Flora Wylie Park

A Waterfront Haven

Nestled along North Shore Drive NE in St. Petersburg, Flora Wylie Park stretches across 11.4 acres of prime waterfront real estate. As part of the city's waterfront park system, this peaceful green space offers lovely views of Tampa Bay.

If you're an early riser, this park deserves a spot on your must-visit list. The sunrises here are quite beautiful as the morning light spreads across Tampa Bay. Grab one of the many benches along the shoreline and settle in for nature's show. If you're lucky, you might even spot dolphins playing near the seawall - a little moment of magic that happens more often than you'd think.

A Park with History

The park honors Flora Wylie, a passionate advocate who championed St. Petersburg's park system in the early 20th century. Today, her namesake park provides a tranquil retreat within the Historic Old Northeast neighborhood, blending natural beauty with a rich historical connection.

Get Moving or Just Relax

The paved recreational trail winding through the park connects to the broader North Bay Trail, which extends about 6 miles along the waterfront. The path is suitable for morning joggers, weekend cyclists, and those who enjoy a leisurely stroll.

The open green spaces here invite you to spread out a blanket for an impromptu picnic or to toss a frisbee around. On breezy days, the park transforms into an unofficial kite-flying arena, with colorful kites dotting the sky above.

The live oak trees and palm trees add to the park's natural beauty and create good spots for hammocking. These shady havens offer welcome relief on those signature Florida sunny days.

Unique Touches

One standout feature you shouldn't miss is the large sundial created by local St. Petersburg sculptor Eric Higgs. This centennial sundial, commissioned in 2010 to celebrate the city's 100-year milestone, is an interesting artistic addition to the park.

The park includes clean restroom facilities, and there's street parking available along North Shore Drive.

Wildlife Watching

The waterfront location makes this an unexpected urban wildlife viewing spot. Beyond the dolphins that frequently make an appearance, you might see mullet fish jumping in the bay or catch glimpses of spoonbills and other Florida birds going about their day in this urban oasis.

A Community Gathering Place

Four-legged friends are more than welcome here, making it a favorite spot for local dog owners to exercise their pets while enjoying waterfront views. On any given day, you'll likely see people practicing yoga, tai chi, or other exercises, embracing the park's peaceful vibe.

Throughout the day, Flora Wylie Park sees a variety of visitors - from morning fitness enthusiasts to afternoon picnickers and evening strollers enjoying the cooler air. Its convenient location near downtown St. Petersburg and the pier makes it easy to include in a day of city exploration.