TampaScene
Nature Parks
Everyone loves parks. They embody freedom, fun, family, kids, friends and a bonding with nature. Below are popular parks in the Tampa Bay area that have received high reviews.
Philippe Park Safety Harbor
Located in Safety Harbor and the oldest park in Pinellas county, named after Count Odet Philippe who is credited with introducing grapefruit to the state of Florida in 1823. The park is situated on the coast line of Old Tampa Bay and is the location of an old Indian mound listed in the National Register of Historic Landmarks. Majestic oak trees create a canopy throughout most of the park. Walways along the one-mile shoreline provide serene views of Old Tampa Bay. Amenities include: 8 picnic shelters with grills, a boat ramp, fishing, the historic interest/Indian mound, 2 playgrounds, a softball field, water fountains and restrooms
2525 Philippe Pkwy, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 669-1947
Weedon Island Preserve St Petersburg
Weedon Island Preserve is an expansive 3,190-acre natural coastal area located in Pinellas County, on Tampa Bay. Indigenous peoples occupied this site for thousands of years. The preserve is home to an educational facility and numerous species of native plants and animals. It is also a well-known birding and fishing site.
1800 Weedon Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
(727) 453-6500
Lettuce Lake Park Tampa
This 240-acre site is one of the most successful parks in Hillsborough County, with well over one million visitors annually. More than half of the park’s property lies in the natural floodplain of the Hillsborough River. There is a bicycle path & jogging trail, a fitness course and a playground for kids. Nature lovers can either hike, kayak, or fish on their own, or take a $5 guided nature tour on Saturdays and Sunday
6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637
(813) 987-6204
Hillsborough River State Park Thonotosassa
Hillsborough River State Park, located near Zephyrhills, is one of Florida's first state parks (opened 1938). It covers 2,990 acres, more than seven miles of trails. Popular activities include fishing, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, camping, birding. There is a swimming pool, award-winning campgrounds, a restaurant, and gift shop. Canoes and bicycles can be rented at the park.
15402 US-301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592
(813) 987-6771
Sawgrass Lake Park Tampa
Sawgrass Lake Park, sits on 400 acres, one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The park’s mile-long boardwalk and half-mile dirt trail provide opportunities to see birds, butterflies, plants and animals in their natural settings . Herons, egrets, ibis, wood storks, alligators and turtles can be seen along the canals and lakes. Thousands of birds migrate through the park during the fall and spring, attracting birders and eco-tourists from all over the country.
7400 25th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
(727) 217-7256
Fred Howard Park Tarpon Springs
Fred Howard Park sits on 155 acres on the Gulf of Mexico in Tarpon Springs and is dvided into 2 areas. A mainland area and a mile-long causeway that links the main park area with a white, sandy beach. Visitors might see ospreys diving for fish in the gulf, eagles, dolphins or the occasional manatee or endangered gopher tortoises, fox squirrels and many birds and butterflies. Amenities: Beach/Waterfront, Canoe/kayak trails, City parks, Fishing allowed, Grills, Picnic shelters, Playground, Public restrooms and Showers.
1700 Sunset Dr, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
(727) 582-2100
Alafia River State Park St. Petersburg
Located on 6,260 acres of what was once a phosphate mining site, this unique topography offers some of Florida's most radical elevation changes. Alafia State Park is home to 17 miles of bike trails, ranging from beginner to advanced. There are also 20 miles of trails for equestrians and hikers through mixed hardwood forests, pine flatwoods and rolling hills. Other activities/amenities include canoeing, fishing, picnic pavilions, a playground, horseshoe pit and volleyball court and a full-facility equestrian friendly campground
14326 S County Rd 39, Lithia, FL 33547
(813) 672-5320
