The Don CeSar

One of the oldest and most popular resorts among celebrities and the well-to-do, the luxurious Don CeSar opened its doors in 1928 and continues to offer guests memorable Gulf Coast vacations in St. Petersburg. Affectionately known as the "Pink Palace" for its palatial size and ornate façade, the resort consists of 277 rooms and 36 suites, many with beach views. Popular options include the well-appointed and bright junior suites with king beds, pull-out couches, desks, and comfortable seating. If money is no object, go for the Bayside Penthouse, a luxurious two-story unit boasting three bedrooms, a kitchenette, separate living and dining areas, four bathrooms, and a large balcony. Another great option is renting one of the large villas at the resort's Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar location, which offers family-sized units and is an easy walk away from the Don CeSar.

The on-site amenities are certainly a cut above. Highlights include two large, outdoor, heated swimming pools with poolside attendants to wait on you, as well as poolside movies and entertainment; a huge full-service spa; and elegant dining. There's also plenty of space for functions and business meetings, along with a business center. A highlight of any stay is spending time down at the private beach, just steps away from your room, where fun activities include rentals of watercraft, including kayaks and Jet Skis. There's also a well-equipped fitness center, plenty of kids' activities, and even programs for pets (yes, some pet-friendly units are available).

Address: 3400 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, Florida

Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park

The Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park is, as you'd expect from one of the world's leading hotel brands, a great choice for those looking for a comfortable stay on the Gulf Coast, just minutes away from Tampa Bay. The sense you're somewhere special is certainly evident in the quality amenities, which include a large, heated, outdoor infinity-edge swimming pool; a full-service spa; plenty of meeting and function space; plus a business center, gym, and waterfront restaurant. Concierge services are also available, along with laundry and dry cleaning, and a handy convenience store.

A variety of spacious and well-appointed guestroom options are available, each featuring modern décor and furnishings, large bathrooms (some with separate bathtubs and showers), HDTVs, small fridges, and coffee makers. If additional space is needed, consider one of the luxurious two-room executive suites, each with its own parlor with a dining table and seating, and an adjoining bedroom. A number of accessible units are also available for those with mobility issues.

Address: 950 Lake Carillon Drive St. Petersburg, Florida

The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club

One of the most attractive resorts on the Gulf Coast, The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club certainly wouldn't have looked out of place in the Florida of bygone days. It's one of the top luxury resorts in St. Pete, offering a high-level of pampering and indulgence for those who stay here.

Nowhere is this sense of opulence more evident than in the resort's lovely accommodations. A popular option for couples are the spacious guestrooms that come with a choice of king or two queen beds. Other notable features of these bright and well-appointed rooms include HDTVs, large bathrooms, and private balconies. A good choice for families and groups are the large one- and two-bedroom suites, which come with a sofa bed and an extra bathroom.

The amenities available to guests are certainly world-class, too. Highlights include access to two large and heated outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, restaurants, a spa, and a hair salon. Other notable amenities include a full-service marina, a games room for the kids (along with plenty of fun programs and activities), as well as tennis courts and a golf course.

Address: 501 5th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, Florida

Key West Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters

The Key West Lighthouse was built in 1847 and opened in 1848 with a female keeper, a rarity in that time. Over the years, its keeper's quarters and lenses were upgraded until technology rendered both obsolete, and it was decommissioned in 1969. The Key West Art and Historical Society adopted the property, initially turning it into a military museum and then later restoring the lighthouse and quarters to reflect life here at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, it houses original furniture, household items, and photos of the many keepers who kept the light burning through even the worst of storms.

The lighthouse stands at 86 feet high, and visitors can climb up its 88 steps for great views from the observation deck near the top. A short video presentation also provides an interesting look at the history of the Key West Lighthouse.

Address: 938 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida

Key West Cemetery

Founded in 1847 after the island's original cemetery was destroyed by a hurricane, the headstones in Key West's cemetery mark the graves of more than 35,000 people. This historic cemetery has several religious and memorial sections, including dedicated Jewish and Roman Catholic areas, the Los Martires de Cuba memorial commemorating the Cuban martyrs who were killed during the 1870s independence movement, and a plot dedicated to the sailors who died when the USS Maine sank in 1898. Many visitors enjoy the intricate iron work and carved monuments that adorn family plots and tombs.

Address: 701 Passover Lane, Key West, Florida

Shipwreck Treasure Museum

The Shipwreck Treasure Museum is housed in the replica of a 19th-century wrecker's warehouse with exhibits exploring the fascinating history of the salvage industry in the area. Wrecking, the practice of salvaging cargo from the various ships that perished along the Florida reefs, was once a major part of Key West's economy and an extremely lucrative - but dangerous -industry. From atop observation towers like the 65-foot example here at the museum, wreckers would watch day and night for ships in trouble and race to the site. The first to arrive could claim the rights to the largest share of the salvage profits, a process overseen by special "wrecking courts."

Here, at the museum, actors in period costume recount the story of the Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856, as well as show what life was like for the daring wreckers who risked their lives to not only recover treasure but also save the lives of the reefs' victims. Artifacts from the shipwreck are displayed, and visitors can also watch films and videos on the subject. The observation tower provides excellent views and photo opportunities of the surrounding land and seascape.

Address: 1 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida

Southernmost Point

Key West's claim to fame as the southernmost point in the continental U.S. is made concrete in this red, black, and yellow marker at the corner of South and Whitehead streets. Street vendors and performers congregate around the site to sell souvenirs and showcase their talents. The marker itself, dedicated by the Key West public Works Department in 1983, is less than inspiring but nonetheless, visitors often have their picture taken at the marker.

A similar landmark and equally popular place for Key West photo-ops is the US1 mile-marker "0" sign which marks the beginning of the route which runs up almost the entirety of the east coast. Stretching for nearly 2,400 miles, the interstate ends in Maine, passing through several major cities.