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 . TAKE A HIKE 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 ad-ditional 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 STARLITE CRUISES 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. 727-462-2628 starlitecruises.com @StarLiteCruises @starlite cruises 52 AMERICA’S BEST BEACHES
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