Overview
The North Bay Trail runs 6.3 miles through St. Petersburg, FL. The multiuse trail is paved, smooth and varies from 12-to-15 feet wide depending on the section of trail.
About the Route
The North Bay Trail's southern end begins in downtown St. Petersburg with an easy connection to the scenic 50-mile Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail at Bay Shore Drive SE. From there, the trail heads north along Tampa Bay, offering enjoyable views of the water, busy marinas, palm trees and beaches.
The trail turns inland at Coffeepot Bayou, which is lined with beautiful waterfront homes in the Old Northeast neighborhood. A busy commercial area follows as the trail closely parallels 1st Street NE. After crossing a pedestrian bridge at 79th Avenue NE, the trail turns back east and head up to 83rd Avenue North.
Along the way, the long list of recreational amenities that the trail provides access to is exceptional. From south to north, you'll be in the vicinity of:
Connections
The North Bay Trail is part of the Pinellas Trail Loop, an eventual 75-mile loop running throughout the county. The Duke Energy Trail on the east side of the peninsula and the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail contribute to the loop as well.
North Bay Trail runs between Macoma Dr NE (St. Petersburg) and Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail/Demens Landing Park at the intersection of 1st Ave SE & Bayshore Dr NE.
Parking is available at:
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus system, trolley service, and East Lake Shuttle provide access to the trail.
View the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions.
This trail is super scenic along the waterfront on the southern end and then hugs a semi-major road on the northern end. It’s an easy ride, very flat, and the path is paved and very large going both ways like a huge oversized sidewalk
The northern leg from start to Coffee Pot is almost entirely straight, sunny sidewalk next to a major street in a neighborhood of modest, cookie cutter, post-war homes. The street was busy but the sidewalk “trail” was not, on this Friday afternoon during the covid-19 pandemic. I would skip this section unless you just want mileage. The rest passes some interesting old mansions and some new ones, small parks with benches and (temporarily closed) play equipment, mangroves, seawalls, a small beach (with a few volley ball players), Bay views and the-not-yet-complete St Pete Pier.. It was pleasant
I very recently found this trail & fell in love. It’s a perfect shot to Vinoy park, where it’s absolutely beautiful.
4 stars MAINLY because it is not a trail. It is more of a side-walk trail through the city’s water front. So like I said This is pretty much a sidewalk trail BUT and scenic ride nonetheless. Great addition if your local and need some fresh air.
Scenic ride down by the water. Pedestrians and other bikers were very cordial and there was plenty of room to navigate around. Highly recommend getting some bikes and taking this trail. Got on the trail from the downtown trail.
side walk not a bike trail....
Started at the north end in Rio Vista Park - literally a hidden gem - almost impossible to find! Coffee Pot Bayou is approximately the halfway point and a beautiful spot to stop and get a drink of water or top off your water bottle. Turned around at Vinoy Park and headed back. Trail was very smooth. Great for people watching or house dreaming ( million dollar homes ). Mid-day Friday there were very few others on this beautiful trail. Round trip just over 12 miles.
This should not be on here as a trail. It is barely a 10' side walk. People walking here a very inconsiderate and rude. Many people walking dogs on a long leash. I spent more time dodgeing pedestrians and dogs than enjoying my ride.
great place to watch the sunrise and see a few dolphin,manatee or rays.I've been walking and biking this trail since 1990! I love it!
first time walking the trail with my puppy for the coffee pot park and it was very nice, we loved it.
Although a bit short, a very nice casual ride along the scenic waterfront of St Pete.
Thanks to this app, we located this trail not far from where we were vacationing. We parked at Demons Landing and picked up the trail from there. It's a little bumpy over some of the cross walks but well worth a few rumbles to be skating along the water. Great views, a nice breeze and we will definitely come back.
First few miles of the trail are on a wide sidewalk with a yellow line down the middle. This part of the trail follows 1st street towards downtown St. Pete. This part of the trail was really nondescript. Reminded me of riding in the streets when I was a kid.
Thankfully, you hit a park on the left which leads into another sidewalk trail which follows the water side all the way into St. Pete. This part of the ride is great, as you get beautiful neighborhoods and docks leading you to the Pier in St. Pete.
From downtown there are clearly marked City Trail signs which direct you to places all around St.Pete. Nice thing is that there are a couple of streets with outside service so you can dine with your bike next to you.We stopped at Crowley and had some nice drafts and appetizers. Made for a nice day trip.
My wife and I rode this trail back in August. It was very nice. The trail for the most part runs down the sea wall for Tampa bay in St Pete. Even though it is a short trail it is still a must do. just for the scenery alone.
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