St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport is situated in Pinellas County, Florida. It lies 11 kilometres south-east of Clearwater and 14 kilometres north of St. Petersburg. The airport’s proximity to both beach resorts and the city of Tampa makes the surrounding area a popular base for a Florida vacation.
The airport offers passengers and visitors several dining areas and gift shops to browse. Before exploring the neighbourhoods and cities around the airport, take the time to view the Benoist aircraft in the main terminal. This aircraft represents the first commercial air flight which took place in nearby St. Petersburg. In the city, visitors can explore displays, replica aircraft and the history of aviation at St. Petersburg Museum of History. There are several unmissable attractions in St. Petersburg, including the Salvador Dali Museum and Gallery, Sunken Gardens and Downtown shops and restaurants. White, powdery beaches line the coastline of Clearwater and St. Petersburg, offering a haven for sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts. Adventurers can sail into the Gulf of Mexico on a party pirate ship, or ride the waves on a jet ski. Busch Gardens sits close to the city of Tampa. The African theme park offers fun for all the family, with thrilling rides, amusements and zoo animals. The city of Tampa has a lively downtown area with shops, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes.
The best way to discover Florida is by car. Interstate routes, city streets and landmarks are well signposted and easy to navigate. For non-drivers, the PIE SuperShuttle offers a shared ride scheme into St. Petersburg, Tampa and Sarasota. Alternatively, visitors can hire local personal drivers and chauffeurs to transport them to their destination. If planning on exploring the state further, the Greyhound Bus Terminal is in nearby Clearwater, with buses serving over 40 routes. Taxi and Uber are also available.
St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line sold their first airline tickets just a decade after the Wright Brothers pioneering flight in North Carolina. The former mayor of St. Petersburg was one of the first passengers aboard the aircraft which flew across the bay to Tampa and was the beginning of commercial air passenger transportation worldwide. Today, St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport concentrates its air travel a little further, serving North America and several destinations in Canada.