Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Seminole, Florida

Primarily a residential community, the city of Seminole is situated in the center of activity on the Pinellas Peninsula. 

The coastline of the Gulf of Mexico, along with its pristine sandy beaches, is merely a few minutes away at Madeira Beach. Conversely, crossing Long Bayou will lead you to St. Petersburg.

The most intriguing local attractions are the parks. While this may seem unremarkable, I assure you, these parks are far from ordinary. Amidst towering pines, bayside mangroves, and notable live oaks, wildlife is abundant in every direction.

You can stroll along boardwalks past alligators and wading birds, or uncover the state’s natural treasures at the Florida Botanical Gardens. Seminole is well-connected by the Pinellas Trail, linking downtown areas, tourist attractions, and natural sites through one accessible bike path.

1. Pinewood Cultural Park

Source: Nick Fox / shutterstock

A site essential for first-time visitors to the area, Pinewood Cultural Park boasts two prominent attractions in one location.

The Florida Botanical Gardens can be found here, and I will elaborate on them shortly. 

In addition, the Heritage Village segment of the park features nearly 30 historic structures situated on 21 acres. There is much to explore, including a sugar mill, a school, a church, a sponge warehouse, a windmill, a water tower, and several residences. 

The visitor center showcases exhibits that reflect centuries of local history. Explore the Pinellas Passport exhibit, which covers diverse topics ranging from agriculture to tourism in Pinellas County. 

The Heritage Village Website provides a schedule of weekly docents and demonstrations to ensure you do not miss out.

2. Florida Botanical Gardens

Managed by Pinellas County, this splendid botanical destination is located within Pinewood Cultural Park. Established in the early 1990s, the Florida Botanical Gardens features a rich variety of demonstration gardens.

I find endless inspiration within areas like the Cactus/Succulent Garden, showcasing desert plants such as agave and prickly pear. 

In other sections, the Herb Garden thrives with culinary and medicinal herbs, while The Native Plant Garden displays Florida’s botanical diversity, ranging from sugarberry to firebush. 

Both parents and children will be captivated by the butterfly garden. Moreover, if you visit during the holiday season, the Christmas light display is a cherished annual tradition.

3. Walsingham Park

Source: Norm Lane / shutterstock

Adjacent to Pinewood Cultural Park to the south is a remarkable 350-acre park with a 100-acre Walsingham Lake at its core. 

What captivates me about Walsingham Park is that it is nestled within a vast metropolitan area, yet it evokes a sense of seclusion. 

A six-mile paved trail meanders along the contours of the lake, passing amenities such as a pier, fitness area, dog park, playground, and picnic shelters.

In total, there are eight picnic shelters, all equipped with grills. For a peaceful picnic, this location offers an ideal setting.

Walsingham Lake also hosts a variety of wildlife, from alligators to turtles, and wading birds including herons and egrets. 

4. Pinellas Trail

One of Florida’s premier cycling routes traverses Seminole on its path from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg. 

The Pinellas Trail serves as an excellent alternative to motor vehicles in Seminole. Most attractions mentioned herein are either directly located on the trail or accessible via spurs or sidewalks. 

It provides access to a multitude of stores, restaurants, and tourist sites throughout the Pinellas Peninsula, all while showcasing breathtaking scenery along the way. One of my favorite local sections spans the bridge crossing Long Bayou into St. Petersburg.  

When this article was composed, the trail extended over 60 miles, with plans for completion at roughly 75 miles later in the 2020s.

Much of the trail utilizes the historical right-of-way of the Atlantic Coast Line and the Seaboard Air Line railroads.

5. Lake Seminole Park

Source: Norm Lane / shutterstock

Lake Seminole in Pinellas County is one of the region’s favored destinations for hikers, cyclists, anglers, and kayakers.

The eastern shoreline is adorned with an expansive wildlife habitat and sanctuary, covering over 250 acres. It may come as no surprise that alligators inhabit Lake Seminole Park, but there is much more to experience.

Turtles, raccoons, eagles, hawks, and wading birds like egrets and ibises are just a few of the vibrant wildlife residing here. 

The park’s trails are nothing short of stunning, guiding visitors through dense hammocks populated with venerable live oaks, cabbage palms, and towering pines. The main loop spans two miles, and the park also features 13 picnic shelters, playgrounds, a boat ramp, and a ballfield.

6. Boca Ciega Millennium Park

Access the impressive Boca Ciega Millennium Park located on Boca Ciega Bay via the Pinellas Trail. This prime location for birdwatching is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. 

Covering just under 200 acres, the park features a variety of habitats, including mangrove swamp, pine flatwoods, hardwood hammock, and salt marsh. 

An exceptional elevated boardwalk runs along the bay’s edge, leading to a 35-foot observation tower. I could easily spend hours here, taking in the views of the Intracoastal Waterway and observing storks and egrets.

7. Archibald Beach Park

It is essential to remember that the Gulf of Mexico beachfront is a mere five minutes from Seminole. Thus, for those seeking to experience the feel of fine white sands underfoot, Archibald Beach Park in Madeira Beach is the most straightforward option.

This area features four wooden walkovers leading over the low dunes to a stunning stretch of pristine beach. Amenities such as showers, restrooms, and a sizable covered picnic area ensure convenience.

The Snack Shak is conveniently located for a quick meal, and additional restaurants are within a short stroll, along with Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf.

8. John’s Pass

In 1848, a hurricane forever altered the local coastline by creating an inlet in the barrier island just offshore. This inlet is now recognized as John’s Pass, named after the first individual to navigate it, John Levique. 

Once a fishing village until the 1970s, the west side of the inlet has transformed into a vibrant entertainment district. In addition to charming waterfront boardwalks, John’s Pass houses over 130 businesses, ranging from souvenir shops to seafood restaurants. 

A small commercial fishing fleet continues to operate from John’s Pass, and I enjoy watching the boats as they come and go from port. The dock here also serves as a point of interest for various businesses offering water sports, dolphin-watching expeditions, and deep-sea fishing.

9. Seminole City Center

In the absence of a conventional downtown area, Seminole features an expansive 377,000-square-foot outdoor shopping center.

This prominent location underwent a comprehensive redevelopment in the 2010s, and it has become a vibrant place for shopping, dining, relaxation, and entertainment. 

Among the dining options are establishments such as Outback, Jersey Mike’s, Chipotle, Applebee’s, Cold Stone Creamery, and Green Market Café.

A substantial array of service businesses also resides here, including salons, banks, opticians, dentists, and the Esporta premium fitness club. A personal favorite of mine is the Studio Movie Grill, which I will discuss further in this list.

10. Seminole City Park

Located directly at the Pinellas Trail, this public park lies on the shores of a picturesque pond adorned with beautiful live oaks. The banks are bustling with turtles and waterfowl throughout the year. 

On the western shore, an amphitheater hosts events such as the Annual Music in the Park Concert Series. Running on Friday evenings in September and October, this event has celebrated nearly three decades of community entertainment.

Close to the trail is the Seminole Historical Society and Museum, which is open every Thursday, as well as the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.

11. Studio Movie Grill

When the Seminole City Center replaced the former Seminole Mall in 2017, one of the standout attractions was this dine-in cinema. 

Studio Movie Grill is part of a national chain, featuring locations from California to Texas. All 12 screens are equipped with luxury leather recliners and swiveling tables.

Patrons can order from an extensive menu of American comfort foods, including wings, pizza, sliders, burgers, and shareable appetizers like cheese sticks and nachos. 

Additionally, a selection of cocktails, wines, beers, and enticing milkshakes are available. Ultimately, it is hard to find a more indulgent setting to enjoy a first-run film.

12. Seminole Lake Country Club

Source: Seminole Lake Country Club / Facebook

Designed and established in the 1960s, this semi-private championship course provides a challenging, scenic, and enjoyable experience.

Situated along the scenic shores of Long Bayou and Cross Bayou, Seminole Lake Country Club is distinguished by its open fairways and sizable, undulating greens. 

This facility stands out from many Florida courses due to its use of paspalum grass. While this may appear to be minor, it significantly enhances overall playing conditions. 

Differing from Bermuda grass, which is commonly used on many Florida courses, this grass excels in recovering quickly from heavy rainfall. Consequently, what you receive are tees, fairways, and putting surfaces that rank among the finest in Pinellas County.

13. Rapp Brewing Company

Source: Rapp Brewing Company / Facebook

Personally, I believe that nothing concludes a hot day in Florida better than a refreshing beer. Located on Endeavor Way in Seminole, Rapp Brewing Company is one of the area’s unique microbreweries, crafting small-batch, hand-crafted beers. 

Typically, over 40 different beers are available, ensuring a variety that will surely entice you. If you prefer to experience multiple selections without overindulging, an eight-sample flight is the perfect choice. 

As someone who is particular about my beverages, I find their Robust Porter to be particularly enjoyable due to its sophisticated roasted flavor. 

While food is not served on-site, food trucks often visit the location, offering diverse fare—from currywurst to schnitzels, and even New England-style lobster rolls.

14. Seminole Lanes

Source: Seminole Lanes / Facebook

During the sweltering summer months, Florida’s weather can be excessively uncomfortable, making outdoor activities less appealing. 

If you find yourself in Seminole while the heat and humidity rise, I suggest enjoying a game or two at Seminole Lanes.

This expansive 60-lane bowling venue is family-owned and has been in operation since 1976. In addition to bowling, it features a billiards lounge, arcade, and a laser tag arena.

On Thursday through Sunday evenings, the atmosphere transforms for Galactic Bowling, a special event filled with vibrant lights. 

Moreover, should you visit on any other day, various specials are available, including Winning Wednesday, which offers unlimited bowling for $13 at the time of writing.

15. Treasure Island Fun Center

Located in Seminole, the Treasure Island Fun Center stands as the foremost arcade in Pinellas County. This local establishment has been entertaining families since 1967. 

This venue is a favored choice for children’s birthday celebrations, and the current site encompasses 16,000 square feet of games and amusements. If you are merely visiting, I suggest opting for an Unlimited Play package.

For $5 per child, at the time of writing, you can enjoy two hours of unlimited play, encompassing pinball machines, air hockey, pool tables, kiddie rides, and an extensive collection of video games. Additionally, Pegleg’s Pizza is available here, serving classic arcade-style pizza made to order.