20 Attractions to Explore Near Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge

Egmont Key Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Hillsborough County. Its construction was completed in 1858 and it has been under National Park Service protection since in 1998. The lighthouse stands at an impressive 71 feet tall and provides a unique ambiance to the beaches of the area, where locals and tourists explore its ruins for a glimpse into the past. Even after its decommissioning in 1958, this Lighthouse continues to serve as an iconic symbol of Hillsborough.

North Beach at Fort DeSoto Park in Pinellas County, Florida is a destination for beach lovers from around the world. This unique beach offers a range of activities that are perfect for both families and solo travelers. The most popular activity is swimming in the clear, shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors also enjoy sunbathing on the powder-soft white sand, fishing off the pier, or exploring nearby trails and kayaking through mangrove tunnels.

Fort De Soto Park is the perfect location for a variety of outdoor activities. Not only does the park provide picnicking areas and playgrounds, but it also has miles of trails for hiking, biking, and kayaking. Visitors to the 1,136-acre coastal paradise can relax along seven miles of white sand beaches or explore the shores by swimming or fishing from two large piers. Traveling further inland reveals freshwater ponds and salt marshes filled with birds and other local wildlife.

Fort De Soto Park is a tropical paradise to explore with numerous attractions. Spanning over 1,050 acres, the park offers miles of picturesque shoreline perfect for swimming around the artificial islands and fishing off the piers. Visitors can also go kayaking or canoeing around the estuaries. Other great activities include camping, canoe races, bird watching tours and history discovery runs.

A cable-stayed bridge spanning the Lower Tampa Bay connecting St. Petersburg, Florida to Terra Ceia. The current Sunshine Skyway opened in 1987 and is the second bridge of that name on the site.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is an iconic symbol of Hillsborough County Completed in 1987, this bridge stands across a four-mile span of Tampa Bay and is a beautiful sighting at sunrise or sunset. A cable-stayed bridge with several concrete piers, it also boasts a unique curved shape with fans for extra support, making it a creative engineering masterpiece as well as an eye-catching structure.

Pass-a-Grille Beach is the ultimate beach destination. Located at the far south end of St. Pete Beach, this serene and picturesque spot has something for each and every beachgoer. The crystal blue waters, gentle waves, and soft white sands combine to make this 8-mile gulf-side paradise perfect for swimming, sunning, shelling, and simply taking a romantic stroll. For those wanting to dip their toes in other activities, the nearby shops offer all kinds of souvenirs, crafts and more.

This is a popular fishing spot for anglers of all ages. With 4,000 feet of elevated pier stretching over Tampa Bay, visitors can expect to be able to take dramatic photos of sunrises and sunsets in addition to catching some fish as they explore the area. The waters here are rich in snook, tarpon, mackerel, redfish and other species. Amenities at the park include picnic tables and restrooms but no motorized boats or swimming are allowed.

Maximo Park, is definitely a great place to spend some time outdoors. Located close to the Gulf of Mexico and other attractions such as John's Pass. In Maximo Park one can take in stunning views of Tampa Bay while enjoying all sorts of activities such as fishing, kayaking, or simply lounging by the beach. With plenty of picnic tables, grills, covered cabanas, and nearby restrooms there are endless ways for visitors to make their stay even more enjoyable.

St. Pete Beach in Pinellas County is a vibrant and bustling vacation mecca. Filled with miles of white-sand beaches, sparkling aquamarine water and plenty of activities to enjoy, St. Pete Beach has something for everyone from the avid sun seekers to outdoor explorers. Of course the beach itself is a must visit, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, kayaking and more; but nearby there are lush parks, historic landmarks and even art galleries for visitors to explore.

Sunset Beach, is an idyllic beach getaway with a plethora of fun activities both on land and in the sea. This picturesque beach offers great swimming, fishing, and even snorkeling - so you can take in the wonders of the Gulf of Mexico's crystal blue waters. There is also a long pier which allows for miles of unobstructed sunset viewing. Those that prefer to stay on land can enjoy the many shops, restaurant options and amenities available here year-round.

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a great spot for nature lovers to explore and relax. This 259-acre urban oasis offers picnic sites, boardwalk trails and various wildlife such as birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. Visitors can experience close encounters with local animals at the Wildlife Encounter Area or take a leisurely stroll around the lake while admiring butterflies and dragonflies. There are also educational activities like ranger guided tours that focus on the preserve’s biodiversity.

John's Pass, is an incredible and unique spot full of fun activities. Located just south of Madeira Beach, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations on Florida's Gulf coast. Visitors here can explore the galleries and shops where they'll find everything from souvenirs to fishing gear, enjoy a variety of fabulous water activities including jet skiing, take a sunset Cruise along Boca Ciega Bay or spend the day deep sea fishing.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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

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.

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.