Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

Activity Overview

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a beautiful 245-acre nature area located in St. Petersburg, Florida. This popular park features over 6 miles of trails, an aviary, a lake, a playground, and a living history museum nestled within diverse habitats that include woodlands and a marsh.

Whether you live in the area or are visiting Florida for the first time, the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a great place where the whole family can enjoy nature together. You can get some exercise on the trails, learn about wildlife in the nature center, take a trip back in time at the living history museum, or simply enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while having a picnic.

Things to Do

• Go for a hike along the Sand Scrub Trail! It will take you past the home of the gopher tortoise, an important species of tortoise which digs burrows that are used for shelter by many other species. The trail is especially beautiful in the fall, when the fields are full of wildflowers.
• Visit the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, a living history museum located within the nature preserve that introduces families to daily life in Florida during the late 19th century. As you explore buildings like the blacksmith shop, sugar cane shed, and saw mill, volunteers will teach you how to do hands-on activities like crafts.
• Stop by the Boyd Hill Environmental Center to see its fascinating nature exhibits, including "The Ripple Effect: Understanding Nature's Connections" which features displays on the wildlife residing within the preserve and its lake.

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Insider Tips

• Take the whole family on a tram tour of the nature preserve - tours are offered daily at 1:00 p.m., plus 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays. It's a great way to explore the entire area without tiring out the little ones.
• Don't miss the aviary, which is home to several injured birds of prey such as eagles, owls, and hawks. It's a great place to learn all about these majestic animals and their care.
• If you have a small child, stop by the playground for some play time. They'll also love having their photo taken with the preserve's giant metal armadillo sculpture.