With Ridge Landing being centrally located in Florida, it’s almost impossible not to leave the airpark and explore what our great state has to offer. After all, Ridge Landing is only a 20-minute flight away from some of the best beaches in Florida; why not take advantage of the convenient location? Fly into SPG and take a day trip westward to “The Sunshine City” of the Sunshine State, St. Petersburg, and prepare for a day full of fun.
Albert Whitted Airport is the perfect place for personal aviation pilots to fly into for a destination trip to St. Pete. There’s a reason this city is one of the most popular destinations in Florida; it boasts some of the top-rated beaches in the state as well as a vibrant downtown area rich with history. Are you ready to experience St. Pete? Try one (or both!) of these two day trip ideas when you fire up the engine and take flight to Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Bring On The Beach
With over 244 miles of glimmering sands surrounding the city, St. Petersburg doesn’t have a shortage of stunning shorelines. For a relaxing beach day, you can easily enjoy one of the local spots, but if you’re interested in really making a trip out of it, you should head to Fort De Soto Park.
Fort De Soto Park / justenoughfocus.smugmug.com
Catch a quick 25-minute ride to Fort De Soto, the county’s largest park, comprised of 1,136 acres connected by five islands (keys). It was named America’s Top Beach for 2009 by Trip Advisor and the nation’s #1 Beach by Dr. Beach. Here, you can fish from the two piers, rent a kayak, or embark on a walk through the nature trail. There are concessions on-site, so don’t worry about bringing a lunch.
Egmont Key / tbo.com
If adventure is on the agenda, consider taking a ferry out to Egmont Key State Park to experience untouched Florida wildlife, check out the long-standing lighthouse, or, of course, enjoy the beaches.
But if you just want to relax and spend the day in the rays, you can do that right on Fort De Soto; just pick a spot on the North or South Beaches and kiss your worries goodbye.
A Day Downtown
If you’re a history buff or an art aficionado, you’ll love to hear that St. Petersburg has been ranked the #1 Arts Destination for the third consecutive year for cities its size. You’ll find an array of shops, museums, art galleries and dining destinations sure to suit your fancy if the city life is more your style.
Salvador Dali Museum / advantagecruises.wordpress.com
Take an artful tour of the city. Per StPete.org; the Salvador Dali Museum , Museum of Fine Arts , The Chihuly Collection , St. Petersburg Museum of History , Florida Holocaust Museum , The Morean Arts Center , and the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum are all some great museums and galleries for your itinerary, depending on your taste.
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And as the sun begins to set on your day full of facts and history, whet your appetite with something new. Try Tryst Gastro Lounge for some creative eats and high-end wines and spirits to add a modern twist to your culture-rich day downtown. You can call the restaurant for more information at (727) 821-4567.
Best Of Both Worlds
Whether you’re looking to experience Florida’s nature or would rather see the sights downtown, there are enough activities to keep you busy all day long. And if you’d like to schedule both of these day trips for separate occasions, it’s simple with St. Pete being just 20 minutes from Ridge Landing. A mini vacation is just a hop, skip and a jump away from home. Ready for a day of beach-induced relaxation? Craving a culture-rich experience in the city? Fly into Albert Whitted from Ridge Landing and let the festivities begin.
Have you flown to Saint Pete? Let’s chat in the comments below!
