South Straub Park

Waterfront Retreat

Located next to the downtown shoreline of St. Petersburg, Florida, South Straub Park offers 7.3 acres of green respite where city meets sea. This public space sits perfectly positioned between Bayshore Drive NE and Beach Drive NE, creating a peaceful buffer zone where you can escape the urban energy while still being steps away from downtown's upscale restaurants and boutiques.

Sailboats line the docks at Central Yacht Basin marina adjacent to Straub Park

Photo: Dan Lundberg (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Natural Beauty & Features

Lush greenery and mature trees create welcome patches of shade across the park - excellent for those sweltering Florida afternoons. The park's centerpiece, the Bicentennial Water Sculpture, isn't just a fountain but a landmark that draws the eye and provides that soothing water-sound backdrop to your visit.

In the evening, the park takes on a different character. Every tree is adorned with lights that switch on at dusk and glow until morning, creating a pleasant woodland atmosphere in the heart of the city. If you're a wildlife enthusiast, keep your eyes peeled for the resident parrots and spoonbills that call this urban oasis home.

Part of Something Bigger

South Straub isn't an isolated green space - it's actually a key piece of St. Petersburg's connected waterfront park system. Walking paths wind through the area, offering stunning views across Tampa Bay and the bustling St. Pete Marina.

The park sits conveniently near the entrance to the pier, making it an excellent jumping-off point for further waterfront exploration. Need a pit stop? Public restrooms can be found just across the street at the pier entrance.

Dramatic red lighting illuminates the Kapok Tree outside the Museum of Fine Arts at night

Photo: Eden, Janine and Jim (CC BY 2.0)

Unwind Your Way

The open grassy areas invite countless ways to relax - spread out a blanket for an impromptu picnic, find a quiet spot for meditation, or simply stretch out with a good book. Despite its downtown location, there's plenty of space for a morning jog or bike ride through this surprisingly tranquil environment.

Some folks take advantage of the waterfront access to cool their feet in the water, while others gather for casual volleyball games. Dog owners particularly appreciate that their four-legged friends are welcome here, making it a go-to spot for daily walks with furry companions.

Community Heart

All year long, South Straub Park pulses with community energy as it hosts various events - from cultural festivals and art exhibitions to holiday celebrations and fireworks displays. Its central downtown location makes it a natural gathering place for both locals and visitors alike.

Despite sitting in the middle of a vibrant city, South Straub Park maintains a surprisingly calm atmosphere. It's a quiet spot where the sounds of lapping water often overpower the distant hum of downtown - a space that offers both solitude and social opportunities.