Gulf To Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL - Gulf to Bay 2025
History
2025-05-28 06:36:43
THEN & NOW
St. Pete-Clearwater is steeped in history, with some landmarks that came about in a 1920s boom era turning 100 years old this year. There is charm to be found at these historical spots, many of which are still open for business and offer fun ways to spend the day.
DON CESAR HOTEL
The Don CeSar Hotel, a beachfront mainstay, is iconic around town, dubbed the Pink Palace for its unmistakable pastel façade along Gulf Boulevard. Inside, opulence reigns supreme, with architecture referencing its 1920s opening, fine dining and two charming pools that look out onto the beach. You don’t need to be staying here to enjoy some of the amenities. Book a visit to Spa Oceana and get a pass to use the Don’s private beach access, plus their sauna and hot tub. Grab a drink at the sophisticated lobby bar, or indulge at the recently renovated Maritana restaurant.
ST. PETERSBURG SHUFFLEBOARD CLUB
The St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club started in 1924 as the Mirror Lake Park Shuffleboard Club, the first strictly shuffleboard club in the world. For the next few decades, shuffleboard was a popular pastime for the city, and that draw continues today. Since 2005, anyone can come to the club on Friday nights from 7-10 p.m. and play. It’s free for members and their guests, and $10 for nonmembers. Kids get in for free.
VINOY RESORT & GOLF CLUB
Aymer Vinoy Laughner acquired the land that would become the Vinoy Resort & Golf Club in 1923, and two years later, just in time for New Year’s Eve 1925, the hotel opened. It’s been through a lot since – closures, celebrity visits – but the downtown St. Pete landmark is still a lovely space to while away a day. Take a trip back in time with the hotel’s History Tour & High Tea experience, a one-hour guided docent tour that ends at the Vinoy’s mezzanine, where a tranquil tea awaits you and a guest. It’s offered 2-4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Or simply enjoy a cappuccino and pastry at the decadent Lottie, a French patisserie that opened in the hotel’s lobby recently. When the weather is nice, you can’t beat a cocktail on the veranda overlooking crystal blue water.
PHILIPPE PARK
Philippe Park is a historical site and park near Safety Harbor that has incredible views of Tampa Bay. The park is named for Odet Philippe, who settled there in the 1830s and introduced grapefruit trees. Before that, the park was home to a Native American settlement, and a sizable ancient ceremonial mound still exists there today. Listed as a National Historic Landmark, the hilly park has a great nature trail, a fun playground for kids and a picnic area. It’s a place bursting with character, where you can feel the decades of history while marveling at Tampa Bay’s pristine waters.
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History
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