, stpetepier.com.
PINELLAS TRAIL Converted from an unused railroad corridor, this 34-mile paved trail is a favorite among hikers, bikers, skaters and more. The trail starts in South St. Petersburg and winds northward through Largo, Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs. Open 7 a.m.- dusk. 727-549-6099.
PIONEER FLORIDA MUSEUM Life doesn’t seem so hard after visiting this museum, which depicts how the pioneering folk of Florida’s past lived. On display are tools of the cracker-era, a turn-of-the-century Porter Steam Engine, a two-story farmhouse from the 1860s and an 1878 Methodist church. Hours are 1-5 p.m. Tues.-Sun. Admission: $5 general. 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City. dadecity.com/museum.
SAFETY HARBOR MUSEUM OF REGIONAL HISTORY The museum’s exhibits show the history of Safety Harbor and the surrounding Tampa Bay area from prehistoric to modern times. Descriptive dioramas and displays of fossils, projectile points, shell tools, beads and pottery tell the story of Florida’s first people and the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 1-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Admission: $2 adults, $1 kids. 329 Bayshore Blvd. S, 727-726-1668. safety-harbor-museum.org.
SPLASH ISLAND WATER PARK Experience the area’s first saltwater, floating amusement park with slides and other aquatic features. Try out the new High Tide Slide, with unlimited rides for registered guests. Open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. One-hour sessions start on the hour. A Splash Island one-hour pass is $25 (including tax) with a $9 discount for Tradewinds guests who pay with room key. For $21.50, relax on an Island Raft for two hours. While Splash Island is open to the public as availability permits, parking at TradeWinds is reserved for registered guests only. behind TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, 6000 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 727-360-5551. tradewindsresort.com/water-park-tampa-florida.
SS AMERICAN VICTORY The SS American Victory served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War as a cargo carrier and is now open to the public for self-guided tours and various special events at the port in Channelside, right by the Florida Aquarium. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun.-Mon. Admission is $10 adults, $8 seniors, students with ID’s and veterans, $5 kids 4-12 (free for children 3 and younger). americanvictory.org.
ST. PETERSBURG MUSEUM OF HISTORY See hundreds of historic photos and artifacts including a cannon ball fired by Union sailors, a Megalethoscope (a predecessor of modern motion picture projectors), and replicas of the early Williams Park band shell bonnet and a parlor car from the Orange Belt Railway. The museum’s signature exhibit traces the story of commercial aviation from its inception in St. Petersburg on Jan. 1, 1914. $12 adults, $9 seniors and students, $6 ages 7-17; ages 8 and younger enter for free. $28 family four-pack. 335 Second Ave. N.E. 727-894-1052. spmoh.org.
SUNKEN GARDENS Paths meander through this four-acre, 100-year-old garden, which drops 15 feet below street level and combines lush tropical areas with flowing ponds and waterfalls. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-4:30 p.m. Sun. Admission is $8 adults, $6 seniors, and $4 ages 2-11 (free for members and children under 2). 1825 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg. 727-551-3102. stpete.org/sunken.
TAMPA BAY GHOST TOURS Four tours are offered in John’s Pass (tours leave 8 p.m. nightly, $15 adults/$10 ages 4-12); Gulfport (spring schedule for full moon tours TBA; $15 per person, $8 for children 4-12); and St. Pete (8 p.m. nightly, $15 adults/$8 ages 4-12). Reservations are required. ghosttour.net/tampa.html.
TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART A sleek visual landmark at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa, the museum distinguishes itself with an exterior illuminated with programmable LED lights, 45 feet high and 300 feet long, embedded within two-layers of perforated aluminum panels, designed by eo Villareal. The 66,000 sq. ft. facility shows world-class touring exhibitions in addition to bettering the community with educational programs and access to scenic outdoor events along Tampa’s Riverwalk. 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. Open Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat-Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m. tampamuseum.org.
WEEDON ISLAND PRESERVE A half-dozen surrounding islands complement this 3,190-acre shore preserve. Mangroves, birds and abundant sea life make Weedon most popular with nature watchers, though visitors also enjoy fishing from the preserve’s pier, or attending any of the various programs offered by the educational center, such as photography hike and bird-watching walks. Open 7 a.m.-posted time. Free admission, donations are welcome. 1500 Weedon Drive, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500. weedonislandpreserve.org.
WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS This attraction includes the world-famous Mermaid Shows, riverboat rides, animal shows, scuba diving opportunities, and Buccaneer Bay, a spring-fed water park, beaches, flume rides and more. Buccaneer Bay’s slides, lazy river, and kiddie pool will open daily starting June 5th. Park is open daily, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Admission is $13 adults, $8 children 6-12 (ages 5 and younger enter free). 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. 352-529-5656. weekiwachee.com.
YBOR CITY MUSEUM & STATE PARK Béisbol: Tampa’s Love of the Game highlights the incredible 100-plus year history of Tampa’s infatuation with baseball whose early beginnings in Ybor City and West Tampa led to notable achievements in the major and minor leagues. On display through Sept. 30. Permanent exhibits include old photographs of Ybor City and its early inhabitants, the cigar factory workers. Open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; admission is $3. 1818 E. Ninth Ave., Ybor City. 813-247-6323. ybormuseum.org.
BEACHES
ANNA MARIA ISLAND There are three major public beaches on Anna Maria: Coquina, Manatee and Bayfront Park. 40 miles south of Tampa, seven miles west of Bradenton. amichamber.org. annamariaisland.com.
BELLEAIR BEACH The area boasts 2 miles of sand with several beach access areas, a boat ramp and a municipal marina. Causeway and Gulf boulevards, between Clearwater and Indian Rocks beaches. 727-595-4646. cityofbelleairbeach.com.
BEN T. DAVIS BEACH This narrow beach is ideal for those who like to keep their car nearby (or for those who like to tan on the hood), and don’t mind noisy, traffic on the nearby causeway. Parking isn’t usually a problem, and dogs are allowed. Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa. 813-758-8286. tampagov.net.
BEER CAN BEACH Really no more than a tiny cove, the oasis is especially popular with dog owners. It’s not gorgeous, but the easy-to-access area offers breathtaking views of the sunset. There are no restrooms, parking is limited, but it’s hardly ever crowded. Davis Islands Seaplane Basin (Severn and Martinique avenues). tampagov.net.
CALADESI ISLAND The pristine barrier island is continuously voted No. 1 Beach in the U.S. by various tourism publications, and it’s accessible only by boat. Entrance fees into Honeymoon Island State Park are $8 per vehicle of up to 8 people, $4 for single occupant vehicles and $2 for pedestrians. Beginning at 10 a.m., an hourly, 70-passenger ferry ride makes the trip to Caladesi Island in 20 minutes (no roads or bridges link it to the mainland). The roundtrip ride is $14 for adults and $7 for children (free for kids under 5); boaters pay a $6 docking fee per day per boat of up to eight people, $2 per additional person, and $24 per slip per night. Ferry boats from Honeymoon Island State Park, One Causeway Blvd., Dunedin. 727-469-5918. floridastateparks.org/caladesiisland.
CLEARWATER BEACH This beach has two sections — the northern part at Palm Pavilion and the main beach at the Holiday Inn/Surfside. This is the hot spot for spring break crowds and other hormone-fixated types; families like it for the shallow water and gentle surf. Take State Road 60 west until it ends. clearwaterbeach.com.
EGMONT KEY Accessible by boat only, this small wildlife refuge is located between Anna Maria Island and St. Pete Beach. Part of the island’s north and south ends are closed to the public, but the open areas feature secluded, pristine beaches good for swimming, fishing and picnicking. Egmont also boasts a working lighthouse originally constructed in 1858, as well as the ruins of Fort Dade. 4905 34th St. S, St. Petersburg. 727-893-262. floridastateparks.org.
FORT DE SOTO BEACH Serene, raw and rarely crowded (just on holidays), Fort De Soto’s five interconnected islands offer forested areas with picnic tables. The 1,136-acre park has a 238-site family campground (costs range per site provided: $33.60 to $41.44) two piers, floating docks for boat access, canoe and kayak rentals, a 6.8-mile recreational trail and pavilions with grills. Grill reservations are available. Entry fee is $5 per car, plus a toll before you reach the gate. 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde (727-582-2267. pinellascounty.org/
HONEYMOON ISLAND STATE PARK One of the few northern barrier islands accessible by car in Pinellas, Honeymoon Island features a popular beach and nature trail, plus facilities for fishing and picnicking. Open 8 a.m.-sunset. Admission is $8 per carload of two to eight people, $4 for single occupant vehicles and $4 per vehicle an hour before sunset. Pedestrian admission is $2 per person. 1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin. 727-469-5942.floridastateparks.org.
FRED H. HOWARD PARK Many don’t know about this quasi-hidden jewel named in honor of a former mayor of Tarpon Springs. Its swath of 155 acres comprises picknicking areas and a mile-long causeway to a white sandy beach and swim area. Amenities include nine picnic shelters, playgrounds, a walking path to six restrooms, a ball field, lifeguard on duty 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily from March to September, a wind surfing area, launching area for canoeing and kayaking, fishing and beach showers. $5 parking fee. 1700 Sunset Drive, Tarpon Springs. pinellascounty.org/park/06_howard.htm.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH The 2.7 miles’ worth of beach has numerous access points, the most popular (1700 Gulf Blvd.) featuring restrooms and plenty of nearby shopping and dining. Parking (50 cents per hour) is often at a premium. On Gulf Boulevard, between First and 28th avenues. indian-rocks-beach.com.
MADEIRA BEACH Tourists and locals alike love this large expanse sugary-sand beach. A rock cooking grill and a few picnic tables are available, and coolers are welcome (no bottles). Gulf Boulevard between 128th and 154th avenues, between Clearwater and St. Pete beaches. 727-391-9951. madeirabeachfl.gov.
NORTH REDINGTON BEACH Quiet and secluded, this beach is great for reading a book without interruption or gettin’ it on with your honey. The beach has six public accesses along Gulf Boulevard. On Gulf Boulevard between 164th and 174th avenues in the town of Redington Beach, Pinellas County. 727-391-4848. townofnorthredingtonbeach.com.
PASS-A-GRILLE BEACH An idyllic old Florida charmer, swept by pristine sea oats, is one of the nicest beaches in the Bay area, and it’s directly across from the popular Hurricane Restaurant. Restrooms with showers and concessions are available, including a snack bar with great grouper sandwiches. Metered parking is $1.25 per hour, $5 for the day and is enforced from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Gulf Way, between First and 22nd avenues in southern St. Pete Beach. On Gulf Way, between First and 22nd avenues, in southern St. Pete Beach. pass-a-grillebeach.com.
PICNIC ISLAND BEACH Despite its location in an industrial area near MacDill Air Force Base, this 7.8 acre beach is quite peaceful. The small stretch of sand is seldom busy and offers a great view of the Bay. There’s a small fishing pier (not that you’d want to eat anything you caught), grills and shelters. 7409 Picnic Island Blvd., Port of Tampa. 813-274-8615. tampagov.net.
REDINGTON SHORES Quiet, pristine beaches can be accessed at the County Park, 18220 Gulf Blvd. Parking is free. Gulf Boulevard between 174th and 183rd avenues. 727-397-5538. townofredingtonshores.com.
SAND KEY PARK The 95-acre beachfront park is overwhelmingly popular during the sunny, temperate seasons and offers a stunning view of the sun setting across the Gulf of Mexico. Open 7 a.m.-dark, with lifeguards on duty every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Automated pay stations for parking, with $5 daily parking. No parking fee for those with disabled permits or tags. 1060 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater. 727-588-4852. pinellascounty.org.
SUNSET BEACH Located between Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach, Sunset Beach runs along a small road that continues after Gulf Boulevard turns toward St. Pete Beach. Parrothead alert: According to the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, “it is rumored to be (yet another!) beach that inspired the hit song ‘Margaritaville.’” 9000 W. Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. mytreasureisland.org.
ST. PETE BEACH The 1.5-mile-long beach located just north of the Don CeSar is conveniently situated near a variety of popular beach bars and an array of authentic, ktichschy and haute-cuisine international restaurants. A favorite spot with the locals. Parking meters cost $1.25 per hour or $5 for the day. 4700 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-367-2735. stpetebeach.org.
ST. PETERSBURG MUNICIPAL BEACH The public beach is one of the widest in Florida, stretching a quarter mile from the water to Gulf Boulevard. The 500-foot beach has five volleyball courts, a small playground, concessions, showers, picnic tables, grills and restrooms. 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. 727-360-3278.
TREASURE ISLAND BEACH Treasure Island’s beach is wide and busy. A nearby selection of restaurants and stores makes it feels like a little piece of the Jersey shore right here in Florida. A new “sea turtle friendly design” trail has been opened. Access at 10400 Gulf Blvd. 727-549-6165. mytreasureisland.org, pinellascounty.org/park/20_Treasure_Island.htm.
UPHAM BEACH AND HONOR WALK If St. Pete closest public beach access to Pasadena Avenue and Corey Avenue, Upham is a nice escape from the congestion of St. Pete Beach. The recently renourished beach has four wooden dune walkovers that originate from a pay and park lot and an art deco facade and Seaside Grille for after-beach munchies. A wide, white sandy beach awaits. 6700 Beach Plaza, off Gulf Boulevard at 68th Avenue, between 67th and 71st avenues (Corey Causeway is at 74th Avenue). Metered parking is $1.25 per hour or $5 per day. Enforced from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. best-of-st-pete-beach.com/upham-beach.html.
This article appears in May 9-15, 2013.