Background

Benoist Plaza: A Tribute to Aviation History

4.9 (14)

Discover Benoist Plaza in St. Petersburg, a landmark commemorating the world's first commercial flight and the city's aviation heritage.

Benoist Plaza in St. Petersburg, Florida, commemorates the pioneering St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line, the world's first scheduled commercial airline, with a monument to the inaugural 1914 flight. The plaza offers a serene space to reflect on the city's rich aviation legacy.

A brief summary to Benoist Plaza

  • St. Petersburg, Florida, 33701, US

Local tips

  • Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and optimal lighting for photography.
  • Look for informational plaques around the plaza detailing its historical significance and the legacy of Tony Benoist.
  • Explore nearby attractions like the St. Pete Pier and the St. Petersburg Museum of History to make the most of your visit.
widget icon

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Attraction

Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center

Explore the Wonders of Nature at Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
Attraction

Demens Landing Park

Demens Landing Park: A Tranquil Oasis in St. Petersburg
Attraction

Memorial to St. Petersburg's Fallen Officers

A Serene Tribute: Memorial to St. Petersburg's Fallen Officers

Unlock the Best of Benoist Plaza

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the St. Petersburg Museum of History on 4th Avenue South, walk east for three blocks, then turn left onto 1st Street South. Continue south for two blocks, and Benoist Plaza will be on your right. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From St. Pete Beach, take the PSTA bus route 18 towards the St. Petersburg city center. Get off at the 5th Street North and 1st Avenue North stop. Walk north along 5th Street North for about two blocks to Benoist Plaza. A single ride on PSTA costs $2.25.

  • Driving

    From Gulf Boulevard, head south until you reach 1st Avenue North. Turn left onto 1st Avenue North and continue until you reach 5th Street North. Turn left on 5th Street North, and Benoist Plaza will be on your left. Street parking is available nearby. City-owned garages like SouthCore Garage (101 1st Ave S) charge $1 per hour, with a daily maximum of $9.

Discover more about Benoist Plaza

Benoist Plaza, nestled in the heart of St. Petersburg, Florida, stands as a tribute to the city's significant role in aviation history. This charming plaza marks the location of the world's first scheduled commercial airline flight, which took off from the Central Yacht Basin on January 1, 1914. The St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line, using a Benoist Airboat piloted by Tony Jannus, made its inaugural roundtrip to Tampa with former St. Petersburg Mayor Abe Pheil as the first paying passenger.The plaza features a striking monument, a life-size sculpture of the Benoist Airboat, created by local artist Mark Aeling. The sculpture depicts Jannus and Pheil in the airboat, capturing the spirit of this groundbreaking event. The plaza serves as a gathering spot and a reminder of St. Petersburg's innovative past.Visitors can stroll through the plaza's manicured gardens and walkways, taking in the scenic surroundings and learning about the history of the site through informational plaques. The plaza also serves as a community hub, hosting events and festivals throughout the year. Nearby, the St. Pete Pier offers additional attractions, including the Benoist Centennial Plaza featuring the World's First Airline Monument, and the St. Petersburg Museum of History, which houses a working replica of the Benoist XIV airboat.

Explore the best of what Benoist Plaza has to offer

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



More about Tampa

File:Scorpion (Busch Gardens Afrika).JPG - Wikipedia

Discover Tampa, Florida's vibrant Gulf Coast city where sunny skies meet rich culture, thrilling attractions, and a diverse culinary landscape. Perfect for families and adventure seekers.

Tell me more about Tampa
Attraction

Experience the wonder of magic at Zubrick Magic Theatre in St. Petersburg, Florida, where every performance is a captivating journey into the extraordinary.

Zubrick Magic Theatre
Attraction

Discover the beauty of Florida's coastal ecosystems at the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, an interactive hub for marine education and conservation.

Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center

Select Currency