Best Parks & Green Spaces in Tampa, United States

Tampa, United States, Tampa, Outdoor & Adventure, Best Parks & Green Spaces

Best Parks & Green Spaces in Tampa, United States

1. Ballast Point Park

Offers stunning views of Tampa Bay and downtown Tampa, perfect for picnics or outdoor activities.
  • Waterfront Location: Provides beautiful vistas and opportunities for water sports
  • Flexible Space: Features various open spaces for different activities like sports, walking or relaxation
  • Proximity to Attractions: Close to the popular Tampa Bay History Center and the Florida Aquarium

2. Hillsborough River State Park

Offers canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and camping opportunities along the beautiful Hillsborough River.
  • Natural Habitat: Protects diverse wildlife and plant species
  • River Activities: Provides access to the river for boating and fishing
  • Historic Site: Preserves a historic mill and various archaeological sites

3. Lettuce Lake Park

Home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, birds, and turtles, perfect for nature lovers.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation
  • Nature Trails: Features multiple trails for hiking and birdwatching
  • Boat Rentals: Provides boat rentals for exploring the lake

4. Sparkman Wharf

A vibrant waterfront destination with dining, shopping, and event spaces.
  • Urban Setting: Blends park space with a bustling urban environment
  • Diverse Amenities: Offers restaurants, shops, and event spaces
  • Waterfront Access: Provides access to the water for activities like kayaking or fishing

5. Curry Park

A peaceful urban park with a playground, sports fields, and walking trails.
  • Community Center: Includes a community center for gatherings and events
  • Recreational Facilities: Offers sports fields, playgrounds, and walking trails
  • Proximity to Amenities: Located near shopping centers and restaurants

6. Palma Ceia Park

Features a dog park, sports fields, and picnic areas for a family-friendly outing.
  • Dog Friendly: Includes a designated area for dogs to play off-leash
  • Recreational Opportunities: Offers sports fields, picnic areas, and a playground
  • Community Gatherings: Hosts community events like concerts and festivals

7. Al Lopez Park

A large park with multiple sports fields, picnic areas, and a dog park.
  • Sports Facilities: Provides numerous sports fields for various activities
  • Dog-Friendly Area: Includes a designated area for dogs to play off-leash
  • Picnic Opportunities: Offers numerous picnic areas for family gatherings

8. Veterans Memorial Park

A serene park honoring military veterans, with a beautiful lake and walking trails.
  • Military Tribute: Honors the service and sacrifice of military personnel
  • Nature Trails: Offers walking trails for exercise and exploration
  • Lake Activities: Provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking

9. Sulphur Springs Park

Offers a spring-fed pool, walking trails, and picnic areas for a refreshing outing.
  • Spring-Fed Pool: Features a unique swimming experience in the spring-fed pool
  • Nature Trails: Offers walking trails for exercise and exploration
  • Picnic Opportunities: Provides numerous picnic areas for family gatherings

10. MacFarlane Park

A beautiful park with a lake, sports fields, and picnic areas for outdoor activities.
  • Lake Activities: Provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking
  • Sports Facilities: Offers sports fields for various activities
  • Picnic Opportunities: Provides numerous picnic areas for family gatherings

11. Hyde Park and South Tampa Greenways

A network of interconnected parks and trails in the Hyde Park neighborhood.
  • Interconnected Trails: Provides a continuous trail system for walking, biking, or jogging
  • Urban Amenities: Located near shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions
  • Scenic Views: Offers beautiful views of the surrounding neighborhood and waterfront

12. Tampa Bay Bicycle Trail

A long-distance trail that spans much of Tampa Bay, perfect for cycling enthusiasts.
  • Long-Distance Cycling: Provides a challenging and rewarding long-distance cycling experience
  • Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the bay, islands, and surrounding landscapes
  • Accessible Transportation: Serves as a practical commuting option for some residents

13. Rivercrest Park

A beautiful park located along the Hillsborough River, featuring walking trails and picnic areas.
  • Waterfront Location: Provides stunning views of the river and surrounding landscapes
  • Nature Trails: Offers walking trails for exercise and exploration
  • Picnic Opportunities: Provides numerous picnic areas for family gatherings

14. Tampa Bay Water Trail

A network of paddle trails along the Tampa Bay coastline, perfect for kayaking and canoeing.
  • Paddling Opportunities: Offers a variety of challenging and scenic routes for paddlers
  • Scenic Views: Provides breathtaking views of the bay, islands, and surrounding landscapes
  • Historic Sites: Passes by various historic sites and landmarks along the way

15. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

A downtown park offering a large open lawn, a playground, and event spaces.
  • Urban Setting: Blends park space with a bustling urban environment
  • Diverse Amenities: Offers a playground, event spaces, and waterfront access
  • Proximity to Attractions: Located near the Tampa Museum of Art and the Glazer Children's Museum