This week, we’re going to tell you about Anthony Pattinson’s favorite places in Florida – places that he thinks are worth going to and that you should consider exploring if you’re in the Sunshine State!
The Florida Aquarium
We all know the Florida Aquarium is one of the largest freshwater aquariums in the world. It’s located in the central Florida city of Gainesville and features thousands of animals from all over the world. It’s a must-see attraction for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the aquarium is not open to the public on Sundays, so if you want to see it, you’ll have to make a day of it. Otherwise, you could always check out some of the other sights in Gainesville, such as the University of Florida campus or the High Performance Complex.
Museum of Art
The Museum of Art in the Florida city of Gainesville is one of the biggest art museums in the country. It holds regular exhibits featuring mostly 20th century artwork by European and American artists. If you’re into art, this museum is a definite must-see. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most expensive museums in the country, so prepare to spend a pretty penny. It’s well worth it though. The museum recently expanded and now features a fantastic three-level temporary exhibition space. It’s always changing too, so you’ll never get bored of new artwork to look at.
Bayside Skatepark
Bayside Skatepark, located in the Florida city of Daytona Beach, is one of the best-known recreational skate parks in the country. It was founded in the ’70s and has since become home to many legendary street skateboarders. You’ll often see them performing tricks on the half-pipe or enjoying a cigarette while cruising around the park. Kids and beginners can also have fun on the multi-layer skate bowls or watch the pros performing tricks on the huge metal ramps. Make sure to bring a pair of goggles with you – the Bayside Skatepark is legally required to have all visitors wear them while skateboarding!
Florida Hospitality Stadium
Florida Hospitality Stadium, also known as “The Big Fish,” is a multipurpose sports and entertainment venue located in the city of St. Petersburg. It was named after the famous hospitality in the Sunshine State. The $10 million dollar venue opened its doors in 2013 and features four rectangular tennis courts, a track and field, a baseball diamond, and an outdoor pool. The stadium’s design is a mash-up of St. Petersburg’s famous Fisherman’s Wharf and the Florida Aquarium. The interior design of the stadium was also inspired by the ocean and features many large aquariums. In addition to sporting events, the stadium is also the home of the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League. Unfortunately, only VIPs are allowed inside the venue during sporting events, so if you want to enjoy a game, you’ll have to find another place to watch it.
The Tampa Bay area is rich in history, and one of the most significant events that happened there was in 1865, when the American Civil War came to its official end. It was commonly referred to as “The Great Locomotive Chase,” as numerous trains were hijacked to keep them from being redeployed by the Confederacy. The event made an indelible impression on Anthony, and he thinks that it’s one of the most exciting periods in American history.
Spring Training
If you’re in the Tampa Bay area in the spring, be on the lookout for some of the MLB teams that will be training there that year. You’ll have the chance to see some of the biggest names in baseball perform in front of huge crowds, showing off their talents in exhibition games – a real highlight of the sport. It’s a great way to get a taste of what professional baseball is like, and you’ll be able to tell the players apart by their shiny uniforms. One of the teams that will be training in the area this year is the Tampa Bay Rays – a Major League Baseball team that competes in the American League East division. They’ll be looking for talented players to round out their roster for the upcoming season, so be sure to check the exhibition games if you’re in the area.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is located 20 minutes west of St. Petersburg. The stretch of road that leads up to the beach is called Beach Boulevard, and it’s lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. The beach itself is quite small, but it’s packed with tourists all year round. Clearwater Beach is most famous for its annual “Surfing Olympics,” which takes place every summer. The main attraction of the event is the surfing competition, which features some of the biggest waves in the world. Tourists can also take a peek at the Florida Aquarium, one of the state’s most popular attractions. Those looking for a relaxing day can head to the beach itself and rent a kayak or canoe to explore its inland waterways. If you think that Clearwater Beach is a somewhat quiet spot, you’d be wrong. Nearby, there are numerous bars and clubs, plus tons of restaurants for those looking to eat ashore.
The Florida Aquarium, Bayside Skatepark, and the Museum of Art in the Florida city of Gainesville are the three largest venues that we’ve discussed so far. However, there are many more attractions in the state that you and your family can enjoy – from underwater caves and pirate ships to big-cat houses and dinosaur footprints. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a park or museum in Florida that you can visit. Be sure to check out the state’s official tourism website for more information on attractions and activities that you can do there.