Weedon Island Preserve

Mangroves, boardwalks and deep history

⏱ 2-4 hours👤 All agesFree

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.