One Day at the Beach – And Some Great Museums in Saint Petersburg Florida

By Jeff Burns

The beaches of the Tampa Bay/Clearwater/Saint Petersburg area have drawn throngs of tourists for over a century, but there is much more to enjoy than just great beaches. History lovers have some great museums to visit too!

After a morning (or afternoon) at the beach in Saint Petersburg, visitors owe it to themselves to sample an iconic landmark for lunch or dinner.  Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish has been open for more than 65 years, serving a relatively simple menu:  smoked fish (mullet, mackerel, salmon, mahi) and a couple of sides.  The fish is smoked for hours, in a tradition that is centuries old, going back to indigenous Floridians.  Be sure to order the smoked fish spread as an appetizer.

 

While in Saint Pete, you have to visit the newly opened (April 2018) James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art. Located in a beautifully remodeled parking garage downtown, it’s designed to look like sandstone cliffs from the outside.  On the inside, you will find 30,000 square feet of space displaying a portion – yes, a small portion at that – of a huge private collection of western and wildlife art. Most of the artists on display are still living, and they may not be as famous as Remington or Catlin, but it is an absolutely phenomenal collection, one of the most beautiful collections I’ve ever seen.  The James may well be the best western art museum in the world, or at least a close second to the Buffalo Bill Center in Cody Wyoming. (Educator discount for admission with ID.)

The Florida Holocaust Museum is also located in downtown Saint Pete. Of course, it is a difficult subject, but this museum does an excellent job of illustrating and educating about the Holocaust. We were fortunate to catch an incredible special exhibit about the capture and trial of Adolf Eichmann, considered the architect of the Final Solution. The museum also offers free traveling trunks for educators to use in their classrooms. (Educators admissions are free with school ID.)

Don’t forget to stop by the Saint Petersburg Museum of History to see local history, the role of baseball and aviation in the region and even a replica of King Tut’s Tomb.