While mostly residential, this boating community is the gateway to Fort De Soto Park, the crown jewel of St. Pete/Clearwater’s county park system.
Comprising several small islands south of the Pinellas Bayway between St. Pete and St. Pete Beach, Tierra Verde is notable for its marinas, fishing spots and casual restaurants. Fort De Soto Park is home to award-winning beaches, dog beaches, a historic fort, waterfront campgrounds and miles of pedestrian and kayak trails.
Between the Bayway and the park, there’s a trail that’s popular for getting to Fort DeSoto by bicycle. You’ll cross over bridges and patches of sand where locals love to fish. Heading south on the right side of the road is Tampa Bay Watch, a nonprofit focusing on preserving the health of the bay and educating visitors about marine conservation (look for the blue lighthouse). Just to the north of the nonprofit’s headquarters is a great spot to launch a kayak to explore uninhabited Shell Key.
Catch the ferry to Egmont Key from the fishing pier in Fort De Soto Park. On Egmont Key, a small lighthouse reaches above coastal foliage and the ruins of Fort Dade (built in 1899). There’s great snorkeling on the key and keep an eye out for gopher tortoises and their burrows. The ferry ride takes 20 minutes and runs multiple times a day.
Tierra Verde is a haven for hungry beachgoers after a day spent playing in the sand. Island Grille & Raw Bar has an extensive menu with steaks, seafood, and pub fare with live entertainment daily. Sea Worthy Fish + Bar and Billy’s Stone Crab serve up terrific seafood as well and Billy’s rooftop bar with music is a local fave. For classic European-inspired fare, head to ALSACE French Bistro or Tony and Nello’s Southern Italian Cuisine. Circo Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria is a fun family restaurant. For craft cocktails and the sunset, Vista At The Top is the perfect topping to your Tierra Verde excursion.