Tampa Bay Area Parks

There is more to Florida than golden sand beaches. Spending time enjoying the Sunshine State’s outdoors is a perfect way to discover beauty of this wonderful land. All year around visitors and locals alike enjoy the weather, pristine beauty, and amazing wildlife. The parks provide a wide range of outdoor activities in a variety of natural settings. Do not miss the opportunity to explore it. Here you can enjoy fishing, picnicking, camping, canoeing, bicycling, horseback riding, and many other forms of recreation. In the Tampa Bay alone there are more than one hundred state and county parks. We visited some of the parks and none of them disappointed us.

The state parks charge admission fee – 6 for up to 8 people per car, while majority of the county parks are admission free. There are three kind of parks here – the seaside parks (E.G. Simmons, Honeymoon island, Cockroach Bay, Fort de Soto to name a few), the river parks out of towns (Hillsborough River State Park, Flatwoods, John B Sargeant etc) and lovely urban parks like Limona or Davis Park.

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The giant Wilderness Park, a chain of six parks running along the Hillsborough River includes the Dead River, Flatwoods, John B Sargeant, Morris Bridge, Trout Creek Park, and Veterans Memorial Park. The Hillsborough River begins in Pasco County and continues its 54-mile journey in a southwesterly direction through Pasco and Hillsborough Counties to Tampa Bay.

Native Americans called the river Lokcha Apopka, meaning ‘acorn eating place.’ The river obtained its current name in 1769 when British Colonial Secretary, Will Hills, Lord Earl of Hillsborough sent surveyors to report on the new colony.

Wills Hill, first Marquess of Downshire, served as Secretary of State for the Colonies in 1768–1772. In 1751 he was created Earl of Hillsborough in the Irish peerage. Isn’t irony of fate - he opposed all concessions to the American colonists but two centuries later a county in the former colony bears his name.

Many trails offer the visitors the opportunity to experience Florida’s natural scenic beauty first hand. The mosaic of colors, the diversity of plants and animal species, these are what makes the Tampa Bay parks so spectacular. Any trail you take will lead to countless opportunities to experience bird and butterfly watching, botanical exploration (take a good book with you), and the tranquility of being a part of the wonderful nature environment. In the Fall, scan the skies for falcons, hawks, and other raptors that follow the snowbirds in their migration south.

In the parks pavilions are plentiful; covered picnic areas are equipped with grills, restrooms are spotless, staff is friendly. Canoe and kayak rentals are available in the Hillsborough River parks. If you are really energetic, the area parks also offer many challenging off-road bicycle trails. I would not recommend visiting the parks if it has rained in the past 24 hours.

The hours of operation are usually sunrise to sunset. What are you waiting for?

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This small park situated on the end of Cockroach Bay Road west of US 41 in Ruskin. Cockroach Bay has been designated by the Florida state as an aquatic preserve in order to protect its unique environment. It is clearly marked with "Caution Manatee Area" signs mounted on pilings at the 6' contour. Its purpose is to protect grazing manatees that frequent the shallow waters and seagrass beds.

Actually there are two bays here - Cockroach Bay and Little Cockroach Bay, with a marked channel from the Cockroach Bay boat ramp to Tampa Bay. Going down the channel visitors will have a chance to experience undisturbed wild nature. You might see West Indian manatees, gopher tortoises, snowy egrets, and magnificent frigate birds. It will be a gorgeous, fun-filled day to remember!

This place is also one of the most popular fishing destinations. Regarded as a premier fishing destination in North America, Florida is often referred to as "The Fishing Capital of the World." The area offers some of the most diverse and abundant fishing opportunities in the state. People come here for redfish, snook, trout, and tarpon. Please remember though hat Florida fishing license required and you must obey Florida regulations on size, number, season and method of take.

In the Bay, boaters must observe slow speeds to protect manatees along the eastern Tampa Bay shoreline, from the Alafia River to the north side of the Little Manatee River including area around the Cockroach Bay.

We like Davis Park and visited it many times. Usually people enter the park from 612 N. Parsons Ave; if you are walking, jogging or biking than you can use the Mook St entrance too. Davis Park at is situated on 15 acres along the Mead Lake. Tranquility rules at this Hillsborough County Park. Here you can get a great feeling of real Florida. Limited amenities create limited appeal for attendees. Well, a shelter, restrooms, open picnic area, grills in some places, and some play equipment are available. Pack a lunch and a blanket and make it a day of fun for the whole family!

As I said in the beginning, this rustic park has a lake in the middle (do not even think about entering the muddy waters!) and nearby swamp where Florida flora and fauna are abundant. The park offers a great chance to watch wildlife along the lakeshore in the center of the city. First of all, the Davis Park is a bird lover's paradise. Long-legged birds like the Egret or Heron you will see almost immediately upon your arrival. The Egrets sometimes spread their wings, creating shaded areas on the water to attract fish. I saw the Sandhill Cranes several times here. Ducks (Wood Duck, Redhead) are all over the lake. It’s fun to see how they run along the water surface to take flight. And the Gulls are here of course (the Laughing Gulls are most common).

On the dry land my favorite is the Marsh Rabbit. The animal with very small tail and short, broad ears is reddish-brown even in December. My wife’s favorite in the park is the Gopher Tortoise. A colony of Tortoises lives here for years hiding in their burrows when you come too close. They are long-lived animals (40-60 years), so you have enough time to plan your visit.

Beware of snakes, though. First of all, you may have a chance to see a water snake (banded water snake, brown water snake, green water snake). Then there are the black snake and swamp snake and… well, enough. Just watch your step.

The Brandon area has millions of mosquitoes and invisible biting sand flies (known as "no-see-ums"), especially in the lake and marshy areas, but neither insect carries malaria or other diseases. You should keep these pests at bay with a good insect repellent.

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.

Flatwooods Park, a part of Wilderness Park System, is located at 12702 Highway 301 in Thonotosassa 16400 Morris Bridge Rd. It takes less than half an hour to reach the park from I-75 and it definitely worth the effort. The Hillsborough River in the area provides endless opportunities for biking, hiking, canoeing, and kayaking.

Much of the park has been left in its natural state and is home for many plants and animals. The 7-mile paved trail, main attraction here, is perfect for those wanting a walk, jog, roller-blade or bicycle ride. The trail connects the park with Trout Creek and Morris Bridge Park. Here strangers are smiling meeting each other and say warm ‘Hello.’ Four rest stations are positioned along the trail. The area is composed mainly of pine flatwoods, hence the park name; upland hardwood hammocks, oak scrub and cypress swamps. Plenty of wildlife too – deer, armadillo, alligator to name a few.The area has millions of mosquitoes; bring a good insect repellent with you.

Flatwoods Park provides a great setting in a natural environment for you to recharge your battery and reconnect with family and friends.

A short drive east from Tampa, this quiet park on US 301 is one of our favorites in the Tampa Bay area. A part of so-called Wilderness Park System, John B. Sargeant Park offers picnic shelters with grills, restrooms, and scenic boardwalk. Several recreational opportunities are available for park goers here. If you want a wilderness experience – this is a place to visit! But remember – area off the paved trail is a heavily wooded with thick shrubs and grasses, so sturdy shoes are recommended if you want to explore it.

Open areas include some of the park’s most popular fishing sites, as identified by fishermen. Anglers enjoy fishing at the Hillsborough River banks year round for a wide variety of fish species. The banks of the Hillsborough River are accessible for fishing near an open grassy area, where a one-lane launch ramp is provided for non-motorized watercraft. A day in the park gives you a chance for a memorable fishing event. Anglers can catch channel bass, snook, ladyfish, and trout in the backwaters of the river.

If fishing is not your cup of tea then you can walk the along the picturesque river bank, then head inland to hike a wooded nature trail - ideal place to share a long walk. If you are looking for animals, then early and late in the day are the times to be here. The site provides good wildlife watching. Look for herons, ibis, limpkins, egrets, turtles, alligators, and river otters from a canoe or boardwalk. Pictures on the boardwalk will help you to recognize some birds. The park is also a popular stop on the Hillsborough River Canoe Trail. Do not forget sunscreen and bug spray.

The entrance to Lettuce Lake Park is in Temple Terrace, on 6920 E Fletcher Ave. Shallow Lettuce Lake which gave the name to the park is actually an old bay of the Hillsborough River. The lake in turn is named after a small floating plant called Water Lettuce.

The most prominent feature of the park is not the lake but a four story Observation Tower that overlooks the Hillsborough River and hardwood swamp. The boardwalks running along the river will lead you to the tower. The Hillsborough River view from the top of the top is stunning. I would recommend climbing the tower during different seasons – it is always rewarding. Both tower and boardwalk provide great opportunity for bird watching (falcon, white ibis, osprey, hawk) – bring you camera. The park is often crowded on weekends. Come here early in the morning if you can; this is the best time for viewing wildlife in the park - a few visitors and the birds are actively feeding.

Numerous signs on the boardwalk will help you to recognize wildlife. The boardwalk divided in three sections marked by the colors – Green, Blue and Yellow. Colored foot markers have been used to locate some points of interest. If you want to learn more about local wildlife than pick up a booklet in the Environment Center – it will guide you through the amazing area.

The park also features paved and off road hiking trails along the river banks, picnic areas, restrooms, playgrounds and the amazing Environmental Education Center called "Arc in the Park" maintained by the Tampa Audubon Society. In the center you will have a rear chance to touch an alligator without being hurt (well, it is made of plastic but still a good photo op). Lettuce Lake Park also offers picnic shelters about 300 yards down river from the Observation Tower.

Edward Medard Park is located on the outskirts of Plant city – on the east side of the Turkey Creek Road, east of Brandon, 1mile south of SR60.

The park has unusual history. After mining phosphate in the 1960s, the American Cyanamid Company donated the majority of this property to the County. In 1970, a dike and a control structure were built to create the 700-acre reservoir near the Alafia River. In 1972 Hillsborough County developed this site as one of its largest regional parks. Originally known as the Pleasant Grove Reservoir Park, the property was renamed the Edward Medard Park and Reservoir in 1977 to honor a District Governing Board member.

The park looks unusual too. This is the only place in Florida where you can climb a mountain. Well, it is a Florida-style mountains, called the Sacred Hills, 50 feet or so; that what remains from the phosphate excavations. But children of all ages love to climb it exploring spoil mounds from past mining activities.

Another lovely feature of the park is a 730-foot long bridge/fishing pier/boardwalk connecting two shores of the lake with 15-foot observation tower in the end of the trail. Fishing is available by boat, along the banks of reservoir and from the bridge. It is a good place to fish for largemouth bass, bream, speckled perch, channel catfish, and scrappy sunshine bass. Sunshine bass, a cross between a striped and white bass, are known to grow to an impressive 10 to 15 pounds. Anyone who has caught this prize will attest to its excellent taste. Currently, anglers are allowed to keep 20 sunshines per day, six of which can measure 24 or more inches. Fishermen say that grass shrimp, wiggler worms and night crawlers are excellent natural baits for sunshine bass.

In the park there are three distinct areas with tables, grills, restrooms and drinking water facilities. They used to have a beach too, but it was closed a few years ago. There is camping area near the lake but it was closed during our visit.

Next to the park, at 5534 Turkey Creek Rd there is a facility called Turkey Creek Stables. If you are adventurous and want to have a unique birthday party for your children – here you can rent a pony or a horse (from $15 per hour) and take your trail ride in the Medard Park.

This park at 1316 Lakewood Drive in Brandon is different from any other park in Hillsborough County. First of all – its location. It's situated in a deep depression around two ponds with gentle slopes around it. There are a few picnic tables and grilles, and plenty of wood.

But Limona Park is also home to the first public disc golf course in Hillsborough County, opened in 2005. Disc Golf is a game played like conventional ball and club golf; however, instead of hitting a little ball around the course into a little hole you throw discs into elevated baskets. The 9-hole par 27 course with driving pads and basket placements resides among the rolling hills and giant oak trees in the 10-acre park.

The course runs through a wooded area that is very challenging when the trees obscure the line of sight. The initial holes lead the player past first pond and over a slope before leading back into the wooded area towards the rear of the park where another smaller pond resides. The most enjoyable playing aspect of the course is the terrain changes that lead the player down deep depressions and up steep hills around the pond. We see many times visitors playing here (it is free). Enthusiasts run once a week, (sometimes twice-weekly) clubs and tournaments at the park.

The park is a great place to spend time with family and find new friends. Did we play? Not yet. We simply enjoyed BBQ at a shaded picnic table.

If you like swimming then do not miss the opportunity to visit Lithia Springs Park. It is a wonderful place and great alternative to seaside beach. The famous recreational site located at 3932 Lithia Springs Road in Lithia (south of Brandon, east of Tampa). Town of Lithia was founded by the Alderman family in the 1800s. The name of the town comes from the word Lithium Oxide, which was discovered in the water at Lithia Springs. Lithia Springs Park is one of few public parks charging admission fee ($4 for a car during our visit). Nevertheless it is often busy on weekends (weddings, reunions, etc).

The main attraction in the park are two spring. A popular West Florida site since the 1920s, they provide an excellent swimming experience because the water temperature remains at 72 degrees year around – bring your swimming suite. The larger spring created the pool about 100 by 200 feet in diameter with depth 3–5 ft in the center. At the lower end of the pool, the stream flows about 100 yards to the Alafia River. The smaller pool (45 feet in diameter) is near the run of the larger spring but you cannot swim here - vegetation has reclaimed much of the water surface. You will not be the first visitor here – the researchers unearthed evidence of prehistoric Native American cultures with the discovery of 100 artifacts dating back to 2000 B.C.

The park’s campground with 40 sites (water, electricity) is one of the most popular in the Hillsborough County. It draws 50,000 campers each year who come to swim in the Lithia Springs and canoe on the Alafia River. The Lithia Springs Park is also a good place for bank fishing. Like in any other county park, there is a playground and sheltered picnic facilities.

The area offers hardwood hammocks, river cypress swamps, and high sand hills. This is paradise for the nature lovers - three nature trails located within the park for visitors who enjoy walking and bird watching.

Riverhills Park, a natural oasis in the residential area, situated one mile east of 56th Street on the Riverhills Drive in Temple Terrace. Actually there are two parks here next to each other. First one, Riverhills Park is next to the Riverhills Elementary School. It offers an easy way of getting outdoors and having a good time. This park offers access to the Hillsborough River by providing a boat ramp and dock. The banks of the Hillsborough River are accessible for fishing from the boardwalk. A picnic area set under the cypress and oaks provides picnic tables, grills, gazebo, shelter, and boardwalk winding along the riverfront. Additional amenities include a large playground area, two tennis courts, and restrooms.

Scout Park is located at the south end of Riverhills Park. As a nature preserve, this park offers two miles of mulched trails winding in the tropical jungles under a naturally shaded canopy. Here you have a rear chance see ‘old Florida’ (bring repellent with you – mosquitoes are plentiful). The park is sponsored by the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America and offers camping to scout organizations only.