Botanical gardens, historic architecture,, Tampa Riverwalk, The Florida Aquarium, 100 year old Sunken Gardens, Class 2 rapids, AND World-class birding. Fort De Soto county park lies on a series of keys at the mouth of Tampa bay and offers some of the best birding in the world. Adjacent to St Petersburg and Tampa an abundance of other photography options are right at hand.
When
Date Thurday April 9 through Sunday April 12
Time
Admission Fees
Varies by location. Most venues will have parking charges. Museums, etc will usually charge admission.
Where
Fort De Soto Park is in Pinellas County in the bay next to St Petersburg.
Contact - Jim Angelo
860-916-7528
Parking Info - Varies by location
Entrance Info - varies by location
Transportation
Arrange your own carpooling or driving alone.
Food
We will plan a group dinner for Friday evening.
Lodging
Hotels will fill quickly as we get closer to warm weather, and they can be very expensive in Tampa-St Pete. La Qunita is a moderately-priced chain that is usually satisfactory for most people. They have 4 locations in St Petersburg/Clearwater and one of the 7 Tampa locations is in the southwest part of Tampa. Prices and amenities vary somewhat, so be sure of what you are getting. Trip Advisor lists several recommended motels in the area for under $200 per night (January prices!).
Schedule of Events
Arrange your own lodging and meals. With a wide variety of venues to choose individuals will go when and where they please. Some suggested group activities will be announced with strictly optional participation.
Some of the highlights for photographers:
Tampa:
Curtis Hixon Park & Riverwalk offers: urban skyline views, modern architecture and waterfront, green spaces and a popular dog park.
Armature Works: A restored mixed-use building featuring historic, industrial aesthetics ideal for unique, candid photos.
University of Tampa & Plant Park: Known for its stunning, historic Moorish-style architecture and lush scenery.
Busch Gardens: Offers a mix of roller coasters and nature, including animal habitats and botanical, lush, tropical landscapes.
Walking Tour: Sacred Heart Catholic Church; Old Federal Courthouse; The Floridian Palace; Florida Aquarium; Chinsegut Hill hme tour
St. Petersburg/Clearwater:
Downtown Murals: packed with colorful, artistic and vibrant street art, creating a very urban and artistic vibe.
Salvador Dali Museum: Known for its modern, unique, and geometric glass-covered architecture.
Vinoy Park & Marina: features stunning, scenic and open views of the downtown waterfront and city skyline.
Sunken Gardens: A beautiful, lush and botanical tropical paradise with exotic vibrant plants.
The Don CeSar: An iconic, historic "Pink Palace" hotel, known for its stunning, unique and pink and beachside Mediterranean style.
St. Pete Beach and Pier 60 (Clearwater): Award-winning beaches with soft white sand, emerald waters, and incredible, romantic sunsets.
Nearby Natural and Scenic Spots:
Fort De Soto Park: 5 interconnected keys, mangroves, wetlands, hardwood/palm hammocks, mudflats, and 6 miles of sandy beach, 1100 acres
Eureka Springs Park: Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Greenhouse, boardwalk & trails through lush floodplain of Maple and Cypress
Lettuce Lake Park: On the Hillsborough River; 1.25 mile paved trail; 3500 ft boardwalk with observation tower; canoe & kayak rentals
Hillsborough River SP: Fort Foster Historic site; Nature Trail; boating; Class II river rapids; limestone outcrops
Gear
You will likely want to bring your entire kit, and choose what is appropriate for each day's activities. As always provide for protection from insects, sun, sand, etc.
Other Tips
There are a great deal of options available. Review the information above and do your own research in order to plan your time wisely. A simple google search will usually return a number of photographs which may be helpful.
Directions
Via US 301 and I-75 it is 3 1/2 to 4 hours to the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum - an arbitrary spot at 3301 Gateway Centre Blvd, Pinellas Park. This is off of I-275 on the St Petersburg side of the bay. You should pick your lodging based on amenities and price, and also on the attractions where you expect to spend your time. If that is beaches and birding maybe you would stay in St Pete; if it is historic buildings, museums and mainland attractions you might want to be in Tampa.