Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Pinellas Park, Florida

Adjacent to St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport, Pinellas Park is characterized by a blend of residential and industrial locales.

Automobiles play a significant role in the city’s identity, evidenced by a multitude of exclusive car dealerships, a notable automobile museum, and a short-track oval dedicated to stock car racing.

Additionally, visitors can engage in personal racing experiences at an indoor karting facility that features Italian-made electric karts.

What stands out about Pinellas Park is its community events, the most prominent of which is a complimentary country festival held each March adjacent to City Hall.

No location in the Tampa Bay area is too distant. For instance, within minutes, one can explore St. Pete’s museums, enjoy a leisurely walk along the boardwalk at John’s Pass, or navigate the mangroves along the coast.

1. Tampa Bay Automobile Museum

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The primary attraction in Pinellas Park is an automobile museum showcasing over 50 vehicles.

This collection originates from the private assortment of French immigrant Alain A. Cerf, whose interests in Vintage era innovations, particularly from the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s, are evident throughout the exhibits.

Highlights from this epoch include a 1916 Owen Magnetic-O Touring, a 1929 Ford Model A, a 1936 Adler Trumpf, and a 1930 Tracta.

Noteworthy is the Czech-manufactured Tatra, recognized for its revolutionary streamlined designs from the 1930s and 1940s.

A particularly fascinating exhibit includes a faithful reproduction of the Fardier de Cugnot, an 18th-century steam-powered vehicle regarded as the world’s first self-propelled vehicle.

2. Sawgrass Lake Park

Adjoining the eastern boundary of Pinellas Park is a sprawling 400-acre park that includes Sawgrass Lake and a maple swamp area.

The park abounds with wildlife, allowing for a tranquil experience while strolling along the elevated boardwalk, where one can observe alligators, armadillos, and gopher tortoises.

An observation tower offers an excellent vantage point with a 360° view of the surrounding landscape, making it a key highlight if time is limited.

For those seeking an extended visit, a trail through a stand of oak hammock leads deeper into the park.

3. Showtime Speedway

As a fan of short-track stock car racing, I am drawn to this venue located in the northern region of Pinellas Park, near the airport.

Showtime Speedway boasts decades of motorsport heritage dating back to 1960, featuring a ⅜-mile asphalt oval that is host to exhilarating races every Saturday night.

The event classes range widely, including Super Late Models, Winged Outlaw Sprint Cars, Sportsmen, Open Wheel Modifieds, Pro Trucks, Street Stocks, Mini Stocks, and many others.

For guaranteed excitement, the Figure 8 races are a must-see, especially when school buses participate in the competition.

4. England Brothers Park

Pinellas Park is adept at hosting enjoyable events, illustrated by the bustling calendar of annual activities at this park located by City Hall.

The lineup includes the Firefighters’ ChiliBlaze in March, the Pinellas Pepper Fest in April, and the BBQ Cookoff & Rodeo in November. Additionally, there’s a notable mention for Country in the Park, which I will delve into later.

Historically, England Brothers Park served as the venue for the Pinellas Farmers and Flea Market, which has now relocated to 13600 Icot Blvd in Clearwater.

On the rare occasion that nothing is scheduled, visitors will find ten acres of green space complete with a walking track and picnic tables.

5. Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center

There is an undeniable charm to live performances in smaller communities, making it essential to explore the offerings at this venue near City Hall.

The Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center accommodates up to 500 patrons and features a dynamic program lineup.

Expect an array of tribute performances honoring artists such as Barbra Streisand, Prince, Celine Dion, Elton John, Billy Joel, and the Rolling Stones.

My experience attending a tribute performance dedicated to Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine was thoroughly enjoyable, enhanced by a well-stocked bar and friendly staff.

6. Freedom Lake Park

To the north of Bill Jackson’s Shop for Adventure lies a tranquil recreational park situated on the shores of two scenic lakes.

One of the first sights to capture my attention as I approached Freedom Lake Park was the F-16 fighter jet prominently displayed at the entrance, which had recently received a new canopy donated by Lockheed Martin.

A memorial honoring those lost or missing during the Korean War (1950-1953) is also situated nearby.

The larger lake showcases natural groves, docks, a playground, picnic pavilions, and an assortment of exercise equipment under a shelter.

Visitors frequently launch remote-controlled sailboats here, and a fenced dog park is conveniently located near the water.

7. Bill Jackson’s Shop for Adventure

Recognized as one of Florida’s premier outdoor sporting goods establishments, Bill Jackson’s Shop for Adventure has been family-owned and operated since its inception in 1946.

Initially, Bill Jackson operated a modest garage selling cleaning supplies and pest control products. From the outset, the store gained a reputation for exceptional customer service, which is crucial when handling outdoor equipment.

All products, ranging from backpacking gear to fishing equipment, have been rigorously tested by the knowledgeable team at Bill Jackson’s. Their passion for hiking, camping, paddling, diving, and fishing ensures they provide genuine advice based on real experience.

For those wishing to evaluate products prior to purchase, the store features facilities including a dry ski slope, pool, and shooting range.

8. Tampa Bay Grand Prix

After immersing in Pinellas Park’s automotive heritage, one might feel inclined to take the wheel themselves.

This can be achieved at Tampa Bay Grand Prix, a professionally designed karting venue located next to Showtime Speedway.

Housed indoors, this track features Italian-imported electric karts that can reach speeds of 50 mph. Upon visiting with friends a few months back, I was astonished by the acceleration of these small yet powerful karts.

Each race accommodates up to ten karts, allowing participants to compete against friends or fellow racing enthusiasts.

A notable feature is the projector screen that updates lap times, enabling competitors to adjust their racing strategies in real-time.

9. Weedon Island Preserve

To the east of the Pinellas Peninsula, along Tampa Bay, lies an extensive 3,000-acre natural area comprising diverse ecosystems.

Within Weedon Island Preserve, visitors can observe mangroves, coastal hammocks, and pine flatwoods, along with middens left by ancient Native American inhabitants.

Approximately five miles of trails are available, including two boardwalks. Personally, I recommend exploring Weedon Island via the water, with various outfitters providing necessary equipment.

Among them, ECOmersion Kayak & SUP Rentals operates a retail outlet within the preserve. Following the South Paddling Trail, I experienced a delightful exploration of narrow mangrove tunnels.

The journey was brimming with wildlife encounters, featuring dolphins, manatees, stingrays, and numerous crabs.

10. Salvador Dali Museum

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In my opinion, one of Florida’s foremost cultural attractions is located just minutes away from Pinellas Park in St. Petersburg.

This is the Salvador Dalí Museum, which houses more works by the Spanish Surrealist than any other museum globally.

Outstanding pieces include The Hallucinogenic Toreador (1969-1970), The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory (1952-1954), and Geopoliticus Child Watching the Birth of the New Man (1943).

The museum holds nearly 100 oil paintings by Dalí, as well as an extensive collection of sculptures, drawings, graphics, and photographs.

The architectural design of the museum is an artwork in itself, opened in 2011, featuring a striking bulging glass entryway and overhead skylight that reflects Dalí’s unique style.

11. John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk

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Located just a few minutes to the southwest, John’s Pass serves as a vibrant shopping and entertainment center for the nearby city of Madeira Beach.

The term ‘pass’ originates from a gap in the shoreline, formed by a hurricane in the mid-19th century, named after John Levique—who purportedly claimed to be a pirate and was the first to traverse it.

Since the 1970s, this waterfront enclave has transformed into a charming boardwalk featuring more than 100 shops, restaurants, and maritime enterprises.

Visitors are welcomed to enjoy the coastal scenery, sample seafood, or embark on a dolphin cruise or fishing charter.

As I walked along the boardwalk, I spotted dolphins and reveled in the spectacle of pelicans gathering around returning fishing boats.

12. Sunken Gardens

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St. Petersburg’s exquisite Sunken Gardens boasts over a century of history and is home to a diverse array of plant species, trees, and flowers.

Housing some of Florida’s oldest tropical plants, the gardens consist of interconnected areas accessible via clearly marked paths, supplemented with informational plaques regarding the flora.

The vibrant ecosystems at Sunken Gardens feature a multitude of wildlife, including a flock of flamingos, tortoises, butterflies, cockatoos, macaws, and koi in tranquil ponds.

Guided tours and educational programs are also available; thus, it’s advisable to check for a complete list of options.

13. Pinellas Trail

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Extending from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs, the Pinellas Trail spans nearly 50 miles and welcomes hikers, cyclists, and runners.

This rail trail follows the right-of-way of two historical railways, the Orange Belt Railway and the Tampa and Gulf Railroad.

Multiple trailheads are accessible at public parks along the route, with the closest located about ten minutes west at Seminole City Park.

For many, the Pinellas Trail serves as a vital commuting path, linking St. Petersburg to other communities across the Pinellas Peninsula.

The trail also provides access to attractions like the Chihuly Collection, Tropicana Field, Tyrone Square Mall, and Florida Botanical Gardens.

14. Mainlands Golf Course

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This public golf course, centrally located in Pinellas Park, has been under the stewardship of the same family for over fifty years.

Mainlands Golf Course features a par-67, open, links-style layout. Although relatively short with just two par 5s, it affords several opportunities for driving towards the green on par-4s.

However, if your power drive isn’t a key aspect of your game, there’s still an excellent probability of achieving a low score.

The affordability of this course is enhanced by dynamic pricing, allowing for even lower rates during off-peak periods, such as weekday mornings.

Before commencing your round, consider participating in the hole-in-one contest on the 16th hole for a chance to win a cash prize.

15. Country in the Park

The most significant free annual event in Pinellas Park is a full-day celebration of country music held at England Brothers Park, known as Country in the Park. This event typically occurs on the third Sunday of March.

In recent years, performances have featured renowned acts such as Lanco, Sammy Kershaw, Tracy Lawrence, Diamond Rio, and John Conlee.

Continuous music fills the day, with side events that include vendor markets, professional rodeos, and car shows.

Given the extensive offerings, the fact that this event remains free of charge is truly remarkable, with proceeds from food and beverage sales benefiting local charities.