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PIE Layover Ideas St Petersburg - Clearwater Airport Layover Guide

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Top 5 Layover Ideas for St Petersburg - Clearwater Airport

Traveling can sometimes involve long layovers, but that doesn't mean your time needs to be wasted. If you find yourself with a long layover at St Petersburg - Clearwater Airport, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Here are the top 5 layover ideas to make your wait time more enjoyable.

1. Clearwater Public Beach

Clearwater Beach is famous for its beautiful white sands and excellent swimming. It's also frequented by families out for a day of fun and by folks who have more hedonistic pleasures in mind. There's plenty to keep visitors occupied, from water sports to fishing, volleyball, and socializing. Beach bars cater to younger folks hoping to meet other available singles, and area playgrounds accommodate young ones thrilled to be near the ocean.

2. Indian Rocks Beach

If you like the scenery of Clearwater Beach but can't justify the hassle of getting there or its shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, Indian Rocks Beach is a pleasant alternative. Not nearly so commercialized, it harks back to the beach-going of past days. That's not to say, however, that civilization has been dismissed. Venues for dining, shopping, and nightlife can be found in the area, along with a park that offers showers, restrooms, and other conveniences.

3. Salvador Dali Museum

Although its Florida premiere was in 1982, this museum had been in the works for 45 years, thanks to the artistic appetite of A. Reynolds and Eleanor Morse, an Ohio couple who admired and eventually came to know Dali. They compiled a substantial collection of Dali's works and established the museum when their home could no longer contain their holdings. The museum now offers hundreds of drawings, oils, sculptures, watercolors, posters, photos, and graphics. Special exhibits also rotate in regularly.

4. St. Petersburg Museum of History

From prehistoric times to the present, Pinellas County has seen a world of change, and this intriguing museum charts it all. Exhibits recollect Native American settlements, the nation's first commercial aircraft, period costume through the years, and even the ways the area was represented in souvenirs and early pop culture. A mummy, a trolley car, and other artifacts that have provided the area with its unmistakable character are also available for browsing and marveling at.

5. Florida Holocaust Museum

More than attempting to preserve the memory of former transgressions, this fascinating museum seeks to foster an atmosphere of tolerance and cooperation in light of the past. Its multi-media exhibits allow visitors to experience the oppression of the human spirit (as well as its flights of freedom) via historical papers, photographs, and other visual, tangible objects. One of the museum's most sobering artifacts is an actual boxcar that shuttled prisoners to concentration camps.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Need help navigating your way through an unfamiliar airport? Look no further than iFly.com for expert tips and advice. Here are some helpful tips to help you travel stress-free through PIE Airport:

  • Don't let heavy bags slow you down! Make use of our airport's complimentary baggage carts, available for all travelers in the baggage claim area.
  • If you have some time before your departure, relax, grab a bite at one of PIE's restaurants, peruse the shops, or jump on the free internet and surf galore!
  • If you are flying in business or first class (or are a member), check out where the airline club lounges are located.
  • Once you have passed through security, you can use the airport map to find your gate, as well as the various restaurants and shops that are available on your route.
  • Surf to your heart's content. Jump on St Petersburg - Clearwater airport's internet (free!)
  • For those (dreaded) early-morning flights, consider one of the airport hotels on or near PIE to spend the night prior to your flight. In many cases your parking for the trip's duration is free!
  • Have a flight arriving and want a fast way to get to your destination? Here are a few taxi and limo airport service providers that service the airport.

Nearby Attractions for an Extended Layover

If you have an extended layover of 12 to 48 hours at St Petersburg - Clearwater Airport, there are many attractions in proximity to the airport that you can explore. Here are some recommendations to make your layover more enjoyable and memorable.

1. Tampa Bay

An extended layover gives you the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Tampa Bay. Known for its museums, gardens, and amusement parks, Tampa Bay is just a short drive from the airport. You can visit the Tampa Museum of Art, stroll through the beautiful Tampa Bay Riverwalk, or enjoy some thrill rides at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

2. Tarpon Springs

Experience a taste of Greece in Florida by visiting Tarpon Springs. This charming city is known for its sponge docks, Greek restaurants, and bakeries. You can also take a cruise down the Anclote River or visit the Tarpon Springs Aquarium.

3. Ybor City

Historic Ybor City, a neighborhood in Tampa, is famous for its rich history and unique architecture. You can take a walking tour to learn about the city's past, visit the Ybor City State Museum, or enjoy some authentic Cuban food in one of the many restaurants in the area.

4. Clearwater Marine Aquarium

If you have more time, consider visiting the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This is not just an ordinary aquarium, it is a marine life rescue center dedicated to rehabilitation and release of marine animals. It's a great place for both adults and kids to learn about marine life and conservation.

5. Honeymoon Island State Park

For nature lovers, Honeymoon Island State Park is a must-visit. With its pristine beaches, nature trails, and abundant wildlife, it's the perfect place to relax and enjoy Florida's natural beauty. You can go for a swim, take a hike, or just sit back and watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

Updated on: November 22, 2023