Tampa, Florida · Hikes and Outdoors

Easy Hikes and Wild Florida Near Tampa

Tampa's outdoor scene will surprise you, ancient river trails, mangrove wilderness, stunning waterfront walks, and gator-spotting adventures all within an easy drive. Here are the top 5 hikes and nature experiences around Tampa!

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Hillsborough River State Park

15402 US-301 N, Thonotosassa, FL 33592 (813) 987-6771

Just 12 miles northeast of Tampa, Hillsborough River State Park is one of Florida's oldest and most beloved state parks, featuring seven miles of river trails, the only natural rapids in peninsular Florida, and a stunning suspension bridge through ancient cypress forest. Expect to spot alligators, otters, wood storks, and deer along the water's edge. Canoe and kayak rentals are available on-site for a lazy paddle through the wild. It's a full day of Old Florida outdoors just minutes from the city.

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Weedon Island Preserve

1800 Weedon Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702 (727) 453-6500

A 3,700-acre coastal wilderness between Tampa Bay and St. Pete, Weedon Island offers miles of hiking through mangrove forests, salt marshes, and pine flatwoods teeming with birds and marine life. The elevated boardwalk stretches out over the bay with sweeping water views, one of the most serene walks in the entire Tampa Bay region. Kayak rentals let you paddle directly through the mangrove tunnels, and the free Cultural Center tells the story of thousands of years of Indigenous life on the island. Feels a million miles away even though downtown St. Pete is minutes away.

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Where You'll Sleep

Two Big Homes Minutes From All of It

Sixteen real beds, a heated pool steaming at sunrise and a pickleball court out back, 12 minutes from TPA.

Twilight from above: court, pool, hot tub and fire pit inside one fenced yard

Tampa Bae at twilight from above: the pickleball court, heated pool, hot tub and the 16-chair fire pit, all inside one fenced backyard

Twilight at Tampa Bae: the pool glowing, umbrellas up, the mural lit, and the whole house waiting for your crew

The whole backyard from above: private pickleball and basketball court, pool deck with umbrellas, hot tub, play set and fire pit

Loved by Big Families

Tampa, FL92 reviews

Tampa Bae

Everyone under one roof, everyone happy, and you finally get to relax

16 guests · 6 bedrooms · 10 beds · 3 baths

Heated Pool
Sleeps 16
Pickleball Court
Movie Theater

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The backyard: pool, hot tub, pickleball court, swings and games in every corner

Twilight with string lights, the fire pit and the glowing pool

Airbnb Guest Favorite · Top 10%

Tampa, FL173 reviews

Rustic Retreat

The one where nobody wanted to leave the house

16 guests · 5 bedrooms · 13 beds · 3 baths

Guest Favorite
Heated Pool
Pickleball Court
Sleeps 16

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Halloween Week and Thanksgiving, Sorted

Happening Near Tampa Right Now

Happening NowSelect nights through October 31, from 7pm

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay · About 25 minutes from both Tampa homes · Teens and adults

Haunted houses, scare zones and the coasters running in the dark. This one is for the teens and the grown-ups, so plan a movie night at the house for the little ones.

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Happening NowFriday to Sunday nights through October 31, 4pm to 10pm

Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa

ZooTampa at Lowry Park · About 20 minutes from Tampa Bae · All ages

The zoo after dark with trick-or-treat trails, glowing lanterns and a family-friendly haunted neighborhood. Costumes welcome, strollers fine, nobody jumps out at the kids on the family trail.

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From Oct 30October 30 to November 1 (moved from early October because of weather)

Oktoberfest Tampa

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, downtown · About 20 minutes from both Tampa homes · All ages by day

Steins, bratwurst, oompah bands and the river right there. Saturday runs all day, so the kids can come for the pretzels and the games before the evening crowd arrives.

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See everything on around Tampa this season

Tampa Riverwalk

Tampa, FL 33602, Downtown along the Hillsborough River

The Tampa Riverwalk is a free 2.6-mile landscaped path hugging the Hillsborough River through the heart of downtown, connecting Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the Tampa Museum of Art, Armature Works, and Sparkman Wharf. It's dog-friendly, bike-friendly, scooter-friendly, and absolutely beautiful, especially around golden hour when the skyline reflects in the river. On weekends the whole stretch comes alive with food trucks, outdoor events, and live music. The perfect way to explore downtown Tampa without getting in a car.

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Lettuce Lake Regional Park

6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637 (813) 987-6204

Lettuce Lake is one of Tampa's best-kept secrets, a 240-acre cypress swamp park along the Hillsborough River where alligators, herons, and river otters are regulars along the famous elevated boardwalk. The half-mile boardwalk winds through ancient cypress-tupelo swamp, and the observation tower at the end delivers sweeping canopy views you won't forget. Trails extend through the full park for walking, running, and cycling, and kayak rentals get you out on the water. Admission is just $2 per vehicle, one of the best outdoor deals in Florida.

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Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

Off Morris Bridge Rd, Thonotosassa, FL 33592 (813) 987-6209

For hikers who want to go truly off the beaten path, this 16,000-acre floodplain wilderness protects a pristine stretch of the Hillsborough River with 16 miles of trails through forest and swamp that feel completely wild. The paddling is world-class, kayak or canoe beneath a canopy of oaks, cypress, and palms with no development in sight and abundant wildlife around every bend. Deer, wild turkey, otters, alligators, and even black bears have been spotted here. Morris Bridge Park serves as the main launch point with a boat ramp, picnic areas, and trailheads.

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