The soft light of sunset filters over two white Adirondack chairs at the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo

Budding horticulturalists and weekend gardeners will enjoy a stroll through The Florida Botanical Gardens. This free attraction with many themed gardens is a favorite spot of locals.

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Largo

Largo is Sunshine State suburbia, with residential neighborhoods and small businesses aplenty. Yet locals and savvy visitors know there’s another side to the city - a natural side, with botanical gardens, parks, miles of walking trails and public golf courses to enjoy.


Things to Do

Largo’s signature attraction is The Florida Botanical Gardens, which is loved because it’s beautiful (and also because it’s free). Stroll through 182 acres dotted with specialty gardens from tropical fruits and palms to succulents and native plants. The gardens bloom and change with the seasons, so there’s something new to see each time you stop by. If you’re visiting in December or early January, don’t miss the impressive light display that’s become a holiday tradition for many.

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Parks & Nature

Nature lovers will appreciate Largo’s parks. Explore miles of walking trails at Walsingham Park, the second largest park in St. Pete/Clearwater. Motor boats are permitted on its 90-acre freshwater lake, and alligators are often spotted here. Eagle Lake Park - once a citrus grove and cattle ranch - now nods to its former agricultural past with citrus-themed amenities, and boasts sections that have been restored with 100 percent native Florida plants. Visitors in wheelchairs and families with little ones in strollers will appreciate Eagle Lake Park’s wide, paved trails and lake views. 

Want to see wildlife? The Narrows Environmental Education Center in McGough Nature Park is known as “Turtle Park” because of its large population of aquatic turtles, but it’s also home to rescued birds of prey. 

Largo’s Central Park is a pretty, 70-acre green space with fountains, picnic areas and the Rainbow Rotary Playground, which is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. Central Park’s adjacent performing arts center is home to the Eight O’Clock Theatre’s Broadway and cabaret shows.

French canapes and a glass of red wine sit on top of a pink flowered plate at Cafe Largo in Largo, FL

Cafe Largo is a delicious surprise - fine French cuisine and wines in an intimate setting. It's a perfect location for a special night out.

Where to Eat 

While escargots au chevres might not be the first thing that comes to mind on a Florida vacation, Cafe Largo’s elegant French cuisine is a pleasant surprise in St. Pete/Clearwater. From duck with tarragon sauce to rack of lamb provencal to fresh catch-of-the-day, diners rave about Chef Dominique’s culinary acumen. Cooking classes and wine pairing dinners are offered occasionally.

Looking for a stylish, contemporary setting and some delicious Meditteranean food? Cafe Sahara is a cozy place with a wine bar and a large menu that includes halal meats and many vegetarian dishes. Dig into delicious baba ghanouj, falafel, grape leaves, kibbeh, pitas, gyros and more.

Hungry visitors can feast on sushi burritos, boba and pho at The Spot Sushi Burrito and Vietnamese, at the Largo Mall. Also located at the mall The Hungry Crab offers a  wide variety of delicious seafood.

If sweet things are your thing, check out the famous Jupiter Donuts, near Largo Mall.They offer more than 40 handcrafted donuts along with bagel sandwiches and pastries. You an also head straightaway to Frida’s Cafe & Bakery - its unassuming exterior on Ulmerton Road in Largo contains delicious treats such as raspberry biscotti cheesecakes, fresh fruit tortes, dulce de leche and more than 15 kinds of cookies (even several that are gluten-free). If you feel you must eat something more nutritious first, Frida’s offers a great selection of breakfast items, paninis and signature sandwiches. 

Looking for delicious health food? Don’t miss Fresca Vida on Clearwater-Largo Road for organic, vegan and gluten-free options including sandwiches, bowls, salads, smoothies and more (enjoy your treat on their charming little patio). 

Fans of classic Italian cuisine will want to check out award-winning Alfano’s, owned by the same family for more than 35 years. In addition to a stellar dinner menu, the restaurant also offers an extensive gluten-free menu - a rarity in Italian restaurants - and can accommodate other food sensitivities.

Places to Stay

Largo is primarily a residential community, but you’ll find a few major hotel brands (Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express and a new Home2Suites by Hilton) in the city, along with a few mom ‘n’ pop hotels and motels.

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