Weedon Island Preserve is the nature escape most visitors to St. Petersburg never find: a large county preserve of mangrove forest, salt marsh, seagrass and upland pine on the shore of Old Tampa Bay, with more than 4.7 miles of boardwalks and trails and two self-guided paddling trails threading its islands and waterways. Walk the boardwalks out over the tidal flats and you are among wading birds, fiddler crabs and mullet jumping in the shallows; paddle the mangrove trail and you may share the water with manatees and dolphins. The preserve also matters historically. People lived on this shoreline for thousands of years, and the shell middens and mounds here gave their name to the Weeden Island culture recognized by archaeologists across the Gulf coast. The Cultural and Natural History Center, deep in the preserve, explains that past alongside the ecology, with exhibits, a gift shop and regular guided hikes and programs. The fishing pier and education-center boardwalk were rehabilitated in 2025. Entry is free; kayak and paddleboard rentals are available from an outfitter at the launch for those without their own boats. Note that the north paddling trail has been closed, so check the county page for current trail status before paddling. Fit: families wanting an easy nature walk, couples who like quiet early mornings, paddlers, and history-minded travelers interested in Florida before Europeans.
The preserve has a layered modern history too: in the twentieth century the land hosted an early airport and a speakeasy-era resort scheme, and parts of it were ditched and altered before the county and state protected it. Its archaeology is nationally significant: excavations in the 1920s by the Smithsonian's J. Walter Fewkes gave the name Weeden Island to a whole archaeological culture of the Gulf coast.
Restoration since has returned much of the shoreline to mangrove and marsh, and the roughly 3,000-acre preserve, mostly marine habitat with some uplands, now protects an important stretch of Tampa Bay's estuary: nursery grounds for fish and feeding areas for the birds that make it a favorite of local photographers.
Visit craft
Arrive early, when birds are active and the heat is lower. More than 4.7 miles of boardwalks and trails lead through mangroves and pine uplands toward the bay; walk the boardwalk loops for the best water views, stop at the Cultural and Natural History Center, deep inside the preserve, for exhibits, a gift shop and context (check its opening days), and bring binoculars. Anglers can try the fishing pier and the oyster bars for sea trout, snook and sheepshead under state saltwater rules, though shellfish harvesting is prohibited.
For paddling, the south trail through the mangrove tunnels is the classic outing while the north trail remains closed; go on a rising tide for enough water, and allow two to three hours. Bring insect repellent, water and sun protection, since there is little shade on the boardwalks over open water.
Practicals and fit
1800 Weedon Dr. NE, on the northeast side of St. Petersburg, about 20 minutes from downtown; free entry, open daily during posted county park hours, with parking and restrooms on site. Allow two to four hours. Fit: families, couples, paddlers and history-minded nature lovers.
What to expect
The experience
A large, free county preserve with more than 4.7 miles of boardwalks and trails, a fishing pier, paddling trails through mangroves, and a Cultural and Natural History Center.
Best time
Early morning for birds and cooler temperatures; a rising tide for paddling.
How long
Two to four hours, longer if paddling.
Tips
Bring insect repellent, water and sun protection. Check the county page for trail status — the north paddling trail has been closed. Rent kayaks at the launch if you do not have your own.
Quick picks
- Best for
- The wildest free nature walk and paddle in St. Petersburg.
- Families
- Easy boardwalks, crabs and birds to spot, and a nature center to explore.
- Couples
- A quiet early-morning paddle through mangrove tunnels.
- Pair with
- Sunken Gardens for another side of St. Pete nature, or the St. Pete Pier for sunset.
- Time needed
- Two to four hours.
Good questions
Is Weedon Island Preserve free?+
Yes, entry and parking are free. Kayak and paddleboard rentals from the outfitter at the launch are paid.
Can we paddle there?+
Yes. The preserve has two self-guided paddling trails through mangroves and open water. The north trail has been closed, so check the county page for current status before going and plan on the south trail.
What is the history of the preserve?+
People lived here for thousands of years, and the shell mounds and middens excavated in the 1920s gave their name to the Weeden Island archaeological culture. The Cultural and Natural History Center explains this past.
Is it suitable for kids?+
Yes, the boardwalks are easy and flat, with plenty of crabs, birds and fish to spot. Bring bug spray and water, and keep the walk short in summer heat.
Can we fish there?+
Yes, from the fishing pier and around the oyster bars, under Florida saltwater fishing rules. Sea trout, snook and sheepshead are the usual targets; shellfish harvesting and commercial fishing are not allowed.
