Coral Reef & The Alden Motel, St. Petersburg 1980

This authentic 1980s color photograph, captured in 1980, documents the sunny roadside landscape of St. Pete Beach in St. Petersburg, Florida. The archival image features the prominent signage for two classic vacation destinations: the Coral Reef Motor Inn, advertising a “Welcome Restaurant,” and the neighboring Alden Motel, which highlights its “Motel Rooms & Apartments” and “Heated Pools.” The scene captures the essence of Florida’s Gulf Coast tourism with low-rise masonry architecture, swaying palm trees, and a clear blue sky. In the foreground, a blue 1971 Buick Centurion and a 1975 Chevrolet Impala are seen traveling along Gulf Boulevard, reflecting the automotive trends of the era. While many properties along this strip have undergone significant rebranding or high-rise redevelopment, the Alden remains a long-standing landmark, having evolved into the Alden Suites Beachfront Resort. This factual record preserves the mid-century charm of the Pinellas County coastline before the modern era of massive resort expansion. All our images are available as royalty-free instant downloads for use in books, media, and creative projects – or make your own prints for home, work, or as a truly unique gift.