10 Must-Dos in St. Petersburg, Florida
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
6. Bird watch at Weedon Island Preserve
If peaceful hiking and bird watching sounds like a great morning to you, head over to Weedon Island Preserve. A hidden gem which sees little tourist traffic, Weedon is a real treat for anyone seeking to escape the hustle and bustle. A variety of hiking trails plus an easy boardwalk stroll up to a 45 foot tall look out are amongst the amenities. The highlight here is the fantastic views of Tampa Bay via the tower. Other activities include kayaking/canoeing trails and guided hikes. With over 210 species identified, Weedon is one of the best birdwatching destinations in the Bay. In winter, be on the lookout for white pelicans.
7. Take a bike ride on the Pinellas trail
This beautiful long 45+ mile long rail trail is the perfect place to take a bike ride or long run. Because the trail is mostly flat and scenic, it’s a great vacation ride. Hop on the trail in downtown St. Petersburg and enjoy a beautiful day soaking up the vitamin D and enjoying the pretty scenery. Plenty of detours and places to eat along the way. Tip – head out early in the morning to avoid both the heat and the crowds! One of my favorite sections of the trail is a leafy, tree-lined 7 mile route that runs from Tarpon Springs to Dunedin. Park easily in downtown Dunedin, stop for lunch in Tarpon and explore the sponge docks, then an easy ride back to Dunedin.
8. Escape to the tropics at Gizella Kopsick Arboretum
This under the radar garden is a must visit by anyone who loves palm trees. I have always loved seeing palms as they are relatively rare in the US. More than 150 species of gorgeous palms from around the world are displayed at this little gem. Both admission and parking are free. Exploring this small park will not take up much of your time. Consider also visiting nearby Vinoy Park, featuring beautiful waterfront recreation trails. Many events take place at this park year-round including concerts and festivals.
9. Alligator watch at Sawgrass Lake Park
This quaint park features a mile long boardwalk trail through one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf. Bird watchers are drawn to the area during the spring and fall migration. Egrets and heron are commonly sighted. Also be on the lookout for gators as this park is home to a large population. Gopher tortoises also frequently make appearances. Overall, Sawgrass is a nice quiet, shady park to enjoy nature for a little bit before getting back to the hustle and bustle. Note there are a few small picnic tables so bring with a healthy lunch to enjoy after your walk.
10. Explore the local coffee scene
St Pete is joining a growing list of cities which are offering many options in the independent coffee scene. No need to grab a quick drink at Starbucks when there are plenty of cozy and eclectic local coffeehouses to enjoy around the city. A few of my favorites include:
- Cafe Soleil – Amazing French pastries, close to the beach
- Grove Surf & Coffee – Cool surf vibe, great bagel bites
- Black Crow – Eclectic vibe, lots of vegan options
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