But now, the city is officially getting national recognition for something else: its incredible park system.
In 2025, St. Pete was named #1 in Florida and 14th in the entire United States for city parks by the Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore® index.
That’s a big deal, especially since the ranking considered 100 of the largest cities in the country.
So what makes St. Pete’s parks stand out from the rest? Let’s break it down.
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What Is ParkScore® and Why Does It Matter?
The ParkScore® index is kind of like a report card for cities based on how good their parks are. The Trust for Public Land looks at things like:
Access (How many people live near a park?)
Equity (Do all neighborhoods have good park access?)
Acreage (How much of the city is made up of parkland?)
Amenities (Do the parks have good features like trails, playgrounds, or sports fields?)
Investment (How much money is the city putting into parks?)
St. Pete scored especially high in access, equity, and investment, which means not only are the parks well-funded and well-maintained, but most people in the city can easily get to one.
Easy Access for Almost Everyone
According to the latest data, about 78% of people in St. Pete live within a 10-minute walk of a park.
That’s better than the national average and a big reason the city ranked so high.
Even more impressive: the city is doing a great job making sure low-income families and people of color have the same level of access.
Around 81% of residents of color and 78% of low-income households live within walking distance of green space.
That’s not something every city can say.
Let’s Talk About the Parks
St. Pete has more than 150 parks across the city, offering everything from shady trails and waterfront boardwalks to large open fields and event spaces.
Here are a few of the most popular and loved parks in the area:
Vinoy Park
If you only have time to visit one park in St. Pete, Vinoy Park is a must.
Located right along the downtown waterfront, it’s not only scenic—it’s also full of energy.
You’ll find:
- Beautiful walking paths with views of Tampa Bay
- Rolling grassy areas perfect for picnics or relaxing
- Big events like concerts and art festivals throughout the year
Bonus: It’s just steps away from the St. Pete Pier, one of the city’s newest and most exciting attractions.
That makes it easy to grab a bite to eat, check out local art, or visit the Discovery Center before or after enjoying the park.
St. Pete Pier District
While not officially a single “park,” the St. Pete Pier is full of green space and walkable paths. Families love it because there’s something for everyone:
- A splash pad for kids
- A huge playground and family picnic area
- A long pier with fishing and sunset views
- Restaurants, shops, and an environmental education center
The Pier connects directly with Vinoy Park via the city’s waterfront trail, giving you a full day of outdoor fun.
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
For nature lovers, Boyd Hill is a hidden gem. This 245-acre preserve has:
- More than 3 miles of hiking trails
- Boardwalks through wetlands and pine forests
- A birds-of-prey aviary and wildlife center
It’s a peaceful escape right in the middle of the city—and a great spot for spotting turtles, birds, and even armadillos.
Photo Credit: Pinellas County
Sawgrass Lake Park
One of the best places in Florida to see wildlife up close, Sawgrass Lake Park features a mile-long boardwalk through one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast.
Visitors regularly see herons, alligators, and even otters.
Maximo Park
This 70-acre park is right on the southern tip of the city and includes:
- Boat ramps for kayaking or fishing
- A disc golf course
- Native history sites and shell mounds
It’s also a great place to catch a sunset over the water.
Photo Credit: St Pete Parks Rec
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or someone thinking about moving to Florida, St. Petersburg proves that parks aren’t just extra—they’re essential.
With its high rankings, beautiful waterfront trails, and strong sense of community, it’s easy to see why St. Pete is now known as Florida’s best city for parks.
So next time you’re there, grab your walking shoes, pack a picnic, and go explore the green spaces that helped St. Pete make history.
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