Gulf To Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL

Majestic Gulf Coast panoramas, immaculate emerald-green waterways, lush trails, scenic parks, unbridled nature and wilderness – it’s all here. Whether you’re excited to spend the day paddling or biking, or you plan to unplug and birdwatch on a refreshing nature hike, there is plenty to experience in our great outdoors.

Warm sunshine, calm winds and protected nature are a winning combination for a paddlecraft adventure. Located at the southern end of St. Pete/Clearwater, Fort De Soto Park has become a go-to destination for kayakers over the years. Spanning five islands/keys, the 1,110-acre park is home to a 2-mile self-guided paddle trail that winds you through mangrove communities and seagrass beds. There’s also a 10-mile, three-to-four hour paddle trip around Mullet Key for the more ambitious paddlers.

The expansive 1,046-acre Weedon Island Preserve in north St. Pete is also a paddler’s delight. Its 4-mile South Paddling Trail winds through labyrinthine mangrove canopies, into open saltwater ponds, and past wading birds and other wildlife.

For an even more secluded excursion, paddle down the trails at Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin. Only accessible by public ferry or private boat, this barrier island features jaw-dropping scenery and 3.5 miles of kayak trails, leading paddlers through mangrove canals and seagrass flats along the bay side of the island. Consider dedicating at least half a day to the experience.

Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs, which is located across the water from Anclote Key (more on that spot later), has two main routes for canoeing and kayaking. The first trail is a serene, mile-long paddle through the mangroves that is suitable for beginners; the second is a 2-mile journey around the beautiful Lake Avoca. Though this park isn’t as well known as the others, it offers plenty of serenity. It's a truly hidden gem.

If you’re not planning on bringing your own paddling gear, don’t sweat it: There are many outfitters throughout the area that will provide you with everything you need. You can rent kayaks on-site without reservations at Fort De Soto Park, the Dunedin Causeway and Honeymoon Island State Park (you can also take the ferry and rent one at Caladesi Island State Park). Elsewhere, ECOmersion offers kayak rentals in Weedon Island Preserve, and Kayak Nature Adventures in Gulfport offers eco-tours around Clam Bayou Nature Preserve to groups of four or more (reservations are required).

While we love our water-based activities down here (and so will you), we’re also avid about biking along the numerous wonderful trails our area has to offer.

Stretching from St. Pete to Tarpon Springs, the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail has long been a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Cleverly created along an abandoned railroad corridor, the continuous, protected, 75-mile multi-use pathway has connections to many cities worth exploring throughout the area – including Dunedin, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs, whose colorful shops, cafés and brewpubs may inspire a brief detour.

The Skyway Trail Extension begins at Maximo Park in St. Pete and ends when it eventually connects to the Pinellas Trail. You’ll pass through a variety of landscapes on the journey, but this trail’s main attraction is the resplendent Clam Bayou waterfront in Gulfport, which it passes through via bridges and beautifully landscaped trailways.

Pedal through the paved multi-use trail in Fort De Soto Park and you’ll be treated to stunning water views, glimpses of the historic fort (built in 1898 during the Spanish-American War), plenty of shade and the gentle embrace of old Florida seclusion. The 7-mile trail starts from the boat ramp near the park’s entrance, then runs south to connect beaches, a campground, picnicking, the pier and fort.

You can traverse through the site of a scenic former Native American settlement at Philippe Park in Safety Harbor. The park spans 160 acres of land purchased in 1842, and is home to an ancient Tocobaga temple mound (a national historic site). The trail offers picturesque views of Old Tampa Bay, mangroves, trails, playgrounds and a tiny beach.

Palm Harbor’s spacious and shaded John Chesnut Sr. Park offers a 2.7-mile multi-use nature trail that winds through lush canopies, marshes and over boardwalks.

If you want to take in some spectacular views of downtown St. Pete’s waterfront, ride the paved 6.5-mile North Bay Trail, which passes by the amazing St. Pete Pier, Vinoy Park, North Shore Park and Coffee Pot Bayou Park.

There’s nothing quite like a good hike to help reset the senses and absorb some natural beauty. Fortunately, you don’t have to wander far from the St. Pete/Clearwater cityscapes to fully immerse yourself in nature.

Located on the shores of Lake Maggiore in St. Pete, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve has become a favorite getaway for trail runners and day hikers. This 245-acre preserve has 6 miles of nature trails and boardwalks that feel far removed from the otherwise densely populated area just outside its borders. Start your hike in a hardwood hammock, then trek through the sand pine scrub and pine flatwoods. The exhibits within the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center can give you additional context and insight about the environment you’re hiking through.

Also in St. Pete, the 400-acre Sawgrass Lake Park offers a mile of elevated boardwalk and trail loops that wind through one of the largest maple swamps on Florida’s Gulf Coast. You’ll need to leave the pups at home, though – dogs aren’t allowed.

Hiking the Osprey Trail empowers you to explore the gorgeous barrier island that Honeymoon Island State Park calls home. The 3-mile trail twists and turns through one of the last remaining virgin pine forests in the U.S. – and, as you likely guessed, it’s an ideal place to encounter nesting ospreys. The park’s Pelican Trail works its way around the edge of the peninsula along the Gulf of Mexico, offering glimpses of shorebirds and unforgettable water views.

The vast Lake Seminole Park features a paved trail that snakes through pine flatwoods in 1- or 2-mile-loop options. Benches are situated at scenic spots along the way if you need a quick moment of zen. Aside from its hiking trail, the park is also ideal for picnicking, biking and freshwater fishing.

Ready to set up camp and enjoy killer sunset views? Pack your gear and head over to the campgrounds in Fort De Soto Park (yes, this gargantuan park has shown up a couple times in this section – and for very good reason). Fort De Soto has nearly become world famous among camping aficionados for its fantastically beautiful waterfront views, easy access to the park’s stunning beach and plenty of amenities (on-site restrooms, showers, laundry and store). Just make sure to reserve your spot early.

For more primitive beachfront camping, Anclote Key Preserve State Park is a perfect island retreat. Named a “Best Hidden-Gem Beach” by USA Today, Anclote Key spreads over 400 acres, with miles of striking white-sand beaches and an 1887 light-house that guards the southern end of the island. Fire up the grill for a cookout near the beach, leave your cares on the mainland (the park is only accessible by ferry from the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks) and drift away to sleep with the sound of waves. This is the life.

The uninhabited Shell Key Preserve offers a rare opportunity for primitive camping near the beach. Accessible only by ferry from Pass-a-Grille or Fort De Soto Park, Shell Key is one of the best places in the area for snorkeling and shell collecting.

It’s wild out there: Gators, ospreys, dolphins, white-tailed deer, hot pink roseate spoonbills, gopher tortoises and armadillos are only a few of the interesting creatures you may see while exploring our parks and nature preserves. The best way to see them? Go early or late, move slowly and quietly, and, occasionally, be still.

With nearly 9,000 acres of forested wetlands and pine flatwoods, the Brooker Creek Nature Preserve is the largest of its kind in the county. Located in Tarpon Springs, Brooker Creek is home to nearly 5 miles of wildflower-adorned trails, stellar birdwatching and the award-winning, state-of-the-art Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center (a school field trip favorite). The preserve protects a mosaic of fragile habitats, and is a great place to see white-tailed deer, bobcats, wild turkeys and even otters.

Meanwhile, Boca Ciega Millennium Park is for the birds. In fact, the park regularly wins high praise from birdwatchers and has earned a Great Florida Birding Trail designation. This is due to more than 175 species of our feathered friends descending on its shores and branches. The park is filled to the brim with nature-canopied boardwalks and other amenities, including a dog park, a covered children’s playground and a 35-foot wooden observation tower, which offers incredible panoramic views of Boca Ciega Bay.

George C. McGough Nature Park, known as “the turtle park,” has plenty of mangroves, shady oak hammocks and a turtle-watching boardwalk lining the Intracoastal Waterway. McGough’s nature center has hands-on activities for the kids and live animal exhibits, including a variety of rescued, non-releasable birds (owls, hawks and an eagle).

Though it's more widely known for containing 500-plus species of some 50,000 tropical plants, the over-a-century-old Sunken Gardens also specializes in exotic bird rehabilitation. Stroll past vibrant macaws, cockatoos, kookaburras and flamingos as you enjoy the tranquility of one of Florida’s original roadside attractions.

What started in 1986 as a single vessel operation has grown into Florida’s largest daily excursion fleet. StarLite Cruises is all about variety: Nature cruises. Fine dining yacht cruises. Casual tropical party cruises. Dolphin tours. Luncheon cruises. Full-day group tour cruises. Each cruise is unforgettable. Regular departures make it easy to fit a StarLite cruise into your schedule.

ECO TIPS

On any given beach day, the Baskets for Beaches program encourages trash pickup with bright yellow baskets. Or join Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Ocean Allies and other community organizations for a morning of service on Clearwater Beach. The cleanups gather from 9 to 11 a.m. on the second Friday of every month, from January through October, at Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber. Cleanup supplies are provided.

During sea turtle nesting season, from May 1 through Oct. 31, make it easier for baby sea turtles to find their way to the Gulf by knocking down sandcastles and filling in sand pits at the end of your beach day. Clear the way; you might even have fun while you’re at it!

When you’re boating outside of a designated no-wake zone, you should still watch your speed in case a manatee wanders into your path. Trust us when we say that they are not built for speed.

We get it, sand dunes and bird sanctuaries can be super-photogenic and sometimes a tempting shortcut. But they’re also there for a reason – to protect the beach from wind erosion and offer birds a peaceful place to live and nest.

Leave nothing but your footprints! Whatever you bring to the beach with you, be sure to take it when you leave. Needless to say, the sea turtles aren’t there to clean up your mess.

Gulf To Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL - Gulf To Bay 2023

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