Florida is famous for its gorgeous beaches, glamorous nightlife, and thrilling theme parks, but it is also a paradise for outdoor adventurers. Full of some of the most incredible landscapes and amazing natural beauty in the country, a trip to Florida to discover the scenery, landscapes, and wildlife of the Sunshine State is never a bad choice.
Of the many spots around Florida, Tampa Bay has to be one of the most beautiful, and certainly one of the most attractive for anyone who loves the great outdoors. From hiking and cycling to gentle nature walks in the park, there’s loads to do around Tampa.
So if your plan is to sail from Tampa on a short adventure, or you are vacationing in the area, here are a few of the best outdoor activities the Bay has to offer.
Lettuce Lake Park: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Lettuce Lake is one of Tampa’s most picturesque parks and a local favorite for outdoor activities. Just a short distance from the city center, it is a surprisingly wild landscape full of wetlands and hardwood forests, and bisected by the pretty Hillsborough River.
Hiking and Nature Trails
Hikers are well served in Lettuce Lake Park with a paved 1.25-mile trail that encircles most of the park, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding cypress swamps as well as swooping panoramas of the river. There is also a boardwalk trail that goes straight through the heart of the park’s wetlands, perfect for anyone who wants to get a little closer to the wildlife…if you can brave the ‘gators! There is also an observation tower that overlooks the wetlands if you prefer to keep your nature at arm’s length. It is a wonderful place at sunrise and sunset.
Kayaking and Canoeing
For the more adventurous-minded visitors, Lettuce Lake Park offers kayak and canoe rentals, giving you the chance to set off on the eponymous lake and paddle your way along the Hillsborough River. It is a delightful peaceful experience and a great opportunity to get a different perspective on the park’s ecology and ecosystems.
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve: Discover Untouched Florida
If Lettuce Lake Park feels a little tame, a little too manicured, then head to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in nearby St. Petersburg. Spanning 245 acres butting up against Lake Maggiore, this is a more immersive wilderness experience, perfect for serious nature lovers. It boasts a rich variety of ecosystems, from scrub forests and pine flatwoods to freshwater marshes.
Hiking Trails
There is a lot more to see in Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and it boasts a load more for the avid hiker as well. Over 6 miles of well-maintained trails take you on a journey through some of Florida’s most iconic ecosystems and natural habitats, from shady oak hummocks to sunny open fields. The Preserve is also full of wildlife, meaning a hike gives you the chance to see tortoises, armadillos, and even bald eagles.
Nature Programs and Education
Alongside the more active amenities in Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, it is also a great place to learn a bit more about the environment and the natural world. There are a series of classes, workshops, tours, and programs that give families and visitors the chance to learn about the unique ecosystems that make Florida such a special place.
Tampa has a wealth of parks and nature preserves, with Boyd Hill and Lettuce Lake just two examples of what a fantastic outdoor destination the Bay really is. From the wetlands surrounding the Hillsborough River to the diverse ecosystems on the shores of Lake Maggiore, both these spots are the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get up close and personal with nature and the natural world.