Crystal River, about an hour north of Tampa Bay, is an unspoiled playground, home to the largest herd of endangered manatees in the US, congregating primarily in the beautiful Crystal and Homosassa Rivers, these gentle giants can be seen from the riverbanks or by engaging local guide services for a boat or up-close snorkel encounter.

Crystal River is also famous for its flats fishing where redfish, sea trout, tarpon and mackerel are abundant. About 20 minutes south of Crystal River is the Homosassa State Wildlife Park, where visitors can see the rare whooping crane, deer, bears, bobcats, egrets and flamingos along unspoiled nature trails as well as captive manatees in an underwater observatory.

Sand Key lies over the Causeway bridge and just south of Clearwater Beach and north of Belleair Beach.  Sand Key is home to Sand Key Park with its 90 tropical acres and featuring half a mile of white sandy beach that has been rated among the top 20 beaches in the United States.

Sand Key is well known for shelling on the beach and fishing on the jetty. The white sandy beaches are lined by sea oats and Florida pine trees.  This is a great place to bask in the sun, picnic under the trees, walk the miles of beach or sit and watch a fantastic sunset.  Commercial activity is focused on the North end of Sand Key. Two resort hotels and the Shoppes on Sand Key provide a variety of restaurants, shopping, banking, and resident and tourist services.

St. Petersburg and its surrounding area has its west side facing the Gulf of Mexico and St. Petersburg Beach and stretching north along the coast is a series of beautiful Gulf beaches.

On the opposite side facing Tampa Bay is downtown St. Petersburg, the cultural hub of the area and a revitalized blend of luscious parks and impressive architecture. One of the most  striking structures is The Pier, a five-story, inverted pyramid building located at the end of a man-made causeway that extends into Tampa Bay. The Pier has several restaurants, shops, an aquarium, and an observation platform that provide a contemporary setting for dining, entertainment, shopping and sightseeing.

Situated nearby to the south, off the Pinellas Bayway is the Fort De Soto State Park, a 900-acre park that has seven miles of beaches, two fishing piers, a bike and walking trail, picnic and camping facilities, and a historic fort for which the park is named.

Kick back on the

Tropical boutiques, seafood restaurants and nightclubs offer a taste of Florida's fun-loving beach town lifestyle. Visitors can watch awe-inspiring sunsets, enjoy perfect weather and pristine white sands, all within a short drive of world-famous attractions.

Tampa

The kaleidoscope of activity ranges from its bustling port brimming with shrimp boats, banana barges and cruise ships, to its festive marketplaces, and its multi-ethnic restaurants and shops.