Weedon Island Preserve
St. Petersburg, Florida
First inhabited by the Manasota peoples 5,000 years ago, Weedon Island Preserve remains a significant cultural, ecological, and social destination in St. Petersburg. Along with historical landmarks, the limited solid land and rich marine ecosystem on Weedon Island offer unspoiled opportunities for birdwatching, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife photography. Guests regularly visit to spend the day under the sun, just minutes from downtown St. Petersburg and South Tampa.
Set on 3,190 acres where Old Tampa Bay meets Tampa Bay, Weedon Island Preserve's unique ecology makes it a draw for visitors and locals. More than 7,000 years of history are displayed in the cultural center, including films, interactive exhibits, and ancient artifacts. There is also a gift shop on-site; however, all visitors are permitted to skip the indoor activities and explore the park’s trails and waterways at their own pace.
You can bring food or drink for a picnic, but no alcohol or glass containers are allowed.
You can check out a backpack at the Education Center, which includes activities and field guides.
Preserve paddle tours, archaeological kayaking tours, and hikes centered on history, birdwatching, bugs, photography, and archaeology are available on select days.
You can bring your own or rent kayaks and canoes on-site.
Hunting is not allowed, but you can fish off of the pier.
Weedon Island Preserve’s address is 1800 Weedon Dr. NE in St. Petersburg. It’s a single roadway entrance that you can reach just off Highway 92. There are four parking areas, two with handicapped access, with direct trail access. You can also hail a taxi or rideshare to access the park, but no public transportation serves the preserve.
Open from just after sunrise until sunset, it’s best to visit the preserve earlier in the day if you want to maximize wildlife viewing and minimize discomfort from the afternoon heat. Alternatively, just before sunset is a great time to visit to view the fiery sky from the Observation Tower.
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Weedon Island Preserve’s history and ecology is to plan your visit during one of its annual events. Hands-on adult archaeology camps are available in February, while monthly archeological lectures occur between September and April. There’s also a yearly trail run each October, ideal for nature lovers who aren’t aspiring anthropologists.
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