Weedon Island Preserve image

Weedon Island Preserve

Tourist attraction Historical landmark Nature preserve

One of the Best Places To Visits in Saint Petersburg


Address

1800 Weedon Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702, United States

Website

www.weedonislandpreserve.org

Contact

+1 727-453-6500

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (3.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 7 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 7 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 7 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: 7 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 7 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 7 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: (Washington's Birthday), 7 am to 5 pm, Holiday hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: trails (25) kayak (15) great (14) parking (12) area (11) tide (10) center (9) mangrove (9) tower (9) birds (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Lilu P. 2 years ago on Google
    Great trails and boardwalk. However I went over the holiday so the main center was closed, meaning they had no bathrooms available at all, and I only saw 1 trashcan. The park is free and parking seemed easy enough. It's definitely big stroller friendly just watch out for the wasps on the board walk.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle V. 2 years ago on Google
    A preserve with a whole lot of history. This place very well kept, with stunning mangrove forests and wildlife. This park is more than just the observation tower. The history behind its development and preservation gives a deeper meaning to your trailing experience. Great trails, and they do have cool kayak paths through mangrove tunnels as well.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cher C. 4 months ago on Google • 19 reviews
    Best paddling trail I've been to in my life. (possibly only paddling trail with signs you follow). Leaving from the boat dock you follow white and black signs numbered 1-38. The trails weave through open sunny pond like areas connected by long beautiful mangrove tunnels where lil crabs climb up the trees. At the end you are out in a more open bay area (but still calm waters). To be honest the 36-37 is a super far stretch and you kind of need binoculars to see the number. You stay in the bay but along the outside edge of the mangrove islands. We see lots of jumping fish, birds of all sorts and lil crabs. It's a nice mix of sun and shade. I think it's the perfect length paddle trip. Park your car at the dock to unload your Kayak or sup (or rent one there) and then park in a nearby parking lot.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steven J. 2 years ago on Google
    My wife and I love nature walks, and this place really fits the bill. The observation tower provides a great view.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ally 9 months ago on Google • 229 reviews
    I love coming here and walking the trails. It’s clean and quiet. The boardwalk gives the best views! You can spend an entire day here exploring, the trails are pretty extensive. I love that they have a little gift shop with water, snacks, gifts and restrooms. It’s a nice break from the heat and the staff is really helpful. You can see all kinds of animals here as well. We saw quite a few turtles in the wooded areas, lots of different birds. It would be nice to come here and bird watch. The parking is convenient too, you can park really close to the trails so that works out well. I love here I’d highly recommend coming here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kim L. 3 years ago on Google
    Super easy launch site for kayaks or SUPs. Love the wash station. Very grateful for that! We saw bonnet head sharks, dolphins, horseshoe crabs, stingrays and more birds than we could count. Beautiful paddle. Low tide can be super tricky so check for higher tide.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kimberly M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great little kayaking adventures. It was a refreshing scenery and fun for everyone. When following the markers: 1-40 (Kayak permitted) If you’re with children. Do not pass 10/11 marker the tide going low the current is strong. And it’s gets bit difficult to pass back through. Just keep track of time and be fine. Just a-little tip for you guys.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ZRinaldi 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely worth coming here. I went about 2 hours before a storm and had to cut my visit short because there is just so much trailing to do. The views, the trails, the wildlife, everything is amazing. The observation decks and towers are great, and the Cultural Center is impressive for what I've seen in other parks. A great experience, would recommend heavily. Its free too, and you can donate in the center.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scuba S. 1 year ago on Google
    Just another absolutely stunning preserve in Florida!! If you have never walked through a mangrove forest this is breathtaking!! Big viewing tower to get some pictures! Lots of birds! We saw some dolphins in the channels and a Manatee! I love this place
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J D. 3 months ago on Google • 37 reviews New
    Love walking the boardwalk and trails here, especially when it is cooler out side. Beautiful views. Good amount of birds to see. Occasional gopher tortoises are around. Cultural and history center is a good spot to check out as well. And it's all free!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Seth G. 6 months ago on Google
    Great place to visit. Nice trails with decent t distances for a couple hour visit. Good nature watching, and some nice kayak paths.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Vivian van Z. 1 year ago on Google
    We visited the island preserve today and found it to be very close to downtown st. Pete. Fifteen minute drive at most. There were no entrance fees. There were several parking areas available with plenty of space for parking. We saw several groups of people gathering near the parking area. One group was a guided walking tour and there were several people interested in taking the tour. Another group that gathered seems to be a fun run type of event that seemed very well organized. The walking paths seems very well kept. We walked for quite a distance and found a overlook over the water, where you could see the fish from above. One highlight was walking to the overlook tower, that stood a few stories high. Seemed well built and we climbed to the top using the stairs where we found wonderful lookout position. We could see St. Petersburg, Tampa and so much more. There was a map with arrows that points to the landmarks in the distance at the top of the lookout. We also saw a boat ramp where several small watercraft and paddle boards were launching from. Rest rooms were available. We really enjoyed our walk and it's probably best to be there early in the summer before the heat starts. We plan to go back there soon and have fun again at this wonderful place.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ben S. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful trails! Some have very nice boardwalks and one leads to a GREAT lookout tower too! There is soooo much to be seen there, so many lookout points too! Definitely a great place kayakers, hikers, picnics, family walks. There is also a gift shop with friendly staff inside full of knowledge and willing to share what they know.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 William K. 2 years ago on Google
    We drove all the way from Melbourne today to get to see the ancient 40' seafaring canoe. It was amazing!! What was also amazing is the culture center. There's wonderful displays of ancient artifacts as well as information on the island and surrounding estuary. We literally spent the day in the center and hiking the grounds. The staff is terrific and the introductory video is well worth watching. All this for free!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Madeline H. 10 months ago on Google
    An amazing place to come enjoy a walk, some walks can be more quiet than others as it’s also a great place for kids. Lots of birds, and beautiful mangroves to see. Really great options of boardwalks or sand/dirt trails to be a little more adventurous.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott H. 2 years ago on Google
    Our favorite place to go kayaking in the area. Saw an aggregation of manatees while we were out. The tunnels are magnificent. Parking can be a hassle and they need to do something about the area where you spray off your kayaks but it's nothing to keep us from going back.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Flow And Glow R. 2 months ago on Google • 35 reviews New
    This place was so magical. I loved being immersed in the mangroves and sitting watching the birds on the water on one of the boardwalk seating areas.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julio C C. 4 months ago on Google • 106 reviews
    For people like me that enjoy long walks it is a very peaceful environment canoeing and kayak rental also available

  • 4/5 Neysa T. 7 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    Great morning kayak. The kayak launch has space to unload, public bathrooms and hose to spray down kayaks after. Website provided kayak trail map and great recommendations. I recommend going early in the morning before the heat and when there is high tide. There is a website to check when high tide is. Fun adventure in the open waters and navigating the mangroves.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tony P. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome place for a day trip to take a hike and see nature. The History Center is informative. The trails are well marked, easy to navigate, and clean. A must see for nature lovers when in the area!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer F. 10 months ago on Google
    A great place to kayak! Make sure to follow the white numbers; it will take you through the mangrove tunnels. There are about 45 or so points for kayaking. Also a huge lookout tower with many bridges connected. Great spot to fish as well. This place is so stunningly beautiful!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Chasity 1 year ago on Google
    This was a lovely preserve. Great dock for water sports. I went paddle boarding here. They have restrooms, water hose to clean your equipment and parking. The reason why I am giving this 4 stars is because it is SO HARD to get a parking spot near the dock. There’s only about 10 spots and typically they are all full. Nonetheless this was a great spot for paddle boarding, very relaxing and a good amount of sun! We saw dolphins as well which is always a plus!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John G. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a local gem. Lots of walking trails, there is also a visitor center/ museum type of place you can visit during certain hours. It’s very nice to come here for peace and quiet. See some local wildlife such as gopher tortoises, armadillos, many local birds to watch. There is also a kayak launching and rental within Weedon Island. I am so lucky to live so close to this beautiful place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lauren C. 9 months ago on Google
    This place was so cool!!! I did the photography hike with Bill guiding the group. He did a fantastic job- I learned a few new tricks that I didn’t know before and I’m a profesional photographer. It was a hot one so make sure to pack water and bring lots and lots of spray for the mosquitos!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Allison H. 2 months ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    I absolutely love this place. No highway or traffic noise. Free to enter. Well maintained trails and walkways. Both deck walkways and dirt trails. An observation deck that has a view of 3 cities. Beautiful kayaking that's easy to access at the boat/kayak launch. It takes a couple hours to complete the marked kayak trails. Be sure to check when high tide is- the kayak trails are only passable during high tide. Kayak rentals are available daily, though they can be expensive and add an extra 30-60 minutes to the trails. Rentals close around 4pm. Picnic area is accessible by dirt trail and kayak trail. Bathrooms always open by the pier. Fishing pier is popular. I recommend going early in the morning during low tide to collect mangrove crabs under the pier- they make great bait.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ruth Y. 5 years ago on Google
    Great place to put in your kayak or canoe . Not a while lot of parking. May be tough on weekends. You always could get your boat off or out of your car and then park car at preserve main lot. There are rest rooms here. There is a nice pier for fishing off of or for just some amazing views. There is also a rental service for canoes, kayaks, etc. There are also marked water paths for your kayak. Beautiful & stunning easy to find.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ana J. 5 months ago on Google • 54 reviews
    Did a 2 miles leisure walk while exploring. Got in some steps on the stairs. Very well kept trails and breathtaking views in the observation tower. Can’t wait to go back and visit the history center.

  • 5/5 Haydn R. 1 year ago on Google
    Went here for a canoe trip. 4 mile marked course, took 2hrs. Was told you need at least a 1ft+ tide to complete, would agree with this. Very good course! Also, pretty busy, especially at the load and unload area. Most people are pretty efficient getting in and out but the area is pretty small and all it takes is a small group taking too long to bog the place down. No ramp, just a small dock. Looks like they also do rentals in the area as well so that may contribute to it being busy. Did see many people out on the course but still felt like I had enough space to enjoy the solitude out there once away from the loading area even on a busy labor day weekend. Parking is free but the few spots close are almost definitely full all the time, parking further away ends up being about a 3 min walk. All that being said I will definitely be coming back to paddle around here more often!

  • 5/5 anthony n. 1 year ago on Google
    A beautiful relaxing place to be the trails are great the view from the watch tower is awesome and beautiful kayak trails

  • 5/5 Eva B. 1 year ago on Google
    Good place to go paddleboarding/kayaking. A few things to keep in mind: - Go early. Parking spots close to the drop off point fill up fast. The overflow parking is a bit far (few min walking). On a hot day, you may jot want to walk it. - Go on weekdays and no holidays. It’s a popular spot. - Bring mosquito/bug repellent. Especially if you are sensitive to bug bites. It can get pretty bad, especially if there is little water movement - Be careful of low tide with paddleboard fins. Some areas might be off limits if you are unable to remove them. - Keep it clean. And if you see trash and are able to pick it up, please do so. It is a lovely place and should be kept that way.

  • 5/5 amy - j. 5 months ago on Google
    Beautiful boardwalk trails. Very shaded. Saw lots of birds, an armadillo, rattlesnake and mullet.

  • 5/5 Eric W. 1 year ago on Google
    Really amazing place of nature, will definitely be going back! We didn't catch any fish on the pier but saw one person catch a mangrove snapper, and another catch a snook.

  • 5/5 Susan C. 8 months ago on Google
    We went kayaking and paddle boarding. The rental staff was friendly and knowledgeable. This preserve is a beautiful, relaxing park for family and friends.

  • 5/5 John P. 11 months ago on Google
    You can visit this place and enjoy a lot of things in one day or you can come by and do different activities on different days because this location is a place where you can visit and walk the trails, or enjoy kayaking if you wish. The views and the experience are of Florida. You get exposed to true Pinellas County views.

  • 5/5 Michael Y. 10 months ago on Google
    Really great park in Pinellas County. Rented kayaks and went through the mangrove tunnels; what a great time! The nature center looked like a good place to stop in and the trails and tower fun, especially for a family. We will be back.

  • 5/5 P e. 2 years ago on Google
    We were looking to do some light hiking around the Tampa area and the Weedon Island Preserve was great! The trails are well maintained and are easy enough for children. We saw cranes, spiders, fish an armadillo and a turtle. The visitor center had interesting historical info about Tampa and the natives. We went on a Sunday but still lucked out and were able to find parking.


Call +1 727-453-6500 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum) image
1
The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum)
Art museum
Extensive collection of surrealist art by Salvador Dalí housed in a building with 900 glass panels.
$$ $$
4.70 (15.8K reviews)
St. Pete Pier image
2
St. Pete Pier
Tourist attraction
Picturesque waterfront pier hosting 26 acres of water sports, parks, restaurants & outdoor concerts.
4.70 (13.1K reviews)
Vinoy Park image
3
Vinoy Park
Park
Park featuring waterfront views & 11+ acres of open space, plus room for various special events.
4.80 (5.9K reviews)
Sunken Gardens image
4
Sunken Gardens
Botanical garden
Tropical, century-old attraction featuring thousands of plants, a butterfly aviary & flamingos.
4.70 (4.6K reviews)
St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market image
5
St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market
Farmers' market
Fresh produce, prepared foods, plants & crafts sold at a vibrant weekly market with live bands.
$ $$$
4.70 (2.8K reviews)
Last updated:
()