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Fred Howard Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 10,065 Google reviews · Running trail in Tarpon Springs, Florida · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Fred Howard Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADARestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

Happening park located on the Gulf of Mexico draws a bustling crowd for the beach & swim area.

What runners say about Fred Howard Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (10,065 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“It’s clean, family-friendly, and much more peaceful than the bigger tourist beaches nearby.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 15 mentions

“Picnic in the woods at one of the picnic table shelters, and then drive across the causeway and have a nice swim or bask in the sun on the beautiful beach.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 9 mentions

“Lots to do from walking nature trails to swimming in calm water, from kayaking and paddle boarding to fishing and crabbing and everything in between.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“It’s clean, family-friendly, and much more peaceful than the bigger tourist beaches nearby.”

A hidden gem in Tarpon Springs! The scenic causeway drive to the beach is half the fun. Perfect spot for sunsets, kayaking, and spotting dolphins. It’s clean, family-friendly, and much more peaceful than the bigger tourist beaches nearby. Highly recommend for a chill day out!

★★★★★ — Bad , Feb 2026

Beautiful!! Great walking paths, dog friendly, plenty of picnic tables with grills and great views. One half of the park is more nature driven and it is free to park. There are pavilions that you can rent, and many bathrooms scattered throughout. There's also many great spots to fish.

★★★★★ — Jenn , Apr 2026

Beautiful there. Has some nice trails to walk your dog. Lots of shaded areas and some picnic tables/grills/pavilions. Beautiful views of the water. Beach is also gorgeous, was a bit packed, but still beautiful.

★★★★★ — Lala , Apr 2026

Nice spot to stay in Family, we love being so close to nature, this particular park has trail's bikes roads and kayaking zones to bring visitors safety and comfort. Visit and enjoy

★★★★☆ — Luis , Aug 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 10,065 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 17 mentions

“Picnic in the woods at one of the picnic table shelters, and then drive across the causeway and have a nice swim or bask in the sun on the beautiful beach.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 13 mentions

“Also great place to walk your dogs and plenty of parking spaces.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 7 mentions

“It’s clean, family-friendly, and much more peaceful than the bigger tourist beaches nearby.”

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🚻 Restrooms 6 mentions

“It has everything a nice Beach, bathrooms, picnic tables, playground for the children.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 6 mentions

“Great walking paths, dog friendly, plenty of picnic tables with grills and great views.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible

“The beach was clean and easily accessible from the parking lot.”

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Plan your run at Fred Howard Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitepinellascounty.org
  • Phone(727) 582-2100
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 7 AM–8:30 PM
Tuesday 7 AM–8:30 PM
Wednesday 7 AM–8:30 PM
Thursday 7 AM–8:30 PM
Friday 7 AM–8:30 PM
Saturday 7 AM–8:30 PM
Sunday 7 AM–8:30 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Fred Howard Park

1700 Sunset Dr, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Get directions

Running trails near Tarpon Springs

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Howard Park, Tarpon Springs

4.7 ★★★★★ 378 reviews

Tarpon Springs, FL

BoardwalkScenicDog-friendly

Public park providing a family-friendly beach, picnic areas, and a playground, plus fishing opportunities.

under a mile away

Anclote River Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 3,345 reviews

Holiday, FL

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Park featuring a 300-foot beach, a boat launch, designated fishing areas & a pavilion for picnics.

1.3 miles away

Craig Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,550 reviews

Tarpon Springs, FL

PavedShadedLitScenic

Park offering a saltwater boat launch, restrooms, lighted tennis courts, a playground & bandshell.

1.9 miles away

TARPON(Spring) Bayou crystal Lake

4.8 ★★★★★ 478 reviews

Tarpon Springs, FL

MixedLitScenic

Park with a public restroom and picnic tables where visitors can spot manatees and dolphins.

2.0 miles away

Anclote Gulf Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,661 reviews

Holiday, FL

MixedScenicDog-friendly

23-acre park featuring a fishing pier, plus a playground, shelters, a dog park & a birding trail.

2.5 miles away

North Anclote River Nature Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 365 reviews

Tarpon Springs, FL

LoopBoardwalkScenicDog-friendly

Shaded nature trails, a playground & picnicking areas are the draw at this scenic riverfront park.

2.5 miles away

All running trails in Tarpon Springs, FL →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.