Day & Nature Trips - The Tampa Bay area hosts a variety of fun places to go for the day. Whether you are adventurous, a history buff, a shopper or just want to spend a relaxing day taking a nice leisurely walk through one of our 30 parks and preserves...the Tampa Bay area is for you! There are so many fun nature trips to do in a day.

There are many parks and nature preserves to explore and discover the indigenous wildlife of land, sea and air. With more than 12,000 preserved acres and miles of pristine coastline, you are sure to spot dolphins playing in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, perhaps a manatee or two as they make their way lazily through the waters or you may see signs of the sea turtles, who labored through the night making their nests and laying their eggs.

Caladesi Island
This Island, located off the coast of Dunedin is accessible only by ferry. Here you will find one of the top ten beaches in the United States, mangrove forests and the wildlife which only inhabit these areas. This is a great place for shelling, catching some rays and enjoying your day on a secluded island.

For more information on Caladesi Island, please contact:
Gulf Islands Geopark
#1 Causeway Blvd
Dunedin, FL 34698
727-469-5918

Egmont Key
This Island, located at the mouth of Tampa Bay is accessible only by ferry or private boat. Here you can enjoy the historic ruins of Fort Dade, the reconstructed lighthouse, beautiful white sandy beaches and the wildlife which inhabit this island.

For more information on Egmont Key, please contact: 727-893-2627.

Fort DeSoto Park
Located at the tip of Pinellas County on the island of Tierra Verde, is our largest park in our immediate area, approximately 10 minutes from the Alden. Fort DeSoto Park has 2 fishing piers, nature trails, boat docks, 7 miles of beaches, picnic pavilions with grills and so much more to explore.

For more information on Fort DeSoto Park, please contact:
3500 Pinellas Bayway
Tierra Verde, FL 33715
727-866-2484

Pinellas Trail
This trail extends 50 miles throughout Pinellas County. You can bike, walk, jog, or skate along this trail which runs from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs.

For more information on The Pinellas Trail, please contact The Park Ranger's office at 727-549-6099

Be sure to take advantage of all the St Pete Beach recreation areas here at the Alden Beach Resort and abroad. If relaxation is your game, try floating in the warm and tranquil Gulf of Mexico, soaking up the sun, taking a sunset stroll on our sugar-white sand beach or simply take an evening stroll amidst the lush tropical gardens of the Alden.

Don't miss our beachfront Cabana Bar...a peaceful, breezy spot to enjoy the scenery and an ice cold beverage. Whether it is a cold beer, a glass of wine or a frozen specialty it will go perfectly with the beautiful sunsets.

The following is only a sample of the many St Pete Beach recreation activities:

Deep Sea Fishing - Capt Kidd
4737 Gulf Blvd.
St Pete Beach, FL 33706
727-360-2263

Hubbard's Marina
John's Pass Village/Brdwalk
Madeira Beach, FL 33706
727-393-1947

Along the West Coast of Florida one can go diving in St Pete Beach. Whether you like the open warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico; exploring a wreck or if you prefer Spring diving, we have it all. Below is a list of local dive shops and popular Wreck and Spring dive spots.

For Spring Diving in St Pete Beach:

Tugboat and Barge
105-foot tug and 80-foot barge sank in 85 feet of water during high seas. Tug rests upside down; barge is one mile north.

Sheridan and Blackthorn
180-foot ocean-going tug, Sheridan is one of our coast’s most spectacular dives. The tug sits upright in 80 feet of water. The Blackthorn Coast Guard cutter lies near by. Barracuda frequent this superstructure.

Mexican Pride
200-foot wreck rests in 120 feet of water. Only experienced divers.

Betty Rose/Permit Barge
75-foot barge, broken up, is located in 45 feet of water. Very active with marine life. Caution: fishermen trolling for kingfish.

Tramp Steamer and 10-Fathom Wreck
This is the broken remains of a 150-foot tramp steamer in 60 feet of water. Lots of hogfish, barracuda and jack.

Hudson Grotto
Gulf Coast sink resembling a pond, with walls that lunge to 130 feet. Experienced divers with advanced certification only. However, this is a good spot for deep-water experience for beginners under the supervision of a dive master or instructor.

Crystal River
This very popoular freshewater dive sites is one of the best in the world. Water temp is 72 degrees (F) year round, which attracts the manatees during the cooler months.

Chassahowitzka River Springs
Freshwater river fed by more than a dozen freshwater springs.

Joe’s Sink
One of our state’s coldest freshwater diving spots. This peanut-shaped sink has two non-connecting holes. Low-visibility. Only experienced cavern and cave divers should attempt.

Gunsmoke
65-foot shrimper was scuttled by her crew while being pursued by the Coast Guard. Local legends speak of modern-day pirates, makes for an interesting dive.

Weeki Wachee Run
A great place to snorkel or drift dive back downstream.

Captain Mike’s Watersports
Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center
LOCATED DIRECTLY BEHIND THE ALDEN
727-360-1998
St Pete Beach, FL 33706

Behind Dolphin Village Shopping Center
St Pete Beach, FL 33706
727-367-4488 or 360-7411

Yacht StarShip

Located in Tampa & Clearwater

Reservations   813.223.7999

www.yachtstarship.com 

Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club
8001 Cumberland Blvd.
Largo, FL 33777
727-392-1234
www.bardmoorgolf.com

Seminole Lakes Country Club
6100 Augusta Blvd.
Seminole, FL 33777
727-391-6255
www.seminolelake.net

The Alden Beach Resort & Suites Visitors Guide to St. Petersburg, Florida

Florida Holocaust Memorial Museum & Educational Center of St. Petersburg
The country's third largest Holocaust memorial museum.
55 5th St S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-820-0100

Florida International Museum of St. Petersburg
This museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian museum and hosts rotating exhibits with personal audio programs.
100 2nd St N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-821-1488

Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
This museum is the largest science center in our area, featuring many interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater. It is both educational and entertaining. A must see!
4801 E Fowler Ave.
Tampa, FL 33617
813-987-6100

Salvador Dali Museum
A must see for the Dali fans! We are pleased to say, this is the most comprehensive collection of Salvador Dali in the world, and it is located in our Downtown St. Petersburg on the waterfront.
1000 3rd St S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-823-3769

St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts
One of the finest museums of fine art in the area. This museum features a permanent collection of American, Asian, European, and Pre-Columbian art, as well as traveling exhibits throughout the year.
255 Beach Dr. NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-896-2667

St. Petersburg Museum of History
Our historical museum. This museum documents the history and growth of the St. Petersburg area. Also housed at the museum is a replica of the world's first commercial airliner which flew across Tampa Bay and landed in St. Petersburg.
355 2nd Ave. NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-894-1052

Bayfront Center & Mahaffey Theatre
400 1st Ave. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
800-874-9015

Ice Palace The Ice Palace in Tampa
Hosts a variety of sporting events and concerts.
401 Channelside Dr.
Tampa, FL 33602
813-223-6100

Ruth Eckerd Hall
This hall, in Clearwater, throughout the year features many top name musical or dance artists, plays and so much more. Ruth Eckerd is known to be acoustically perfect, therefore you can always expect a great seat.
1111 McMullen Booth Rd.
Clearwater, FL 33755
727-791-7400

Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (TBPAC)
Located on the waterfront of the Hillsborough River, this state-of-the-art center houses four theaters. Here you will experience every type of performing art, from ballet to opera to experimental theater and dance.
1010 North WC MacInnes Place
Tampa, FL 33602
813-229-7827

Tampa Theatre
This historic theatre, noted in the National Register of Historic Places, is something to see. Whether you are attending a foreign film festival, concert or just to take a look at the ornate and rich architecture, the Tampa Theatre should be on your list of “must see” places.
711 Franklin Street Mall
Tampa, FL 33602
813-274-8981