A peaceful coastal preserve and official stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail—one of Largo’s best-kept secrets for spotting migrating songbirds, wading birds, and enjoying a quiet escape into nature.
Why We Love This Place
Often called “Largo’s best-kept secret,” John R. Bonner Nature Park is a tranquil hideaway that most tourists never discover. Tucked into a residential neighborhood and overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, this small preserve punches well above its weight when it comes to wildlife watching.
What makes it special? The park is an official stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail—a 2,000-mile network of the state’s best birding locations. The cool, shady oak hammock attracts an impressive variety of migrating songbirds in spring and fall, while the 460-foot boardwalk through the mangroves leads to a covered observation platform where you can spot wading birds, shorebirds, and waterbirds year-round.
It’s quieter and less crowded than other local parks, making it perfect for those seeking solitude with nature.
At a Glance
| 📍 Address | 14444 143rd Street North, Largo, FL 33774 |
| 💰 Admission | FREE |
| 🕐 Park Hours | Sunrise to Sunset, daily |
| 🅿️ Parking | Free parking lot at entrance |
| ⏱️ Time Needed | 45 minutes – 1.5 hours |
| 🚗 Distance from Rental | ~5 miles (12 minutes) |
| 🦅 Special Designation | Great Florida Birding Trail Site |
Important: The park gates close at sunset. Make sure you’re out before closing—you don’t want to get locked in!
Things to Do at Bonner Nature Park
🦅 Birdwatching on the Great Florida Birding Trail
This is THE reason birders seek out this park. The diverse habitats—shady woodland, mangrove wetlands, and open waterway—attract an impressive variety of species throughout the year.
Migrating Songbirds (Spring & Fall): The cool, shaded hammock is a magnet for migrating birds. Look and listen for:
- Yellow-billed Cuckoo
- Red-eyed Vireo
- Hooded Warbler
- Louisiana Waterthrush
- Yellow-breasted Chat
- Summer Tanager
- Wood Thrush
- Hermit Thrush
Waterbirds & Wading Birds (Year-Round): From the boardwalk observation platform, you may spot:
- Roseate Spoonbill (the famous pink bird!)
- Reddish Egret
- Great Egret
- Green Heron
- Black-crowned Night-Heron
- Osprey
- Brown Pelican
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Various gulls, terns, and shorebirds
Pro tip: Bring binoculars! The observation platform puts you at a perfect distance for watching birds without disturbing them.
🚶 Walk the Woodland Trails
The park features a peaceful 0.5-mile loop trail that winds through dense woodland and shady oak hammocks. The trails are a mix of paved paths and crushed shell—comfortable for walking and easy to navigate. The canopy provides welcome shade, making this a pleasant walk even on warm days.
Keep your eyes peeled along the trail for:
- Gopher tortoises
- Small snakes (including the harmless ring-necked snake)
- Armadillos
- Various butterflies and dragonflies
🌿 Explore the Mangrove Boardwalk
The highlight for many visitors is the 460-foot boardwalk that winds through the mangrove wetlands out to a covered observation platform overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. The platform has benches where you can sit, relax, and watch the water traffic and wildlife.
From here you’ll enjoy:
- Panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway
- Excellent birdwatching opportunities
- Boat watching (everything from kayaks to yachts)
- Peaceful waterside meditation
🦇 Spot the Bats at Dusk
Here’s something unique—the park has several bat houses installed throughout the property. If you visit near dusk, you may see bats emerging for their evening hunt. It’s a fascinating sight that most visitors miss!
🎣 Fish from the Platform
The covered observation platform on the Intracoastal is a popular spot for fishing. Local anglers report good catches when the tide is right.
Note: Fishing is best at high tide. Check the tide schedule before planning a fishing trip.
🛶 Launch a Kayak or Canoe
The park has a rustic kayak/canoe launch—a path through the mangroves built by local Scouts. A few things to know:
- Carry-in only: There’s no boat ramp, so you’ll need to carry your kayak from the parking lot
- Tide dependent: Launch only at high tide—at low tide, you won’t be able to paddle to (or from) shore
- Beautiful paddling: Once on the water, you can explore the mangrove-lined Intracoastal
🧒 Let the Kids Play
A shaded playground near the picnic pavilion keeps younger visitors entertained. While not as elaborate as some parks, it’s a nice spot for kids to burn energy after a nature walk.
🧺 Have a Picnic
The covered pavilion offers:
- Four picnic tables
- Two charcoal grills
- Protection from sun and rain
- Nearby restrooms and water fountain
Note: The pavilion has no electricity, so plan accordingly.
Perfect For…
✓ Birdwatchers – Official Great Florida Birding Trail site with excellent species diversity
✓ Nature photographers – Beautiful woodland and waterway scenes, excellent bird photo opportunities
✓ Solitude seekers – Quieter and less crowded than nearby McGough Nature Park
✓ Quick nature breaks – Easy 45-minute visit when you want a peaceful escape
✓ Families with older kids – Educational birding experience, small playground
✓ Kayakers/Canoers – Unique launch point onto the Intracoastal (at high tide)
Guest Tip: “Lots of parking and an easy walk along the boardwalks while looking for and listening to birds leads you through the foliage to the water overlooks. Many shore birds and bush birds while we were there. Great place for coffee. You are a bit further from the major roads, so a bit quieter than other area parks.” – Recent visitor
Know Before You Go
What to Bring
- Binoculars – Essential for birdwatching from the observation platform
- Camera with zoom lens – Great photo opportunities
- Water bottle – Water fountain available but bring your own to be safe
- Bug spray – Especially in summer and near the mangroves
- Comfortable walking shoes – Trails are easy but some sections are crushed shell
- Tide chart – If you’re planning to fish or kayak (search “Clearwater tide chart”)
- Field guide or birding app – Help identify the species you spot
Important Notes
🚫 No dogs allowed – Dogs are prohibited throughout the park to protect wildlife. Please leave pets at home.
⏰ Gates close at sunset – The park gates lock at closing time. Make sure you’re back at your car before dark!
🌊 Tide matters – If you’re planning to fish or kayak, check the tide schedule. High tide is essential for kayak launching.
♿ Accessibility – Main paved trails are accessible. The boardwalk is relatively flat but may be challenging for wheelchairs in some sections.
🍽️ No food vendors – Bring your own food if you plan to picnic. Charcoal grills are available at the pavilion.
Best Times to Visit
Early Morning (Sunrise – 9am) – Best for birding; birds are most active, cooler temperatures, fewest visitors
Late Afternoon (4pm – Sunset) – Beautiful golden light for photography, good birding, chance to see bats emerge at dusk
Spring (March – May) – Peak songbird migration; best variety of species
Fall (September – November) – Second migration season; excellent birding
Winter – Quieter but still good for resident waterbirds and wading birds
Weekdays – Even more solitude than usual
How It Compares to Other Local Nature Parks
| Park | Best For | Size | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| John R. Bonner | Birding, solitude, waterway views | Small (~15 acres) | Very quiet |
| McGough (Turtle Park) | Turtles, birds of prey, kids | Medium (26 acres) | Moderate |
| Florida Botanical Gardens | Gardens, flowers, events | Large (182 acres) | Can be busy |
Bonner is the choice when you want a quieter, more intimate nature experience focused on birdwatching and waterway views.
Nearby Attractions
Since you’re in the area, consider combining your visit with:
- George C. McGough Nature Park (Turtle Park) – Just 1 mile away; feed turtles and see birds of prey
- Indian Rocks Beach – About 3 miles west; beautiful Gulf beach
- Pinellas County Heritage Village – Historical museum about 2 miles south
Driving Directions from Our Vacation Rental
From: 1731 Clearwater Harbor Dr, Largo, FL
To: John R. Bonner Nature Park, 14444 143rd St N, Largo, FL 33774
Distance: Approximately 5 miles
Drive Time: About 12 minutes
Turn-by-Turn Directions:
- Head east on Clearwater Harbor Dr toward the mainland
- Turn right (south) onto Hamlin Blvd
- Continue straight as Hamlin Blvd becomes Walsingham Rd
- Continue on Walsingham Rd for approximately 1.5 miles
- Turn right (south) onto 143rd St N
- Continue on 143rd St N for about 0.5 miles
- John R. Bonner Nature Park will be at the end of the road on your left
📱 Google Maps: Click here for GPS directions
Contact Information
John R. Bonner Nature Park
14444 143rd Street North
Largo, FL 33774
Phone: (727) 518-3047
Website: www.largo.com
Great Florida Birding Trail Info: floridabirdingtrail.com
Whether you’re a serious birder hoping to add new species to your life list or simply looking for a peaceful place to connect with nature, John R. Bonner Nature Park delivers a genuine Florida experience away from the crowds. Don’t forget your binoculars!
