Summer is in full swing in Pinellas County, which means all of our favorite things: rainy day movie marathons, pool parties, and, of course, cookouts!
St. Petersburg and Clearwater are home to so many amazing outdoor recreation areas that it can be hard to choose the perfect place to host your summer cookout at. Lucky for you, we've taken the hard work out and put together a list of some of the ultimate cookout locations in the 727area.
Next time you're gearing up to organize a summer cookout with your friends and family, head to one of these locations and get ready to grill! It's important to note that the locations on this list all offer shelters with charcoal grilling areas that require reservations in advance, so don't forget to call and secure your spot before sending out those invites.
As the largest park in the Pinellas County park system, Fort De Soto sits just south of St. Pete Beach in Tierra Verde and offers 15 picnic shelters to visitors. It also boasts over seven miles of waterfront, a canoe trail, playgrounds, and even a ferry service over to Shell Key and Egmont Key! If you have any four-legged friends on your guest list, you can splash around with them at the dog beach.
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In Safety Harbor, Philippe Park holds the title of Pinellas County's oldest park. When you're done serving up some tasty cookout treats to all of your hungry friends and family at one of the park's eight picnic shelters, youngsters can play on a playground or rock climbing park.
If you want to play some kickball, they've also got a ball field for everyone to unleash their competitive side! While you're there, be sure to check out the largest remaining Indian Mound in the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area.
Spanning roughly 255 acres and located right next to Lake Tarpon, this park in the northern part of Pinellas County is home to some unique natural settings such as cypress swamps and tall piney fields.
You can reserve one of their thirteen picnic shelters to enjoy a day outdoors with all of your loved ones. Before you pack up and head home, don't miss the lookout tower that provides some breathtaking views of Lake Tarpon.
This historical park is home to a natural spring that served as a spa and bathing area until the mid-1960s. Although you can't bathe in the spring today, this park still offers an excellent location to host a cookout at one of five picnic shelters! Around the park, you can find nature trails, playgrounds, and a 35-foot observation tower overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Fred Howard's white sandy beaches are the perfect spot to splash around after feasting on some cookout delicacies. This park in Tarpon Springs has nine available picnic shelters for reservation as well as a launch area for canoes and kayaks. It's home to diverse wildlife, you may spot dolphins, gopher tortoises, and even eagles!
Four miles of shoreline, playgrounds, and two picnic pavilions with grilling areas... what more could you need for the perfect summer cookout spot in Dunedin? They've also got kayaks and beach cruisers available for rental, and over two miles of walking trails where you can soak in some nature.
To stay up-to-date on all of the best summer spots in the 727area from indoor activities where you can Beat the Heat to the best way to spend a Sunday Funday in St. Petersburg. Find these friendly tips and more by registering on 727area for your free local guide to St. Petersburg and Clearwater.
Cover photo courtesy of Unsplash
