North Straub Park — Attraction in Saint Petersburg

Summary: Lights + Trees.

Go see the Banyan Trees!! No, they are not native to Florida (India, actually), nor 1,000 years old, but they are worth the stroll. North Straub is a nice ‘stroll through’ park with tree lined path(s) and benches along the way. They put lights in the trees which are turned on around sunset at different times, which only add to the idealistic backdrop (they always have lights on the trees on the opposite side of the street where the restaurants are).

Also the Museum of Fine Arts is a nice stop to cool off at during the day and has a cool lights projected on the outside at night.

There is a pavilion-stage structure at the north end that backs up to 5th Ave NE (Vinoy) where events are sometimes held. The patio seating at 400 Beach has a great view of the park. And here is also normally a vendor selling really good snow cones at the north-east corner, where the park meets the entrance to Vinoy at Bayshore...

Wonderful park to experience Tampa Bay in all its glory in downtown St. Pete. There are tennis courts and restrooms. Right next door to the Palm Tree arboretum. Lots of good parking for a walk downtown along a waterside sidewalk. You will spot herons, pelicans, dolphin, jumping mullet, all sorts of nature and then you will be right in the heart of downtown St. Pete. There are a few picnic tables under shade trees here. Also lots of open grassy areas for ultimate frisbee or just letting the kids run. A small beach area here for sunbathing or fishing. There is also beach volleyball courts, a blast to either participate or watch. You can often find concerts or art shows happening in this park or the nearby Vinoy Park. Actually this is a great place to park and then walk to the events at Vinoy or...

Went to the French fries festival. It would have been great if it wasn't for all the other people there. The next time I attempt to eat French fries it will be in the sanctuary of my own home, with no crowd of inebriated carbohydrate werewolves surrounding me and trying to steal my chair (Disclaimer: I had previously stolen the aforementioned chair). When a man wants French fries smothered in every condiment available on this green and blue ball, he has no time for karmatic justice. Oh, you're also able to being your dog to the park, unless your dog is a psychotic jerk. Well even then; I suppose you can still bring them. Thanks for the dog bite Stephen. This whole town is a bunch of savages. Can't wait for the 3rd annual French fries...