Weedon Island Preserve in St Petersburg, Florida

Published on 06/20/23: Who knows Weedon Island Preserve in St Petersburg? This expansive 3100+ acre preserve is near the top of our list when we have visitors in town – free and offers something for everyone. Plus, it’s right near the Gandy bridge, easily accessible to those in both Hillsborough and Pinellas County. Whether it’s new to you, or you simply haven’t visited for a long time, add it to your list!

My last post was all about the George C McGough Nature Park. The zip line, waterfront areas, turtles, rescued birds of prey (including a beautiful bald eagle), indoor animal exhibits, turtle lake, and more. It’s amazing for both children and adults, and all free. This next post continues on that theme, featuring Weedon Island Preserve!

Whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, bird watching, education, history, fishing, checking out native plants, or simply looking for a amazing picnic spot, you’ll find it all at Weedon. Plus, they have a very nice indoor history center (air conditioned), housing for instance a 40 foot prehistoric canoe from 1100 years ago!

I always include the Weedon Island area on my list for outdoorsy real estate clients. “I want a neighborhood with easy access for fishing, kayaking, to be more in nature.” YES, several nearby neighborhoods are surrounded by mangroves and provide easy access to Weedon.

Cost: Free entry, donations accepted

Address: 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St Pete (15 min north of downtown St Pete)

Park Hours: 7am until 15min before sunset.

Cultural & Natural History Center Hours: Thurs-Saturday 9am-4pm, Sunday 11am-4pm, Closed Mon-Wed

Restrooms: Yes

Parking: Easy, right outside the history center, plus other options, ie near the kayak launch

Kayak/Canoe/Paddleboard: launch site and rentals available through ECOmersion, 4-mile loop, self-guided paddling trail, wash station avail. Some of the areas are “tunnels” of mangroves, not your normal float trip.

Hiking and Walking: 2 miles of boardwalks and paved trails. 2.7 miles of natural trail loops, 45ft OBSERVATION TOWER (all caps for my son and others with kids), 3 observation platforms. They also offer guided hikes which can be reserved on their website here: Pinellas County Florida – Weedon Island Preserve – Guided Hikes

Gift Store: Yes, supports their cause

Bicycles Allowed: No (except on paved entrance and exit road)

Education: Field trips, classes, and camps are offered. Plus of course the history center offers much to see and learn. Lots of exhibits, plus a video on loop explaining the history of Weedon Island.

Fishing: 200-foot fishing pier

Dogs: No pets allowed

Volunteers Onsite: Yes, very friendly and enjoy sharing their love of the preserve with you.

Wildlife: We always see many birds and other wildlife while hiking around.

Wheelchair Accessible: History Center and nearly 2 miles of trails are handicap-accessible

Kids: No actual “playground”, though I consider the whole area a natural playground. Kayak, canoe, waterfront, observation tower, wildlife, etc.

Not allowed: No smoking on trails, pets, alcohol, no overnight parking, no bicycles on trails and boardwalks, no fishing from the bayside and tower boardwalks

I encourage you to visit Weedon Island Preserve!

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