Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Tampa

Picnics

A picnic spot that offers enough seclusion to feel like an escape, without requiring a hike just to find a patch of grass.

Based on 518 Opinions
+515
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Annapoorna Rasoi - Indian Food Trailer image 1
Annapoorna Rasoi - Indian Food Trailer image 2
Annapoorna Rasoi - Indian Food Trailer image 3
View all

Two food trucks offer flavorful Indian dishes in a well-lit lawn with outdoor seating under trees. Cozy vibes come from tabletop patio heaters and citronella candles that keep flies away. Games like corn hole add a fun, social vibe to the picnic setting.

Trees, picnic tables, and grass underfoot create a peaceful, cozy vibe. Citronella candles on benches keep flies away, adding to the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"The Indian food, especially the dosas, were crispy and delicious."

"The outdoor space with its lighting and benches creates a cozy atmosphere."

"The Picnic food was fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

The food truck is parked at 8601 N 40th Street in Tampa.

2

The lunch menu is very affordable with top-notch quality.

3

There were no restrooms, only a portable toilet available.

02
Desoto Park image 1
City park

City park blends waterfront views with fun for all ages. Families enjoy picnic tables and a big playground with swings. Active visitors find a skate park and basketball courts for exercise and play.

Open fields and picnic tables provide plenty of space for outdoor meals. Shaded areas and a big playground with swings make it family-friendly.

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."

"It's a perfect spot for a picnic with a big playground and shaded areas."

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.

03
Upper Tampa Bay Park image 1

Park features kayak launches and mangrove forests for nature lovers. Picnic shelters with numerous tables and a nearby kids' playground make it great for family outings. Quiet trails with interactive QR codes offer learning and easy access between spots.

Shelters with numerous tables support large outdoor picnics and family gatherings. A kids' playground sits nearby, and easy trails connect picnic areas to other activities.

People are saying

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

"You'll love the nice view of the river and bay."

"It's a great spot for large picnics with shelters and tables."

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.

04
Lowry Park image 1

Park offers calm river views and large open spaces perfect for walking and family outings. Covered picnic areas with BBQ grills make it ideal for group meals. Quiet, peaceful atmosphere suits relaxing picnics and social gatherings.

Many covered picnic areas come with BBQ grills and plenty of picnic tables. The setting feels peaceful and beautiful, great for family, church, or corporate picnics.

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."

"It's a great spot for picnics with plenty of picnic tables."

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.

05
Fred Ball Park image 1

Small park offers quiet shade and a gazebo for calm moments. Picnic tables and a butterfly garden create a pleasant spot for meals. Walking trails and basic amenities make it easy to enjoy nature near a busy boulevard.

Small shady park offers picnic tables, benches, and drinking fountains. Butterfly garden with native plants adds a nice touch. Basic amenities and a small parking area support easy picnics before or after trail walks.

People are saying

"It's a cute little park, perfect for a peaceful moment."

"It's a cute little spot, perfect for a picnic before or after the trail."

"I found the parking available was a small area."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited at the park.

2

There are no public bathrooms at Fred Ball Park.

3

The park is suitable for picnics and small gatherings.

06
Picnic Island Park image 1

City park offers quiet beach and sunset views across the bay. Large picnic areas with covered tables and big grills suit family gatherings. Dog-friendly beach and rentable pavilions add to the peaceful, spacious atmosphere.

Large picnic areas with covered tables and big grills accommodate groups well. Clean spaces sit near a scenic waterfront, offering a relaxing spot for family gatherings and outdoor fun.

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."

"It's a beautiful waterfront spot perfect for a picnic."

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.

07
Rivercrest Park image 1

Wide open green space with a paved circular path offers shade and sun for walking or jogging. A fenced-in playground makes it family-friendly. Picnic shelter and benches provide water views for a relaxing lunch.

Shelter with picnic tables provides a good spot for lunch. A picnic bench overlooks the water, adding a nice view during the day.

People are saying

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

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

"I enjoyed a nice picnic lunch with a view of the river."

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.

08
Diggy Dogs image 1
Hot dog restaurant

Outdoor seating with picnic tables invites casual dining and lingering. Creative menu shines with hot dogs and burgers praised for flavor. Affordable prices and lively music create a fun atmosphere perfect for late-night meals.

Outdoor seating includes picnic tables where food from the truck can be eaten on site or taken to go. The setup is simple with just a few tables for casual dining.

People are saying

"I thought the hot dogs here were phenomenal, the best I ever had."

"I thought the smash burger was one of the best I've had."

"I enjoyed the great hot dog at this picnic spot."

Good to know

1

Diggy Dogs offers catering services for events and parties.

2

The hot dog eating contest is scheduled for later this summer.

3

Diggy Dogs is open until 4am for late-night cravings.

09
Al Lopez Park image 1

Spacious park features a large lake and tree-covered trails for a peaceful walk. Picnic areas include shady shelters and clean restrooms, perfect for outdoor meals. Playgrounds and outdoor fitness equipment add fun and exercise options.

Large open spaces offer plenty of room for picnics and sports. Shady covered shelters with tables and clean restrooms make it easy to enjoy meals outdoors.

People are saying

"The parks here are perfect for kids and family outings."

"It's a beautiful and peaceful meditation spot."

"It's a great place for a picnic with shady shelters and tables."

Good to know

1

Admission to Al Lopez Park is free.

2

Parking is free.

3

The dog park is closed until June.

10
Carrollwood Village Park image 1

Spacious park offers wide open spaces and a large lake with turtles. Family-friendly features include a gated playground and splash pad. Plenty of picnic spots with grassy areas and rentable spaces make it perfect for celebrations.

Lots of grassy areas and picnic spots make it easy to relax outdoors. Picnic areas and spaces are available for rent, suitable for parties or celebrations. Some picnic and playground spaces are enclosed by a fence for safety.

People are saying

"It's really kid friendly with a spectacular playground and splash pad."

"It's a great dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs."

"It's a great place for a picnic with the kids."

Good to know

1

The park is free to access.

2

Free parking is available at the park.

3

Keep children away from the water's edge due to potential dangers like alligators.

11
Rowlett Park image 1

Spanning 65 acres along a river, the park offers shaded trails for peaceful walks and picnic pavilions with BBQ grills perfect for family gatherings. Sports courts and playgrounds add fun, while accessible paths and dog parks ensure comfort for all visitors.

Plenty of picnic areas with BBQ grills make it easy to host family events or birthday parties. Shelters provide shade and comfort, while the surroundings offer spots for fishing and outdoor games.

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."

"The picnic areas here are great for family gatherings and have grills."

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.

12
Cypress Point Park image 1

City park offers gorgeous bayfront views and a quiet atmosphere perfect for families. Covered picnic spots and picnic shelters provide ample space, while grills and accessible beach mats make meals by the water easy and enjoyable.

Covered picnic spots and picnic shelters offer plenty of space for gatherings. Grills and accessible beach mats make it easy to enjoy a meal by the water.

People are saying

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

"The sunset views here are spectacular and gorgeous."

"It has a playground and a picnic area."

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.

13
Anderson Park image 1

Playgrounds with lion statues splash pad and rubberized basketball courts offer fun for all ages. Picnic tables under shaded trees provide cozy spots to eat and relax. Park feels quiet and family-friendly, perfect for active play and peaceful breaks.

Lots of picnic tables sit under shade, making it easy to relax and eat. Covered tables near the basketball courts offer spots for the older crowd to enjoy a meal.

People are saying

"It's a huge playground with separate areas for toddlers and big kids."

"Parking is available, with free street parking or a garage nearby."

"The playground has separate areas for toddlers and big kids."

Good to know

1

Parking is available as free street parking or in the free Hyde Park Village parking garage, about two blocks away.

2

The park has wheelchair accessible restrooms.

3

The fountain and splash pad close at 7 PM, but the rest of the park remains open until sunset.

14
Water Works Park image 1

Park blends riverside views with shady picnic shelters for a cozy outdoor meal. Families enjoy the splash pad and playground for active fun. Calm vibes shift to lively during events with colorful decor.

Shady picnic shelters with reserved tables offer a comfortable spot for eating outdoors. The picnic area is small but cozy, near the Riverwalk and other attractions.

People are saying

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

"It's a great place for dogs, with a well-conditioned dog park."

"The picnic shelters are shady and accommodating."

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.

15
Seaplane Basin Park image 1

Wide open water views and calm bay breezes create a peaceful picnic spot with shaded areas. Plenty of space for family activities and dog play keeps everyone happy. Nearby boats and planes add a unique, lively backdrop to quiet walks and outdoor meals.

Calm water views create a perfect spot for a relaxing picnic or quiet walk. Open spaces invite sitting, meditating, or enjoying a peaceful outdoor meal.

People are saying

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

"I loved watching the sunset over the water."

"It's a beautiful spot for a picnic with stunning water views."

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.

16
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park image 1

Park features riverfront views and a large open green space perfect for picnics. Kids enjoy the well-equipped playground while families relax under shady trees. Boardwalk and riverwalk offer peaceful spots for walking and biking.

Open space and waterfront views create a relaxed setting for picnics. Plenty of room for kids to play and areas to lounge under trees add to the appeal.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved having a picnic with a great view right off the water."

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.

17
Lesley "Les" Miller Jr. All People's Community Park & Life Center image 1

Open park features lush greenery and quiet trails for families. Well-maintained playgrounds and a splash pad offer active fun for kids. Covered picnic tables and rentable shelters make it ideal for group gatherings with easy access to restrooms and water fountains.

Many covered picnic tables and gazebos provide spots to eat. Restrooms, water fountains, and rentable picnic shelters support group gatherings.

People are saying

"It's a great kid-friendly place with a fun playground."

"I had a get-together party here and it was a good place for gatherings."

"This park is a great place for a picnic with its awesome playground and splash pad."

Good to know

1

The park is completely free to enter and enjoy.

2

The splash pad is a great feature for kids to play in.

3

Restrooms are available but may need maintenance.

18
Vila Brothers Park image 1

Park shines with well-maintained playgrounds and courts for pickleball and basketball. Shaded pavilions and plenty of picnic tables make eating outdoors easy. A dog park with separate areas and a walking trail add to the family-friendly vibe.

Plenty of picnic tables and designated spots make it easy to set up. Picnic pavilions add covered options near playgrounds and courts.

People are saying

"The park bathrooms were recently updated and are great."

"The dog park here is clean and new."

"There are plenty of picnic tables here."

Good to know

1

The park has a clean and new dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs.

2

There are several shaded shelters and pavilions available for rent for parties.

3

The park features a walking trail around its perimeter, ideal for strollers and dogs.

Discover more

Tampa, Florida

Area guide
Loading Map...