History The Palm Pavilion This iconic beachfront establishment was built as a bathhouse in 1926 with changing rooms and wool bathing suit rentals. It quickly evolved into a popular gathering spot, adding a kitchen, a dance floor with jukebox music, and a picnic area on the sand. With its nostalgic architecture and scenic location, the Palm Pavilion has been a hub for locals and visitors alike. Gather your friends, grab your sunscreen, and head to the Palm Pavilion for a day of seaside bliss. Peek into the Past elcome to the captivating allure of St. Pete/Clearwater, where history and paradise meet. This vibrant destination has experienced events that have shaped its identity. From the fascinating tales of the indigenous Tocobaga people who once inhabited these lands to training grounds for military personnel during World War II, St. Pete/Clearwater has played a pivotal role in Florida's past. LOUIS ARMSTRONG PERFORMED AT THE MANHATTAN CASINO African American Heritage Trail The African American Heritage Trail offers two self-guided walking tours that cover the first 100 years of Black presence in the city, beginning in 1868 with the arrival of the first African Americans to St. Pete and continuing to 1968 and the civil rights era. The trail opened in 2014 and features 19 markers that cover more than a dozen city blocks in South St. Pete's downtown area. Walk through the stories of St. Pete's African American community. Both trails begin at the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Museum at 2240 Ninth Ave. S. As you explore the area, you'll encounter echoes of historic moments like the formation of St. Pete in 1888, the roaring 1920s land boom, and the birth of the world-famous sponge diving industry in Tarpon Springs. Sunshine and sand draw visitors to breathtaking beaches, including the iconic Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, and Caladesi Island State Park. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty, where history meets the serene shores of the Gulf, inviting you to enjoy a journey through time and relaxation. 68 AMERICA’S BEST BEACHES