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Q: Where is Tampa located?
A: Set on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast, the city of Tampa enjoys wonderfully sunny weather year-round.
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Q: What is the climate like in Tampa?
A: The city has a tropical climate that is perfectly suited to spending time outdoors.
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Q: How many parks does Tampa manage?
A: Tampa manages approximately 180 parks that cover more than 3,500 acres of land.
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Q: Are Tampa's parks located near the water?
A: Many of the parks are located on the water, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and sunbathing.
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Q: What amenities do Tampa's parks offer?
A: A good number of parks have paved walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
Best Time to Visit Parks in Tampa, Florida
- November to March – Mild temperatures, low humidity, and perfect for hiking and exploring.
- April to May – Warm weather, fewer crowds, and great for outdoor activities.
- June to August – Hot and humid, ideal for swimming, boating, and enjoying water parks.
- September to October – Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and pleasant for nature walks.
- Late February – A sweet spot for warm weather and fewer tourists.
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1. Al Lopez Park
Walk shady trails and spot birds on an easy family outing.
Named in honor of a renowned Tampa baseball player, the Al Lopez Park is a shady park with a small freshwater lake. A beautiful walking trail runs through the park; much of the trail is paved, but there are several boardwalk sections along the lake. Benches and picnic shelters can be found throughout the park, and visitors are welcome to relax on the park's wooden fishing dock. The park is also home to a community center, which offers a small fitness center, a computer lab, a kitchen, and several spaces that can be booked for private events.
4810 N Himes Ave, Tampa, FL 33614, Phone: 813-274-8184
2. Ballast Point Park
Fish off the pier and enjoy bay views on a peaceful weekend.
Formerly known as the Jules Verne Park, Ballast Point Park can be found right on the water next to Hillsborough Bay. Children can spend their time playing on the playground or splashing around in the park's interactive water play area, while visitors of all ages will enjoy relaxing in the park's picnic shelters and strolling along the sunny pier. Fishing is permitted from the pier with a valid license, and equipment is available for rent on-site. Fishermen can purchase bait from the park's concession stand, which also offers a selection of food and ice cream.
39699 US Hwy 19 N, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, Phone: 813-274-8615
3. Centennial Park Ybor City
Explore local history and relax under oaks on a quick trip.
Nestled in the heart of the historic Ybor City, Centennial Park Ybor City Ybor City is a charming plaza dotted with historic statues and plenty of greenery. Chickens can often be spotted roaming through the park, and there are plenty of picnic tables and benches for visitors to relax on. A farmer's market takes place here every Saturday morning, and other special events are held here throughout the year. A pay parking lot can be found right across the street, but many visitors find it more convenient to take the streetcar, which stops right outside the park.
1800 E 8th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, Phone: 813-242-5370
4. Cotanchobee Park
Stroll the Riverwalk and enjoy skyline views on a romantic evening.
Boasting an excellent waterfront location by Garrison Channel, Cotanchobee Park is the final stop on the city's beautiful Riverwalk. The park is known for being a peaceful haven from the city, and it features a scenic overlook offering excellent views of the water, a plaza honoring American veterans, and a ceremonial space with a metal sculpture designed to serve as a memorial to the Seminole Indian Wars. However, there is also a shady children's play area with a playground, a small splash park, and plenty of seating areas for parents to relax while their children play.
601 Old Water St, Tampa, FL 33602, Phone: 813-274-8615
5. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Catch live events and relax by fountains on an exciting city trip.
One of the city's most modern parks, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park encompasses eight acres in downtown Tampa next to the Hillsborough River. Much of the park consists of a beautiful terraced lawn that often hosts festivals, arts and crafts fairs, and other special events, but there are plenty of amenities for visitors to use as well, including a boat dock, a large children's playground with a splash park, and several shady picnic pavilions. Leashed dogs are permitted in the park, and there is also an off-leash dog area where dogs and their owners are welcome to play.
600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, Phone: 813-274-8615
6. Cypress Point Park
Swim in the bay and picnic under palms on a summer escape.
If you're looking to get outside and spend some time simply enjoying nature, there are few better options in Tampa than Cypress Point Park. The 35-acre park features its own white sand beach, where locals and visitors often come to enjoy the picturesque sunsets, stroll along the sand, and take advantage of the opportunity to go fishing. There is also a canoe launch for anyone who wants to get out on the water, and other park amenities include a children's playground, a sand volleyball court, and one of the best 18-hole disc golf courses in the state.
5620 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607-1744, Phone: 813-274-7722
7. Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
Paddle the river and enjoy sports fields on a fun family day.
Established in 2018, the JJulian B. Lane Riverfront Park is a modern public space that was designed to serve as a welcoming gathering place in West Tampa. The heart and soul of the park is the large plaza found in the center, which offers plenty of tables and chairs as well as unique games tables for visitors to use. There are also plenty of sports courts and fields, including tennis courts and pickleball courts, and children are encouraged to play in the park's fenced playground and splash pad. Other park amenities include a large event field, two dog parks, and several covered picnic pavilions.
1001 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606, Phone: 813-274-8615
8. Lettuce Lake Conservation Park
Walk boardwalks and spot wildlife on an educational nature trip.
Encompassing 240 acres just outside Tampa, Lettuce Lake Conservation Park consists primarily of swampland and evergreen forest. Shady picnic areas can be found in various locations throughout the park, and there are playgrounds and public restrooms. The park offers several excellent walking trails, including a 1.25-mile paved loop trail and a boardwalk that allows visitors to peek into the swamp water and see alligators, turtles, and other wildlife. There is also a lookout tower that provides stunning views of the river. A small admission fee is charged to enter the park, and canoes and kayaks are available for rent on-site.
6920 E Fletcher Ave Tampa, FL 33637, Phone: 813-987-6204
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