Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Sunset Beach

"The large number of manatees that are seen in the Tampa Electric power station’s discharge canal has resulted in many people flocking to the Manatee viewing center in order to feast their eyes on these creatures. The Manatee Viewing Center enables you to view and learn more about manatees as well as immersing yourself in their environment. In addition, you can head outside and enjoy places such as the stunning butterfly gardens and gorgeous surroundings."

"Manatees are amazing and this is a great free attraction in the colder months that all the family can enjoy. Observation of this endangered species of marine mammals is experienced from the purpose-built boardwalks and observation decks. When the bay waters get colder, the manatees congregate in large numbers near the TECO power plant to take advantage of the clean, warm water in the station's discharge canal."

"Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center was born from the discharge canal of the city’s power station. Because this clean Tampa Bay water was used to cool a power unit, it warmed before it released back into the bay via the canal. Manatees naturally began converging in the warm water during cold weather."

"Explore Florida's ecosystems with a day of hiking or bicycling around the nature trails at De Soto National Memorial park or take a 45-minute Trail Walk with one of the Park Rangers from the Visitor Center to learn about the rich history and heritage of the grounds. The De Soto National Memorial is home to the living history Camp Uzita; a ten-table picnic area; several small beaches; and The Cove, an anchorage for small pleasure boats. Admission to the De Soto National Memorial is free to the public, but donations are accepted."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0. Located in Manatee County, DeSoto National Memorial Park is a place that was established to commemorate the landing of Hernando de Soto in 1539, a Spanish explorer and conquistador who made landfall in Tampa Bay along with his army of soldiers. Aside from that, it was also built to remember the Europeans’ first exploration of the southern United States."

"The De Soto National Memorial was created to commemorate the landing of famed explorer de Soto, who was one of the first Europeans to explore the southern part of the United States and Florida in the mid-1500s. The memorial is 26 acres of beautifully landscaped land, located just 5 miles from the city. The area features 3,000 feet of coastline where the Manatee River flows into the Tampa Bay."

"Neal Preserve is home to some of the best Anna Maria nature trails, with more than 120 acres for you to discover. Located on the mainland in nearby Bradenton, Neal Preserve is more than just a remarkable natural site – it also has a lot of historical significance. The preserve is home to reconstructed burial mounds, initially built by the Native Americans from 3000 BC to 1400 AD."

"On your way in to Anna Maria Island you’re sure to spot Neal Preserve while making your way across Perico Island. Neal Preserve is set against the stunning waterways around Anna Maria Island and offers fantastic examples of Florida’s natural wildlife and native plants. But there’s more to this 120 acre preserve than meets the eye."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. A 120-acre (48.5 hectares) preserve, Neal Preserve in Manatee County is a combination of mesmerizing coastal habitat and oak hammock upland. The area comprises mangrove forests and salt terns."

"This sliver of a park sits next to the Albert Whitted Airport and the Dali Museum features a Playground, Picnic Tables and Restrooms. It is within walking distance to the Mehaffey Theater and Al Lang Stadium, Along with a fantastic view of Tampa Bay and The Pier, visitors enjoy a stunning view of the downtown skyline beyond the municipal marina."

"Pioneer Park in St. Petersburg, Florida is located between Central Avenue and 1st Avenue South and Bay Shore Drive and Beach Drive Southeast. This beautiful waterfront park honors 600 of St. Petersburg's early settlers. Conveniently situated between the St. Petersburg Yacht Club and Al Lang Stadium, this shaded city park is right in the middle of all the action."

"Chez Colette’s French Bistro is a sensational French restaurant located in the seaside community of Belleair Bluffs, Florida. Visitors can join the restaurant for lunch or dinner in an intimate, art and wood-trimmed, French-style café, serving classic entrees that include beef bourguignon. The exterior features a couple of brown barrels at the entrance, a red and white awning, and a couple of white benches."

"❤️Share on Facebook - Tweet - RedditRated: 4.5 Stars $$$.Address:796 Indian Rocks Rd N Belleair Bluffs, FL 33770. Phone:(727) 585-9777Specialties:French ⏩. ⭐ Reviews - ⭐ Write A Review"

"Hours:Closed todayMon: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 9:00 PMTue: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 9:00 PMWed: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 9:00 PMThu: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 9:00 PMFri: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 9:00 PMSat: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 9:00 PMSun: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Address:127 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217"

"Check out Pinellas Ale Works, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 70 reviews on Yelp. You can find the bar, brewery and venues and event space at 1962 First Ave."

"81 Bay Brewing Company, founded by three friends in 2016, is now a popular, fun destination in the Tampa area. Its large taproom is host to games galore, including darts, pool, ping pong, arcade and board games, and even corn hole. They also have it wired with big-screen TVs and decorated with incredible murals created by local artists."

"81 Bay is one of the breweries in Tampa that produces craft beer. Opened in 2016, in South Tampa by three friends this Tampa brewery is a relaxing place to come enjoy a beer seven days a week. The taproom is quite large with games such as corn hole, darts, pool, arcade games, board games, TV’s and live entertainment!"

"A combination of a relaxing and an authentic vibe, 81Bay Brewing is a place to experience the culture of locals with bingo, open mic, trivia, yoga, and more. Unwind with friends and get to know your neighbors. A rule to follow here: No bad vibes."

"3 Keys is a craft brewery and family-friendly eatery featuring a weekly evolving selection of small batch, handcrafted beers in an inviting and relaxing atmosphere. Their menu consists of interesting and wholesome appetizers, sandwiches, tacos, burgers and pizzas made daily from scratch. (We recommend the tacos and the trivia nights!) They have great food specials, music, activities and community events each week."

"Had a flight of IPA's - 6 different beers (5 IPA's, 1 PA) and all were delicious. The beer provider Tony was knowledgeable and v..."