Beginning with City Park (today’s Williams Park) in the late 19th century and expanding to the waterfront in the early 20th, St. Petersburg’s parks have a long history of providing locals and visitors with a wide variety of amenities. Today, St. Pete can boast more than 150 city parks and numerous Pinellas County parks. According to the Trust for Public Land, 77 percent of residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park. Park amenities vary depending on location and size and can include picnic areas, playgrounds, beaches, boat ramps, fishing docks, playing fields, sports courts, fitness equipment, trails, nature preserves, art installations, and historic sites. Dogs and skaters even have their own spaces. Parks & Recreation also offers classes, service projects, camps, and a variety of after-school educational programs. Choose an activity or choose to relax, and there’s a park or recreation center that fits your needs.
Sun, Sand, & Swim
If you’re looking for a saltwater swim and a sandy beach, you’ve got four municipal options. Three city parks include a beach and access to Tampa Bay for swimming. In addition, St. Petersburg has a municipal beach on the Gulf Coast. Each option offers different amenities so one of them is sure to be a perfect choice.
Downtown Beach on the Bay: North Shore
Only a block off Beach Drive and adjacent to the North Bay Trail, the beach at North Shore Park is easy to access, and it’s super close to downtown’s numerous food and entertainment offerings. Visitors can catch some rays, play a raucous game of beach volleyball, launch their kayak, or take a cooling dip. With free parking and public restrooms, it’s a great choice for active outdoor lovers.
Spa Beach on the Pier
Located at the St. Pete Pier, Spa Beach can be easily reached by foot from anywhere along the downtown waterfront or by kayak from the bay. With calm waters and a nearby playground and splash pad, it’s a great place to bring kids. If you need a break, there are numerous food, drink, and shopping options just steps or a short trolley ride away.
Maximo Beach on the Bays
A part of the expansive Maximo Park, Maximo Beach can be a great spot to cool off after a disc golf match or a trail walk, but it’s also a destination on its own. If you’re looking for a beach where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful view of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Boca Ciega Bay as it meets Tampa Bay, this is the perfect choice.
Gulf Coast Fun in the Sun: St. Pete Municipal Beach at Treasure Island
If your definition of beach includes crashing waves and abundant seashells, then head to the St. Petersburg Municipal Beach at Treasure Island. Parks & Recreation describes this area due west of downtown as one of St. Petersburg’s “hidden gems.” Parking is not free, but it’s more reasonable than at many other beach locations. As a municipal property, the space offers public access to the Gulf of Mexico as well as a snack bar, playground, restrooms, and beach volleyball courts.
For more information visit www.stpeteparksrec.org or call (727) 893-7441. St. Petersburg’s recreational water sites are monitored frequently. Before heading to the beach, check the latest testing results at stpete.org/RecWaterQuality
