20 Attractions to Explore Near Tampa Bay Automobile Museum

A 3,190 acre natural area predominately an estuarine preserve composed of upland and aquatic ecosystems such as mangrove forests, pine/scrubby flatwoods, and maritime hammock, and is home to a variety of native wildlife.

Weedon Island is a wildlife refuge and historical preserve. It provides the perfect landscape for outdoor activities, such as bird watching, fishing and kayaking. There are scenic trails to explore throughout the area - leading visitors to nearby beaches and boardwalks. Weedon Island is also home to several ancient Native American sites, including shell mounds, middens and burial grounds.

This popular museum houses numerous interactive exhibits, designed to be both fun and educational. Children of all ages can learn about science, technology and the arts through hands-on activities in the Tot Spot, Airmaze, Pinniped Place and much more! Along with daily events like Storytime With Miss Gina that helps develop language skills and art projects like Play Dough Rainbows which teach color concepts, It also offers workshops to help students exploring outside their comfort zone.

This spectacular 4-acre strolling garden features a whimsical collection of exotic plants, flowers, trees and shrubs, as well as charming statues and waterfalls that make it an idyllic place for visitors to explore. Established in 1903, it was once part of the estate of George Turner's aviary. With its tropically themed design, it offers a year-round refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life where visitors can relax and simply enjoy soaking up nature's beauty.

The Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum featuring more than 2000 different kinds of palm trees, this 5.5 acre outdoor garden is home to the largest collection of palms in the United States. visitors can explore North American and exotic varieties that honor Cuban, South-American and tropical influences -- like Coccothrinax argentea, Microcoelium costatum and Pritchardia thurstonii. A 1/3-mile nature trail meanders through the trails, offering a closer look into the diverse grouping of plants.

Lake Seminole Park is an outdoor oasis that locals and visitors alike flock to. Its trails, which wind around the lake, provide ample opportunity for wildlife viewing - expect to spot dozens of different bird species while you walk! The park also features a disc golf course, picnic spots, and boat launch areas that cater to both experienced anglers and those wanting to learn more about fishing.

Vinoy Par is the perfect place to spend a day outdoors. Located along St. Petersburg’s beautiful waterfront, it provides stunning views of Tampa Bay and the nearby Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club. The park features long grassy areas for picnicking or playing sports, two large fishing piers for anglers looking to catch some seafood, and a playground filled with colorful equipment. There’s also an outdoor stage offering concerts and other performances throughout the year.

Tropicana Field, is one of the most interesting stadiums in Major League Baseball (MLB). Constructed in 1990, it is the only MLB stadium with a fixed roof and artificial turf instead of natural grass. Tropicana Field also has a unique feature; its East-West alignment inside the dome instead of North-South like other stadiums. The field offers some great features such as a water wall located behind centerfield, high definition video boards and an interactive fan section.

St. Petersburg, is a stunning coastal city that offers year-round sunshine and fantastic beaches. it's an ideal location for those looking to escape the bitter winter months. The downtown area is filled with stately brick buildings, a variety of delicious restaurants, and activities like the waterfront downtown market. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy a variety of outdoor recreation options – from kayaking and paddle boarding to fishing and swimming in the clear waters of Boca Ciega Bay.

The comprehensive collection of more than 20,000 objects includes major works by the French artists Monet, Morisot, Barye, Rodin, Corot, and Bourdelle, and the Americans Inness, Hassam, Bellows, O’Keeffe, Pearlstein and Andrew Wyeth. Also on view are ancient Greek and Roman, Egyptian, Asian, African, pre-Columbian, Native American art and objects.

The Florida Holocaust Museum is a powerful reminder of the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust and an inspiring testament to the strength and courage of its survivors. Located in St. Petersburg, this museum spans 70,000 square feet and includes unique themed galleries and interactive experiences. The museum's permanent exhibits also include historical displays about the persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany through photos, personal narratives, documents and other artifacts.

This wonderful museum tells the story of Pinellas County from its early Native American settlers to colonization, growth, and contemporary life. From precise timelines that line the walls to interactive displays and exhibits, visitors can immerse themselves in a journey through St. Petersburg's past. Educational resources include a genealogy library and research center, exhibitions featuring important figures in the area's history, and even a recreation of Stadtler Hall General Store.

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, is a stunning attraction that caters to art lovers and nature-lovers alike. From Native American cultures to present-day western art and extraordinary wildlife exhibits, this museum offers the most comprehensive collection of Western and wildlife art in the southeastern United States. With seven galleries displaying more than 10,000 artifacts from some of America’s greatest artists and sculptors, there’s something for every visitor to explore.

St. Pete Pier™, is an iconic waterfront destination offering locals and visitors alike some of the best attractions the area has to offer. A 26-acre public waterfront complex, complete with restaurants, fishing, boat charters and cruises, retail establishments and plenty of activities for children. At St. Pete Pier™ you can treat yourself to echelons of culinary experiences ranging from casual outdoor dining to mouthwatering seafood -all with a vista overlooking Tampa Bay.

A landmark pleasure pier extending into Tampa Bay. The last iteration of the pier was named the Inverted Pyramid Pier. It featured a five-story inverted pyramid-shaped building.

Demens Landing Park, stretches along the Bayou Grande on the Gulf of Mexico and provides breathtaking views of colorful sunsets and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Outdoors enthusiasts will find plenty to do here, including fishing, kayaking, exploring nature trails, birdwatching or taking part in one of many events hosted throughout the year. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll along the pier or rent a boat to get better access to all the area has to offer.

The Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater is a modern, state-of-the-art entertainment venue located in Pinellas County, Florida. Providing world class entertainment and unparalleled views of Tampa Bay, the theater hosts a variety of live performances from Broadway to rock concerts. With its excellent acoustics, theatrical lighting, meticulously designed seating and attentive staff, attendees can expect an unforgettable experience no matter what the event.

Art museum dedicated to the works of Salvador Dalí. It houses the largest collection of Dalí's works outside Europe.

Eagle Lake Park, is a stunningly beautiful and serene place that offers visitors plenty to do. Its 844 acres are filled with activities like hiking trails, picnic areas and playgrounds for children. It also has an observation tower with a 360 degree panoramic view which is the ideal spot to watch stunning sunsets. In addition to enjoying the park on their own terms, everyone can attend the annual events that take place at Eagle Lake such as Bird Fest in March and Paddlepalooza in October.

John's Pass Village & Boardwalk is the perfect vacation spot. With attractions such as pirate cruises, deep sea fishing charters, parasailing experiences and water sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The boardwalk itself offers a host of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues with stunning views of Madeira Beach. From the best beach wear to souvenirs, over 130 merchants have something that will capture your interest.