For the second consecutive year, St. Petersburg / Clearwater’s Caladesi Island has been named the #2 beach in the country by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, better known as “Dr. Beach.” Check out this pristine island paradise, as well as other local standouts.
Boyd Hill Nature Park
1101 Country Club Way S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
727-893-7041 Website
Boyd Hill is 245 acres of pristine Florida wilderness. The park is one of the region's least discovered yet most remarkable natural habitats, with its five distinct ecosystems situated in the state's most densely populated county. Miles of trails meander through hardwood hammocks, sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, willow marsh, and the Lake Maggiore shoreline. As part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Great Florida Birding Trail, Boyd Hill is a haven for even the most seasoned birder. There is also a new environmental center with permanent and roving diplays portraying native florida.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year round, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Fees: Adults (18+): $2; children (3-17): $1. Tram tours $1 plus trail admission.