🐊 South St. Pete

Lake Maggiore Park

A 721-acre park wrapped around one of St. Pete's largest lakes, with a name that comes from a fabricated pirate legend.

Address📍 Dr Martin Luther King Jr St S & 37th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

TypeLeashed only

Best forLong walks & water views

Leashed onlyAlligators presentBoat ramp

🕰️ History & background

Lake Maggiore covers about 363 acres and was originally a brackish tidal lagoon connected straight to Tampa Bay, known simply as "Salt Lake" to early settlers. In 1925, city boosters renamed it Lake Maggiore (pronounced "Margy-ory") as part of a promotional push, attaching a colorful pirate legend to the name that was, by most accounts, invented for the occasion rather than historically real. The lake has been a freshwater feature and a popular waterfront park ever since, wrapped by trails, picnic areas, and a boat ramp for one of the largest green spaces in south St. Petersburg.

🐕 What's there now

Shaded picnic areas, a boat ramp, and leashed walking paths line the shore. Keep dogs leashed and watch the water's edge — this lake has resident alligators.

🗺️ Nearby

Worth a stop: the park is fairly residential and removed from St. Pete's café strips — plan to bring your own water and snacks, or make it a stop on a longer south-side drive.

See the full guide Park rules

Before you go: Hours, rules, and amenities can change. This page reflects the most recent information we have — always check on-site signage or the operator's website to confirm before visiting.