7. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

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. This large park in New Port Richey offers one of the area’s best biking trails: a 6.7 mile paved out-and-back path with never ending views of the forest. It’s such a relaxing, uncrowded place to enjoy the simple joys of nature.

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, leading to a peaceful experience away from the city. Abundant wildlife and gorgeous natural trails in the Florida wilderness await you at Jay B. Starkey.

Pretty pine forests at Jay B. Starkey Park in New Port Richey, Florida
Beautiful Spanish moss treet at New Port Richey's Jay B. Starkey park
Pretty pines and Florida scrub on New Port Richey's Jay B. Starkey Park trail
Turtle at Jay B. Starkey park in New Port Richey, Florida

8. Honeymoon Island State Park

Trails at Honeymoon Island State Park - Dunedin, Florida

Honeymoon Island in Dunedin consistently ranks as one of the best Gulf beaches. Surprisingly, the best perk about visiting Honeymoon Island State Park is not the beach, it’s 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. Plan some time away from the beach to experience the beautiful pristine Florida wilderness found along the Honeymoon Island trails. 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, in addition to dozens of other birds.

Pretty views along the Honeymoon Island Osprey trail
Serene views along the Honeymoon Island Osprey Trail
Storm rolling in on the Honeymoon Island Osprey trail
Bird nest at Honeymoon Island State Park - Dunedin, Florida

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.

*Wear a hydration back pack. 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.

*There have been many alligator attacks throughout Florida. Never let pets or kids get too close to ANY body of water.

*Follow trail signs carefully. You never want to get lost in a hot climate like Tampa. 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.