Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Saint Pete Beach

"The large number of manatees that are seen in the Tampa Electric power station’s discharge canal has resulted in many people flocking to the Manatee viewing center in order to feast their eyes on these creatures. The Manatee Viewing Center enables you to view and learn more about manatees as well as immersing yourself in their environment. In addition, you can head outside and enjoy places such as the stunning butterfly gardens and gorgeous surroundings."

"One of the fun things to do in Tampa Bay for kids is seeing the Manatees. These gentle giants can be found throughout southern Florida, but are shy and can be hard to find. But we arrived at the perfect time of year."

"Explore Florida's ecosystems with a day of hiking or bicycling around the nature trails at De Soto National Memorial park or take a 45-minute Trail Walk with one of the Park Rangers from the Visitor Center to learn about the rich history and heritage of the grounds. The De Soto National Memorial is home to the living history Camp Uzita; a ten-table picnic area; several small beaches; and The Cove, an anchorage for small pleasure boats. Admission to the De Soto National Memorial is free to the public, but donations are accepted."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0. Located in Manatee County, DeSoto National Memorial Park is a place that was established to commemorate the landing of Hernando de Soto in 1539, a Spanish explorer and conquistador who made landfall in Tampa Bay along with his army of soldiers. Aside from that, it was also built to remember the Europeans’ first exploration of the southern United States."

"The De Soto National Memorial was created to commemorate the landing of famed explorer de Soto, who was one of the first Europeans to explore the southern part of the United States and Florida in the mid-1500s. The memorial is 26 acres of beautifully landscaped land, located just 5 miles from the city. The area features 3,000 feet of coastline where the Manatee River flows into the Tampa Bay."

"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."

"La Segunda Central Bakery is one of the 50 or so places offering Bakery delivery in Tampa. To see what’s available near you, enter your delivery address."

"531 13th St. W., Bradenton; 941-896-8464; getsugarcubed.com; and for Happy Soul, at same location, call 941-932-7320 or visit happysoulgoodies.com. Bradenton’s best bakery, or as they call themselves, “pastry lab,” Sugar Cubed is where you go to order an amazing custom cake or just stop by for some breakfast goodies. Happy Soul, which shares the same storefront, serves beloved vegan lunches as well as vegan and gluten-free baked goods."

"While you look out for special offers, check out these Bakery spots, rated well by users for their excellent value: Farmacy Vegan Kitchen + Bakery in The Channel District, Pastries N Chaat in University Square, and psomi in Old West Tampa."

"Restaurant BT brings together acts of eating locally with thinking globally, as Chef BT Nguyen combines Southeast Asian flavors with French techniques to create sophisticated and adventurous French-Vietnamese dishes. The attention to detail and incredibly tasteful presentation and decor, from smooth white plates to dishes adorned with edible flowers and fresh herbs, all reflect Chef Nguyen’s Vietnamese roots and background in fashion design. Enjoy the outstanding duck burrito alongside pumpkin soup or fresh shrimp rolls before lava cake and bread pudding."

"B.T. Nguyen, owner of Restaurant BT, is a lovely Vietnamese-American woman with direct opinions and a clear aesthetic, drawing influence from her Vietnamese roots and fashion background. Her intimate dining room features translucent Louis ghost chairs and regal silk draperies, while her French-Vietnamese menu is sumptuous leaning lightly towards the health-conscious. Contemporary white plates accented with edible flowers and fresh herbs are enjoyed in BT’s Zen like atmosphere."

"Restaurant BT serves light, subtle, and elegant French-Vietnamese cuisine in an equally beautiful and sophisticated setting. Your taste buds will appreciate exquisitely prepared dishes such as the Duck Pho, Beef Tenderloin Banh Mi Baguette, or Tuna Sashimi. A lovely wine list is also available, as are beer, sake cocktails, and mimosas."

"Season's 52 is a fresh grill and wine bar located adjacent to Tampa's Westshore Mall. Convenient to downtown and the airport, this is a great dining option for business or pleasure. With menus that are changed seasonally to reflect what's available at the farmer's market, flavors are fresh and unique."

"This restaurant will have all seafood lovers checking all the boxes as they serve the freshest and finest seafood from the world’s great fisheries. The menu is updated daily to feature the catch of the day and there is a variety of seafood options grilled or broiled, blackened, cooked Shang Hai style, or prepared to your taste."

"Freshness is the staple at Mitchell’s with fish flown in daily from the coasts. Only the best is selected for preparation. The menu is printed twice daily with an assortment of over 80 dishes."

"Right Around the Corner - Arcade Brewery, a beer bar, brewery and arcade, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 79 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2244 Central Ave. to see for yourself."