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Local picks in Tampa

Scenic views in parks

Made for those who want to spend their time outdoors and only visit parks that offer a significant vantage point.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park image 1
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park image 2
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park image 3
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Park offers beautiful riverfront views and a large open green space with a well-equipped playground and interactive fountains. Atmosphere feels family-friendly and safe, with live music and festivals adding energy. Boardwalk and riverwalk provide peaceful spots for walking and biking.

Stunning river views define the walkway and waterfront park. The area offers beautiful city and riverfront sights both day and night, with spots perfect for walking and biking.

Open space with a riverside boardwalk and fountains offers spots for picnics and kids' play. The park hosts special events like outdoor holiday movies and a large ice skating rink during the holiday season.

People are saying

"The parks here are beautiful and right on the water."

"This place is so kid friendly, my kids loved playing here."

"The waterfront views of the city and river are stunning."

Good to know

1

Parking at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park can be difficult, with costs around $20.

2

There are only two bathrooms for hundreds of people to use during events.

3

The park is dog-friendly and great for outdoor activities.

02
Seaplane Basin Park image 1

Park offers wide open water views with boats and planes nearby, creating a unique backdrop. It maintains a quiet, peaceful atmosphere with gentle bay breezes and shaded picnic areas. Visitors find plenty of space for family activities and dog play, with well-kept paths and swings enhancing the experience.

Wide open views of the water and gently swaying trees create a peaceful setting. Walking trails offer access to stunning sunrise and sunset views over the bay and passing boats.

Well maintained with a quiet atmosphere, the park offers fantastic views of boats and cruise ships on the water. It features a playground, swings, walking paths, and spots for fishing and water activities.

People are saying

"It's a quiet spot with beautiful water views."

"This park offers beautiful, peaceful views of the water and boats."

"I loved the wide open views of the water and boats."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available at the park.

2

Dogs are only permitted in the designated dog park area.

3

The park is open from sunrise to sunset.

03
Cypress Point Park image 1

City park offers beach access with gorgeous bayfront views and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Amenities include playgrounds, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities, making it suitable for families and outdoor activities.

Sunset views over the bay stand out with planes landing nearby adding to the scene. The park offers a quiet spot with easy beach access and a cool pier with a restaurant.

A beautiful beach park with a great playground and seating areas for picnics. Activities include kayak and paddle board rentals, disk golf, and walking trails, all near the airport with views perfect for watching the sunset.

People are saying

"I found this park's beach to be a beautiful hidden gem."

"I found this park to be beautiful and very nice."

"You'll love the beautiful bayfront views and watching planes land."

Good to know

1

Parking is free from Monday to Friday, from sunrise until 12 noon.

2

Parking costs $1 to $2 per hour outside free hours, max $12 per day.

3

Avoid entering the water due to high bacteria levels.

04
Upper Tampa Bay Park image 1

Park offers kayak and canoe launches along shallow waters surrounded by mangrove forests and coastal habitats. Trails include interactive media with QR codes for learning about the environment. The atmosphere is quiet and secluded, with well-maintained playgrounds and picnic areas near water views.

Second-floor views offer a stunning river and bay panorama. Boardwalk trails showcase the ecosystem between water and land, featuring mangroves and serene water scenes.

Secluded and naturally beautiful, the park offers well maintained trails for hiking and biking. Kayaks and canoes launch through mangroves into the bay, and a clean, well maintained playground keeps kids entertained.

People are saying

"The park's bathrooms were surprisingly pristine and well-stocked."

"I found the park to be beautiful and clean."

"You'll love the scenic views of the river and bay."

Good to know

1

The entry fee is $2 per car.

2

Canoe rentals cost $25 for a 5-hour ride.

3

The park has a good picnic area with a kids' playground.

05
UTBP Nature Center image 1

Park offers peaceful nature trails and well-maintained boardwalks with water views and wildlife sightings like wading birds and manatees. Kayak and canoe rentals provide easy access to paddling adventures. Educational nature center features informative displays on local flora, fauna, and indigenous history.

Amazing views come from the boardwalk and walking trails. The park offers water views, covered shelters, and spots to see animals.

Walking trails and covered shelters offer great spots for hiking and relaxing. The park includes a nature center and a playground, making it good for both outdoor activities and family visits.

People are saying

"The nature center has excellent displays and knowledgeable rangers."

"The park's scenic views are beautiful, especially from the boardwalk."

"The park's boardwalk offers a nice view with water."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $2 and they accept credit cards.

2

Renting a kayak or canoe is inexpensive and the equipment is well maintained.

3

The entry fee is $2 for adults.

06
Water Works Park image 1

Park offers riverside setting with beautiful views and plenty of space to relax. Atmosphere stays peaceful and calm when quiet, turning fun and exciting during events with colorful decor. Features include splash pad and playground areas that attract families and children for active play.

Magnificent city views and relaxing water scenes define the park. The playground sits near the city center with a wonderful river view and a walking area.

Splash pad and water bucket provide fun water play for kids. The park offers playgrounds, chess, pingpong, and a dog park with water and bags. Clean restrooms and a restaurant add convenience for families and adults.

People are saying

"It's a really fun place for kids with a great playground and splash pool."

"The splash pad at this park is really fun for kids."

"I loved the beautiful city views here."

Good to know

1

The park is free to enter and very family-friendly.

2

Restrooms are wheelchair accessible for convenience.

3

During hot days, the water feature provides relief for visitors.

07
Rowlett Park image 1

Large park spans 65 acres along a river, featuring shaded trails, sports courts, and picnic pavilions. Quiet and peaceful atmosphere suits relaxation, exercise, and family activities. Facilities include dog parks, playgrounds, and accessible paved paths.

River views dominate the parks, with spots overlooking the dam and plenty of trees around. Trails run alongside the water, and areas for fishing and kayaking add to the scenic appeal.

Walking paths circle the park, offering plenty of space for exercise and dog walking. Multiple playgrounds and pavilions support family activities, while separate dog parks cater to both big and small dogs. The park also features tennis and pickleball courts and provides a scenic view of the dam.

People are saying

"The parks here offer beautiful river views and peaceful, shaded trails."

"It's really Kid Friendly with plenty of room for kids to play."

"I loved the beautiful river views and the dam."

Good to know

1

The park is 65 acres with tennis courts, picnic areas, and walking trails.

2

Rowlett Park is dog friendly with a fenced-in dog run.

3

There are plenty of picnic areas with BBQ grills available.

08
Rivercrest Park image 1

Wide open green space borders a river with a paved circular walking path that offers shade and sun. Quiet and peaceful atmosphere suits walking, jogging, or relaxing by the water. Family-friendly features include a well-maintained, fenced-in playground and picnic shelter.

Walking paths provide beautiful views of the Hillsborough River and surrounding water. The area stays quiet, making it easy to enjoy nature and the river scenery.

A paved circular track winds through hills and valleys, offering shade and sun for walking or jogging. The park features a well maintained playground safely set away from the river, plus plenty of green space and scenic river views.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful park with lovely views and calm walking paths."

"It's a really nice playground for kids."

"I loved the beautiful water views here."

Good to know

1

There are no bathrooms available in Rivercrest Park.

2

The playground is well maintained and great for kids.

3

The park is always neat, clean, and well kept.

09
Lowry Park image 1

Park runs alongside a calm river with stunning views and large open spaces. Atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful, ideal for walking, picnics, and family outings. Features include boat ramps, playgrounds, and plenty of picnic and barbecue areas.

Large open spaces run alongside a calm river, offering stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere. Paved trails wind through the park, providing picturesque views of the Hillsborough River for walking or biking.

Wide open spaces and paved trails make it great for walking, biking, and enjoying nature. The park offers a boat ramp for kayaking and fishing, plus clean restrooms and plenty of shade for picnics and family outings.

People are saying

"It's a peaceful park perfect for walking and reconnecting with nature."

"It's a great Kid Friendly place with a wonderful play area."

"I found the park's scenic views by the calm river so peaceful."

Good to know

1

Lowry Park is great for hosting events with covered picnic areas and BBQ grills.

2

The park has a playground with slides and swings for children.

3

There is a boat launch on the Hillsborough River at Lowry Park.

10
Desoto Park image 1
City park

City park offers waterfront views and a peaceful atmosphere with quiet, tranquil vibes. It features diverse amenities including a swimming pool, skate park, basketball courts, playground, and picnic areas. The space balances natural beauty with recreational options for all ages.

Beautiful waterfront views offer a calm and peaceful setting. The park overlooks the bay with plenty of shade, making it a nice spot to relax and enjoy the quiet scenery.

Offers a skate park, basketball courts, and a big playground with swings. Open fields and picnic tables provide space for families. The park sits by the bay with a walking path and beautiful water views.

People are saying

"This park is so peaceful and beautiful on the water."

"It's a great Kid Friendly spot with a big playground and pool."

"The waterfront view here is amazing and super calming."

Good to know

1

Desoto Park is a great venue for birthday parties and outdoor events.

2

Parking costs $6 for all day and allows for moving your car.

3

The bathrooms at Desoto Park are currently locked.

11
Henry B. Plant Park image 1

Park combines old architecture with new structures alongside a manicured green oasis by the river. Shade from palm trees creates a quiet, peaceful atmosphere ideal for picnics and leisurely activities. College students often gather here, enjoying picturesque river views and natural spring water.

Gorgeous river views create a perfect backdrop for an intimate picnic. Both sides of the river offer similar scenes, great for photography at sunrise and sunset.

Beautifully manicured with picturesque river views, the park offers a serene oasis perfect for strolling, picnicking, jogging, and cycling. It features running water from a natural spring and blends old architecture with new structures.

People are saying

"This park is beautiful and offers picturesque river views."

"It's a perfect place for an intimate picnic with a nice view."

"The park's manicured grounds offer gorgeous river views."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available at the park.

2

The park is a peaceful place for leisurely activities like strolling and picnicking.

3

The park offers picturesque views of the river.

12
Picnic Island Park image 1

City park with quiet beach and spacious layout offers sunset views across the bay and a dog-friendly beach. Atmosphere stays peaceful and tranquil, ideal for picnics, barbecues, and community events. Amenities include disc golf course, boat ramps, playgrounds, and rentable pavilions.

Sunsets here offer beautiful views across the Bay with clear sights of downtown St Pete and Tampa Bay. The spot is known for its great vantage points to watch the sun go down.

Offers a secluded beach with a disc golf course and rentable pavilions. Great for fishing, kayaking, picnicking, and has a top-notch playground for kids.

People are saying

"This park has so much room for exploring and outdoor fun."

"It's a great dog friendly place with a fenced beach for them to swim."

"I loved the great sunset views over the bay."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available at the park.

2

The park has gates that are monitored by a ranger during certain hours.

3

Canoe launch and paddleboard rentals are available for visitors.

13
MacDill Park on the Riverwalk image 1

Compact park along a well-lit riverwalk offers scenic river views and sunset photography spots. Visitors find shaded picnic areas, art installations, and a patriotic memorial that add character to the peaceful, clean environment. The space attracts walkers, joggers, cyclists, and families, providing a calm pause during active outings.

Sunset views over the Hillsborough River stand out with golden reflections and city skyline lighting. MacDill Park offers lush greenery and a peaceful spot to enjoy the calming river views along the Riverwalk.

MacDill Park offers a tranquil escape with lush greenery, scenic river views, and a patriotic memorial. Curtis Hixon Park features well-maintained playgrounds and hosts seasonal events like a Winter Village with ice skating and a flea market.

People are saying

"I found MacDill Park to be a tranquil escape with calming river views."

"It's a peaceful escape with lovely river views."

"The parks here are clean, well-lit, and perfect for a relaxed walk."

Good to know

1

MacDill Park is pet-friendly, making it ideal for dog owners.

2

Paid street parking is available nearby, using a convenient pay-by-plate system.

3

Expect beautiful sunset views over the Hillsborough River from the Riverwalk.

14
Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park image 1

Waterfront park offers stunning river views and wide, well-maintained paths shaded by palm and oak trees. The atmosphere is lively with joggers, families, and dogs, while children enjoy a modern playground and splash-pad. Public art and commemorative spaces add cultural depth to this small, green urban oasis.

Waterfront views along the Garrison Channel show boats drifting by and beautiful sunsets. The park is small but offers pleasant river scenery accessible near the history center.

A 4.5-acre waterfront park offers modern playgrounds and a small splash-pad for kids. It features shaded areas, benches, public art, and facilities for walking, biking, and exercise.

People are saying

"The park offers beautiful waterfront views and sunsets."

"You'll find nice views of the water and boats drifting by."

"The park offers pleasant, amazing scenic views of the water."

Good to know

1

Parking is available but requires payment and is located blocks away.

2

The playground is modern and suitable for children, though one slide is closed.

3

The park has wide, well-maintained walking paths for leisurely strolls.

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