Pinellas Parks Offer Plenty this Memorial Day Weekend

Wanna stay close to home this holiday weekend? 

Pinellas County operates three large beach parks on the Gulf of Mexico.

In Clearwater, Sand Key Park has almost a half mile of beachfront.

Fred Howard Park has white sandy beaches and is located in the northern part of the county in Tarpon Springs.

Fort De Soto Park, located in the south end of the county, is one of the largest county parks in the state of Florida, with more than seven miles of shoreline.

All county parks provide parking, restroom facilities and drinking fountains. They are open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset.

The daily beach parking fee is $5 a vehicle and boat ramp daily parking fee is $6 for a vehicle and trailer. Pay stations accept cash, coins and credit cards. Annual permits are available.

Both Brooker Creek Preserve and Weedon Island Preserve have scheduled free guided hikes suitable for ages 6 and older Saturday (May 26):

• From 9 to 10:30 a.m., Brooker Creek visitors will see how the land has changed over time and examine the ecological footprints left by those changes. Advance registration is required.
• From 9 to 11 a.m., the Weedon Island hike will take visitors through the coastal uplands and along the boardwalks through mangrove forests. Visitors will learn how the early Weedon Island residents lived while hiking through mangrove forests. Advance registration is required.

An adult hike is also scheduled at Weedon Island Preserve Saturday: 

• From 8 to 10 a.m., there will be a photography hike at Weedon Island Preserve. It is an opportunity for adult photographers to hone their skills. After a classroom session highlighting specific wildlife behaviors and focus tips, guides will assist participants in capturing the natural beauty outdoors. The program is free and advance registration is required.

Brooker Creek Preserve is located at 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. Read more about Brooker Creek Preserve or call 727-453-6800.

Weedon Island Preserve is located at 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. Read more about Weedon Island Preserve or call (727) 453-6500.

Fort DeSoto Park is located at 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde. Read more about Fort DeSoto Park or call (727) 552-1862.

Read more about beach parking fees or call (727) 582-2100.