Weedon Island is a great place for hiking, picnicking or a Kayak trip with some friends on a Saturday afternoon. It’s sure to turn out to be quite an adventure that any outdoor enthusiast will enjoy. The Island is located in the middle part of Tampa Bay on west side of the Gandy Bridge. Weedon Island is a sanctuary where you’ll quickly forget you are actually in the middle of two major metro areas.
Start at the Discovery Center where you can get a quick overview of the island’s history. Human artifacts dating as old as 1800 years have been uncovered during excavations on the preserve. Creek Indians moved down from the north in 1700s eventually becoming the Seminoles. The natives took advantage of the abundant plant life and fertile fishing grounds for food. Several trails and observation towers allow you get a first-hand glimpse of the coastal mangroves and land where this original culture once thrived.
San Reno Club and Grand Central Airport
In 1886, the land was purchased by former confederate Captain, W.B. Henderson. In 1898, his daughter married archaeologist, Dr. Leslie Weedon, and Henderson gave them the island as a wedding present. Weedon had discovered Indian mounds on the land and sought to preserve it. Nevertheless, the island changed hands over the years. At one point it was slated to be developed into a residential community which failed.
The island’s popularity peaked in the 1930s as home to the San Reno Club as well as a busy airport known as Grand Central Airport that facilitated travel from Tampa, Orlando and Daytona Beach. The Airport had 3 runways, a control tower, one terminal and a hanger. Grand Central also provided transportation for celebrities traveling to the island to visit the San Reno Club which had been converted into a movie studio. Several unsuccessful films were filmed at the Studio. but the club soon burned down. Eventually, the airport closed the late 1940s. Remains of the airport control tower area are still visible today along with an overgrown runway if you can find it.
After the airport closed, the island never really regained its allure. Florida Power built a saltwater conversion plant on the island in 1960. It only operated for 4 years. By the 1970s the last of the landowners sold their land allowing for Weedon Island to become an oasis of what Florida once was for us to enjoy today.
Paddling Trail
In order to really want to absorb what this amazing preserve is all about, you’ll want to get out on the water. Bring your own canoe or kayak and drop it in the water at the specialized launching dock or rent a kayak from Sweetwater Kayaks. They’ll give you the equipment you need then send you on your way. Make sure to bring a small cooler and a snack for the trip. You will get thirsty in the warm Florida sun even in the cooler months.
Follow the 4-mile loop kayak trail where over 30 markers guide you through open estuaries and mangrove jungles. This part of the bay is pretty shallow, particularly at low tide. Pay attention so you don’t have to drag your ride to deeper water. The waterways through the mangroves are both shallow and narrow. Some degree of endurance is required, but nothing too strenuous.
Wildlife is abundant on the paddling adventure. Fiddler crabs line the mangrove roots to guide you along. If you’re lucky (or maybe unlucky) one may even hop on to hitch a ride. Expect to encounter numerous wading birds on your tour. Smaller species such as the Ibis, Little Blue Heron, and Snow Egret join their larger cousins, the majestic Great Egret and Great Blue Heron lurk around every turn Dolphin and manatees are common in the preserve during higher tides, Schools of Mullet might leap around your boat in the calmer protected lagoons.
The Sandbar
Eventually, the winding waterways and secluded lagoons spill into an open body of water that marks the home stretch back to the launch area. Hopefully you saved some stamina because the breeze will not be your friend if it is blowing just right. There is hope, however! You can beach yourself on a sandbar in the middle of the bay. Don’t expect to be alone, though! The sandbar is a popular stopping point. Regain the energy needed to paddle the last leg of the journey while lounging in the sun for a while. Make sure to save a cold one for the stop at the sandbar.
Arrive back at the launch to the soft rumble of thunder in the distance. An egret sours overhead taking shelter from the approaching storm. Your arms might ache a little. Your rear end might be a little numb. Dry off. Throw away the trash. When you pull away in the car, you’ll only be thinking about what a great day it was on your Weedon Island paddling adventure!
The Trails
If getting out on the water is not your thing, then try one of the numerous walking trails throughout the preserve. An extensive boardwalk winds through the mangrove forest to the lookout tower where a spectacular view awaits. A second boardwalk stretches out to the bay. The main trail is paved so that alone provides a nice morning stroll.
The Riviera and Boy Scout Trail are loop trails. Access them at either end of the main Upland Trail. The lookout Point trail that also extends to the bay is a great trail to spot wading birds. Be sure to bring mosquito repellent, especially in the summer. The trails can be quite wet during the rainy season. Wildlife abounds regardless of the time of year, but the mosquitos’ lay eggs in the summer so it can be quite tough if you forget to take the appropriate precautions. Plan about two to three hours to explore all of the trails allowing time for photos and just plain relaxation.
Whether it’s paddling, hiking, fishing, or an old-fashioned Sunday afternoon picnic, Weedon Island is sure to please. With an extensive history and unspoiled nature, make sure to set some time aside to explore everything the island has to offer. You never know what lies around each bend on your Weedon Island adventure!
Visit Weedon Island
Access the Weedon Island preserve from San Martin Blvd about a mile east of 4th Street if coming from Pinellas County or 1/2 mile west of the Gandy Bridge if traveling from Hillsborough County. Just follow the winding road to Weedon Drive and you’re there!
