There is a whole other side of Pinellas County waiting just a few miles inland from the beach.
The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail offers a chance to explore that side by bicycle. Following a former railroad corridor, the paved trail winds through neighborhoods, parks, shopping districts, and stretches of greenery that most visitors never see from Gulf Boulevard.
For anyone staying in Indian Shores, the Seminole section is a convenient place to try it. You can rent a bike, ride a few miles, stop at a park, and finish with coffee or lunch before returning to the coast.
You do not need to be an experienced cyclist. A comfortable bike, a manageable distance, and a little preparation are enough to enjoy the trail.
The Pinellas Trail began as a rail-to-trail project, transforming an abandoned railroad corridor into one of the region's most popular recreational routes.
Today, it provides a paved pathway for cyclists, walkers, runners, and skaters across much of Pinellas County. The route passes through established neighborhoods, wooded stretches, commercial areas, and several downtown districts.
The experience changes as you travel. One section might pass through a leafy residential neighborhood. Another crosses a busy road at a marked intersection. Farther along, you might find a small park, local business, or a place to stop for a drink.
The trail is mostly separated from motor-vehicle traffic, although riders still need to pay attention at road crossings and intersections.
It is a good way to see the county from a different perspective, particularly if most of your vacation has been spent along the Gulf.
The easiest starting point for many visitors is nearby Seminole, a mainland community with several access points to the Pinellas Trail.
From Indian Shores, plan on driving inland with your bike or arranging a rental near the trail itself. This avoids having to navigate Gulf Boulevard and busy bridge connections by bicycle before you even begin.
One practical option is Trek Bicycle Seminole, located at 11198 70th Avenue in Seminole. The shop sits along the Pinellas Trail and lists bicycle and e-bike rentals among its services.
Another option is Trail Sport Bicycles, located at 6201 Seminole Boulevard. This established cycling shop is also along the trail and offers rentals.
Contact either shop before visiting to confirm availability, rental requirements, bike sizes, and whether customer parking is available during your ride.
Arriving near the trail with a rental already arranged makes the morning much easier, especially when traveling with children or several riders
The Pinellas Trail is long enough for serious distance cycling, but beginners can enjoy a much shorter section.
An out-and-back ride is the easiest approach. You follow the trail in one direction, turn around when you reach a comfortable distance, and return along the same route.
A few reasonable options include:
- 2-mile round trip: About one mile out and one mile back. A comfortable introduction for casual riders or families getting used to rental bikes.
- 4-mile round trip: Two miles in each direction. Enough distance to enjoy the surroundings without committing to a long ride.
- 6-mile round trip: Three miles out and three miles back. A good choice for adults and older children comfortable spending more time cycling.
These are suggested ride lengths rather than fixed routes between specific landmarks. Check the official Pinellas County trail map to choose your starting point and turnaround location.
Remember that stopping for photographs, crossing roads, and taking breaks can add quite a bit of time.
There is no advantage to riding farther than the group comfortably enjoys.
The Seminole section of the trail has a pleasant mix of residential scenery and local activity.
You will pass neighborhood streets, landscaped areas, trees, and places where the paved pathway connects with parks or nearby businesses.
Some stretches are shaded, while others are exposed to the Florida sun. Expect occasional intersections, signs, and crossing signals.
That variety keeps the ride interesting. You might see residents commuting, people walking dogs, experienced cyclists passing through, and families taking a short recreational ride.
The trail is shared space, so riding predictably and at a comfortable speed matters.
For someone who normally spends vacation days around the beach, the inland scenery can be a refreshing change.
One nice thing about cycling the Pinellas Trail is the opportunity to visit smaller local parks that are easy to miss when driving.
Seminole City Park, at 7464 Ridge Road, is close to the trail and has a community park atmosphere with picnic facilities, a playground, and green space.
It makes a useful destination for riders who want to stop, rest, and enjoy the surroundings for a while. Check the trail map for the appropriate connection and road crossings before leaving the main pathway.
Another option is Blossom Lake Park, at 10407 Blossom Lake Drive. This smaller neighborhood park is beside the Pinellas Trail and provides another opportunity to take a break.
These stops add something to the ride beyond mileage. You get to see a little more of everyday life in Seminole while enjoying time outdoors.
There is also no reason to visit both. Choose whichever fits the direction and length of your ride
A cycling morning is a good excuse to explore somewhere new for lunch.
Seminole City Center, located at 11201 Park Boulevard North, has a range of casual restaurants and shopping options. It works particularly well as a stop after returning your rental bike, when you can drive over and enjoy a meal without needing to plan a cycling route through additional streets.
The center includes several quick-service and sit-down choices, making it useful for groups with different appetites.
If you would rather keep the outing shorter, bring a small snack and water for the trail, then choose coffee or breakfast near your starting point before riding.
A full restaurant stop is optional. Sometimes a cold drink after a few miles is all you need.
Rental arrangements vary, so it is worth asking a few questions before reserving equipment.
Start with the basics: what kinds of bikes are available, whether helmets and locks are included, how long the rental lasts, and where the bike must be returned.
A comfortable hybrid bicycle is a practical choice for the paved trail. Many riders will find its upright riding position easier than a sport-oriented road bike.
An e-bike may appeal to travelers who want assistance with pedaling, particularly on longer rides. Check the rental operator's age restrictions and instructions, and make sure the bicycle complies with applicable trail rules.
For families, ask about children's bicycles, appropriate sizing, helmets, and any available child-carrying equipment. Do not assume every rental location has equipment for younger riders.
Before leaving the shop, adjust the seat, test the brakes, and make sure everyone feels comfortable starting, stopping, and turning.
That short equipment check is worth the effort.
Pinellas County has clear expectations for trail users.
According to the official Pinellas Trail Guide, the trail is open daily from 7 a.m. until sunset.
Cyclists should keep right, pass on the left, and give an audible warning before passing other trail users. Riders also need to obey posted speed limits, traffic signals, and crossing controls.
Under Florida law, riders younger than 16 are required to wear bicycle helmets. Helmets are a good idea for adults as well.
At road crossings, slow down and watch for vehicles, even where warning lights or crossing signals are installed.
If you stop to check directions, drink water, or take photographs, move completely off the pathway so other people can pass safely.
One more detail: keep your speed reasonable. The trail is popular with walkers, runners, families, and cyclists of different experience levels.
Florida's weather can make a big difference in how comfortable a bike ride feels.
October through April often provides pleasant conditions for cycling, with generally milder temperatures than the height of summer.
During warmer months, an early start is especially helpful. Begin before the strongest midday sun, carry more water than you expect to need, and pay attention to how everyone is feeling.
The trail has shaded stretches, but there are also exposed sections where the sun can be intense.
Summer afternoons can bring thunderstorms, so check the forecast before leaving. If lightning is nearby, stop riding and seek appropriate shelter.
A bicycle outing should end before the trail closes at sunset. Build in enough time for the return trip, including stops and possible delays.
You can keep the gear fairly basic.
A properly fitted helmet, comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water cover most of the essentials.
A small backpack or bicycle bag is useful for a phone, wallet, snacks, and an extra layer if the weather calls for it.
Bring a charged phone with the trail map saved, particularly if you plan to explore beyond the immediate Seminole area.
A bike lock is helpful if you intend to stop at a café or park. Ask the rental shop whether one is included.
If anyone in the group has not ridden recently, spend a few minutes getting comfortable with the bicycle before heading onto the trail.
The goal is to enjoy the ride rather than spend the morning adjusting equipment.
Once the bikes are returned, you can head back toward Indian Shores with a different view of the surrounding area.
For visitors getting familiar with local roads and mainland connections, the Indian Shores Orientation Guide: Gulf Boulevard, Beach Access, and Getting Around provides additional information on navigating the beach communities.
If your group enjoys outdoor activities, Wildlife Watching Around Indian Shores covers another way to explore the area, including local parks and coastal wildlife.
Both offer useful ideas for another day without repeating the cycling experience.
A morning on the Pinellas Trail adds something that beach time cannot quite provide: a chance to explore the communities inland from the shore, travel under your own power, and discover a part of Pinellas County that many visitors drive past.
For guests staying at Bay & Beach Club Resort, Indian Shores provides a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding Gulf Coast area. Questions about accommodations or local arrangements can be directed to (727) 595-3751 or the resort's contact page.
You may finish with only a few miles on the bike, or find yourself interested in returning for a longer ride.
Either way, the Pinellas Trail is worth adding to the list of things to experience while visiting the Central Gulf Coast.