Upper Tampa Bay Park | Kids Out and About Tampa <

Upper Tampa Bay Park

Address: 
8001 Double Branch Rd.
Tampa , FL , 33635
Phone: (813) 855-1765
28° 0' 53.1756" N, 82° 38' 0.3228" W
Contact name: 
Upper Tampa Bay Park
Ages for which our activities are most appropriate: 
Hillsborough County founded the Upper Tampa Bay Park in 1982 to provide a protected area for nature study and passive recreation. The 596-acre peninsular park also protects valuable coastal habitat and ecological communities that include mangrove forests, salt marshes, freshwater marshes, coastal hammocks, and pine flatwoods.

The Upper Tampa Bay Park offers an abundance of wildlife and other ecological treasures for any devoted nature lover. Visitors can take a hike on nature trails and boardwalks and see gopher tortoises, zebra swallowtail butterflies, and even bobcats. They can also check out the shallow fresh water ponds that provide habitat for aquatic plants and animals. Live oaks and other hardwood trees often grow near these wetlands, where red shouldered hawks and bald eagles are sometimes seen. The shoreline and waters attract park wildlife and many other species, including roseate spoonbills, ospreys, otters, bottle nosed dolphins, and manatees. 

But the fun doesn’t stop with the nature walks. The park’s canoe/kayak launch provides access to the creek and bay, which are excellent places for game fish, including red drum and snook. And while adults can relax and have lunch at the picnic shelters and tables, children can enjoy the park’s centrally located playground. The park also has a nature center which not only contains interpretive exhibits that describe the park environment, history, and geology, but also live animal displays that houses fish, snakes, and turtles.

Amenities

  • Barbecue Grills
  • Boardwalk
  • Boat Ramp
  • Canoe Rentals
  • Hiking Trail
  • Playground
  • Restrooms
  • Walking Trails
Open hours: 
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Saturday: Closed