Get Lost in Nature at these 12 Tampa Bay Parks and Preserves

7. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

Highlight: Guided tram tours

Boyd Hill offers one advantage over similar Pinellas County Parks. That is they offer guided tram tours where you can relax while someone else shows you around. This tour is a great way to learn more about the unique ecosystem found at Boyd. Also your tour guide is more familiar with gators and will be able to point them out whereas you might walk right by!

If you feel like working up a sweat, you will find several miles of trails. The landscapes here are really unique, ranging from pine flatwoods, to marshes, to swamp. Overall, Boyd is one of the best places in Southern Pinellas for any nature lovers.

8. Hillsborough River State Park

Highlight: Home to class II rapids which you can canoe/kayak

This park is pretty unique in that it is home to Class II rapids, a true rarity in Florida. If you want to hike, this is a great place to do so as you will find a variety of woodsy trails (60+ miles!). Canoeing and fishing are also popular pastimes here, particularly during the milder season.

Although it’s a scary thought considering the high gator population, canoers love making their way down the river as they take in the unique sights of cypress swamps, occasional gators, and all sorts of exotic bird life. For everyone else who is squeamish over the thought of seeing an alligator upclose, opt to watch from afar via the River Rapids nature trail, a short trail which features great views of the river.

9. Morris Bridge Park

Highlight: Super quiet

Morris Bridge is another great New Tampa area park to add to your bucket list. This park is never overly busy, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to avoid noisy crowds. Although it’s most popular amongst fishermen, hiking amongst the bald cypress trees is quite an enjoyable experience for the nature lover. It’s not my favorite park scenery wise, but I do appreciate the quiet vibe here.

The boardwalk is short and shady, so perfect even on the sunniest of days. Alligators, turtles, and water snakes are frequently sighted. This is just one of many preserve located on the Great Florida Birding trail, and thus, birdwatchers will want to take note. As for hiking, the Bald Cypress trail is a quick easy walk which is mostly shady, and thus, can be enjoyed almost anytime of the year.

10. Sawgrass Lake Park

Highlight: Bird watching oasis

At Sawgrass, you will have the unique opportunity to walk through one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast. The boardwalk here is 1 mile in length (much longer than the others on this list), and thus, a good choice for anyone seeking to spend more time in nature. Like pretty much all Bay area parks, this one is also great for gator sightings.

Birdwatching is super popular here during the spring and fall months as thousands of birds migrate through this area this time of year. Also be on the lookout for small forms of wildlife, especially the gopher tortoise. I have seen many without trying too hard! If you find yourself seeking a serene nature escape in the Largo area, this preserve is one of your best bets!

11. Wall Springs Park

Highlight: Site of a historic mineral springs

This 210 acre Palm Harbor park has a unique historical backstory as it was once the site of a healing mineral springs. Tourists used to come from all over to enjoy the healing benefits of the mineral enriched waters. Unfortunately, the springs shut down back in the 60’s.

Today, you can still enjoy the health benefits of hiking, as well as immersing yourself in the natural beauty. With all the commercialization today, it is nice to take a break and enjoy the simple sights and sounds of nature. The highlight here is a 35 foot tower which overlooks the Gulf. For anyone interested in cycling, the wonderful Pinellas Trail (rated as one of the best rail trails in the US), connects to this park.

12. Eureka Springs Park

Highlight: Started as a botanical garden in the 1930’s

Eureka Springs Park is a particularly gorgeous place to explore especially if you love lush tropical plants. Once a botanical garden, this park is the most beautiful in the Tampa park system. Although it’s quite small at just 21 acres, there is a nice long boardwalk trail which will take you through a lovely forest of cypress, tupelo, and maples.

Also on-site is a rose garden, an orchid room, and a greenhouse. This is a lovely spot for a picnic so pack a lunch to enjoy after your walk.