Top Rated Attractions in Tampa/St. Petersburg

Nestled along the shores of Tampa Bay is a popular fishing and boating area over the tangled roots of mangroves. This nature lover's paradise is called the Weedon Island Preserve. Here, from the top of an observation tower, visitors can relish a great view of Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg's gorgeous skyline. Here, herons and egrets amble through lush, wooded expanses, while black crabs dart along mangrove branches that form marvelous arcs over streams. Sheltering a fishing pier, picnic tables with charcoal grills and a canoe/kayak trail, this preserve is also home to a picturesque boardwalk, ruins of an erstwhile airport and historical markers pointing out a Native American mound. Displaying a brilliant convergence of nature, culture and archaeology, the Weedon Island Preserve is a sprawling canvas of magnificence and unabashed, natural grandeur.

Opened in 1987, Clayton Galleries has been providing artwork to the Tampa community for over 25 years. The gallery highlights and promotes the work of Florida artists as well as regional artists through ongoing exhibitions. Current works along with earlier pieces by artists allow visitors to see the creative growth of each individual artist. On display you will see a variety of mediums including oils, watercolor, acrylic, sculpture, paper, and photography. Rotating exhibitions are scheduled throughout the year. Clayton Galleries also offers custom framing from basic styles to embellished gold leaf finishes by an experienced in-house framer.

Tired of the usual dinner and a movie date? Try your hand at something new and take your significant other or group of friends for a night of painting. Painting With a Twist offers patrons a unique atmosphere where they can partake in an art lesson, with paint and canvas provided, while sipping and snacking on food and beverages brought from home. Far from the usual date or girls night activity, this is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

If you are a vintage car enthusiast, then the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum is a must on your itinerary when visiting the city. Opened in 2005, their collection is a range of automobiles from the 1920s through to the 1930s that were known for their engineering marvel. These cars were the pioneers of that era that set a trend for the future of vehicles. It features cars from all across the world such as the E from France, Tatra T87 from Czechoslovakia, DKW Meisterklasse from Germany and the American Ruxton.

This 5,000 square foot gallery space offers a collection of canvas prints from various artists with the option of onsite framing. Browse local and international artists work while the kids are kept occupied by the complimentary DVD collection and Xbox in the children's area. The gallery specializes in home and office art consultations and even offer installation services.

As one of the earliest parks in the South Tampa area, Ballast Point Park has been providing outdoor fun for countless Floridians since its construction in 1894. Besides offering splendid views of downtown Tampa, Ballast features a water area, playground and covered picnic area. Families head here in droves during the summer months for some good old fashioned outdoor recreation.