Get Lost in Nature at these 12 Tampa Bay Parks and Preserves
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While you may not find any monumental hiking trails in Tampa, you will find an abundance of quaint nature preserves which are great for bird watching, alligator sightings, and light exercise. What I love most about Tampa metro is that each suburb is home to their own gorgeous preserves. No matter which part of the city I visit, I can enjoy a quick walk at a preserve to refresh and rejuvenate. Visiting any of the parks in my guide will give will you the opportunity to bypass the crazy beach crowds in favor of a relaxing walk in nature. Be on the lookout for exotic birds, gators, armadillos, gopher tortoises, wild turkey, & more! That being said, check out my favorite parks (my list was compiled after over 3 years living in the Bay and visiting many, many parks!).
1. Lettuce Lake Park
Highlight: Best place to see a gator
There are plenty of places throughout the Tampa metro area to see gators. Pretty much any preserve or park in the area is home to a sizeable gator population. Increase your odds by visiting Lettuce Lake, the top gator sighting destination in the Tampa metro.
Take a slow stroll along the boardwalk trail and you are bound to see at least one, and likely many during the winter season. At this time, gators tend to bask out in the sun in an attempt to warm their cold-blooded bodies. Spring is also prime mating season and the temps are just right for the gators.
2. Boca Ciega Millennium Park
Highlight: Amazing views of the bay
Boca Ciega is a wonderful Pinellas County park to kayak, picnic, and bird watch. The standout here is a 35 foot observation tower which overlooks Boca Ciega Bay. This park is located on the Great Florida Birding trail so odds are high that you will see many unique birds during your visit.
Other features include a boardwalk trail, a dog park, and picnicking facilities. Although the trails are pretty short, they do cover 7 different ecosystems. Along the way you will get to enjoy the natural beauty of coastal oak hammock, salt marsh, bay head, mangrove swamp, and wetlands.
3. Flatwoods Park
Highlight: The best paved bike trail in Tampa
This New Tampa park is home to a large concentration of native pine flatwoods. A 7 mile paved path curves around this increasingly rare habitat. If you are seeking a great place for a long, leisurely bike ride, Flatwoods is definitely a great choice as the trail is paved and well-maintained, never too congested, and the scenery is gorgeous. This trail is multi-purpose, so if you prefer to lace up your gym shoes or walk the dog, there’s plenty of room! I lived in the New Tampa area for 2 years and enjoyed this path on a fairly regular basis. The flat nature makes it a great choice for long distance running!
4. John Chesnut
Highlight: Lush greenery & plenty of shade
This quiet park is located in the Northern Pinellas county suburb of Palm Harbor. Abundant gator sightings, a beautiful boardwalk path that crosses cypress swamps, volleyball courts, shady picnic tables, a great running loop, and fantastic lake views are the highlights here.
Another bonus here is the high deer population. If you time your visit near dusk, you will see so many deer! They are so accustomed to humans so they do not hide or run as you stroll past them! Even better, this is a prime place to see a gator. When I lived in Palm Harbor, I visited this park about 3-4 times a week to run. After every run, I took a stroll along the boardwalk to see a resident gator that basically stayed in the same position for weeks!
5. Brooker Creek Preserve
Highlight: Ample wildlife sightings
Brooker Creek is a laid-back preserve located in Tarpon Springs. At 8300 acres, this is the largest natural land area in Pinellas County. Despite the ample hiking terrain (5 miles of trails), this park remains quiet throughout the year. Diverse ecosystems include pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, and forested woodlands. I usually take a stroll here after visiting one of the great local coffeeshops on Main St. in downtown Tarpon. It makes for a nice relaxing morning activity!
Asides from enjoying some much needed time out in pretty natural surroundings, you are bound to see some wildlife along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for armadillos and gopher tortoises, which frequently make their way out onto the trails. Other highlights here include a nature center, as well as ongoing interpretative programs, and guided tours.
6. Weedon Island Preserve
Highlight: Lots of wildlife!
If you find yourself seeking a quiet day away from the St.Pete/Clearwater beach crowds, you may want to head over to Weedon Island Preserve to enjoy the tranquil natural setting. This oasis of St. Petersburg is the best place to enjoy a workout, picnic, birdwatch, and simply get back to nature. Weedon is an excellent place to enjoy the diversity of native Florida flora and fauna. A popular birding site, you will see all kinds of exotic birds during your visit.
A combination of boardwalk and paved trails take you through a variety of habitats including maritime hammocks, pine/scrub flatwoods, and mangrove forests. At the end of the boardwalk trail, you will arrive at a 45 foot observation deck which overlooks the bay. If you prefer to travel by boat, grab your canoe or kayak and enjoy a quiet afternoon on the Paddling trail.
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