Many of us are looking for ways to stay active while also staying a safe distance away from others. That's why Sarah Phinney started a ‘Walking Club’to highlight some hidden, and some not so hidden, trails and parks across the Tampa Bay.
We’re all excited about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking on the Kansas City Chiefs this Super Bowl Sunday, but if you’re looking to escape the crowds, consider checking out one of these parks. All are about 25 minutes or less from downtown Tampa!
Eureka Springs Conservation Park
Eureka Springs Conservation Park stands out from other parks in our area because it’s the only botanical garden in Hillsborough County’s park system. Visitors will find a third of a mile boardwalk and a nature trail. Just a warning: It might be hard to get your heart rate up here because you’ll be stopping so often to take photos of the beautiful scenery!
The park is located is north of I-4, between I-75 and U.S. 301, next to Tampa Executive Airport. Put this address in your phone:
6400 Eureka Springs Rd.
Tampa, FL 33610
Parking costs $2 per vehicle.
Cypress Point Park
Aviation enthusiasts will get a kick out of Cypress Point Park in the West Shore area. It’s a great spot to see lots of planes landing, as it’s just south of Tampa International Airport and right on the bay. Visitors will find a paved trail, white sand beach, playground, shelters, disc golf course and sand volleyball court. Looking for an extended walk or bike ride? A 1.3-mile connection will take you to the Courtney Campbell Trail. You’ll pass by it just before you enter the park.
Want to visit? Plug this address in your phone:
5620 W Cypress St.
Tampa, FL 33607.
Lake Conservation Park
Lake Conversation Park in the Lutz area truly has something for everyone. There’s a BMX track, horse arena, RC track, archery range, equestrian trails, canoe and kayak rentals and fishing. But, the biggest draw is the 1.5 mile fitness trail that goes through the woods. You can step up your walk or run by using some of the fitness stations that line the trail.
Interested? Here’s the address:
17302 N Dale Mabry Hwy
Lutz, FL 33549
Parking costs $2 per vehicle.
Click here for more about Lutz Conservation Park.
Just a heads up: N. Dale Mabry is closing between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Columbus Drive at 5 pm on Saturday. It’s scheduled to reopen 6 am on Monday. You might want to take an alternative route if you’re passing through that area. But, don’t take Himes. It’s shutting down between W Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and W Columbus Drive from noon Saturday until Monday morning.
Looking for something closer to home?
Join Walking Club!
Post photos of your adventures, ask questions and learn about upcoming #WalkingClub stories in Sarah’s Walking Club group on Facebook!
