Outdoor Alternatives During Red Tide Season
Whether you’re a coastal Florida resident or visitor, going to the beach is a must. However, during red tide season it can be hard to plan a beach trip, and many residents and visitors opt to avoid the sand and the surf all together. That doesn’t mean you should shy away from the outdoors completely. If you’re ready to get outside but you’d rather stay away from red tide, lots of other fun activities await you.
Go on a Hike
Stay inland and take a walk around some of Pinellas County’s beautiful freshwater and estuarine areas. Sawgrass Lake Park has a gorgeous boardwalk system through the mangrove and cypress swamps, plus a lake overlook tower for beautiful views. Lake Seminole offers long, gentle trails and panoramic water scenes. Head north to Brooker Creek Preserve for swamps that transition to ethereal pine flatwoods.
Take a Bike Ride
The Pinellas Trail offers miles of wonderful biking opportunities. Take your bike to the nearest stretch of trail for a leisurely ride, or challenge yourself to travel a certain distance. If you don’t have a bike, many shops near the trail offer bike rentals, and St. Petersburg has a bike share option.
Visit the Dog Park
Dog parks in Pinellas County are great places for you and your canine family members to enjoy some time outside. Try the dog parks at Crescent Lake, Mobbly Bayou, or Crest Lake Park (which also has a splash pad for your kids to enjoy.) Remember to always clean up after your pooch when you’re at the dog park or on a walk around your neighborhood. Nutrients in pet waste can drain into our local waterways via stormwater and cause damaging algal blooms. KPB has free pet waste bags available for anyone who needs them!
See Wildlife
Many local parks and preserves have wildlife rehabilitation facilities, which gives you the exciting opportunity to see some of these species close up. You’ll find birds of prey like bald eagles, raptors, and owls at parks such as Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, Moccasin Lake Nature Park, and McGough Nature Park. All three of these parks have fantastic educational displays and beautiful walking trails as well. While you’re at McGough, check out the turtle pond. At Moccasin Lake, you’re sure to run into a peacock or two.
Engage in Community Service
KPB is known for our beach cleanups, but we have plenty of inland activities for you to participate in if you’re trying to dodge red tide. Check out our Upcoming Events page to find park and neighborhood cleanups, plantings, and invasive removals. You can also participate in #PickUpPinellas by cleaning the streets around your neighborhood.
You don’t need to eschew the outdoors during red tide. Try a few of these beach alternatives so you can soak up the sun and enjoy the natural world. For more information on red tide, please check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.