Historic Banyan Tree - St. PetersburgAlexsandra Urdaneta: St. Pete is full of surprises, but few places feel as quietly magical as the area where the historic banyan trees stand. We werenât planning a long stop just a quick walk near the waterfront but the moment we saw these trees, it was like time slowed down. You canât help but stop and look up.
These ancient banyan trees are massive, with roots that stretch and twist in every direction like something from a dream or a storybook. You almost feel like youâve stepped into another world something between a peaceful jungle and a scene from a fantasy movie. Thereâs something deeply grounding and humbling about standing beneath them, feeling their history, their quiet presence.
Itâs not just one tree either itâs a network of giants, some of them with branches so wide and low that you could walk under or around them and get lost in your thoughts. The space underneath is surprisingly cool, almost like its own microclimate, perfect for sitting, relaxing, or taking photos. The natural light that filters through the leaves creates the most beautiful patterns on the ground itâs honestly mesmerizing.
This place feels sacred without needing signs or plaques to tell you so. Whether youâre into nature, photography, quiet reflection, or even a romantic walk, this spot delivers something special. Itâs also just steps from the St. Pete waterfront and close to museums and cafes, making it easy to include in any itinerary.
Thereâs no cost, no entrance fee just nature doing its thing, right in the middle of the city. If youâre ever in St. Pete, donât miss the chance to walk among these trees. Itâs a peaceful, almost magical experience that stays with you long after you leave.
Flora Wylie Park - St. PetersburgMike Zito: This is one of several parks along the St Petersburg bay. The asphalt and cement North Bay Trail is 6 miles long and transverses the parks along the bay. The views are spectacular.
In these parks along the bay are tennis courts, small beaches, volleyball courts,rest rooms, lots of benches facing the water, picnic tables, a workout area, childrenâs playground and plenty of parking in several lots. There are walkers, runners, bikers and skaters.
The park is very safe and well maintained.
St. Petersburg Museum of History - St. PetersburgMelanie M: We walked in early afternoon today as we have the NARM membership so in my mind, it wouldâve been a free visit. The woman at the front desk was rude and condescending after I asked why this particular museum didnât take it, âshe said then everyone would just walk in for freeâ, yes thatâs the point of having a reciprocal membership. Anyway, we paid the $15/person entrance fee, honestly it shouldâve been $5/person. It took us less than one hr to browse the semi empty, cold museum. There is currently the largest baseball exhibit my husband liked, a lot of war photos and info, voting in St Pete womenâs rights area and some local art. It is a decent museum to stop in if visiting the St Pete Pier and/or dining next door, Perryâs PorchâŚnow thatâs a 5âď¸ experience.
Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge - Corey Foxworth: Old Florida right off our coast in the mouth of Tampa Bay! Rustic natural version of old Florida. Bring chairs, Umbrella and good vibes. Walk and explore the island or find a comfortable spot and relax and connect with nature. Still recovering from last storm season but worth the trip . I highly recommend.
Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum - St. PetersburgKrystal Gruner: Just take a moment to find the trail, and you will enter into a different world than the one of beach playing. This one is a wonderful world of palms! I have lived in Florida for 10 years now and had no idea of so many species of palms! I recommend the adventure club app to get to really know these trees and areas. My boyfriend and I seek arboretums out in every town we visit, each one has a different vibe, all good ones too! Highly recommend YOU find them hiding all around the United States. This one was special. It is home to a specific tree type, 800 species! What?! It was a beautiful day with an amazing person. Well, are you on your way there yet? Free always ends up being the best adventure times.
Roundabout Sun Art - Secret Times: The rectum of St. Pete⌠aka âKrisemanâs rectumâ!
Elva Rouse Park - St. PetersburgTina Fritch: Tree lined walk paths are very pretty. Wonderful sunrise view. The friendliness is phenomenal among strangers. The bathrooms arent well maintained.
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art - St. Petersburgsarah bee: I have wanted to come here for years, and I am so happy we made it. Wow, the amount of artwork hidden inside this gem was breathtaking. This museum is not to be missed, if you are a local, or visiting, make time for this museum, you will not regret it. We needed so much more time as we got there pretty late in the day, but $10 Tuesdays have my name all over them.
The artwork is some of the most breathtaking Iâve seen. The artistâs various techniques were both hyper realistic and surreal all at the same time, and very unique. The landscapes, the way the mist and clouds were painted was really amazing and the colors the artists achieved and brushstrokes are just like Iâve not really seen before. I couldâve easily spent double the amount of time here.
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Visitor Center - Tahmea Witchard: i havent been inside to tour the nature but ive been to their park and spoke with their staff and everyone is kind and approachable, i actually lost my iphone one time visiting and a group of kids on a field trip returned it to the front desk and i was able to get it back,but i love that theres a small playground to play on so that way if you dont want to or dont have the momey to your kid can still play and have fun outside of the nature trail ,on the inside of the building there are snacks and beverages that you can purchase at low cost as low as 50¢ and they also have noveltys etc, i think its nice i do recommend