Discover Pinellas: Nature, Coast and Culture

Fort De Soto Park is the largest park in the Pinellas County Park System. It spans 1,136 acres across five connected islands—a helpful guide for anyone who wants to factor the landscape into their trip planning.

Natural Areas and Garden Landscapes

Located on Tampa Bay, Weedon Island Preserve covers 3,000 acres, consisting mostly of marine ecosystems, with a few upland areas. The approximately 8,700-acre Brooker Creek Preserve is in northeastern Pinellas County. The two preserves therefore differ both in the landscapes described and in their size.

At Weedon Island Preserve, two self-guided paddling trails offer a way to explore the islands and waterways. The northern trail is currently closed; check current conditions before your trip. This keeps the trail’s specific status in your plans, rather than assuming both routes are equally accessible.

The Florida Botanical Gardens offer a different kind of stroll. Across 150 acres, trails pass through formal gardens, landscaped areas and natural habitats. Admission is free; the gardens are open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. As opening hours can change, it is a good idea to check before your visit. Leashed pets are welcome. Entrances are located at 12520 Ulmerton Road and 12211 Walsingham Road.

Getting Active and Riding the Trolley

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is a linear multi-use trail running from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. Its protected green spaces offer opportunities for hiking, jogging, skating and cycling. The trail is open daily from 7:00 a.m. until sunset; temporary changes to operating conditions are possible, so it is worth checking the latest information before setting out.

There are two different trolley routes: The Central Avenue Trolley is free and runs every 20 minutes between the St. Pete Pier and Grand Central Station. The Jolley Trolley operates daily from Clearwater Beach to Tarpon Springs, passing through several coastal communities in Pinellas County. As schedules may change, check the current times before your ride.

History, Animals and Unique Experiences

The Heritage Village Historic Houses feature authentically furnished interiors that offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of early settlers and residents. A permanent exhibit in the Turner Bungalow covers the history of the Turner family; its status may change, so check the latest information before your visit. The Plant–Sumner House is a local historic landmark at Heritage Village. Demonstrations by the Weaver’s Guild at the Daniel McMullen House take place on the first Saturday of every month. Check the specific date in advance, as event calendars may change.

At Clearwater Marine Aquarium, visitors can tour the working Marine Animal Hospital and see its rescue work. At Stingray Beach, you can observe and safely touch cownose rays. Animal experiences may change; check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Dining and Local History

Tarpon Springs Distillery offers tours and tastings of craft spirits. It is located in a renovated historic sponge warehouse that formerly housed the Stephen Katzaras Sponge Company. Tour and tasting arrangements may change; check the latest visitor details before planning your day around them.

The Dunedin Food Tour combines a guided culinary walk with tastings at five to six independent restaurants and craft breweries. The stated period runs from September 5, 2026, to October 30, 2027; dates and availability may change. For day planning, the daily opening hours of the gardens and trail can be compared with the first-Saturday-of-the-month demonstrations and the stated Food Tour period.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Palm Harbor, Treasure Island, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, Saint Petersburg, Tierra Verde, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach, North Redington Beach, Seminole, Redington Beach, Feather Sound, Belleair, South Pasadena, Bay Pines, Belleair Beach, Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Indian Rocks Beach, Pinellas Park, St Pete Beach, Largo, Oldsmar.

For the broader travel overview: Florida.