Top Rated Parks to Visit in Tampa

"Located on the northern tip of the Sand Key barrier island, the small park is a favorite getaway from the city. Sand Key Park is one of the best places to go in Clearwater for relaxation. The family-friendly Sand Key Park is fringed by white-sand beaches, featuring cute beach cabanas to escape the sun."

"This 51-acre nature preserve is filled with trails, boardwalks, and ponds. The park’s ecosystem is vast and varied – you’ll encounter plenty of birds, gopher turtles, raccoons, and other animals under the oak tree canopies. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of Moccasin Lake Nature Park, or they can call to schedule an educational tour."

"Moccasin Lake Nature Park can be found just fifteen minutes’ drive to the east of the city center. As well as ponds and creeks, it encompasses verdant forests and a flood plain with hiking trails and a boardwalk weaving their way amidst them. A very picturesque place, the park is named for the large lake that lies in its southwest corner."

"Lettuce Lake Regional Park is located along the Hillsborough River about half an hour north of downtown Tampa. The river at this point is in its natural state, untouched by houses and development giving visitors a chance to experience natural Florida at its best. The park features 240-acres of wooded picnic areas, a playground and a paved path for bikes and joggers complete with a fitness course."

"Why you’ve got to go: If you are wondering what to do in Tampa with kids, this is one of the first stops to hit. The park is spread over 240 acres and has something to do for everyone. What to do: There is a wooded area where you can enjoy a picnic."

"To experience Florida nature without having to drive very far out of town, Hillsborough River State Park is your best bet. Located upriver from downtown Tampa in northeastern Hillsborough County, this is one of Florida's oldest and most popular state parks. The list of things to do here is expansive, starting with both full-facility and primitive camping."

"Speaking of the Hillsborough River, if you are willing to drive a little further north to Thonotosassa, the Hillsborough River State Park will make your drive completely worthwhile. You can go camping, hiking, canoeing (rentals available), and more. There are four hiking trails, totaling over 7 miles."

"The Hillsborough River State Park is home to Fort Foster which was utilized during the second Seminole war. It is truly one of the Best Hikes In Florida you must see!. The park features four different hiking trails that total 7.3 miles."

"Getting outside and being with nature is a simple activity that can make for a great day whether you go solo, with a friend, or the whole family. With this guide, you’ll have the best parks in Seminole Heights at your fingertips for your next adventure!. Be sure to snap a picture when you visit one of these parks in Seminole Heights and tag us at @stufftodointampabay on Facebook or Instagram!"

"It’s not anyone stand out feature, but a host little pleasures that make it an absolute delight to visit. 8 acres and eco friendly, the park hosts two interactive fountains, the video-game/exercise contraption NEOS 360 Ring, shaded picnic spots, dog running areas, and a fantastic children’s playground. Occasionally, there are fre...Read more"

"Why you’ve got to go: This is an incredible city park that has interactive fountains, a lot of open space for kids to run around and several programs organized through the year. What to do: Pack a picnic, take your kids and bring your pets along too!. This is a great way to soak in some Tampa sun."

"Craig Park is a waterfront oasis nestled on the banks of the Whitcomb Bayou. It is a hidden treasure of the city, offering a more relaxing and chill ambiance."

"For a scenic path to walk along, Rivershore Drive Linear Park has a great one calling your name. Rivershore Drive Linear Park in Seminole Heights offers a beautiful location right on the Hillsborough River where you might spot Florida wildlife like manatees, birds, and more. This peaceful park is great for meeting up with a friend and walking along the river and finding a nice grassy spot to hang out at."

"It feature beautiful views of Tampa Bay, the Pier, the Vinoy Hotel Marina and Downtown St. Petersburg. It's spacious open green space is often used for special events."

"The luxurious and expansive Rock Spa & Salon is located in Tampa's Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The perfect spot to recover after a long night at the casino, Rock Spa will help you relax, recover, and remove toxins. The extensive and unique treatment menu includes everything from Thai massage, to weight loss and body contouring, to a Hammam Turkish Bath Ritual."

"Roughly 11 miles east of center-city Tampa, the Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill (tsunamisushifl.com) in Brandon serves traditional Japanese hibachi favorites, as well as a variety of sushi selections. Muted lighting gives Tsunami’s dining room a relaxed ambiance, and the mastery of hibachi and sushi chefs at work provides diners with entertainment as they await delivery of their orders. Hibachi-grilled entrees, which include chicken, salmon, scallops, shrimp, steak and vegetables, are served with soup, salad and fried rice."

"For a dose of American history, located directly behind the Florida Aquarium, is the American Victory Ship Mariners Museum. Climb aboard one of only four fully operational World War II ships in the United States. It's a perfect sight to see if you have an hour to spare. Visit the engine room, mess hall, flying bridge and the crew cabins and see the historic photographs, medals and uniforms, of this unique period in American history."

"The SS American Victory is a ship that was in service during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. In 1999, the ship became the American Victory Ship and Museum and it is one of the few remaining WWII ships. Now, visitors can tour the ship and see some unique exhibits and artifacts like a submarine propeller from a German submarine that sunk in 1942 and recreations of some different parts of the boat."

"The American Victory Ship and Museum is one of only 4 fully-operational WWII ships in the country. It is a true American icon and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Come aboard, tour 9 decks of this floating museum, and experience an unforgettable voyage of discovery."