Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Kenneth City, FL

Located within an expansive urban environment in Pinellas County, this town, home to approximately 5,000 residents, shares a border with St. Petersburg.

Kenneth City is predominantly residential, with a commercial district situated along SR 693. The prime location undoubtedly serves as a significant advantage, as St. Petersburg’s vibrant cultural attractions are only a few minutes away.

Numerous beloved destinations along the Gulf Coast are also easily accessible from the town. Nearby parks offer romantic views of Boca Ciega Bay, while the pristine beaches of St. Pete Beach and Madeira Beach can be reached in under 15 minutes.

The versatile Pinellas Trail traverses Kenneth City, stretching the length of the peninsula and connecting beach communities with major attractions, from aquariums to art museums.

1. Sunken Gardens

Source: Joseph Sohm / shutterstock

Among St. Petersburg’s well-known attractions, Sunken Gardens lies a few minutes to the east of Kenneth City. This historic botanical garden was established at the beginning of the 20th century.

Boasting over 1,000 species of native and exotic plants, visitors can explore a lush setting featuring a dense canopy of palms and ancient live oaks. Many of these trees are recognized as the oldest of their species in Florida.

Meandering paths reveal ponds and cascading waterfalls, presenting a surprising array of wildlife. The vibrant flock of flamingos stands out, and there is a sanctuary dedicated to rescued exotic birds, such as cockatoos and macaws.

2. St Pete Beach

Kenneth City benefits from its close proximity to the splendid, sandy shores of the Gulf Coast. St Pete Beach, the nearest beach community, is less than 15 minutes south, depending on traffic conditions.

Public beach access points are available along the entire shoreline. The closest to the downtown area of St Pete Beach is Upham Beach Park.

Continuing south along the barrier island will lead you to Pass-a-Grille, a tranquil coastal village characterized by natural dunes along the shoreline.

Another route to the beach is via US 19 to the west, which takes you to Madeira Beach and the expansive stretch of ideal white sand at Archibald Beach Park.

3. Thai Orchid Restaurant

Source: Thai Orchid Restaurant / Facebook

Those in search of a welcoming venue for authentic Thai cuisine will find no better option than Thai Orchid Restaurant. The friendly staff delivers flavorful and skillfully prepared dishes utilizing the freshest ingredients available.

With reasonable prices and a diverse selection, diners can choose from an extensive lunch menu and an impressive dinner menu featuring dishes such as sautéed bamboo shoots and pepper steak.

An extensive sushi menu complements the offerings, with a variety of nigiri and sushi rolls (both cooked and uncooked).

4. Pinellas Trail

A 75-mile multi-use trail runs adjacent to Kenneth City to the south. Extending from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg, with spurs serving several Gulf communities, the Pinellas Trail facilitates easy mobility without the need for a vehicle.

This trail follows the old rail beds of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, connecting numerous public parks and attractions such as Tyrone Square Mall.

Significant to the west of Kenneth City lies a stunning segment where the trail crosses the lower regions of Long Bayou. Heading south, one can utilize the trail to reach the picturesque bayfront community of Gulfport or venture into downtown St. Petersburg.

5. Abercrombie Park

Characterized by lush palms and gracefully crooked live oaks, Abercrombie Park, one of St. Petersburg’s most beautiful waterfront parks, is just moments away from Kenneth City.

Situated on a long, narrow strip culminating in waterfront space where Long Bayou meets Boca Ciega Bay, the park offers picturesque views.

Particularly notable is the boardwalk located in the park’s northwest corner, which branches into two paths along the lush banks of the creek. The stunning scenery at sunset is truly captivating in this west-facing park.

Moreover, be on the lookout for the park’s variations in elevation, which are man-made features resulting from Native American middens made up of shells and other remnants.

6. Mazzaro’s Italian Market

Source: Mazzaro’s Italian Market / Facebook

This specialty food market, located nearby and open seven days a week, presents a culinary paradise. The enticing aromas and visuals of traditional Italian fare greet you in every aisle.

Baked fresh daily, bread and pastries are available; the meat market ranks among the finest in Pinellas, while sauces and pasta are homemade; a trove of gourmet foods imported from Italy awaits, and on-site roasted coffee adds to the experience.

A diverse assortment of cheeses can be found here, and for those in the mood for a sandwich, the option to custom-make one is available. It is advisable to brace for crowds during lunchtime.

7. Tyrone Square Mall

Only five minutes away from Kenneth City, Tyrone Square Mall is the largest enclosed shopping center in St. Petersburg, featuring over 150 stores. In operation for more than 50 years, it maintained full occupancy during my visit.

This included all seven anchor tenants, such as Macy’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, JCPenney, and Dillard’s.

For a sense of the variety available, some of the other retailers include G by Guess, Francesca’s, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, LOFT, Yankee Candle, Foot Locker, and Hollister.

The food court was vibrant during my time there, hosting popular establishments like Chick-fil-A and the local chain Perry’s BBQ.

8. Sawgrass Lake Park

Source: Jason Caunter / shutterstock

This Pinellas County park encompasses one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast, covering 400 acres of pristine landscape that supports a diverse range of bird species, including egrets, wood storks, and herons.

Furthermore, the park is situated along the migration path for various bird species, welcoming visitors in the fall to observe yellow-throated warblers and red-eyed vireos.

I particularly enjoyed exploring the mile-long boardwalk that winds through the swamp, and there is an observation tower offering a panoramic view of Sawgrass Lake. From this vantage point, it is likely to see numerous alligators and turtles.

9. Walter Fuller Park

The abundance of green public spaces on the Pinellas peninsula is one of its appealing attributes. Adjacent to Tyrone Square Mall, Walter Fuller Park is designed for both active and leisurely recreation.

The southern and eastern sections of the park host numerous sports facilities, including four football fields, four lighted baseball fields, a swimming pool, and tennis/pickleball courts.

A sizable lake, serving as the park’s centerpiece, features waterside observation areas and nearby picnic pavilions. Like many water bodies in the vicinity, the lake attracts a variety of wildlife, and I observed a flock of ibises there.

Every April, Walter Fuller Park hosts the Green Thumb Festival, a prominent event centered on horticulture and environmental protection.

10. Azalea Park

This nearby park is one of several located along the Pinellas Trail. A major attraction at Azalea Park is a 9-hole disc golf course established in 2011, featuring a user-friendly layout around the northern section of the park.

Another highlight of Azalea Park is the ample and well-maintained fitness area, an outdoor gym shaded by trees.

Additional features include several athletic fields, three large picnic shelters, and substantial open green space perfect for relaxation and recreational activities.

11. St. Petersburg

An undeniable aspect of Kenneth City is its proximity to St. Petersburg, which encompasses the eastern and southern portions of the Pinellas peninsula.

As Florida’s fifth most populous city, St. Petersburg stands out as a dazzling cultural hub, particularly renowned for its glass art. While in the area, be sure to visit The Dalí Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Chihuly Collection, the exhibits at Fairgrounds St. Pete, Duncan McClellan Gallery, and the Imagine Museum.

Moreover, St. Pete’s appeal extends beyond art; its exceptional location on Tampa Bay warrants exploration, particularly the extraordinary St. Pete Pier, which was recently reopened as a premier lifestyle district during my visit.

12. Jungle Prada & DeNarvaez Park

This waterfront park overlooks Boca Ciega Bay and is situated around a small cove equipped with a boat ramp and fishing pier.

Jungle Prada & DeNarvaez Park features two shelters, and the main attraction is the view over the water towards Treasure Island, John’s Pass, and Madeira Beach.

The park’s name originates from the Spanish Narváez expedition of 1527, which is believed to have landed in the Tampa Bay area around this site.

Notably, significant evidence of Native American history can be found here, believed to be the location of an ancient Tocobaga village. Further insights can be gained at the nearby Sacred Lands Preservation.

Visitors can explore a museum displaying artifacts from archaeological digs and a ten-foot-deep test pit, complemented by a diverse array of programs ranging from educational talks to drum circles and meditation sessions.

13. Sample Craft Beer at Rapp Brewing Company

Source: Rapp Brewing Company / Facebook

Located in nearby Seminole, Rapp Brewing Company operates as a nanobrewery catering to diverse tastes.

Established in 2012, this brewery resides within a repurposed warehouse. Despite its limited size, it produces a broad selection of beers utilizing a yeast bank comprising 25 strains and more than 50 fermentation vessels.

The taproom presents over 30 draft options, making it worthwhile to opt for a flight (four or six) to sample various brews.

Food trucks frequent the location nearly every day, offering an array of choices from pizza to burgers and Caribbean specialties, perfectly complementing your beer experience.

14. James P. Ernst Park

Source: kennethcityfl.org

Kenneth City’s largest public park underwent enhancements in the late 2010s, highlighted by an upgraded playground with soft rubberized surfacing and a small splash park.

In addition to these features, the park offers an adult fitness area, tennis court, basketball court, softball field, table tennis, lawn bowling area, and shuffleboard court.

Picnic pavilions, some equipped with charging stations, are strategically located adjacent to the park’s key features, including the children’s playground.

During my visit on a particularly hot day, I valued the ample shade provided by canopies, trees, and the pavilions.

15. CMX Cinemas Tyrone Luxury 10

Adjacent to the namesake mall along US 19, CMX Cinemas Tyrone Luxury 10 is the nearest movie theater to Kenneth City. Opened in 2016 as a Cobb Theaters venue, it is situated only five minutes away.

This modern establishment offers all the amenities expected in contemporary movie theaters, including cozy leather reclining seats in each auditorium.

Each seat is equipped with tray tables for those who order items from the in-house kitchen. Additionally, this cinema belongs to a new generation of theaters offering alcoholic beverages, with a menu featuring beer, wine, and cocktails.