8 Great Nature Walks in the Tampa Bay Area

The Tampa Bay metro is home to countless beautiful parks and preserves. The temperate yearly climate gives you the opportunity to walk, enjoy nature, birdwatch, and observe wildlife anytime of the year. I was really impressed with the park system here, especially throughout Pinellas County. During my 3 years living in the Bay, I explored almost every park. Of course, there were some that I came back to more than others, whether it be for the lush surroundings or ample wildlife sightings.

I recommend taking some time to explore the wild side of Florida far away from the beach and mall crowds. Although the summer season can be insanely hot and muggy, you just have to time your walks accordingly (morning or evening), keep it short, and be well prepared (plenty of water, loose light clothing). Summer has its’ advantages, namely less crowds.

My guide includes a diverse range of trails, with both easy trails suitable for beginners, and a few offer more intermediate, longer trails for the experienced hiker. As you walk along, you will be surrounded by beautiful natural Florida landscapes, and if you are lucky may even cross paths with some interesting wildlife.

1. Myakka River State Park

Recommended trails: Nature trail (0.8 miles) Park driving loop (6 miles), Birdwalk

This gorgeous, enormous park found in Sarasota allows you to take a step back in time to “the real Florida.” As one of Florida’s largest state parks, Myakka offers more than enough to do to justify a daytrip. When I lived in Palm Harbor, I often made the lengthy 1.5 hour drive to enjoy all the park’s wonderful amenities. It didn’t hurt that the city is also home to some of the best beaches on the Gulf including Siesta Key where the sand is 99% pure quartz. With beautiful beaches and the best state park, it’s worth the drive.

There are endless activities within this park including: alligator watching boat tours, miles of hiking and biking trails, a birdwatching trail over wetlands, an observation tower and tree canopy walk, camping sites, and wildlife watching opportunities. Alligators are commonly seen, especially in the cooler winter months (they do not like the extreme heat!). We saw about 6 gators on a summer airboat tour and would likely see a lot more during the peak winter months. We also see gators on the trails and from the lake overlooks. Update: A pontoon ride has replaced the airboat tour.

Tip: Arrive early to bypass the heat and crowds.

2. Weedon Island Preserve

Recommended trail: Boardwalk trail (2 miles)

This quaint oasis in St. Petersburg offers several miles of hiking trails, boardwalks, and an observation tower. Wildlife sightings are very common here – you don’t have to look too hard. I’ve seen so many exotic birds, armadillos, gopher tortoises and deer on every visit. I often come to this preserve when looking to avoid the St. Pete beach crowds especially during the rowdy summer months.

This is a really low-key preserve which is just perfect for bird watchers. Herons and Egrets can be seen throughout the park. The boardwalks offer a nice view of the mangrove forests and saltwater ponds. Bring your camera with for the walk up to the 45 ft. tall observation tower – the views are incredible! Climbing the tower and enjoy the wonderful views of the Bay is definitely the highlight of visiting this preserve.

3. John Chestnut Park

Recommended trail: Park Loop (2.5 miles)

At John Chestnut Park (the best park in suburban Pinellas County), you will have the unique opportunity to walk back in time across swampy boardwalks. This is my number 1 park in the metro; I lived within biking distance and basically used it several times a week for just about every type of fitness activity. Walking amongst the swamps on the boardwalk trail makes me feel like I am right in the Jurassic Park movie with a dinosaur right behind me.

It’s the perfect escape when you tire of the beach crowds and strip mall congestion. It’s never overly crowded and I usually see more deer than people around. There’s lots of amenities besides trails include picnicking, volleyball nets and softball fields, and one of the best dog parks I’ve ever come across.

One particularly attractive nature trail here offers great views of Lake Tarpon. I’ve seen several gopher tortoises, an owl, and lots of alligators. The alligator in this pic was in the same spot for months on end – it became a fun game to see if he would still be there on each visit!

Tip: Plan your visit during the evening hours. Sunsets over the lake are fabulous and you will see so many deer on the main driving loop. I’ve seen groups of at least 10 near sunset.

4. James E. Grey Preserve

Recommended trail: Park Loop (1.3 miles)

Don’t pass up on this little known gem in New Port Richey. While this park isn’t popular with tourists, I head over here frequently for the awesome wildlife watching. Although small in size (only 80 acres), there is a lot of nature packed into the small space. It’s very lush uninterrupted nature with ample opportunities for bird watching (the preserve is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail) and plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings (gopher tortoises, wild boar, armadillo, deer, and manatees are found throughout the park).

There are 2 miles of easy, relaxing nature trails, suitable for any level. You don’t need to go all out here which is nice. I always see so many armadillo and gopher tortoises here. The boardwalk offers excellent views of a floodplain forest. Take some time off, turn off the TV and internet, and enjoy the relaxed setting of this low key reserve.

5. Lettuce Lake Park

Recommended trails: Exercise trail (1.25 miles), Boardwalk trail (3500 ft)

One of the city’s best parks offers the perfect setting for a relaxing morning stroll. The scenic setting along the Hillsborough River sets this one apart from others. It’s not my favorite park in the region, although I did visit fairly often while living in an apartment in the New Tampa area as it was convenient. Tourists seem to really like this park and it gets a bit more traffic than others on my list.

The walk across the swampy boardwalk is the must-do here – it’s really a unique place with a strange variety of plant life that you will not see anywhere else. To be this close to nature within the city limits is the big draw here. The observation tower provides panoramic views of the river. I’ve seen gators on numerous occasions – look closely as you walk the boardwalk as they often blend in with the greenery.

In addition, you will find a mile long nature trail, kayak and canoe rentals, picnicking areas, and a bike path with fitness stations along the way. Guided tours are offered weekend mornings at 8:30am.