The Tampa Bay area houses some of Florida’s biggest metropolitan hubs, but that doesn’t take away from the area’s scenic natural beauty. The Tampa Bay region is a coastal location constantly drenched in sunshine. From charming little islands to vast forests and wetlands, it is a diverse environment with much to see. Let’s look at some of the top natural destinations in the Tampa Bay area for outdoor enthusiasts.
Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park is a scenic island with unspoiled natural beauty. Found just off the coast from Dunedin near Clearwater, this gorgeous natural hub is only accessible by boat. It is an untouched Gulf Coast island with sandy beaches, old-growth pines, and deep blue waters. Visitors typically kayak, snorkel, or dive in its surrounding picturesque waters.
Sunken Gardens
The Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg is one of the best-known botanical gardens in Florida. This four-acre living museum can trace its history back more than 100 years. While it may not take long to explore the gardens, this beautiful slice of paradise in the heart of St. Petersburg houses rare tropical flowers, and its picturesque paths display various species of plants.
Cypress Creek Nature Preserve
Cypress Creek Nature Preserve is a large wilderness area in Tampa. This scenic park stretches for more than 7,400 acres and has over 12 miles of trails that wind throughout. It has vibrant natural habitats, including wetlands, marshes, and hardwood forests. In this preserve, you can find some of the native wildlife that inhabits the Tampa area, including deer, beavers, many species of birds, and fish.
Beer Can Island
Beer Can Island is a tiny man-made island in Tampa Bay off the shore of Apollo Beach with pleasant beaches ideal for camping. Also known as Pine Key, this island has long served as a popular spot for boaters to drop anchor in the middle of the bay. Many visitors go to the island on weekends, often a raucous crowd, which inspired the island’s name.
Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve
Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve is an expansive natural area northeast of Tampa. This preserve is the largest natural area in the Tampa Bay region, and seven entrances provide access to more than 16,000 acres. It is a destination for outdoor fun, consisting of more than 60 miles of forested trails and rivers popular for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Also, it has dirt biking trails that are challenging yet rewarding for all experience levels.
Lettuce Lake Park
Lettuce Lake Park is a picturesque natural area just outside the city limits of Tampa. It is one of the most popular parks in Hillsborough County, thanks to its picturesque picnic spots, paved trails, and thickly forested areas. The park is centered around Hillsborough River, and a boardwalk along the water hosts observation areas for visitors. The park’s unique swampy and forested environment can be explored via canoe or kayak.
