City Profile: Tierra Verde
Tierra Verde: Island Living a Few Miles from St. Pete
Just outside of St. Petersburg, at the end of the Pinellas Peninsula and comprising multiple islands, is Tierra Verde, FL. This vibrant community is known for its parks, beaches, outdoor activities, and relaxing lifestyle. If you want to live on island time, Tierra Verde is the place for you.
A Glimpse at Tierra Verde
The Perks: Parks, Beaches, and Good Vibrations
Tierra Verde is home to significant amounts of parkland, most notably Fort De Soto Park, Egmont Key, and the uninhabited Shell Key Preserve, providing plenty of outdoor activities.
Parks
- Fort De Soto Park: Fort De Soto Park covers an enormous 1,136 acres over five separate islands. This family-friendly, wheelchair-accessible park has beaches that are perfect for kids. It even has a dog beach for your four-legged companions! A seven-mile paved trail is ideal for walking, running, and biking. Bring your fishing gear, set up camp by the water, and rent a kayak to look for dolphins, turtles, and other native wildlife.
- Shell Key: This undeveloped island is a wildlife preserve with mangroves and seagrass beds. Primitive “leave no trace” camping is allowed on the beach for a truly tranquil outdoor experience.
- Egmont Key: Egmont Key is a National Wildlife Refuge that consists of white-sand beaches and 280 acres of wildlife reserve. Go swimming, kitesurfing, or birdwatching on this uninhabited island. Visit the ruins of Fort Dade. Just make sure to respect the wildlife as you go.
Outdoor Activities
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Protected parks, reserves, and miles of pristine beaches and waterways provide excellent opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding, allowing you to spot diverse wildlife. Local companies such as Liberty Outdoors and Get Up and Go Kayaking offer rentals and guided tours for individuals and families.
- Dolphin Watching Tours: Several companies offer dolphin-watching tours, providing opportunities to see these playful marine mammals in their natural habitat.
- Fishing: Fish from one of the piers or take charter boats into deeper waters. Local stores like Bait Bucket provide supplies for fishing enthusiasts.
Nearby Golf Courses
Golfers have multiple options to hit the links at a variety of 18-hole golf courses. Two miles away from Tierra Verde is the Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club. The Vinoy Golf Club, twelve miles to the north in St. Petersburg, is a championship golf course designed by Ron Garl, featuring a Moorish-style clubhouse and restaurant. Also in St. Pete are the Mangrove Bay and Cypress Links Golf Courses, which offer public courses with amenities, including a driving range and pro shop.
Dining
There is no shortage of delicious places to dine in Tierra Verde. Whether you are looking for a hearty lunch to fuel your outdoor activities or a lovely dinner after a day in the sun, there’s a bounty of choices to be found.
- The Island Grille & Raw Bar: This surf’n’turf restaurant offers raw oysters, tropical drinks, and live music. It’s popular for lunch and dinner, for a night out, and has outdoor seating.
- Jolly Roger’s Grub & Pub: This cozy veteran-owned establishment features a diverse menu, including comfort food and vegetarian options. Outdoor seating is available.
- Vista at the Top: Located on the rooftop of the Residence Inn, this chic venue offers elevated pub fare, stunning harbor views, and a great selection of cocktails and happy hour specials. Bring your date and watch the sunset over the water.
- Billy’s Stone Crab: This bustling, family-friendly hub specializes in stone crabs and fresh seafood with indoor and outdoor dining options.
Neighborhoods and Building Options
Tierra Verde has numerous beautiful neighborhoods that blend scenic views, community amenities, and a relaxed atmosphere. These neighborhoods offer a variety of options for potential homeowners looking for a blend of natural beauty, community engagement, and recreational opportunities in Tierra Verde.
If you would like to build a custom home or an elevated home in Tierra Verde, Winway Homes has been building coastal residences in the St. Petersburg area for over two decades. If you are interested in creating your new home, contact us today.
