As an art enthusiast and a resident of Pinellas County, Florida, I have always been drawn to the numerous art museums in Pinellas County, Florida. From contemporary galleries to historic collections, there is something for every art lover in this county. However, as someone who prefers to use public transportation, I have often faced challenges in getting to these museums. After years of exploring and experimenting, I have finally found the best ways to get to art museums in Pinellas County, Florida using public transportation.
The Importance of Public Transportation
Before we dive into the details of getting to art museums in Pinellas County, Florida, let's first understand why public transportation is important.Not only does it reduce traffic and pollution, but it also provides a more affordable and convenient option for those who do not own a car or prefer not to drive. In a county like Pinellas, where tourism is a major industry, public transportation plays a crucial role in connecting visitors to various attractions, including art museums.
The PSTA Bus System
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is the primary public transportation system in Pinellas County. It operates a network of buses that cover most areas of the county, making it an ideal option for those looking to visit art museums in Pinellas County. The PSTA bus system has several routes that pass by or near popular art museums such as the Dali Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art.To plan your trip using the PSTA bus system, you can use their online trip planner or download their mobile app.Simply enter your starting location and the destination, and the system will provide you with the best route options, including the bus numbers, timings, and fares. You can also purchase a GoCard from any PSTA ticket vending machine or sales outlet, which offers discounted fares for frequent travelers.
The Suncoast Beach Trolley
If you are staying near the beaches of Pinellas County, then the Suncoast Beach Trolley is a great option for getting to art museums in Pinellas County. This trolley runs along the Gulf Boulevard, connecting popular beach destinations such as Clearwater Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, and St. Pete Beach.The trolley also stops at various art museums, making it a convenient and scenic way to travel. The Suncoast Beach Trolley operates daily from 5:05 am to 10:10 pm, with buses running every 20-30 minutes. You can purchase a one-day unlimited ride pass for just $5 or a three-day pass for $10. These passes allow you to hop on and off the trolley as many times as you want, making it an excellent option for exploring multiple art museums in one day.
The Jolley Trolley
If you are looking for a more unique and charming way to get to art museums in Pinellas County, then the Jolley Trolley is your answer. This vintage-style trolley operates in Clearwater and Dunedin and connects popular attractions such as the Dunedin Fine Art Center, the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, and the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art.The Jolley Trolley operates daily from 10 am to 10 pm, with buses running every 30 minutes. You can purchase a one-day unlimited ride pass for $5 or a three-day pass for $10. The trolley also offers a Hop-On Hop-Off option, where you can get off at any stop and explore the area before hopping back on the trolley to continue your journey.The Cross-Bay Ferry
If you are staying in Tampa and want to visit art museums in Pinellas County, then the Cross-Bay Ferry is an excellent option.This ferry service connects downtown Tampa to downtown St. Petersburg, making it a convenient and scenic way to travel between the two cities. The ferry also stops at the Dali Museum, making it an ideal option for art lovers. The Cross-Bay Ferry operates from November to April, with four round trips on weekdays and six round trips on weekends. You can purchase tickets online or at the ferry terminal, with fares starting at $8 for a one-way trip.
The ferry also offers a Combo Ticket, which includes admission to the Dali Museum and a round-trip ferry ride.
Other Options
In addition to the above options, there are a few other ways to get to art museums in Pinellas County using public transportation. The PSTA Central Avenue Trolley connects downtown St. Petersburg to popular attractions such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Dali Museum. The PSTA North County Connector connects Clearwater to Tarpon Springs, with stops at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art and the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center.Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are several options for getting to art museums in Pinellas County, Florida using public transportation.Whether you prefer buses, trolleys, or ferries, there is a mode of transportation that will suit your needs and budget. So the next time you plan to visit an art museum in Pinellas County, leave your car behind and explore these convenient and eco-friendly options.