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Do you consider yourself an outdoorsy person? I definitely am. One reason I love living in Florida, is being able to enjoy the great outdoors all year round. Yes, Tampa Bay is known for it's amazing beaches, but when you want to skip the sand, St Petersburg has lots of other fun activities to get out into nature. I have put together a list of my favorite outdoor activities to do in St Pete for you to explore.
1. Hiking at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
This 245-acre, award-winning property offers a unique nature experience right in the heart of St. Petersburg. Boyd Hill has over 6 miles of trails and boardwalks along the beautiful Lake Maggiore. With the preserve's variety of habitats to explore including hardwood hammocks, sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, willow marsh, swamp woodlands and lake shore- there is a lot to see!
2. Hiking at Weedon Island Preserve
Located in north St. Petersburg, Weedon Island Preserve is comprised mostly of marine ecosystems, with some uplands. The preserves spans over an expansive 3,000-acre of natural habitats, and features 4.7 miles of boardwalks and trails. Explore the trails on your own, or with a guided tour, enjoy the amazing bird watching, or learn about the area's history and Native American culture.
3. Kayaking at Weedon Island Preserve
Weedon Island is also a favorite spot for kayaking or canoeing. Explore the preserve's beautiful paddling trails through mangrove, bayous, and small lagoons. Floating down the shallow waters of Weedon Island is such a fun way to experience Florida's aquatic ecosystem. Canoe/kayak rentals are available on site.
4. Kayaking Shell Key at Fort Desoto
Another popular destination to explore our coastal environment is Shell Key Preserve. Enjoy the beautiful views of white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and mangroves as you float through one of the country's largest undeveloped barrier islands. For a memorable experience, try renting one of their clear kayaks!
5. Explore St Pete's Waterfront Parks
The Sunshine City boasts over 6 miles of waterfront parks, which is why it is named the “Jewel on Tampa Bay!” Walk, bike, or relax with a good book on a path alongside Tampa Bay that stretches from Coffee Pot Park to Lassing Park. It is definitely one of the things that make The Burg so special, and is not to be missed!