We are a small team based in Clearwater, and three of the homes we manage are in Largo. Guests often tell us they picked Largo for the pool and the space, and then discovered there is more to do here than they expected. This guide is what we tell people when they ask: what is actually worth your time in Largo, how far everything is from the house, and what our guests say they enjoyed most.
Largo sits in the middle of Pinellas County. The Gulf beaches are a short drive to the west, Clearwater and St. Petersburg are close on either side, and the town itself has gardens, a living history village, big shaded parks and a paved trail. It is the quiet middle of a busy coast, and that is the appeal. The city alone runs about 20 parks on nearly 500 acres of green space, with around 11 miles of walking trails, and most of it is free to use.
The short list: things to do in Largo, FL
- Florida Botanical Gardens: themed gardens with free admission, about 10–16 minutes from our homes.
- Heritage Village: a living history village of more than 30 historic buildings, 7–14 minutes away.
- Largo Central Park: about 70 acres of shaded lawns and playgrounds, 7–13 minutes away.
- Central Park Performing Arts Center: live shows in the heart of town, 7–12 minutes away.
- Eagle Lake Park and John S. Taylor Park: two big free parks with trails and boardwalks, 4–16 and 5–14 minutes away.
- John R. Bonner Nature Park: a birding stop on the Intracoastal Waterway, 5–18 minutes away.
- The Pinellas Trail: a paved trail that runs through Largo, minutes from every one of our homes.
- Indian Rocks Beach: the nearest Gulf beach, 10–22 minutes away.
- Spring Training baseball: Phillies games in Clearwater and Blue Jays games in Dunedin, in late winter.
Gardens, parks and the outdoors
Florida Botanical Gardens
4.8This is the one we recommend first, because it costs nothing to walk in. The gardens are laid out in themed sections, including butterfly, cottage, herb, tropical fruit, cactus and jazz gardens, with shaded paths that make an easy morning walk. Pinellas County describes it as 150 acres of formal gardens, scenic landscapes and native habitats, open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. except the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Leashed pets are welcome. Hours can change, so check before you go. It is about 10–16 minutes from our Largo homes.
Largo Central Park
4.8The park covers about 70 acres of live oaks, a fountain, picnic shelters and a shady playground, and it has a miniature train that runs on scheduled days, so check the city’s calendar if you are travelling with small children. It is 7–13 minutes from our homes, and the public library and the performing arts center are right beside it.
Eagle Lake Park
4.8A 162-acre park at 1800 Keene Road, open from 7 a.m. to sunset. It is built around restored wetlands, with about 2,000 feet of boardwalk over the water, a paved loop for walking and biking, a dog park, a themed playground and picnic pavilions. It is a good early-morning walk, and from On the Creek it is only about 4 minutes away.
John S. Taylor Park
4.7A 156-acre park around Taylor Lake, a 53-acre freshwater lake, with a tree-lined shell trail, a disc golf course and a boat launch for small boats. It connects to the Pinellas Trail, which makes it an easy place to start a bike ride. From Goodtimes Waterfront it is about 5 minutes away.
George C. McGough Nature Park
4.8A small nature park on Largo’s northeast side, known for its owls and nature exhibits. Google lists it as open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It is only about 6 minutes from Goodtimes Waterfront.
John R. Bonner Nature Park
4.6A quieter stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail that looks out over the Intracoastal Waterway. Bring binoculars in the cooler months, when migrating birds pass through. From On the Creek it is only about five minutes away.
The Pinellas Trail
The paved Pinellas Trail runs roughly 45 miles, depending on how it is measured, from Tarpon Springs down to St. Petersburg, and it passes right through Largo. It is a comfortable way to see the area by bike, on foot or on a run, and you can ride toward Dunedin or Clearwater from town. See the parks and nature guide for more trails and parks nearby.
History, culture and a day out with the family
Heritage Village
4.8Heritage Village is a living history museum of more than 20 acres, run by Pinellas County, with over 25 historic buildings that were moved here from around the county, including a school, a church, a log cabin, a caboose and an old service station. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits, live demonstrations and a trail of native plants. Admission has been free, but check the Heritage Village website for current hours and programs. It is a good rainy-day plan and is only about 7–14 minutes from our homes, and about seven from Goodtimes Waterfront.
Central Park Performing Arts Center
4.7Also known as the Largo Cultural Center, this is the town’s main venue for concerts, theatre and community events. Check its calendar when you book, since a show is an easy way to fill an evening.
Highland Recreation Complex
When it is too hot or too wet to be outside, the Highland Recreation Complex is a paid indoor and outdoor recreation center with an aquatic center and an indoor playground. It is about 6–13 minutes from our homes, so keep it in mind for a rainy day with kids.
Beaches and water, a short drive west
Largo is not on the beach, and that is part of why the homes here have room for a private pool and a dock. The nearest Gulf sand is at Indian Rocks Beach, 10–22 minutes away depending on the home. From Goodtimes Waterfront it is about ten minutes, which our guests appreciate. Our beach guide compares Indian Rocks Beach, Sand Key Park and Clearwater Beach, including parking and lifeguard details.
Prefer the water without the crowds? Several of our Largo homes sit on canals and creeks, and On the Creek and Goodtimes Waterfront both list a boat slip. See our fishing and kayaking guide and boating and sunset cruise guide for launch points and the rules for renting a boat.
Baseball in the spring
Two Major League Baseball teams train nearby. The Philadelphia Phillies play at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, and the Toronto Blue Jays play at TD Ballpark in Dunedin. For 2027, MLB lists the Phillies’ first home game at BayCare Ballpark on February 20, with 16 of their 30 spring games there. One of our guests told us they stayed with us for their Spring Training trip and loved the pool and backyard afterwards. If you want to come for baseball, book early, because that window fills up.
Where to eat in Largo
These are the local favorites we send guests to, and all were open when we last checked. See the dining guide for the wider area.
Roosterfish Grill
4.4Steak, oysters, fresh seafood and burgers on Missouri Avenue, a few minutes from On the Creek and Goodtimes Waterfront.
Miku Ramen
4.6Slow-simmered Japanese ramen on Ulmerton Road. It is only about six minutes from Tortuga Hideaway.
E&E Stakeout Grill
4.6A long-running favorite for steak, prime rib and daily seafood specials, in nearby Belleair Bluffs.
Arkane Aleworks
4.9A sour-focused craft brewery on East Bay Drive with a wide range of styles, a back patio and rotating food trucks. Google lists it as open Wednesday to Friday from 3 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 10 p.m., and closed Monday and Tuesday. It is only about four minutes from On the Creek.
The Largo Downtown Market sells produce and local goods on the first and third Saturdays of the month, according to local listings, so confirm the schedule before you plan around it.
What our Largo guests say
We read every review. Across the 117 written reviews from guests at our three Largo homes, about half mention how responsive our team was, roughly four in ten mention the pool, and about the same share mention travelling with family or kids. One in five describes a group trip or a celebration. Here is what a few of them wrote, word for word.
“Perfect place to kick back and relax. Fish were jumping every time we went out. Back yard so peaceful and refreshing, shaded area to drop your line in from, play corn hole, lay in the sun by the pool or swim. Inside enough games to keep everyone entertained and happy. Made a very special graduation weekend for our entire family.”
Airbnb guest, May 2026, On the Creek
“The best stay during my travels to Clearwater beach! 20 min drive from beach. The pool, backyard and house features were all great.”
Airbnb guest, September 2026, On the Creek
“This home is absolutely stunning and tastefully decorated! It was spotlessly clean, and the view provided such a relaxing atmosphere.”
Airbnb guest, May 2026, Goodtimes Waterfront
“The perfect place for a large group! We enjoyed everything about our stay. Highly recommend! The backyard, pool, fire pit and arcade were definitely the highlights.”
Airbnb guest, April 2026, On the Creek
The pattern is clear. People come to Largo for a home base with a pool and a backyard, and then use it for day trips to the beach, the gardens and the ballpark.
How far is everything?
| Drive time (minutes) | On the Creek | Tortuga Hideaway | Goodtimes Waterfront |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage Village | 14 | 14 | 7 |
| Florida Botanical Gardens | 16 | 15 | 10 |
| Largo Central Park | 7 | 13 | 10 |
| Central Park Performing Arts Center | 7 | 12 | 10 |
| John R. Bonner Nature Park | 18 | 18 | 5 |
| Eagle Lake Park | 4 | 13 | 16 |
| John S. Taylor Park | 11 | 14 | 5 |
| George C. McGough Nature Park | 17 | 18 | 6 |
| Arkane Aleworks | 4 | 11 | 15 |
| Walsingham Park | 17 | 13 | 9 |
| Indian Rocks Beach | 18 | 22 | 10 |
| Clearwater Beach (Pier 60) | 19 | 28 | 21 |
| John’s Pass Village | 28 | 23 | 23 |
| Clearwater Marine Aquarium | 16 | 25 | 18 |
| BayCare Ballpark (Phillies spring training) | 14 | 15 | 24 |
| TD Ballpark (Blue Jays spring training) | 18 | 27 | 22 |
Approximate driving minutes from each home, without traffic, from Google’s routing data. Real trips vary with traffic and season.
A relaxed three-day plan
Day one: Start at the Florida Botanical Gardens while it is cool, spend the afternoon at Heritage Village, and have dinner at Roosterfish Grill or Miku Ramen.
Day two: Beach morning at Indian Rocks Beach, lunch at one of its seafood spots, then head to Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach for the free nightly sunset festival, or watch the sunset from your own dock.
Day three: Take a bike ride or walk on the Pinellas Trail, picnic at Largo Central Park, and save the evening for the pool and the game room. In February or March, swap in a Spring Training game.
Where to stay in Largo
We manage three homes here, all with a private pool and all on the water. Tortuga Hideaway sleeps 6 and has a heated saltwater pool. On the Creek sleeps 10 with a heated pool, game room, fire pit and boat slip. Goodtimes Waterfront sleeps 16 and has a heated pool, boat slip, fire pit and pool table. All three list pets as allowed. See our Largo vacation rentals, or compare all our homes.
Drive times come from Google’s routing data and ratings from Google, both checked in September 2026. Hours, prices and schedules change, so confirm details with each place before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Largo is inland, so you are not on the sand, but the nearest Gulf beach at Indian Rocks Beach is about 10 to 22 minutes away depending on the home. The trade-off is more space, a private pool and often a dock.
Walking the Florida Botanical Gardens costs nothing, and Largo Central Park and the Pinellas Trail are public spaces you can use without an admission fee.
About 13 to 23 minutes from St. Pete–Clearwater Airport and about 24 to 36 minutes from Tampa International, without traffic.
Yes. Most guests rent a car, since the beaches, parks and restaurants are a short drive apart.
On the Creek, Tortuga Hideaway and Goodtimes Waterfront all list pets as allowed. Check each home's page for its current pet policy.
Winter and spring have the mildest weather and include baseball Spring Training in February and March. Summer is hot with afternoon thunderstorms, which is when a private pool matters most.