Are you looking for fun places for your family to visit in the Tampa area?
State parks are some of Florida’s most unique places and a great way to spend time with your family.
Florida is home to 175 state parks, but fortunately for people living in Tampa, many great parks are only a short drive away. These state parks cover over 800,000 acres and 100 miles span along beautiful beaches.
Here are 5 of the best Florida state parks near Tampa with activities for the whole family.
1. Ybor City Museum
Ybor City is known as the Cigar Capital of the World because of its rich history in the cigar industry and Cuban heritage. It’s located just outside of Downtown Tampa and is home to some of the state’s best bars and restaurants.
But to get a genuine appreciation for the area, visitors should go to the Ybor City Museum State Park garden. This urban park is devoted to the preservation of Ybor City’s unique cultural heritage. The ornamental garden can be rented out for special events like weddings and celebrations.
The museum portion of the state park has self-guided tours, and you can even visit a restored cigar worker’s home, the La Casita.
2. Skyway Fishing Pier
The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is located in St. Petersburg, Florida, on an old portion of the old Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
It is a favorite fishing spot for people from across the state and is the longest fishing pier in the world. Because of its unique location, fishermen cast their lines for snook, tarpon, mackerel, and grouper, among others.
If you do not like fishing and want to simply take in the views, you can do it on the way to our next stop, Egmont Key.
3. Egmont Key
Egmont Key State Park is a secluded island refuge located at the mouth of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Reachable only by ferry or private boat, this island is known for its unique wildlife, sandy beaches, and its rich history. It has a lighthouse on the island built in 1858. It was also the home to the Union Navy during the Civil War.
Shelling, fishing, snorkeling, and swimming are all favorite activities on the island. Dolphin watching is a highlight when venturing to and from Egmont Key.
4. Weeki Wachee Springs
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is a great place to beat the Florida heat and enjoy fun in the sun.
The park has canoes and kayaks available to guests, and you can even take a riverboat cruise. But despite the availability of these fun activities, the mermaid show is the most popular activity.
The mermaids perform at the Mermaid Theater daily and have been greeting visitors since 1947.
5. Alafia River
The Alafia River State Park is located in Lithia, just a 45-minute drive from most areas of Tampa. The Alafia River flows near a reclaimed phosphate mine, and the area has a unique terrain making it a favorite trail for mountain bikers.
This park is ideal for the outdoor enthusiast with a variety of wildlife, birds, and fish. No matter the season, there are activities such as biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, canoeing and more. They offer a family camp, equestrian camp as well as a primitive group camp.
Guests can enjoy the picnic area, campgrounds, playgrounds and a bike shop.
Wrapping Up: The Best Florida State Parks Near Tampa
Some of the very best Florida state parks can be found within a stone’s throw from the City of Tampa!
Are you new to the area or considering moving to the Tampa Bay Area?
At Community Moving & Storage, we are your full-service Tampa mover. We will help ensure you have a safe and smooth move into the area. That way you can get settled in fast and get outside to enjoy these great state parks.
Learn more about our moving services! Contact us today!