Description: E. G. Simmons Park is a wonderful place to visit. We ‘discovered’ the park in 2000 and it remains our favorite since then. Located near Ruskin on Tampa Bay, the 469-acre park and preserve has been a popular area for outdoor enthusiasts since it opened in 1968. The mangrove shoreline, clear waters and wonderful Tampa Bay view attract thousands of visitors and gets crowded during long weekends. But even on busy weekends, the gentle waves and the natural surroundings make for a pleasant visit.
The road forks at the park’s entrance. One, to your right, runs along the North Channel. There is one picnic area near the office and small shelter in the end but no restrooms. Main road turns left and offers three major areas – first picnic area on your left followed by a nature preserve, then camping area with a small pier, campground, and a beautiful waterfront view. Finally, you arrive to the main area with the pavilions, BBQ areas, restrooms, small beach, big parking lot, and public boat ramp. Go early on weekends to get your pavilion for lunch.
A public beach on the Bay shore provides visitors with a perfect setting for swimming, while a boat launch provides access to saltwater fishing and boating. Nearby visitors will find several fishing piers and areas for bank fishing (many people come in the park to fish, either from the shore or by boating in the channels). In the Bay, snapper, sheephead, and grouper are caught but remember that Florida fishing license required and you must obey Florida regulations on size, number, season and method of take.
I also recommend bird watching among the shallow waters of the surrounding mangrove swamps. Birds are drawn to the Bay year round. Ask a ranger about the best birding spots during your stay in the park. Many endangered species like the Manatee, Roseate Spoonbill, Bald Eagle, and others may occasionally be seen at the park.
Do you like your food with music and plenty of people-watching? Twice a year the park offers exciting festivities. First one is called the Ruskin Tomato Festival and conducted in the first week of May. The festival includes "The Great Tomato Cook-off," the crowning of the Ruskin Tomato Festival Queen and of course, all-you-can-eat famous Florida tomatoes. In 2006, it was from 10am until 5pm, Saturday and Sunday.
Ruskin annual Seafood Festival runs on the first weekend of November, e.g. in 2006 November 4 and 5, Festival hours are the same - 10am to 5pm.
A breathtaking view of a sunset from the beach provides the ending to a perfect day.
Park hours: 8am–7pm.
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