The St. Petersburg/Clearwater region is a big, busy metro destination with interesting history and Spanish culture. It's on the Gulf Coast at the bottom of a mini-peninsula, just across Tampa Bay from its twin, Tampa. Across the state on the Interstate 4 and just slightly north is Orlando. Cooled by gulf breezes, it doesn't get too hot, even in the summer. There are many great beaches in the area, most notably Fort De Soto Park (which still has an old Spanish fort on the grounds), Honeymoon Island State Park, and Treasure Island, famed for its beautiful sugar-white sands. Any of these beaches are a great place to catch an incomparable Gulf Coast sunset.

Though not typically credited as such, this is an emerging art and culture destination. The new Dali Museum (slated to open in 2011) will harbor the world's largest comprehensive collection of Salvador Dali works. Already open is the Museum of Fine Arts, known for its sculpture collection and Steuben Glass galleries.