Nature and outdoor enthusiasts flock to Weedon Island Preserve located in Tampa's beautiful St. Petersburg. Go ahead, take a hike on miles of nature trails or throw a line off the side of the fishing pier. Get a bird's eye view of nature from atop the observation tower. Float your boat at the paddling trails and get schooled on the area's fascinating history at the Cultural and Natural History Center after your boatride. You won't run out of adventures at this park.
Pirates of every shape, size and color descend on St. Petersburg's Vinoy Park every November for the Florida Pirate Festival. This event showcases various forms of interactive theater that celebrate the legendary Caribbean pirate tradition. The park becomes overrun with all things pirate, but also manages to include music, rides, comedy, cannons, storytelling, artisan crafts, nighttime fire shows and great food as well as a plethora of pirates!
The injuries sustained by various birds in the area are seen as just temporary by the caring professionals at the Suncoast Bird Sanctuary. This prominent avian hospital rehabilitates thousands of feathered creatures who need a little extra care. Creatures from birds to raptors are treated and then released, but several of the injured specimens make their permanent home here. The sanctuary has gotten lots of attention for breeding Eastern brown pelicans in captivity. As many as 500 "patients" can occupy the facility at one time. When you visit this attraction, you can see an impressive variety of winged creatures that include herons, egrets, cormorants, seagulls and more.