Amazing Parks In St. Petersburg, Florida

Amazing Parks in St. Petersburg, Florida

There is a whole host of amazing parks in St. Petersburg that you should visit. I’ve lived in and near St. Pete for over 20 years. Visiting the parks in St. Petersburg is one of my favorite things to do. Here are some of my favorites and I’m sure you’ll agree!

Vinoy Park

Along the beautiful waterfront of the downtown area, you will find lots of green spaces to relax, take in the view, have a picnic, or attend a festival. Vinoy Park is one of my favorite parks for all of these reasons.

Named for the famous pink hotel, The Vinoy, this park is one of the most visited parks in the area and has wide multiuse trail ribbons throughout, along the waterfront.

Large festivals, concerts, and events are held in this park year-round. Vinoy Park is a great place to meet up with friends, hang a hammock between the palms, or walk the dog.

North Shore Park

Stretching north from Vinoy Park is the area named North Shore Park. Another amazing park in St. Petersburg, this area is great if you love beach volleyball, paddling sports, and also has an amazing Aquatic Complex that’s open year round.

This park has a nice sandy beach that can be used for launching your personal paddle crafts. It’s where I paddle-boarded for the very first time back in 2009-ish! You will also find some great parking spots in this park, for FREE!

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Gizella Kopsick Arboretum

Just north of the aquatic complex and North Shore Park is the Arboretum which is a hidden gem in St. Petersburg that offers more than 150 species of palms and cycads from around the globe. It’s a great place to enjoy nature and relax.

North Straub Park

Adjacent to the Vinoy Hotel, and between the infamous Beach Drive and waterfront, is a green space called North Straub Park. Another highly visited park is known for its large Banyon Tree, city views, and waterfront views.

During the holiday season, this park boasts a large display of holiday lights, a winter festival, First Night on New Year’s Eve, and concerts.

Demens Landing Park

Probably my favorite park for sentimental reasons, Demens Landing is a great place if you love to watch boats and small airplanes.

The park has a great playground, several picnic tables under shelters, and amazing views of the marina, Albert Whited Airport, and the downtown skyline.

Another feature of this park are the docks that extend beyond the seawall for better fishing vantages!

Spa Beach Park

The newest addition to the list of amazing parks in St. Petersburg is the creation of Spa Beach Park. Sitting at the foot of the newly constructed Pier, this park offers plenty of seating and a beach with a swimming area. Additionally, a splash pad, concessions, and access to the Pier can be found here.

Albert Whited Park

This is a great little park that lies between the municipal airport and the waterfront. The park offers a playground for the kiddos, sheltered picnic areas, and a paved walkway. Additionally, you can enjoy the marina and city views of the downtown area.

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Maximo Park

Moving outside of the downtown area, to the very southernmost point in Pinellas County, is the amazing Maximo Park. In addition to its remoteness from the city hustle, the amenities Maximo Park offers are 7 boat ramps, a disc golf course, a walking trail, and lots of shade trees.

Maximo Park also has a large playground area and sheltered picnic areas, along with shoreline fishing areas and a beach.

St. Petersburg Municipal Beach at Treasure Island

Spend a day at this municipal beach on the Gulf of Mexico. However, don’t forget your beach chairs and sunscreen! Along with spending your time in the surf and building sand castles, this beach park features a playground for the kids and a snack bar.

Parking could be challenging, here, so plan ahead or use the Suncoast Beach Trolley for a ride along the bus route on Gulf Boulevard to get to this beach access.

Fort Desoto Park

The last few favorite parks of St. Petersburg are not managed by the St. Pete Parks & Rec but are still amazing parks in the St. Petersburg area that are totally worth mentioning.

Fort Desoto Park is part of the Pinellas County park system and is an island park at the southern end of Pinellas County and is worthy of a day spent here. Pack your picnic and coolers and enjoy over 1,100 acres of pure beauty, nature, beaches, and water recreation.

Your family will enjoy exploring the historic fort area. Take a climb to the top for amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re a dog lover, take your furry friend, or just stroll down Paw Beach, a designated leash-free dog beach. Adjacent to the paw beach is a fenced, and mostly shaded, dog park. This is one of Spinnaker’s favorite places!

War Veteran’s Memorial Park

Another Pinellas County park that I enjoy is the War Veteran’s Memorial Park located in the Bay Pines Area. You’ll find this park as you’re heading out to Madeira Beach.

You’ll find lots of nature and a walking trail. This park offers a nice a paddle-craft launch, plenty of parking, sheltered picnic areas, and a playground for the kiddos.

You must walk out to shelter #5 as it’s surrounded by water and gives a panoramic view of the intercoastal waterway. You might even see dolphins playing out there!

Lake Seminole Park

On the northern outskirts of St. Petersburg, you’ll find this magnificent Pinellas County Park. Off of the hustle and bustle of Park Boulevard is Lake Seminole Park.

I have been a visitor of this park since I was in high school. It’s always been a favorite place to walk on the multi-use trail and watch the alligators in the lake. Enjoy a picnic and watch the birds. Over the years, we have attended several gatherings at the sheltered picnic areas that dot the park.

The playground is quite impressive and your kids will wear themselves out climbing, jumping, and playing. The park also has a boat ramp and plenty of areas to go fishing.

Breakin’ It Down: Amazing Parks in St. Petersburg, Florida

There’s no denying that the St. Petersburg area is loaded with things to do. Visiting the parks in St. Petersburg should be on every visitor’s list, to connect with nature, visit with friends and family, or just take a stroll.