Florida is a beautiful place with lots of things to see and do! Did I mention there are miles and miles of beautiful beaches! My son and daughter-in-law live in Largo, Florida, which is near the gulf coast and about 23 miles west of Tampa. It has a population of about 85,000 and was first incorporated in 1905. It’s the third-largest city in Pinellas County. You will find hiking trails, beautiful parks, and lakes, and great restaurants!

Best Beaches

Going to the beach is one of our favorite things to do near Largo. Indian Rocks Beach is close by, about 5 miles from the city of Largo, and one of the best places to find seashells. You can find free parking if you get there early in the day. Sand Key Park is in Clearwater and is about 7 miles from Largo. It’s a great beach with fine white sand and parking is only $5/daily, they also have beach chairs and umbrellas for rent. We have seen a lot of exotic birds at Sand Key and one day we saw a group of stingrays!

*Fun Facts: A group of Stingrays is called a Fever, a group of Dolphins is called a Pod, and a group of Egrets is called a Congregation.*

Besides chillin’ on the beach or gathering seashells, my husband enjoys metal detecting. I know it sounds like an “old person” thing, but it’s really fun and we have walked for miles and miles hunting for treasures. We always find something; coins, keys, nails, rings, and even a metal matchbox car!

If you are interested in metal detecting, it’s important to have good equipment, this is the metal detector I bought for my husband.

Best Parks

The city of Largo has a great Park System! Here are just a few:

• Largo Central Park
• Largo Central Park Nature Preserve
• John S. Taylor Park
• George C. McGough Nature Park(The Narrows)
• John R. Bonner Nature Park
• Eagle Lark Park

Largo Central Park

Largo Central Park is a 70-acre park located in the heart of Largo at 101 Central Park Drive. The park includes;

• 8 Picnic pavilions
• Restroom facilities
• Playground
• Largo Central Railroad
• Carousel

Largo Central Park Christmas Lights. At Christmas time, the city of Largo decorates Central Park with 2 million LED lights. You can walk down the sidewalks located throughout the park and see all the lighted trees. It’s really a magical place!

Largo Central Park Nature Preserve

Largo Central Park and Largo Central Park Nature Preserve are two totally different parks. The Nature Preserve is a 31-acre nature park that is mostly surrounded by water. It’s located at 150 Highland Ave. North. You won’t find any playgrounds and no dogs are allowed. The park is all about Nature! It’s home to over 130 species of birds, otters, red fox, alligators, marsh rabbits, wild turkeys, and bats.

John S. Taylor Park

John S. Taylor Park is located at 1100 8th Ave SW. You will find great walking paths, and are bound to see a lot of exotic birds and wildlife! We have seen many Alligators lurking in the water!

Amenities at the Park;

• Ball field
• 53-acre freshwater lake
• Boat ramp (non-motorized)
• Disc golf
• Fishing
• Trails
• Parking
• Picnic areas
• Playground equipment
• Restrooms
• 7 picnic shelters with grills

George C. McGough Nature Park

Also known as the “Turtle Park” due to the many aquatic turtles in the park. This park is located at 11901 146th Street North along the Intracoastal waterway. The Nature Center houses live animal exhibits and hands-on activities for children. Dogs are not allowed in the Park.

Other Park Amenities;

• Turtle Deck
• Picnic Shelters
• Butterfly Garden
• Boardwalk
• Playground
• Restroom
• Birds of Prey Exhibits

John R. Bonner Nature Park

Located at 14444 143rd Street North, this is one of Largo’s hidden gems. This park is on the Great Florida Birding Trail, which is a 2000 mile long Birding and WIldlife Trail with over 500 locations in Florida. where the states’ bird habitats are protected. John R. Bonner Park is one of these locations where you can see a large population of migrating birds This park overlooks the Intracoastal waterway.

Park Amenities;

• Picnic areas
• Nature trails
• Playground
• Covered pavilion

Eagle Lake Park

Located at 1800 S. Keene Road by the lake. This park has great biking trails and 3 off-leash dog parks. It has picnic shelters, restrooms, and several nature trails.

Best Botanical Gardens

The Florida Botanical Gardens is also located in Largo. They have great walking paths and areas where you can just sit back and enjoy nature. Of course, you will also find beautiful native flowers and plants!

At Christmas time, they decorate the Gardens with 1000s of lights. I have only seen this during the day but I’m sure it is spectacular after dark!

Best Restaurants

You will find restaurants of all kinds in Largo. We’ve had some delicious breakfast meals there! On our last trip, we had breakfast every day in a different restaurant!

• Venus Restaurant
• Wildflower Cafe
• Benedict’s
• Maggie Mae’s On the Bluffs
• Savory Restaurant

We all know Florida has great seafood but they also have other specialty foods to offer, including great steaks, Italian food, Greek food, and Cuban food;

• E & E Stakeout Grill, Great Steak and Seafood
• Guppys on the Beach, Seafood on the water
• Roosterfish Grill, Seafood, and much more!
• Savory Restaurant, Italian, and Greek food
• Havana Harry, Cuban food
• Salt Rock Grill, Steak, Seafood, and more, on the water
• Cody’s Original Roadhouse, Great Steaks

The dinner we had at Salt Rock Grill was our favorite on our last vacation. We also always go to Cody’s Original Roadhouse, the steaks are wonderful and the salad is very unique!

Best Coffee Shops

I love spending time at a coffee shop! Sitting on their comfy chairs, working on my computer, or just enjoying my coffee! These shops also have some great pastries to go with your coffee!

• Belleair Coffee Co.
• The Haus Coffee Shop
• Indian Shores Coffee
• Southie Coffee Shop
• The Coffee Mill

Best Shopping & Entertainment

Largo shopping & entertainment options;

• Largo Mall, many stores to choose from
• The French Nest Marketplace, in Largo’s Vintage shopping district
• Bealls Outlet, outlet clothing store
• Regal Largo Mall 8, Cinema

In Conclusion

Larg,o Florida is a great place to visit if you are heading to Florida! If you are looking to stay away from the big cities, Largo has a lot to offer. From the beaches to the Mall, and from Seafood to Cuban food, there is something for everyone and every taste!

I would love to hear from you! What is your favorite town or city in Florida? Please leave a comment below, and don’t forget to share with your friends and family on your social media pages.

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You may also enjoy reading; 6 Fun Things to do in Cherokee NC

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