An Alligator Watching Hotspot in Tarpon Springs, Florida

I have spent many weekends enjoying the quiet nature preserves of northern Pinellas County. This portion of the Tampa Bay region is so much less touristy. No matter which city you find yourself in, you are surrounded by beautiful nature. As I lived in nearby Palm Harbor, I planned many daytrips to Tarpon Springs to enjoy the beautiful parks. A. L. Anderson is one of my favorite places on the Florida Gulf to go alligator watching. Seeing an alligator in person is a pretty exhilarating experience. For anyone new to the activity, Tarpon (or really anywhere in Pinellas County) is a great place to start!

A. L. Anderson Park

This is a small, but beautiful park which offers a few short nature trails and a boardwalk path. Most parks in this region offer a boardwalk to take you safely over the swamps. There are lots of beautiful cypress trees to gaze at. There is plenty of shade, so I am fine with walking here even on super hot and humid days. As someone with a low tolerance for extreme sunshine, I approve of this park even during the summer. That being said, it’s always a good idea to get out here bright and early, both to beat the afternoon heat and crowds! This park is home to a high population of alligators as well as many exotic birds. It’s definitely one of the hidden gems of the Tampa metro park system.

Gator watching

I have seen many gators during my 3 years living in Tampa. In fact, it was not uncommon for me to see at least 2-3 just walking or jogging next to the swamp by my apartment complex. It was even a bit scary as they would occasionally be lying out on the grass. For some reason, I still get more excited seeing them out at a park. I have my go-to parks in the area (namely John Chestnut in Palm Harbor), although A. L. is right up there for the ample opportunity to see gators and other forms of wildlife.

The best place to see them in action is along the boardwalk trail. Walk really slowly along the waterfront section. I have seen so many adult and baby gators. Sometimes they just sit there with their head sticking out of the water and other times you can see them swimming. Either way, it’s a pretty cool experience. Out-of-state family members were definitely impressed when I took them to this park.

When are gators most active?

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, they are most active at temps between 82-92 degrees. This would usually be the spring season in Tampa. The weather is right at this time of year, plus it is mating season. That being said, you can also see gators during the winter season as they tend to bask in the sun. I have honestly seen them throughout the year at various parks in the metro. Most sightings at this park were more common during the early summer season: the warm, humid, and rainy months.

Do alligators attack?

According to the FWC, between the years of 1948-2022, there have been 453 alligator attacks with 26 people dying as a result. Keep in mind that it is illegal in Florida to feed or bother an alligator. Simply view from afar, preferably from the safety of a boardwalk. Never let pets or kids near water. Alligators are more likely to attack smaller creatures like dogs because they resemble prey. Unfortunately, I have heard so many sad stories of dogs being snatched up by alligators. Personally, I would never have a dog while living in Florida, as the risk is just too high. Please leave the dogs at home or keep them far away from any water. Same goes for kids!

Other park amenities

Besides walking the trails and watching for wildlife, this is a beautiful park to picnic at. Also, there are swinging chairs where you can relax and take in the scenic vistas of Lake Tarpon. There is also a boat ramp and fishing access. I also love that there is a Little Free Library here. This is a great program where you can bring a used book and pick up one in return if it interests you. Tampa has so many of these!

FAQ

Where is this park located?

39699 US Hwy 19 N, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Are there any fees?

No, it’s free to visit and park.

Where else can I see gators in the area?

My favorite park is John Chestnut in Palm Harbor. Lots of gators here, plus the most gorgeous tree-lined boardwalk. Also a great place to see deer. Other great choices in the Bay area include: Lettuce Lake Park, Sawgrass Lake in Largo, and Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Pete. You can’t go wrong with any of these choices.

What else to do in Tarpon?

A daytrip to Tarpon is a great choice as there is a lot of variety here. Most famously, the area is known for its’ sponge diving history. Most of the world’s sponges come from this city. You can stroll around the downtown and pick up all sorts of natural sponges. They sell lots of cute knick knacks and gift baskets.

A few of my favorite attractions:

Greek dining: The city is home to a number of great Greek restaurants thanks to its’ history of Greek residents. This means lots of great eating! Hellas is popular with tourists. The ambiance is beautiful and their bakery is let’s just say extensive and tempting. Try the spanakopita plate. A lesser known gems is Mr. Souvlaki serving great Greek salads.

Dolphin watching tours: One of the better low-key dolphin tours I took in the Tampa area has been via Odyssey cruises which departs in the downtown area. What I love about this cruise (asides from guaranteed sightings) is that you get to spend a little bit of time shelling on beautiful Anclote Island before returning on your trip.

Main Street: This charming laid-back area is home to lots of local shops and restaurants. I really love Urban Grounds: it is one of my favorite coffeeshops in the Bay. There is also an awesome antique/retro store (Bear Haven land) that I come back to all the time. I love browsing through all the old toys and collectibles.

Replay Amusements: You can play all the pinball you want for under 15 bucks. Great deal as you can come back all day!