Any bike trail near the water is one I am definitely going to check out! The North Bay Trail takes you right along the ocean and through stunning neighborhoods along the bayou.
I started at Demens Landing Park. This park is right next to a marina. Be aware that some of the parking spaces are for those with boats. There is also a time limit specified on the parking spaces. The first few rows of public parking are for 2 hours. The parking circle closer to the water allows for 3 hours.
I biked up to the water to take in the beautiful morning view before getting started.
Take the dark paved bike path from the park/parking lot towards the main road. Use the bike path because cars will be coming through on the main driveway. It will take you over the bridge you drove over when you entered. Then veer to the right to begin the trail!
This trail has gorgeous ocean views and parks all along the way, which makes it very popular. There are plenty of people on it biking, walking, or roller-blading. So don't forget to keep alert and be courteous while you enjoy the scenery.
On your right will be tons of marinas holding some very yar boats. On your left will be South and North Straub Park. There are European sculptures throughout the parks. You can see them from the trail, or pop on over there to get a closer look. The trail will continue to wind you around the oceanfront.
Eventually, the trail turns away from the ocean and follows along the bayou.
You are now entering the Historic Old Northeast neighborhood. One of the things I loved about this neighborhood is the houses all had a different architectural style. Most have matching little docks for boats and water toys. So much real estate jealousy!
There is only one little traffic crossing you have to do on this trail. At the Snell Isle Bridge, you will bike over a crosswalk. Most of the time the cars will yield to the bikers since there is no crossing signal.
The trail will come to Coffee Pot Park. Love that name! I biked this trail in the morning and wished there could have been some coffee waiting for me there.
That's where the water views and I stopped. The North Bay Trail does continue on to Riviera Bay. After Coffee Pot Park the trail goes through a more industrial area.
The section of I biked North Bay Trail is a little over 6 miles round trip. I did this ride in the morning before I went to the beach. I like to make the most of my adventures. So throwing this little bike ride in with your St. Pete plans will be a nice addition.