The Best Recreational Trails in St. Petersburg FL: Biking, Walking, and Jogging in The Sunshine City

St. Petersburg, FL, affectionately known as "The Sunshine City," offers an array of recreational trails that cater to nature enthusiasts, fitness buffs, and those looking to explore the city's scenic beauty. Whether you're a local resident or planning a move to this vibrant city, these trails provide the perfect escape into nature, right in your backyard.

St. Pete Pier

Picturesque St. Pete Pier opened to the public just in time for summer in June 2020. Well into the decade and locals have designated it as one of their favorite spots for everything from dining and dancing to boating. The large community of businesses here provides visitors with some of the city's best products and services. Lots of museums and galleries can be found nearby, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the St. Petersburg Museum of History, the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, Florida Vibes Art, and Ocean Blue Galleries. But of course, most people come to enjoy the outdoor space. Spa Beach and its peripheral umbrella stands, restrooms, and kids' play areas are right off 2nd Avenue NE. Pelican Lot and Dolphin Lot provide ample safe parking space complete with charging ports for electric vehicles. St. Pete Pier's large parking capacity is necessary to accommodate the troves of people who ditch their cars upon arrival. Wide sidewalks, open patios, and plenty of trails make this area a walker's paradise.

North Bay Trail

Recreationists rejoice for North Bay Trail, a 6.3-mile out-and-back path connecting Caya Costa and Downtown St. Petersburg. The greenway's official endpoints are located at Macoma Drive NE and Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail at 1st Avenue SE and Bayshore Drive. Accessible parking can be found on the South end along with picnic tables and benches. This trek is a relatively easy one, being flat and paved with four to six feet of lane space. A painted dividing line keeps travelers on their respective sides of the path from start to finish. As a multi-use route, North Bay Trail welcomes walkers, runners, skateboarders, and rollerbladers alike. It takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes to cover, although your individual speed and method of movement will ultimately determine travel time.

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

Length: 6 miles of trails  

Difficulty: Easy  

Highlights:

• Wildlife Viewing: Spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, turtles, and butterflies.
• Educational Programs: Participate in guided tours and educational programs about the local ecosystem.
• Lake Maggiore: Enjoy stunning views of Lake Maggiore and its surrounding wetlands.

Pinellas Trail

Named after its home county, Pinellas Trail is a 38-mile linear park and recreation trail spanning from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. It's a popular destination for cyclists, joggers, and nature enthusiasts. The trail follows the former CSX railroad corridor, providing a scenic route through various landscapes, including urban areas, parks, and coastal regions.

The trail is open daily from 7 AM to sunset and is free to use. Just be mindful of its basic rules -- no alcohol, no motorized vehicles (except for wheelchairs and mobility scooters), and no off-leash pets. And as with all outdoor areas, visitors should be respectful of the local wildlife they encounter along their journey on Pinellas Trail.

Weedon Island Preserve

Length: 3.7 miles of boardwalks and trails  

Difficulty: Easy to moderate  

Highlights:

• Mangrove Forests: Walk through pristine mangrove forests on elevated boardwalks.
• Kayaking: Combine hiking with kayaking through the mangrove tunnels.
• Cultural History: Explore the cultural history exhibits at the Cultural and Natural History Center.

Skyway Trail

Skyway Trail covers 8.7 miles of ground between Pinellas Point and Bayview in St. Petersburg. The top end is connected to a park beside the Clam Bayou Nature Preserve. As you can imagine, lots of wildlife can be spotted in this area. The trail itself is mostly flat and paved, making it accessible to movers of all ages.

As you head south, you'll pass by several neighborhoods and cross a few busy streets. The real views come later on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Skyway Trail turns back just a little bit further south from there, next to a small parking lot just North of Skyway Beach.

Sunken Gardens Loop

The Sunken Gardens Loop is an easy, can't-go-wrong choice among recreational trails in St. Petersburg. The 0.8-mile route warps around Sunken Gardens – a lush tropical landscape of local flora dating back to the early twentieth century. It usually takes 12 minutes to walk from beginning to end. This trek is one of many beautiful ones in and around Sunken Gardens, so it's worth doing some exploring while you're there. Admission to the park itself costs under $20 per person, while Ward's Park and Randall's Island Urban Farm are also nearby and free to visit.

Clam Bayou Nature Park

Length: 2 miles of trails  

Difficulty: Easy  

Highlights:

• Scenic Overlooks: Enjoy picturesque views from various scenic overlooks.
• Birdwatching: A haven for birdwatchers, with opportunities to see a variety of species.
• Kayak Launch: Access to kayak launch sites for a combined land and water experience.

Sawgrass Lake Park

Length: 2 miles of boardwalks and trails  

Difficulty: Easy  

Highlights:

• Alligator Viewing: Spot alligators in their natural habitat.
• Butterfly Garden: Visit the butterfly garden and enjoy the colorful display of native butterflies.
• Picnic Areas: Perfect for a family outing with designated picnic areas.

Why Explore St. Petersburg's Recreational Trails?

St. Petersburg boasts an extensive network of trails that wind through lush parks, along stunning waterfronts, and through vibrant urban areas. These trails offer numerous benefits:

• Health and Wellness: Regular hiking or biking on these trails can significantly improve your physical and mental health.
• Scenic Beauty: Enjoy the natural beauty of Florida's landscapes, from coastal views to lush green parks.
• Community Engagement: These trails are popular with locals, providing opportunities to meet new people and participate in community events.
• Accessibility: Many trails are easily accessible, with options for all fitness levels and preferences.

Tips for Exploring St. Petersburg's Trails

• Stay Hydrated: Florida's climate can be hot and humid. Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Wear Appropriate Footwear: Choose comfortable shoes suitable for walking or biking.
• Protect Yourself from the Sun: Use sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun's rays.
• Respect Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from wildlife and avoid feeding animals.
• Carry a Map: Some trails can be extensive; having a map can help you stay on course.