Our Favorite Local Parks!
Happy July! Summer is in full swing and there is plenty of fun to be had! Do you have plans for a fun, sunny cookout, BBQ or picnic this summer? Maybe you have plans for a visit to one of our fabulous, local parks? St. Pete offers a lot of great options throughout the area, and you’re probably familiar with more than a few of them!
Fort Desoto Park- This park is located at the southern tip of the county and it is HUGE!! There are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy- from camping, kayaking, fishing, catching some rays on the miles and miles of beaches, hosting a party at one of their many pavilions, or even checking out the historic old fort! There are playgrounds for the little ones, one of the largest boat launch sites in the area, and even a dog beach so Fido isn’t left out of the fun! Head down to the East side of the park and watch kiteboarders and windsurfers take full advantage of the beauty and waves of the Bay- right in front of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge! There are food concessions throughout, an old Florida style gift shop, ferries shuttling passengers to and from Egmont Key and Shell Key, and even a museum near the Fort! Go check it out, you will not be disappointed!
Sawgrass Lake Park- This is an incredible park to visit and take a walk along the fantastic boardwalk. With plenty of shade, this is a great place to walk and enjoy the abundant nature for people of all ages. Be sure to take the boardwalk to the phenomenal observation tower where you will almost definitely find a mama gator and her babies! You will find just near the parking lot an educational center and billboards and placards throughout with information on native flora and fauna. There is a large event pavilion for picnic parties as well as plenty of benches throughout the sprawling hills of the park- a rare find in this area!
Crescent Lake Park- Crescent Lake Park is perfect for a quick trip any day of the week. Located close to downtown St. Pete, the park offers a wide sidewalk which winds all throughout the park, including along the large lake. Bring Fido to the dog park, they offer a small and large play area for pups of all sizes. Tennis player? Crescent Lake Park has four lighted tennis courts for your practice or even a friendly match or two. The park also offers a half basketball court and large playground for the kiddos enjoyment!
Flora Wylie- Are you a runner? Then this is a park you’ll surely want to visit! Sprawling the edge of Coffee Pot Bayou and heading towards the old Pier, this park offers a long and winding sidewalk along the water. Plenty of benches line the walkway to sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular views of Tampa Bay. Bring a book to read or take some stunning photos of the sunrise over the Bay. In the evenings you’ll find families out for a stroll and plenty of space where people of all ages practice their sports and activities of preference. Stop by and you’ll quickly find a way to make your own fun at this no-frills park!
Williams park- This park is located in the heart of downtown St. Pete and there seems to always be a fun event hosted here! From concerts, markets, clean-up events and craft fairs- you can enjoy the fun of a city park with all conveniences of museums, eateries and shops within walking distance. Plan to make a day of it, you will not be dissapointed!
These are just a few of our favorite parks- did we miss your fave? Visit the links below to see many many more parks that our beautiful slice of paradise offers!
http://stpeteparksrec.org/parks-directory.html
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/
