Fresh Air and Open Spaces. Outdoor Adventure is Calling

Sunshine, Fresh Breezes and Beautiful Places are Waiting for You

There's nothing like fresh air and outdoor adventure to clear your mind and take your cares away. So, plan your trip around our amazing beaches and outdoor experiences. Emerald-green waters and cool Gulf breezes? You'll find them here. Sugar-white sand islands that appear and disappear with the tides. That wonderful, free feeling of seeing birds soar overhead. The gentle sound of water dripping from your paddle. All waiting for you. Come and hike our lush nature parks, paddle our pristine waterways and explore our beautiful gardens. You'll come away refreshed.

PADDLE

Explore Scenic Waterways

Ever kayak in the company of a cormorant? How about playful dolphins and gentle manatees? Paddling adventures in St. Pete/Clearwater often come with some wild entertainment along the way. Rent a kayak near the Dunedin Causeway to reach pristine Caladesi Island State Park - explore lush mangrove tunnels, then beach your boat for an almost-deserted island experience. Visit gorgeous Fort De Soto Park with its stunning beach and two-mile paddling trail. Head to Weedon Island Preserve in north St. Pete to explore Riviera Bay and the South Paddling Trail with its mangrove canopy.

PLACES TO PADDLE

Small sailboat in emerald green waters in St. Pete/Clearwater island.

Island Hop

Discover Why Being on "Island Time" is the Best Time of All

You don't have to go far away to have that "tropical island" feel. In fact, we have some gorgeous islands just waiting for you to explore. Start with Honeymoon Island State Park, where you can search for shells along four miles of soft beaches or hike a three-mile trail through a virgin pine forest. From the park, take the ferry or rent a kayak to reach nearby Caladesi Island State Park, treasured for its uncrowded beaches and amazing birdwatching. Take a day-trip to beautiful Egmont Key, with its nearly deserted beaches. Or rent a boat to discover "magical" islands that appear and disappear with the tides.

ISLAND RETREAT

Boardwalk aerial view of a state park in St. Pete/Clearwater.

EXPLORE PARKS

Walk Shaded Trails and Listen to Birdsong

Looking for ways to find some zen? St. Pete/Clearwater has gorgeous parks and preserves that fit the bill perfectly. Find stunning boardwalks at Boca Ciega Millennium Park, Sawgrass Lake Park and Weedon Island Preserve. At Boyd Hill Nature Park, walk shaded trails, enjoy views of Lake Maggiore and visit a sanctuary for rehabilitated birds of prey. Looking for a waterfront picnic spot? Try St. Pete's North Shore Park or Vinoy Park, both with views of the new St. Pete Pier. If you'd like to spend time among the trees, explore little-known Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs to enjoy its nature center, wildflower-decorated trails and stellar birdwatching (tip: arrive when the park opens to have the trails all to yourself).

PERFECT PARKS

Flamingos refreshing in a pond in Sunken Gardens.

Enjoy Gardens

Experience a Nature Lovers' Delight

If gorgeous blooms make your heart go all a-flutter, St. Pete/Clearwater has two beautiful botanical gardens for you to explore. Visit Florida Botanical Gardens to see 12 different themed areas, including a native plants garden, a wedding garden and a butterfly garden. It's the largest free botanical garden in Florida! St. Pete's small-but-very-special Sunken Gardens is more than 100 years old - and the canopy of enormous trees and exuberantly flowering plants inside the garden attest to its maturity. See flamingos and other tropical birds as you take a leisurely walk through the garden.

GORGEOUS GARDENS

Group of friends camping in St. Pete/Clearwater.

Camp at the Beach

Set Up Camp with a Sunset View

Fort De Soto Park is (yes, we'll say it) practically world-famous among camping aficionados - after all, who wouldn't want to to camp waterfront in Florida with great amenities (restrooms, showers, laundry, camp store) and access to one of the most stunning beaches in the country? Reserve early, friends! Several local parks and preserves, such as Anclote Key and Shell Key offer primitive beachfront camping, if you aren't someone who requires a lot of creature comforts.

WATERFRONT CAMPING

Two pelicans with wings wide open near John's Pass.

Watch Wildlife

Take a Tour or Explore on Your Own

It's a zoo out there: Alligators glide in still waters, ospreys soar overhead, dolphins play in the waves, and bright-pink birds (roseate spoonbills, not flamingos) wade in the shallows. Our wild areas are also home to white-tailed deer, gopher tortoises, armadillos and many more interesting creatures. The best way to see them? Go early or late, when it's cooler. Move slowly and quietly. Take a few moments to be completely still. Stay a safe distance. If you're a birdwatcher, explore some of the sites on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. To see marine animals, take one of many dolphin or wildlife watching boat tours.

WILDLIFE WONDERS

Want more outdoors?

Mother Nature sure wasn't stingy with beautiful St. Pete/Clearwater. Discover even more ways to explore our natural wonders in the videos and stories, below.