Day Trips from St. Petersburg
← All St. Petersburg day tripsDay Trips from St. Petersburg: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of St. Petersburg, FL. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
12 state parks near St. Petersburg
Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge
FL 33715, USA
Just 24 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.8 stars by 1,130 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Brooker Creek Preserve & Environmental Education Center
Tarpon Springs, FL 34688
Just 46 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.8 stars by 1,209 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Alafia River State Park
Lithia, FL 33547
Just 57 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.8 stars by 2,016 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area
Brooksville, FL 34614
Just 1 hr 10 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.7 stars by 836 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Moccasin Lake Nature Park
Clearwater, FL 33759
Just 24 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.7 stars by 1,336 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Lake Louisa State Park
Clermont, FL 34714
Just 1 hr 37 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.7 stars by 3,545 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge-Lake McLeod Unit
FL 33880, USA
Just 1 hr 15 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.7 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve
Oldsmar, FL 34677
Just 36 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.7 stars by 184 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Homosassa, FL 34446
Just 1 hr 20 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.7 stars by 9,209 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
Okeechobee, FL 34972
Just 2 hrs 30 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.7 stars by 961 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Largo Central Park Nature Preserve
Largo, FL 33770
Just 26 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.7 stars by 1,408 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Weekiwachee Preserve
Spring Hill, FL 34607
Just 1 hr 11 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.7 stars by 638 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from St. Petersburg
What are the best state parks near St. Petersburg, FL?
The best state parks near St. Petersburg offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.
How much does it cost to visit state parks near St. Petersburg?
Most state parks near St. Petersburg charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.
Which state parks near St. Petersburg are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of St. Petersburg offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.
What is the best time to visit state parks near St. Petersburg?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near St. Petersburg. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.
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