2026-08-25 10:08:45

With nearly year-round sunshine and stunning scenery at every turn, St. Pete-Clearwater makes staying active feel like a vacation.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best on the golf course, rallying on a pickleball court, or running on winding trails and waterfront paths, there’s a playground here for every pace and passion.
BEST GOLF COURSE

INNISBROOK GOLF RESORT, PALM HARBOR
➋ The Vinoy Golf Club, St. Pete
➌ Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club, Seminole
➍ Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Club, Clearwater
➎ Dunedin Golf Club

Golf is a cornerstone of our region, with nearly 50 public and private courses to choose from. Historic layouts share the landscape with modern resort-style designs, giving every golfer a plethora of options. Book a tee time at the must-play Dunedin Golf Club, an 18-hole course designed by Donald Ross that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Over on Snell Isle in St. Pete, The Vinoy Golf Course features a scenic par-71 layout with water features and lush natural landscaping.
For something a little more unusual in Florida terrain, Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor features four courses (including the Copperhead) known for their rolling hills and elevation changes. Seminole’s Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club delivers a more forgiving layout with wide fairways and a tournament pedigree, while local favorites like Mangrove Bay Golf Course in St. Pete and Tarpon Springs Golf Course offer accessible, no-frills rounds for a more casual outing.
For a different spin on the game, disc golf continues to be a crowd-pleaser. Courses are tucked into parks throughout the St. Pete-Clearwater area, including Cliff Stephens Park in Clearwater and Sheffield Park in Oldsmar. With both nine- and 18-hole options, disc golf is a fun way to combine exercise with social time, whether you’re dropping in for a quick game or spending the afternoon outdoors.

Pickleball is on fire in St. Pete-Clearwater, and the area has embraced the highly accessible sport with a mix of scenic outdoor courts and well-equipped indoor facilities. Dink House on Ulmerton Road in Largo features four state-of-the-art indoor courts, while nearby Pickle & Pint pairs competitive play with a lively bar and social atmosphere. At The Factory in St. Pete’s Warehouse District, St. Pete Athletic - Paddle & Social offers 14 indoor courts plus table tennis, padel tennis and a full-service restaurant and cocktail bar for post-game hangs.

Many resorts make it easy to fit in a few games during your stay, including the Island Grand at TradeWinds in St. Pete Beach, Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater Beach, Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, and SkyBeach Resort in St. Pete. Beyond resorts, more than 60 indoor and outdoor courts are scattered throughout the region, offering friendly competition for players of every level.

Runners and walkers will feel right at home in St. Pete-Clearwater. Local running clubs (including St. Pete Running Company) welcome drop-ins, offering a fun way to explore the area’s scenic streets and waterfront parks while meeting fellow fitness enthusiasts. If you’re visiting in the fall, consider timing your trip around the St. Pete Run Fest (Nov. 13-15, 2026). The multiday event offers a half-marathon, 10K and 5K along flat, scenic routes through downtown, the waterfront and toward the St. Pete Pier. The festival also features youth runs, a dog-friendly walk/run, and a lively market with local food, live music and craft beer.
Cyclists and runners gravitate to the Pinellas Trail, a 47-mile paved pathway stretching from St. Pete to Tarpon Springs. The trail offers a mix of urban and natural scenery, perfect for long rides, runs or rollerblading. For a higher-adrenaline perspective, Empower Adventures Tampa Bay offers zip lining over the Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve in Oldsmar, combining thrills with breathtaking views.
To cap off an active day, the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club (founded in 1924) hosts weekly “open shuffle” nights at its popular St. Pete Shuffle event on Fridays, blending low-key competition with a distinctly Old Florida vibe.
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