You know you're in Pinellas Park when you spy the clock tower at the former train station that's now a community hub.
Pinellas Park
About halfway between downtown St. Pete and downtown Clearwater, Pinellas Park is a blend of residential and industrial areas – but hidden gems abound here, from verdant parks to vibrant art and small restaurants loved by locals.
The Perfect Spot for a Nature Walk
Watch this video of one of St. Pete/Clearwater's prettiest parks, Sawgrass Lake Park, then make a plan to visit soon.
Parks & Outdoor Activities
Bordering Pinellas Park proper is Sawgrass Lake Park, a 400-acre swath of green with hiking trails, a long boardwalk and a viewing tower for wildlife-spotting. It’s where locals go for a quiet walk in the woods or a family picnic. To the northwest is Helen S. Howarth Community Park, which offers a nature trail, horse trails, an equestrian center and a kids’ playground.
If you’re gearing up for an outdoor adventure, a great place to get your gear is Bill Jackson’s Shop for Adventure on U.S. 19. This iconic sporting goods store opened in 1946, and offers the customer service and Old Florida charm you won’t find at a big-box sporting goods store. Bill Jackson’s also hosts fly-fishing clinics and other events.
Thinking about a round of golf on a sunny day? Book a tee time at Mainlands Golf Club, a par 67 that meanders through a quiet retirement community.
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Things to Do
If you’re an automobile buff or someone who loves to seek out hidden gems, stop in at the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, where the sheer volume of rare and vintage autos will wow you. One of the featured automobiles is a replica of the French 1770 Fardier de Cugnot, the first self-propelled vehicle in the world. “Back to the Future” fans will want to see the museum’s DeLorean.
Want to see autos (stock cars, in this case) in fast motion? Head to Showtime Speedway, where you can catch a thrilling race most weekends.
See All Things to Do in Pinellas ParkThe Arts
Art lovers will want to explore the 5600-5800 blocks of Park Boulevard to see the brilliant work of local muralists at Pinellas Arts Village (learn more about the local mural scene in St. Pete/Clearwater). This artists’ enclave features a historic former train station that has art workshops and monthly art walks. It’s where Derek Donnelly, one of the pioneers of the St. Pete mural explosion, has his studio.
Where to Eat & Drink
We’ll let you in on a little local secret: Pinellas Park is the unofficial pho capital of St. Pete/Clearwater. From humble take-out spots to sit-down restaurants with stellar wine lists, Vietnamese restaurants are found aplenty here. A meal at Ha Long Bay on U.S. 19 is sure to add appeal to your Instagram feed. The extensive menu here also features Chinese favorites (hello, dim sum!) and a good selection of sake, beer and wine. Other notable options for your Banh Mi fix? Try Thuy Cafe, Moonlight Tea House or Ben Thanh.
For an entirely plant-based menu that is deliciously satisfying, head to Lotus Vegan Restaurant, one of the first eateries in St. Pete/Clearwater’s flourishing vegan food scene. They offer everything from veganized Vietnamese favorites to vegan mozzarella sticks (and yes, they’re melty and delicious!).
A more recent addition to the food scene here is Patti’s Kitchen on Park Boulevard. The menu is small at this uber-authentic Thai spot, but the hearty (and locally famous) noodle soups and fluffy coconut cake will keep you coming back.
Want to spice things up a bit? Head to the legendary Cajun Cafe on the Bayou, where you’ll find authentic Louisiana cooking (think crawfish etouffee or shrimp creole) and a great craft beer menu with more than 70 selections from around the U.S.
Speaking of craft beer, Pinellas Park is mug-full of it. And if you’ve been mural-spotting at Pinellas Art Village, be sure to tip one back (and enjoy shuffleboard, pool and darts) at Bottles Pub Craft Beer Bar, nearby. Well-known Big Storm Brewing serves up its popular beers along with innovative pub fare just to the east of Pinellas Park’s city limits.
Just on the edge of Pinellas Park, you'll find Big Storm Brewery, a huge facility pouring acclaimed craft beer and serving reimagined pub fare.
Patti's Kitchen in Pinellas Park is where you'll find Thai street food with a focus on noodle dishes.
Places to Stay
Find familiar names such as La Quinta Inn and Country Inn & Suites within city limits as well as Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater/St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater and Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park near Pinellas Park’s boundaries.