Weedon Island Preserve

Weedon Island Preserve is a 3,190-acre coastal preserve on the northeast shore of Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg, offering some of the best free nature experiences in the region. The preserve encompasses mangrove forests, tidal flats, seagrass beds, and upland hammocks with boardwalk trails, an observation tower, and kayak access.

The boardwalk trail system is the most accessible way to experience the preserve. The main trail winds through a mangrove forest on elevated wooden walkways, passing through dense canopy where fiddler crabs blanket the mud flats by the thousands. Herons, egrets, ibis, and ospreys are reliably present.

The trail terminates at an observation tower that provides panoramic views over Tampa Bay, the mangrove islands, and on clear days, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

Kayaking elevates the Weedon Island experience from good to exceptional. The preserve's waterways include mangrove tunnels -- narrow, canopy-covered channels where paddlers glide through overhanging branches with water below and green canopy above. Manatees frequent the area during cooler months (November-March).

Dolphins and rays are common year-round. Several kayak outfitters near the preserve offer guided family tours ($30-50/person) that navigate the tunnels and point out wildlife.

The Cultural and Natural History Center (open Thursday-Saturday) provides context for both the natural environment and the preserve's human history. Weedon Island has evidence of continuous human habitation spanning 10,000 years, with Native American shell mounds visible throughout the preserve. Interactive exhibits explain the mangrove ecosystem's role in coastal protection, marine nursery habitat, and carbon sequestration.

The preserve is entirely free -- no entrance fee, no parking fee. It's managed by Pinellas County and well-maintained. The combination of quality boardwalk trails, excellent kayaking, abundant wildlife, and zero cost makes Weedon Island one of the Tampa Bay area's most valuable family nature destinations. It's rarely crowded, even on weekends.