Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
A stunning 245-acre urban oasis showcasing Florida's diverse habitats and abundant wildlife, perfect for exploration and education.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildlife is most active
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
Best Time
Wildlife is most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 245-acre urban oasis showcasing Florida's diverse habitats and abundant wildlife, perfect for exploration and education.
"An incredible surprise! So many trails, diverse flora and fauna, and a beautiful aviary."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
With miles of trails, good walking shoes are essential for exploring the preserve.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Water stations are available along the routes, so bring a reusable bottle!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Diverse Florida Habitats
Throughout the preserve
Explore nearly all of Florida's natural habitats, from pine flatwoods to mangrove swamps. A true urban oasis!
Aviary Wonders
Aviary section
See a variety of beautiful birds, learn their backstories, and even witness interactions. A delightful surprise!
Unique Nature Playground
Near the nature center
Let kids (and the young at heart) run wild at this incredibly cool, nature-integrated playground.
Scenic Skyline Swing
Main trail
Enjoy a moment of peace on a wooden swing with a beautiful view of the St. Pete skyline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: What to Know Before You Go
Timing is Key for Wildlife Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
With miles of trails, good walking shoes are essential for exploring the preserve. +1
💧 Stay Hydrated
Water stations are available along the routes, so bring a reusable bottle! +1
🦩 Look for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for alligators, raccoons, squirrels, and a variety of birds. +1
🌳 Explore the Trails
There are many trails to choose from, offering diverse scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
With miles of trails, good walking shoes are essential for exploring the preserve. +1
💧 Stay Hydrated
Water stations are available along the routes, so bring a reusable bottle! +1
🦩 Look for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for alligators, raccoons, squirrels, and a variety of birds. +1
🌳 Explore the Trails
There are many trails to choose from, offering diverse scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.
🏕️ Try Primitive Camping
The Terry Tomalin Campground offers a unique overnight experience within the preserve.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Boyd Hill Nature Preserve for its incredible diversity of Florida habitats and abundant wildlife, calling it a true urban oasis. The affordable admission, well-maintained trails, and unique nature playground are frequently highlighted as major positives. Some visitors noted a desire for more souvenir magnets in the gift shop.
"I went on a mini retreat here, and it was amazing, especially for my first time visiting. There were also some beautiful birds to see both as a part of the preserve and in their natural habitat. Our hike was guided, but there were several trails, so I look forward to coming back and trying to them."
Tye C
"went to this place for a Saturday morning walk and had no idea it was an entire ✨experience✨ but what an incredible surprise! they have so many trails to choose from. the flora and fauna is so diverse. it's a huge place so I doubt you'll ever feel like it's "crowded." The aviary was also a nice surprise. The birds were gorgeous and you get to read about their backstory! On the main trail there's a wooden swing with a beautiful skyline view. I'm in love!"
TyLisa Johnson
"This was a nice outing. They have great walking and biking trails and with the side trails you can easily do 5 miles. A gift shop, restrooms, kids playground, adequate parking, an aviary, water stations along the route, healthy snacks in the gift shop like strawberries, celery, peaches, and other cold snacks. They definitely need more magnets with the preserve on it as I collect magnets. We saw some wildlife, a baby alligator, raccoon, squirrels and an owl that was hooting at one of the caged owls. A worker there said that owl has been coming for a few seasons to probably "mate" and "talk" to one of the other owls. A pretty neat and safe place. Entrance fee is very reasonable."
Jawana Watson Silvestri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is located at 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, FL. It's easily accessible by car and is just a few miles from downtown St. Pete.
Yes, there is adequate parking available for visitors at the preserve.
While specific public transport routes can vary, checking local St. Pete transit schedules is recommended for the most up-to-date information on bus routes that may service the area.
Yes, it's conveniently located within St. Petersburg, making it easy to combine with other local activities.
The preserve has numerous trails, and a scenic tram tour is also available for a guided overview of the different habitats.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very reasonable, typically around $3 per person, making it an affordable outing.
Operating hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official Boyd Hill Nature Preserve website or their social media for the most current times before your visit.
For general admission, advance booking is usually not required, but it's always a good idea to check their website for any special events or programs that might have separate ticketing.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, the standard admission fee is already very affordable. Check with the preserve directly for any potential group rates or special offers.
Typically, pets are not allowed in nature preserves to protect the wildlife. It's best to confirm the specific pet policy with the preserve directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can spot a variety of Florida wildlife, including alligators, raccoons, squirrels, and numerous bird species in both natural habitats and the aviary. +1
Yes, guided hikes are offered, and a scenic tram tour provides an excellent overview of the preserve's diverse habitats.
The preserve offers restrooms, a gift shop, a nature playground, and water stations along the trails.
Absolutely! Kids will love the nature playground, the chance to see animals, and the educational aspects of the preserve.
Yes, there are picnic areas available, making it a great spot for a family outing or a relaxing lunch surrounded by nature.
📸 📸 Photography
The diverse habitats, wildlife, and the scenic skyline view from the main trail swing offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but always be respectful of the wildlife and the natural environment.
You can capture images of birds in the aviary, as well as wild animals like alligators and raccoons in their natural settings.
Drone usage is typically restricted in natural preserves to avoid disturbing wildlife. It's best to check the preserve's specific regulations regarding drones.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and are when wildlife is most active, providing great opportunities for stunning shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the playground, the chance to spot wildlife like alligators, raccoons, and birds is incredibly exciting for children. 🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
🏕️ Campers & Outdoor Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Diverse Habitats
This diversity creates a rich ecosystem that supports a wide array of plant and animal life, making every visit a unique discovery. The preserve's staff and city officials are dedicated to maintaining these habitats intelligently and lovingly, ensuring their health and vitality. Walking through these distinct environments offers a tangible experience of Florida's natural heritage. The trails are well-maintained, allowing for easy exploration of these varied ecosystems. Whether you're interested in the unique flora of the uplands or the intricate life within the wetlands, Boyd Hill provides an accessible and educational journey through Florida's natural beauty.
Wildlife Encounters and the Aviary
Beyond the wild encounters, the preserve also features an aviary that houses a collection of beautiful birds. Here, you can learn about their individual stories and observe them up close.
Family Fun and Camping Adventures
This playground is a highlight for many families, providing a fun space for kids to burn energy. For a more immersive experience, the Terry Tomalin Campground offers primitive camping with cozy cabins. Recent improvements, including fresh paint and clean facilities, have enhanced the camping experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit