Are you new to the Tampa area and looking for an exciting way to explore? Pack up a backpack with water and snacks, and head out for a hike!
Tampa Bay is a beautiful city located on the gulf coast of Florida. With beaches galore and warm weather year-round, it might seem that Tampa is simply a coastal destination. That is definitely not the case.
The Tampa area is lush with activities both on the coast and inland. If you’re a fan of hiking, you don’t need to move to the mountains. Tampa has everything you need for hiking, whether it’s a quick summer stroll or a long fall adventure. Read on for some of our favorite hiking trails in Tampa.
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
If you’re looking to escape the urban sprawl of Tampa, make the drive out to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.
This 245-acre park is located on Lake Maggiore in St. Petersburg. Featuring over 3 miles of trails and boardwalks, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is truly a place you can get lost in. The ecosystems contained in the park include floodplain forest, freshwater marsh, and Pine Flatwoods.
Boyd Hill is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, so pack your binoculars and check out the wildlife.
Lettuce Lake Park
On the north side of Tampa alongside the Hillsborough River, you’ll find Lettuce Lake Park, a 240 acre getaway with some beautiful nature.
In addition to hiking and biking trails, Lettuce Lake has an extensive boardwalk system that will take you through swamps and cypress trees and get you up close with wildlife like herons and alligators.
If you’re at Lettuce Lake Park, make sure to check out the observation tower to get a birds-eye view of the whole park.
Fort De Soto Park
If you like to combine hiking with your beach days, Fort De Soto Park should be your go-to getaway from city life.
Fort De Soto Park is located just southwest of St. Petersburg. The park is a sprawling 1,136-acres with five interconnected islands and some of the best beaches in America.
If lounging on the beach isn’t your thing, Fort De Soto Park has over 7 miles of trails and pathways to explore where beautiful views are abundant.
Osprey and Pelican Trails
Honeymoon Island is a barrier island located just outside of Dunedin, and there you will find Osprey Trail and Pelican Trail. Both trails offer extensive views across the sound as well as the Gulf of Mexico.
Osprey Trail leads you through a virgin pine forest complete with an underbrush of coastal plants.
Pelican Trail winds its way around the perimeter of the peninsula along the Gulf of Mexico to the sound adjacent to Pelican Point and through mangrove marshes.
Honeymoon Island is one of the last remaining areas with Florida slash pines, and Osprey Trail winds 2.5 miles through nesting colonies of osprey and pelicans. If you’re a bird lover, check it out.
Bayshore Boulevard
This isn’t technically a hiking trail, but you moved to Tampa because you love the city.
Bayshore Boulevard wraps along the bay, offering 4.5 miles of paved pathways. It’s the perfect spot to go for a hike, run, or a leisurely stroll. You’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the water and Tampa’s stunning skyline.
Beyond the Hiking Trails in Tampa
While there are plenty of beautiful hiking trails in Tampa, it’s not all the city has to offer. If you’re looking to make this amazing city your home, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re moving from across the world or just down the street, trust us to make your move as easy as possible.