Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Saint Pete Beach

"The Sunken Gardens has been around for more than 100 years now, having been planted by an avid gardener and plumber in 1903."

"The crown jewel of the St. Petersburg area, Fort De Soto Park boasts five interconnecting islands and 1,136 acres of waterfront oasis along the Gulf of Mexico. Backed by miles of sugary sand, this diverse coastal habitat is a hotspot for outdoor recreation. Spend the day in a kayak, cycle on the scenic trails or search for seashells on its beautiful beaches."

"This is a great park for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and bike riding. There’s even a dog park. Located on the very southern tip of Tierra Verde, Fort DeSoto has a large campground with 238 sites, but reservations are hard to come by, especially in the peak winter season."

"Have breakfast at the Vinoy, then drive half an hour either to the lively St. Pete Beach or to the more isolated Fort De Soto Park. Have some fun in the sun before enjoying a sunset dinner at The Hurricane in St. Pete Beach. Stay the night at the Sirata Beach Resort."

"The large number of manatees that are seen in the Tampa Electric power station’s discharge canal has resulted in many people flocking to the Manatee viewing center in order to feast their eyes on these creatures. The Manatee Viewing Center enables you to view and learn more about manatees as well as immersing yourself in their environment. In addition, you can head outside and enjoy places such as the stunning butterfly gardens and gorgeous surroundings."

"One of the fun things to do in Tampa Bay for kids is seeing the Manatees. These gentle giants can be found throughout southern Florida, but are shy and can be hard to find. But we arrived at the perfect time of year."

"The popular outdoor-dining hall features 12+ unique shipping container food concepts, with everything from pizza (Corners Pizza) and barbeque (Murph’s BBQ), to tacos (Gallito) and NEW acai bowls from Fit Bowl Co. Bring the whole family to Sparkman Wharf for waterfront dining, movies and live music on the event lawn, or take things inside for upscale bowling at Splitsville."

"The gorgeous dining garden, located outdoors on a waterfront, features ten of Tampa’s best restaurants that experiment with new culinary concepts. You’ll also find picture-worthy spots in the Fermented Reality Biergarten, with over 30 taps and an emphasis on Florida craft beer, and at Splitsville Southern + Social. Image credit: Kevin Michaels Images; model: Jordan Taylor"

"Take the vintage Streetcar to Sparkman Wharf, an outdoor market with pop-up stalls from some of Tampa Bay’s top chefs. The colourful huts are set right on the waterfront and surround a centrepiece biergarten, featuring local beers from Florida’s craft brewing hub. The outdoor stage hosts concerts, free movies and sports fixtures."

"Leffis Key Preserve was once overgrown with plants not native to the island, but thanks to the efforts of the local government and private individuals, it has now been transformed into a nationally significant estuary. Head up to the 26-foot high hill in the middle of the restored area, where you can have a 360-degree view of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. Throughout the Preserve, you’ll find convenient footpaths with benches and 1,500 feet of boardwalks that take you through the mangrove forest."

"On the south end of Anna Maria Island, across the way from Coquina Beach, you’ll find the small but stunning Leffis Key Preserve. What was once an overgrown spoil full of invasive species plants, Leffis Key Preserve has now become a impressive example of what a community can do to save its natural wetlands and estuaries. Leffis Key has 1,500 feet of boardwalks that take you around the island and lead up to a 26-foot high hill that features stunning panoramic views of Sarasota Bay and Anna Maria Island."

"Pioneer Park in St. Petersburg, Florida is located between Central Avenue and 1st Avenue South and Bay Shore Drive and Beach Drive Southeast. This beautiful waterfront park honors 600 of St. Petersburg's early settlers. Conveniently situated between the St. Petersburg Yacht Club and Al Lang Stadium, this shaded city park is right in the middle of all the action."

"It feature beautiful views of Tampa Bay, the Pier, the Vinoy Hotel Marina and Downtown St. Petersburg. It's spacious open green space is often used for special events."

"Dedicated to Clarence L. Love, Sr., a Bradenton City Councilman from 1976-80, Love Park sits in the heart of central Bradenton just a block west of First Street/U.S."

"Neal Preserve is home to some of the best Anna Maria nature trails, with more than 120 acres for you to discover. Located on the mainland in nearby Bradenton, Neal Preserve is more than just a remarkable natural site – it also has a lot of historical significance. The preserve is home to reconstructed burial mounds, initially built by the Native Americans from 3000 BC to 1400 AD."

"On your way in to Anna Maria Island you’re sure to spot Neal Preserve while making your way across Perico Island. Neal Preserve is set against the stunning waterways around Anna Maria Island and offers fantastic examples of Florida’s natural wildlife and native plants. But there’s more to this 120 acre preserve than meets the eye."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. A 120-acre (48.5 hectares) preserve, Neal Preserve in Manatee County is a combination of mesmerizing coastal habitat and oak hammock upland. The area comprises mangrove forests and salt terns."

"This charming cafe is where the locals go to eat brunch and lunch in Clearwater. Wildflower Cafe serves breakfast favorites like french toast, omelets, and crepes, while the lunch menu is sprinkled with well-made soups, salads and sandwiches. Wildflower Cafe is a quaint eatery perfect for a relaxing meal before you hit the beach or the town for the day."

"Wildflower Café is a delightful neighborhood café that serves breakfast, lunch, and a scrumptious Sunday brunch in Clearwater, Florida. Getting its start in 2000, the café has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike for the last 18 years. Visitors will appreciate the upscale, yet casual dining experience provided by the café."