Shelling at Sunshine Skyway Bridge Rest Area

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These photos were taken at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge south rest area. The tide was out and people were walking through the shallow mud flats looking for sea shells.


Here's a closer view of people shelling. They are the dots in the distance of the first photo.


A live conch in the water slowly strolls around on a cinder block.


Take a look over the rail and you might see a stingray.

This scenic rest area is a fun place to explore. It's a great spot to have your picture taken with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge as a backdrop. Exit at the South Skyway Fishing Pier and go to the rest area. It is accessible from both sides of I-275.

Ideas for Decorating with Sea Shells

We saw these sea shell displays at the Don Cesar hotel.

Don Cesar - The Pink Palace of St. Pete Beach

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We went to the Don Cesar hotel for lunch today. We've driven by it many times on the way to the beach. Having guests from out of town was the perfect excuse to finally go inside and snoop around. It is a beautiful hotel that was built in the 1920's and hosted the rich and famous celebs of the day like F. Scott Fitzgerald (author of The Great Gatsby), Lou Gehrig, and Al Capone. It dominates the landscape around the St. Pete Beach area.



The foyer.


A grand piano and opulent chandelier down the hall from the foyer.


Here's a peek out a window on the 5th floor.


The pool area and beach.


A pink tower, pool, and the spa area.


Tropical garden.


A view of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge from a terrace.

We had lunch at the Sea Porch Cafe, and then went to the beach at Passe A Grille.

More photos of the Don Cesar hotel, the pink palace of St. Pete Beach.