Best Places To Explore Outside in Tampa

There are many outdoor activities to enjoy that are in and around the Tampa, Florida area. Luckily, the city is located in such a geographical spot that you can travel to nearby locations in just a few minutes. Let’s look at the best and most popular places to explore outside of the Tampa area.  

Hiking Trails in Tampa 

Hiking is not only a fantastic form of exercise, but it also gets you outdoors and in touch with nature. Here are some of the top hiking trails in Tampa: 

Lettuce Lake Park

Lettuce Lake Park features hiking trails for both the novice and experienced hiker. The park spans over an impressive 240 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife that are native to the landscapes here. Pack a day bag and get some friends together for a beautiful hike through this park that offers natural preserves, stunning views, and both elevated, natural, and paved paths. 

6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637  

Flatwoods Park  

Flatwoods Park is a 7-mile natural preserve that is great for hiking, biking, cycling, and bird watching. Bring your binoculars and spot a variety of different birds that call Flatwoods Park home. They have paved pathways here that make it easy and hassle-free to take a hike. Take a break at one of the many picnic areas available throughout the park. 

14302 Morris Bridge Rd, Thonotosassa, FL 33592

Cypress Creek Nature Preserve

Cypress Creek Nature Preserve offers visitors the opportunity to hike through 7,400 acres of land. The preserver features a number of lakes throughout its vast landscape and features a selection of hiking trails based on experience level. Whether you are looking for a paved hiking trail, an elevated boardwalk trail, or a rough terrain hiking trail, Cypress Creek Nature Preserve offers something for everyone.  

18000 Lizards Tail Rd, Tampa, FL 33647

Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve spans over 60 miles and offers plenty of opportunities to hike, fish, canoe, or picnic. If you are looking to spend the day testing your hiking skills, look no further than Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the abundant wildlife spotted here, such as birds, reptiles, and fish. 

15846 Morris Bridge Rd, Thonotosassa, FL 33592

New Tampa Nature Park 

New Tampa Nature Park provides a whole host of outdoor activities to partake in hiking, zip-lining, cycling, and various rope courses. Truly test your stamina and put your endurance skills to the test at New Tampa Nature Park. 

17001 Dona Michelle Dr, Tampa, FL 33612

Biking Trails in Tampa 

Biking is an excellent form of exercise and is fantastic for your cardiovascular health. Let’s take a look at some of the best biking trails in Tampa and the surrounding areas.  

Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail

Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail is a must-see if you are in the Tampa area. The trail features a boardwalk-style bike trail where you can cruise along the gorgeous waterfront and admire the ocean views. Be sure to hide your bike here at sunset as the park offers the best sunset views.  

8549-8597 Campbell Causeway Access Rd S, Tampa, FL 33615 

Copland Park

If you are looking for the perfect spot to cruise around, look no further than Copland Park. The park features a whole host of activities to participate in biking, walking trails, various outdoor ball courts, and picnic areas. This is a must-see if you are in the Tampa area. 

11001 N 15th St, Tampa, FL 33612  

Morris Bridge Road Preserve

If you are looking to ride your bike on elevated boardwalks through natural preserves, then you must check out Morris Bridge Road Preserve. The park offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy everything that nature provides as they cruise through the beautiful natural habitat. If you are really up for it, they also have off-road cycling here.  

13630 Morris Bridge Rd, Thonotosassa, FL 33592

Beaches in Tampa  

Tampa is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches, and there is no better way to spend a weekend than soaking up the sun and the stunning ocean views. Let’s take a look at the top beaches in the Tampa area:  

Ben T. Davis Beach

Ben T. Davis Beach is an absolute must-see. The beach is small but quaint and features crystal blue waters and soft white sandy beaches. There are also picnic shelters here and a boat launch so if you have your own vessel, be sure to consider taking the boat out by launching it here.  

7740 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa, FL 33607 

Cypress Point Park 

Cypress Point Park offers visitors soft sandy beaches as well as a beautiful ocean-front boardwalk. Put your endurance to the test and try to run along the sand dunes. There are also various picnic areas located throughout the park.  

5620 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607

Davis Island Dog Beach

Your furry friends want to join in on the fun as well. Be sure to check out the dog-friendly beach, Davis Island Dog Beach, where you can let your dog run freely. There is also an area to wash your dog as well as a water fountain area. Both you and your dog will love hanging out here for the day.   

864 Severn Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

Parks in Tampa 

 There are so many parks to enjoy in and around the Tampa area. Let’s explore some of the best parks in the area:

Al Lopez Park

 If you are looking for a city park, then look no further than Al Lopez Park. The park features several ponds as well as various picnic areas to sit back, relax, and enjoy. There is also a nature trail here, so be sure to pack your running shoes so that you can incorporate your workout in.  

4810 N Himes Ave, Tampa, FL 33614

Lettuce Lake Park  

Lettuce Lake Park brings people from all over to view the 240-acre park. Be prepared to spend the day here as there is so much to see and do, including walking, running, biking, birdwatching, fishing, and picnicking, just to name a few. Grab a few friends and enjoy everything that this vast park has to offer.  

6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637

Outdoor Exercise Areas 

Keeping an active and healthy lifestyle is imperative to long-lasting sobriety. Let’s find some of the best outdoor exercise areas offered in Tampa and the surrounding area:  

Ballast Point Park

Ballast Point Park offers plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the outdoors while staying active. There is a pier, walking paths, and many opportunities to get your heart rate going through paved running paths.  

5300 Interbay Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611

With numerous parks, beaches, and hiking trails to conduct outdoor exercise in the Tampa area, people recovering from addiction can find just about anything to ensure they remain active and sober. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, contact WhiteSands. We are the #1 drug rehab center in Tampa.  Call and see why Newsweek named us the #1 Addiction Treatment Center in Florida.

Related Tampa Articles:

• Yoga Studios in Tampa
• Gyms in Tampa
• Hiking Trails in Tampa
• Beaches in Tampa
• Off-Road Bike Paths in Tampa

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.