From Treadmill to Trails: The Best Spring Running Routes in St. Pete

Fun Running Spots in St. Pete

Welcome to Spring! It’s already warming up here in the greater St. Petersburg metro area, and we’re encouraging everyone to get outside and enjoy this awesome weather. Step off the treadmill and onto this beautiful city’s sidewalks, streets, and trails. We’ve got some running routes to share that you’re going to love.

Where to Run in our Area

If you live in the Sunshine City (aka St. Pete), you already know what a gorgeous area this is to run, walk, and workout in. When you’re cruising along the downtown waterfront, you’re likely to spot a dolphin or a manatee. Maybe you love running at the beach where there are miles of breathtaking vistas of white sand and gulf views. How about trails? We’ve got those too! We’re excited to share with you some of the awesome places that we like to run.

First things first.

GET A PROPER SHOE FITTING – We highly recommend you take this step before any other. When you’re in the best shoes for you, you’re setting yourself up for success. Come into St. Pete Running and let us take you through our free StrideSmart Shoe Fitting process. We evaluate several factors, from gait analysis to functional movements to past injury profile. We ask you about your goals and what preferences you have for the feel and fit of a walking or running shoe. Our shoe guru experts can navigate the shoe wall for you, helping you discover whether you need a neutral versus stability shoes, which heel to toe drop differentials will be ideal for you, helping you discover what level of cushioning meets your specific needs, among other considerations. This one-of-kind process is specially tailored to help you find the very best shoes for you.

Spring Running Routes in St. Pete

Downtown St. Pete Pier

When is the last time you ran downtown St. Pete? It’s a gorgeous area to run or walk, and there is a paved walking and running trail that follows the waterfront for some amazing views. The St. Pete Pier stretches out over the waters of Tampa Bay. When you travel the length of the pier and back, it’s about a 1.2 mile loop. To keep your route going, head toward the historic Vinoy Renaissance Hotel and just follow the paved trail along the waterfront. You’ll travel through Vinoy Park where there are often dolphin sightings. Then you’ll reach the Elva Rouse Palm Garden, which is a slight detour if you want to do a short loop through all the lush palm trees. Once you pass the tennis courts and keep following the waterfront, you’ll pass Northshore Park. The road will curve, following the waterway along Coffee Pot Boulevard. At the Snell Isle Bridge, you can turn back or keep your adventure going over the bridge along Brightwaters, and even continue straight on toward Coffee Pot Park. The possibilities are endless and each path has its own beauty.

Downtown St. Pete is known for its excellent restaurants, brewing companies, retail stores, eclectic murals, and especially the museums, such as the world-renowned Dali Museum. The Saturday Morning Market at Al Lang stadium is one of the top 20 outdoor markets in the country. With incredible initiatives like Healthy St. Pete, the downtown area has continued to allow the Sunshine City to flourish and create space for runners and walkers to enjoy this incredible city.

Once you enter Fort Desoto (3500 Pinellas Bayway South), you’ll discover over 6 miles of paved trails weaving throughout the beautiful nature park. This popular running locale is about 7 miles south of downtown St. Pete and includes some of the most breathtaking beaches in Florida. Note that if you choose to enter the park with a vehicle, the cost to enter is $5 cash only. No cost to enter on foot. Parking once inside is free.

If your search for where to run in St. Pete leads you to Ft. Desoto, consider parking at the farthest northern parking lot at North Beach, which has been recognized as one of “America’s Best Beaches” for many years. From there, walkers and runners can head out on the paved recreational trails. The down and back route to the eastern tip of the island is a little over 10 miles.

Another reason Fort Desoto Island Park Trail is a favorite place to run in St. Pete is the wildlife spotted by visitors, such as gopher tortoises on land and dolphins by sea. The paved trail runs along the remnants of a historical fort. Walkers and joggers will also enjoy the overlooks all along the trail with gorgeous views of Tampa Bay.

Get Fit St. Pete: Trail Fun Run

Looking for a trail shoe?

Why Wait? You Can Join a Group Run Now!

Every Monday and Thursday at 6:30 PM, we host FREE Group Runs from the store. Runners and walkers of all abilities are welcome to join. It’s a very friendly atmosphere where you’ll likely make some new friends. If you’re looking to start running, or just want a few people who run your speed, this is the group for you. Meet at 6986 22nd Ave N in St. Pete.

We start with a dynamic warmup. The paved Pinellas Trail backs up to our store, so we head out together for an out and back route. Most people run or walk about a 5K, but it’s your choice if you want to turn around sooner. You choose your pace. You WON’T be intimidated by this running group!

Do you still have questions about the best Spring running routes in St. Pete? We can help! Call us at 727-800-5043 or come into the store where our shoe experts are ready to provide the high-quality customer service you expect from a Top 50 Running Store in America.