Rollerblading is a great and fun way to get some exercise while taking in Florida’s truly great tropical scenery. Skating is less taxing on the joints and allows you to enjoy longer excursions than running could. I just moved home from living in cold New England. I decided to look up the top 5 skate spots in the area for the perfect mix of skating and fun scenery.

After extensive research I found 5 very different and unique trails:

1. Pinellas Trail – The longest trail in Pinellas County

2. Fort Desoto – Stunning views of the water, sunny skies, and you might even catch a glimpse of a manatee or two.

3. Skyway Trail

4. Old Gandy Bridge (Friendship Trail Bridge)

5. Upper Tampa Bay Trail

These top 5 skate destinations are spacious, sprawling, and have some incredible scenery along the way. Whether you’re looking for a long or short trail, the Tampa Bay area has you covered. The Pinellas Trail is the most popular of the trails here in the area. It has a variety of vendors and roadside watering holes to quench your thirst amid the hot and humid weather.

In my research I also found a large group that meets every Sunday morning for various skate excursions around the bay. The Sunday Bladers are an energetic bunch who are serious about roller skating!

The options are many; but always remember to wear your safety gear when skating. Bring a camel too so you have a constant supply of H2O.