The film set on Florida's Gulf Coast

The St. Pete-Clearwater region is one of the most sought-after filming locations in the USA – and tourists can still visit the most famous filming locations themselves today.

The peninsula between St. Petersburg and Clearwater has proven itself over decades as a true film location for shooting established.

Why filmmakers love the Gulf Coast

There is white sand, turquoise water, brightly colored architecture and a special light that attracts cameramen from all over the world.

From blockbusters and independent productions to TV series episodes, scenes familiar to millions of viewers worldwide have been filmed here. Those who travel to the region walk in the footsteps of Channing Tatum, Brad Pitt, and Bryan Cranston.

"My Friend, the Dolphin"

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium attracted film crews on two separate occasions. Both parts of "My Friend the Dolphin" – a family story about the unusual friendship between a boy and the dolphin Winter, based on true events – were filmed here in 2011 and 2014.

The former filming location is now a vibrant marine aquarium where visitors can experience interactive exhibits and observe real dolphins.

"Magic Mike"

The 2012 film, starring Channing Tatum, utilized several locations along the coast. A key scene, in which Mike's future plans are discussed, was filmed at Caddy's On The Beach on Treasure Island.

It's a beachfront restaurant overlooking the water, which visitors still frequent today for fresh fish and seafood. Other filming locations included Pinellas Bayway, where Mike jumps into the water with a colleague, as well as scenes in Dunedin and Fort De Soto Park.

"The Punisher"

Fort De Soto Park also served as a backdrop for the 2004 action film "The Punisher." Thomas Jane plays ex-FBI agent Frank Castle, who seeks revenge against Howard Saint, portrayed by John Travolta.

One of the most dramatic scenes was filmed right on the park's pier. The iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which spans Tampa Bay and connects Saint Petersburg with Terra Ceia, can also be seen in the final showdown.

Ocean's Eleven

Although George Clooney, Matt Damon and Brad Pitt are mostly in Las Vegas in the 2001 heist classic, some of the scenes were filmed at Derby Lanes Greyhound Track on Gandy Boulevard in St. Petersburg.

Brad Pitt's character Ryan visits a greyhound race there with Saul Bloom. For the filming, a large circus tent was even erected in the parking lot, where acrobat Yen performs his skills. Greyhound races haven't been held there since 2020, but the grounds themselves remain open to the public.

"The Infiltrator"

The Derby Lanes also appear in "The Infiltrator" (2016). Bryan Cranston plays the real-life customs officer Robert Mazur, who goes undercover in drug trafficking circles. It's no coincidence that the film was shot in Florida – the story is based on the experiences of a real Florida agent.

Besides the racetrack, another landmark makes an appearance: the legendary The Don CeSar Hotel, a pink luxury hotel right on the beach of St. Pete Beach, at whose pool Mazur has a crucial phone call in the film.

Explore the filming locations yourself

Those who want to explore the region's film locations on their own will find St. Pete-Clearwater to be an easily accessible mix of nature, city life and history.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Fort De Soto Park, the Don CeSar Hotel and Caddy's On The Beach can easily be incorporated into a multi-day tour along the Gulf Coast – offering not only film historical value, but also independent experiences away from the screen…

Sierks Media / © Photo: visitspc.com