George C. McGough Nature Park (“Turtle Park”)— Largo (~10 min) A 51-acre nature preserve with rescued turtles, native birds of prey, a butterfly garden, and boardwalks through cypress wetlands. Interactive exhibits and an Environmental Education Center. 📍 11901 146th St N, Largo
John R. Bonner Nature Park — Largo (~12 min) One of Largo’s true hidden gems on the Great Florida Birding Trail. Excellent for spotting migrating birds with stunning Intracoastal Waterway views. Far less crowded than other parks. 📍 14444 143rd St N, Largo
Largo Central Park Nature Preserve — Largo (~8 min) Not to be confused with Largo Central Park—this is a 31-acre nature-only preserve with boardwalks, a 2-story observation tower, and wildlife including gators, turtles, marsh rabbits, and bats. No dogs allowed.
Moccasin Lake Nature Park — Clearwater (~15 min) 51-acre urban oasis with winding boardwalks through cypress swamps, a butterfly garden, and a resident bald eagle. Interpretive center with educational programs.
Philippe Park — Safety Harbor (~20 min) 122-acre park featuring a Native American ceremonial mound built by the Tocobaga people—a fascinating archaeological site. Huge oak trees draped in Spanish moss, waterfront access for kayaking/paddleboarding.
Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve — Oldsmar (~20 min) A quiet, secluded preserve with great wildlife viewing and sunset picnic spots. Often overlooked by tourists.
Hidden Beaches & Islands
Caladesi Island State Park — Accessible by ferry from Honeymoon Island (~30 min) Voted #1 beach in the U.S. (2018). Only accessible by boat or kayak—pristine 4-mile beach, mangrove kayak trails, and the historic Scharrer Homestead. Requires advance day pass booking.
Honeymoon Island State Park — Dunedin (~25 min) Despite proximity to Clearwater, feels worlds away. 4 miles of beaches, 3-mile hiking trail through virgin slash pine forest, excellent bird-watching. Connected to Clearwater Beach by sand deposits—you can walk north from Clearwater Beach to reach Caladesi.
Sand Key County Park — Clearwater (~15 min) A serene retreat from crowded Clearwater Beach with pristine sand, nature trails, picnic areas, and dog-friendly sections.
Shell Key Preserve — Tierra Verde (~45 min) 1,800 acres of protected marine habitats. Best experienced by clear kayak—see fish and corals beneath you while paddling. Get Up & Go Kayaking offers guided tours.
Arts & Culture
Safety Harbor Art & Music Center (SHAMc) — Safety Harbor (~15 min) A community-built mirrored mosaic building with concerts, events, and workshops. Connected to Whimzeyland’s artists. Billed as “Art at the World’s Most Wondrous Building in the Universe.”
Pinellas County Heritage Village — Largo (~10 min) Open-air historical museum with 28+ structures dating back to the mid-late 19th century showcasing old Florida life. Often overlooked. 📍 11909 125th St N, Largo (inside Pinewood Cultural Park)
The Gallery at Creative Pinellas — Largo (~10 min) Located in Pinewood Cultural Park, offers engaging contemporary art exhibitions year-round. Free admission.
Aspirations Winery — Clearwater (~15 min) Family-owned micro-winery rated #1 in Florida for 3 years. Over 40 wines, including unique tropical fruit varieties. Tastings and tours available.
Joseph’s Tea Room — Clearwater Classic British tea experience with exotic teas, pastries, and finger sandwiches in a charming vintage setting.
Arkane Aleworks — Largo Local craft brewery with rotating food trucks. Great for an authentic local experience.
Unique Experiences
Cruisin’ Tikis Clearwater — Clearwater Beach Marina. Your own private 15-foot floating tiki bar that putters around the Gulf at 5 mph. BYOB, bring your playlist, 90-120 minute tours.
FlowRider at Surf Style — Clearwater Beach Indoor surfing experience for all ages—catch a wave without the ocean.
Largo Central Railroad — Largo Central Park Free miniature train rides on select weekends, operated by passionate volunteers. Great for families. Only open son select days.
Empower Adventures Tampa Bay — Oldsmar (~25 min) Ziplining and aerial challenge course with 3,000+ feet of ziplines, 200-foot suspension bridge, and panoramic Tampa Bay views.
Quirky & Unique
Whimzeyland / Bowling Ball House — Safety Harbor (~15 min) A fantastical private residence covered in 800+ hand-painted bowling balls, mosaic pathways, bottle trees, and recycled art sculptures. Featured on HGTV’s Extreme Homes. Free to walk the yard; guided tours available through the Safety Harbor Art & Music Center. 📍 1206 3rd St N, Safety Harbor
Village of Ozona — Ozona (~20 min) A quirky, laid-back waterfront community with a hippie-era vibe. Quiet streets, colorful homes, and an “old Florida” atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.
Penny Lane Beatles Museum — Dunedin (~25 min) A free collection of over 1,000 pieces of rare Beatles memorabilia housed in a shop. Heaven for Fab Four fans.
Charming Towns Worth Exploring
Dunedin — Scottish-influenced town with brick streets, moss-draped oaks, creative restaurants, and a walkable downtown
Tarpon Springs — Greek sponge-diving village that feels like you’ve been transported to a Greek island
Safety Harbor — Quirky, colorful, small waterfront community that “celebrates its weirdness.”
