A short drive from Orlando’s biggest attractions, St. Pete-Clearwater offers outdoor adventures in beautiful Gulf Coast settings, from white sand beaches to wildlife preserves.
Imagine paddling a clear-bottomed kayak through mangrove tunnels or seeing a baby alligator in its natural habitat. St. Pete-Clearwater is your gateway to authentic Florida nature experiences that perfectly balance your trip to Central Florida.
Paddle in Paradise on a Clear Kayak Tour
Discover underwater wonders on a clear kayak trip to Shell Key Preserve, a pristine coastal ecosystem in Tierra Verde, near St. Pete Beach. Join Get Up & Go Kayaking Tampa Bay on a beginner-friendly tour of serene back-bay waters, where you might spot dolphins and manatees and watch marine life swim beneath your boat.
Explore the preserve by day, or paddle out for one of St. Pete-Clearwater’s stunning sunsets and take a night-time Glow Tour to see the underwater world in a way you never imagined. If you are lucky and time your trip just right (typically May through October) you might witness bioluminescence, an otherworldly phenomenon.
Stroll Through a 100-Year-Old Garden
Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg invites you to step into a living work of art. This 100-year-old botanical garden is home to some of Florida’s oldest and most impressive tropical plants. As you stroll the winding paths through the fragrant gardens, you’ll see waterfalls, colorful birds and native butterflies. More than 50,000 native and exotic plants thrive in this vibrant microclimate, one of Florida’s original roadside attractions.
Hike at Brooker Creek Preserve
At Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs, take in the sights and sounds of diverse ecosystems like cypress domes, forested wetlands and oak hammocks. St. Pete-Clearwater’s largest natural area, Brooker Creek Preserve is a “wilderness island” bordered by dense urban development. Its 8,700 acres provide a crucial refuge for Florida wildlife such as bobcats and wild turkeys.
Miles of trails and boardwalks wind through this pristine landscape, providing wildlife viewing opportunities. Arrive early – just as the park opens – for the best bird watching and consider sticking around for a guided walk. Public programs and exhibits here offer deeper insights into the importance of local ecology.
Take a Paddleboard Yoga Class in Coffee Pot Bayou
Unwind on the water with a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga class in St. Pete’s Coffee Pot Bayou. This small body of water, framed by beautiful homes and the trees and greenery of Coffee Pot Park, offers a serene backdrop for your floating yoga studio. Salty Buddha provides equipment and instruction for these beginner-friendly events, so you can focus on flowing through each pose to the rhythm of your gently rocking board. Afterward, keep up the self-care with a refreshing post-workout smoothie at Karma Juice Bar & Eatery, or brunch at one of the many cafés just a short drive away in downtown St. Petersburg.
Spot Wildlife at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
Catch a glimpse of Florida’s favorite reptile at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in south St. Petersburg. This sprawling preserve is a haven for wildlife, and its wetlands are particularly known for their alligator population, including baby alligators. Explore miles of trails through a variety of ecosystems, from shady oak hammocks to pine flatlands that are home to birds and other creatures. The preserve also features an area dedicated to rehabilitated raptors, where you can observe birds of prey that were injured and can’t be released back into the wild. It’s an experience that highlights the importance of wildlife conservation.
Zipline with Empower Adventures Tampa Bay
Soar above scenic Mobbly Bayou in Oldsmar with Empower Adventures Tampa Bay. This zipline adventure course takes you into the treetops, revealing open water views across Old Tampa Bay. Feel the wind in your hair as you glide from platform to platform, crossing aerial obstacles and taking in the lush Florida landscape. Seasoned thrill-seekers and first-time riders agree: This is one wild ride.
Explore & Discover at Weedon Island Preserve
A short drive north from downtown St. Petersburg, Weedon Island Preserve is an expansive park for nature lovers that’s completely free to enter. Explore miles of trails and boardwalks through diverse habitats such as tidal flats and mangrove forests. Look for gopher tortoises and native birds, and spot wild dolphins in the surrounding waters – the preserve’s observation tower offers incredible panoramic views. Take a break from the heat when you visit the fascinating cultural and natural history center onsite. Later, you can rent a kayak to paddle through mangrove tunnels on a truly immersive adventure.
St. Pete-Clearwater invites you to explore the authentic natural wonders of the Sunshine State. Plan your outdoor getaway at VisitStPeteClearwater.com