6. Brooker Creek Preserve

Recommended trail: Flatwoods Loop (1.5 miles), Ed Center Loop (0.7 miles)

Sun streaming through the forest at Florida's Brooker Creek Preserve

Brooker Creek is Pinellas County’s largest park. This beautiful 8700 acre park allows you to take an escape from bustling suburban life, in exchange for exploring the beautiful serenity of natural Florida flora and fauna. It’s hard to waste all your money on man made attractions when you have a gorgeous natural parks like this in the metro.

Your chance of spotting at least one form of wildlife is excellent (gopher tortoises, armadillos, deer, raccoons, and alligators all inhabit the preserve). I’ve seen some wildlife here(mostly tortoises), but I come mainly for the beautiful nature trails. I often stop here when daytripping to nearby Tarpon Springs (which is home to a nice downtown, a historic sponge docks district, amazing Greek food, and more).

5 miles of trails pass through beautiful oak hammocks and pine flatwoods. Shady boardwalks take you through majestic cypress swamps and bottomland hardwood forests.

Boardwalk views at Brooker Creek Preserve

Be sure to visit the Education Center to learn more information about the different ecosystems found within the preserve. In addition, guided walks are offered throughout the month (you must reserve a spot in advance).

Pine trees at Brooker Creek Preserve in Florida
Spanish moss trees at Brooker Creek Preserve in Florida

7. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

Recommended trail: Starkey Park Lake loop (1.8 miles), Bike trail (7 miles)

Heavy tree lined trails at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port RIchey, Florida

Jay B. Starkey is a perfect place to explore “Old Florida,” through various means including biking, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and camping. It’s a big park with lots to do, namely biking on one of the area’s best trails: a 6.7 mile paved out-and-back path offering never ending views of the pine flatwoods. It’s such a relaxing, uncrowded place to enjoy the simple joys of nature. It was one of the first parks I visited after moving here which gave me a great overall impression of the area.

Along the secluded hiking trails, you will pass beautiful natural pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and Florida scrub. The hiking trails do not get much traffic, so you can enjoy a peaceful experience away from the city.

Bike trail at Jay B. Starkey Park in New Port Richey, Florida
A view of the gorgeous tree-lined biking trail
Beautiful Spanish moss trees at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
I love the Spanish moss trees along the trails
Gopher tortoise at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Like most other parks I mentioned on this list, I’ve seen my fair share of tortoises here

8. Honeymoon Island State Park

Recommended trail: Osprey trail (2.5 miles)

Nature trails at Honeymoon Island State Park - Dunedin, Florida

Honeymoon Island is most well known for being home to one of the Gulf’s more popular beaches. While the white sand beaches are nice, I really come here for the 2 miles of gorgeous nature trails!  If you just hit the beach, you are missing out on an opportunity to take a relaxing & gorgeous break from the beach crowds. The trails provide plenty of shade to escape the brutal sunshine for a bit.

The Osprey trail is one of the few remaining places where you can see a virgin slash pine forest. You also have the opportunity to see a bald eagle nest (pic below), in addition to dozens of other birds.

Bald eagle at Honeymoon Island State park
Osprey trail at Honeymoon Island State park

Tips for a great Bay walk

*Get out there early! It will be much, much cooler and more comfortable the earlier you start a trail in hot & humid Tampa. The temps get worse as the day goes on. As always, it’s best to save hiking for the cooler fall and winter months if possible.

*Wear a hydration backpack. You need a lot of water when hiking in these hot conditions, especially if you are going to be out working up a sweat in the heat of the summer. After running out of water on many occasions, I finally bought one of these backpacks. I use it for everything – hiking, biking, walking, running, theme parks – they really are a lifesaver, especially in hot climates. For longer rides and hikes, I recommend Gatorlyte packets.

*There have been many alligator attacks throughout the state. Never let pets or kids get too close to ANY body of water. I recommend looking at some of these gator safety tips via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission prior to visiting any parks.

*Follow trail signs carefully. You never want to get lost in a hot climate. Trust me, it’s miserable trying to find your way back in the hot heat!

Address & Parking Info

Myakka River State Park
Location: 13208 State Road 72 Sarasota, FL 34241
Parking fee: $6 per car (2-4 people)

Weedon Island Preserve
Location: 1800 Weedon Dr NE, St Petersburg, FL 33702
Parking: Free

John Chestnut Park
Location: 2200 E Lake Rd, Palm Harbor, FL 34685
Parking: Free

James E. Grey Preserve
Location: Plathe Rd. New Port Richey East, FL 34653
Parking: Free

Lettuce Lake Park
Location: 6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637
Parking: $2 per car

Brooker Creek Preserve
Location: 3940 Keystone Rd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688
Parking: Free

Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Location: 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34655
Parking: $2 per car

Honeymoon Island State Park
Location: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698
Parking fees: $8 per car (2-8 people), $4 for single occupant vehicles and 1 hour prior to sunset, $2 for cyclists, pedestrians, and extra passengers.