Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge, located in the state of Florida, was established in 1951 to protect important coastal habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The refuge consists of a series of islands, including Shell Key, and covers about 394 acres of land and over 26,000 acres of water.

There are several good reasons to visit Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. The refuge is home to over 20 species of shorebirds, including the threatened snowy plover, as well as sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees.

One of the most popular points of interest at the refuge is the boardwalk at the Shell Key Preserve. This 1.5-mile boardwalk provides visitors with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding islands, as well as opportunities to spot a variety of coastal birds and other wildlife.

Other interesting facts about Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge include its role in protecting and restoring critical habitats for endangered and threatened species, such as the West Indian manatee and the loggerhead sea turtle. The refuge also plays an important role in educating the public about the importance of coastal conservation and environmental stewardship.

The best time of year to visit Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge is in the winter months, when migratory birds are present in the area. However, the refuge is open year-round and offers opportunities for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of the coastal region at any time of year.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks