History & Landmarks
Nomadic populations settled in the Tampa Bay area at least 5,000 years ago. These dwellers eventually developed into the Tocobaga who lived along the coast when the first Europeans arrived. Area museums and landmarks memorialize Tampa Bay’s rich history, from its first inhabitants to its settlement by early Florida pioneers and its rapid expansion and growth during the last century.
Armed Forces History Museum
Military Museum - The Armed Forces Military Museum in Largo opened its doors in 2008 and boasts a vast collection of military memorabilia.
Heritage Village
Since 1977, Heritage Village, Pinellas County's 21-acre living history museum, has let visitors step into the past as the explore more than two dozen historic buildings nestled amongst the natural pine and palmetto landscape.
Heritage Village Walking Tour
Heritage Village, located in Largo, Florida, is a 21-acre living history museum which houses more than two dozen historic structures and features. Strolling through Heritage Village is like stepping back in time to discover what life was like for Pinellas pioneers.
Florida Holocaust Museum
Located in St. Petersburg, the Florida Holocaust Museum chronicles the history of the Holocaust, honoring the memory of millions of innocent men, women and children who lost their lives by teaching all its visitors the value of human life in the hope of preventing future genocides.
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
Just a few steps from the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum in the Pass-A-Grille community of St. Pete Beaches offers visitors an overview the history of Pinellas County's barrier islands.
Henry B. Plant Museum
Found on the campus of the University of Tampa, the Henry B. Plant Museum explores Victorian life in railroad magnate Henry Bradley Plant’s opulent Tampa Bay Hotel and features authentically restored rooms, period artifacts and Moorish architecture.
Tampa Bay History Center
The Tampa Bay History Center, a nonprofit educational institution, offers insights into the area’s development by tracing the community’s progress and examining its heritage.
St. Petersburg Museum of History
Collecting and preserving the history of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County, the St. Petersburg Museum of History hosts educational exhibits and offers informative programming to help residents and visitors learn about the community's heritage.
Staycations on St. Pete Beach
Staycations in Florida make a lot of sense because we already have so much to do and see in our own backyards. If you can splurge a little and want to spend a weekend or even a week on St. Pete Beach here are three amazing hotels you should consider.