You don’t live in St. Pete because you like staying inside. Our beautiful parks, waterfront, beaches, and walkable neighborhoods mean that we’re outside year-round. Of course, this time of year when it gets warmer, we’re opting for something not in the direct sunlight.
To that end, our friends at Herban Flow, the city’s first and biggest NA and functional drinks bottle shop, are helping us put together a list of our favorite shady spots in St. Pete. These are the places you can soak in the fresh air with a cool drink in hand, but won’t have to worry about sunburns and sweat stains. Plus, we have recs for the perfect drink to enjoy at each spot, all available at Herban Flow. (Follow them on Instagram to see the latest.)
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As you get ready to head outdoors, we highly recommend stopping by Herban Flow (or having it delivered) to grab some drinks for your al fresco experience. As someone who often likes to write stories while sitting outside, I can attest to the positive effects of their mushroom-based focus drinks when you need some motivation at the park. If you’re in leisure mode, the THC seltzers are a sure-fire way to get the good vibes flowing. You can even snag some CBD for a nap on the hammock. St. Pete is your oyster.
You can visit Herban Flow near downtown at 501 Dr M.L.K. Jr St N 103 or in West St. Pete at 6848 22nd Ave N. Visit their website here to see all they have to offer. From energy and focus to stress relief, socializing, and rest and recovery, they have it all.
Lassing Park
2042 Beach Dr SE
People have slowly caught on to Lassing Park over the last couple years, but it still maintains one of the best beauty-to-solitude ratios in Pinellas County. Every bit as pretty as its north side neighbors, and with even more trees for shade, Lassing Park is hard to beat, and is great with pets.
Recommended drink: After Dream Calamansi Lime. Hammock nap, anyone? This has THC, CBD, L-Theanine, and Lion’s mane for a light mood-lift and a calm focused state of mind.
Campbell Park
601 14th St S
Like Lassing Park, Campbell Park falls decidedly into the deeply underrated category. Flanked by a neighborhood on one side and Tropicana Field on the other, it’s easy to miss, despite being surprisingly big (it’s six blocks wide!). The entire west side is lined with trees perfect for hammocking, while the northwest corner by the St. Pete Skatepark features covered gathering spaces and benches. It’s great for families, with two playgrounds, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and basketball courts.
Recommended drink: A nice lion’s mane IMBA – Lemon Lime will give you all the energy of an afternoon coffee but with none of the comedown, perfect for a game of pick-up.
Crescent Lake Park
1320 5th St N
A heavy hitter on this list, Crescent Lake Park is a favorite for a reason. Almost the entire mile-long loop around the lake is shaded, as well as a shaded playground and ample shade from trees in the grassy areas on the north side. This is more of a picnic or afternoon stroll pick rather than hammocking, but I’ve spent more than a few Sunday afternoons on a blanket working my way through the crossword.
Recommended drink: Innerbloom Ethereal Drift, a delicious citrus hibiscus watermelon, gets you relaxed but not sedated, providing a calm and clear lift for socializing in a park brimming with action.
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
1101 Country Club Way S
Boyd Hill is the literal biggest star of the bunch, and it’s with good reason. While everyone knows about Boyd Hill, I’ve often considered the gigantic nature preserve to be one of St. Pete’s most under-utilized resources. This is your sign to stop by and enjoy the miles of walking trails as you trade dolphins and manatees as picnic company for tortoises and alligators.
Recommended snack: We’re changing it up on this one. To keep the vibes strong and your energy levels high as you enjoy a hike, the lion’s mane Alice Mushrooms Brainstorm Mocha Chocolates make for the perfect trail snack.
Demens Landing
Bayshore Dr. & 2nd Ave. S
Back to an underrated pick. It’s right in the middle of the downtown waterfront, but somehow it seems like people always forget Demens Landing Park. It’s smaller, to be sure, but it’s beautiful, calm, and flanked on both sides by marinas, giving you plenty to watch as you kick back. If your least favorite thing about the St. Pete Pier is all the people and noise, this is your spot, just a few blocks away.
Recommended drink: What could be more relaxing than kicking back under the shade with friends and watching the boats go by? Doing it with a can of Hiyo (seriously, all their flavors are great), giving you the perfect mix of THC and CBD for socializing without a hangover the next day.
Maximo Park
Pinellas Point Dr S &, Sunshine Skyway Ln S
Maximo Park is another underrated favorite, and a perfect pick if you have your dogs in tow. It has trails, it has historic archaeological experiences, and it has tranquil beaches along the water. It’s a little more out of the way if you don’t live nearby, but it’s more than worth the drive.
Recommended drink: Beech Kombucha’s kava isn’t just local. It also serves up the perfect laid-back vibes to enjoy this natural paradise.
Vinoy Park and North Shore Park
701 Bayshore Dr NE
Obvious thing is obvious, but we can’t leave out everyone’s favorite parks for walks, hammocking, dolphin sighting, and sunrise watching. They effectively feel like the same park, as seamless as the connection is. You can’t beat the views, but competition for spots in the shade heats up quickly, pun intended. Arrive early or very late.
Recommended drink: Psych Water Kava – The combo of mood enhancer plus relaxer makes this the perfect drink for Vinoy, whether you’re on a picnic with friends or just people (or dolphin) watching.
