Parks

Pinellas County Parks

Parks are open 7am to dusk.  |  727-943-4081  |  Visit Website

Pinellas County visitors and residents have developed a passion for our parks! With 31 parks and facilities to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect getaway. The Pinellas County Parks & Recreation Department maintains over 4,100 acres of the county’s most beautiful examples of natural Florida landscapes and the nation’s best beaches!

Anderson Park

View Map  |  727-943-4085  |  Visit Website

39633 U.S. Hwy 19 N.

The park is characterized by hilly terrain, wooded areas and beautiful vistas overlooking Salmon Bay and Lake Tarpon.

A distinctive arrangement of picnic pads, elevated boardwalk, and a nature trail, which is 478 linear feet long, has been developed among the cypress trees along the Salmon Bay shoreline.

Boating, scenic views and access to Lake Tarpon are highlights of this park. Play in wooded areas, hike natures trails, have a picnic, romp on the playground or frolic in the dog park. A public boat ramp, open 5 a.m. - 10 p.m., and fishing piers make this a favorite destination for bass fishing.

Amenities

• Fishing access to bay
• Boat ramp (fee charged)
• Dog park
• Boardwalks, nature trails
• playground
• Restrooms
• Nine picnic shelters - Reserve Shelters Online

Fred Howard Park & Beach

View Map  |  727-582-2100  |  Visit Website

1700 Sunset Drive

Fred Howard Park consists of 155 acres and is located on the Gulf of Mexico. Almost 2 million visitors enjoy the park annually. Howard Park's location provides access to the Gulf of Mexico by a 1-mile long causeway. The white sandy beach is a very popular north county swim area and also provides a perfect location for visitors to enjoy many spectacular sunsets. Nesting ospreys and eagles may be viewed by park visitors as they fish for food in the surrounding waters. Dolphins, and occasionally manatees, are seen in the area. The causeway is used for sunbathing, fishing and exercising. Free parking in the park, $5.00 per car on the beach.

Amenities

• Nine picnic shelters - Reserve Shelters Online
• 6 restrooms
• 2 playgrounds
• Ball field
• White sandy beach
• Swimming area
• A lifeguard is on duty 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily on a seasonal basis from March to September
• Wind surfing area
• Launching area for canoeing & kayaking
• Fishing
• Beach showers

Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center

View Map  |  727-453-6800  |  Visit Website

3940 Keystone Road

Over 8000 acres, the land consists of primarily pine flatwoods and forest wetlands. It protects a significant portion of the Brooker Creek Watershed, which is crucial to protecting Lake Tarpon. Boardwalks and trails provide opportunities for guided or self-guides hikes and outdoor learning experiences for all ages. The center has three building complexes designed on Old Florida Pioneer style architecture. Indoor & outdoor programs, summer camps, school field trips, hikes, exhibits, special events, workshops, resource center, picnic facilities, research, and a nature store. Become a volunteer, call (727) 453-6900 for more information, or join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve, Inc. Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve Website

Anclote Key Preserve State Park

View Map  |  727-638-4447  |  Visit Website

Anclote Key Preserve is located three miles off of the coast of Tarpon Springs and is accessible only by boat. It is comprised of four islands - Anclote Key, North Anclote Bar, South Anclote Bar and Three Rooker Island.

A primitive camping area is located on the northern tip of Anclote Key. Camping reservations can be made by calling the resident ranger (727) 638-4447. Visitors will find grills, picnic tables, a pavilion and a composting toilet. Please note there are NO garbage receptacles on the island. Visitors MUST take out what they bring in! Bring plenty of drinking water as there is no fresh water available on the island.

This is a great place for bird watching. Binoculars enable a close-up view of eagles nesting in the pine trees and ospreys searching the water for fish. Wading birds such as egrets, herons and roseate spoonbills, fish in the seagrass beds and mudflats on the bay side of the islands creating vivid photo opportunities.

Three Rooker Island attracts great numbers of gulls, terns and black skimmers.

The lighthouse at the island's southern end serves as a beacon to ships for many years. Today the lighthouse is maintained as a historic structure.