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Upper Tampa Bay Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 341 Google reviews · Running trail in Tampa, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Upper Tampa Bay 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.
Scenic preserve featuring trails, picnic areas, a nature center & canoe/kayak launch on the bay.
What runners say about Upper Tampa Bay Park
“Clean restrooms, drinking fountains everywhere, very clean, well-maintained, cozy, and interesting”
“With the slightly stormy weather, the park was pretty much empty, though beautiful nonetheless.”
“The park has plenty of shade, feels very safe, and is just incredibly pleasant to explore.”
What a beautiful litte place. If you like to explore nature trails, there are three of them, all well below a mile. So this is not the place for hours of "hiking"/walking. Perfect for families with small children, with short trails, a playground and an educational nature center.
Absolutely loved this park, it's a real jewel. We hiked the three trails: Bobcat, Otter, and Eagle. Each trail is different and enjoyable. The Bobcat Trail meanders through a salt barren, very pleasant.The Otter Trail skirts a salt marsh. The Eagle Trail passes through slash pines and palmettos.
Despite being just off the busy Route 580, this park is tucked away in its own little world, with a diverse range of tropical trees, plants and trails. There is also a nice little visitor center, with various exhibits, including tanks showing off some local wildlife. It is a low-key, fly-under-the-radar gem.
One of our favorite parks. On a nice day we walk the trails. You can drop your canoe and explore the mangroves and inner bay. Always see cool things while we are here. You can rent canoes and kayaks. They have a little nature center that shows a lot of native species. Bring your dog and enjoy the space. Worth the $2.
Trail conditions & character
“Views of the bay from the trails were nice, but brief except along the boardwalk on the trail closest to the nature center.”
“One of the most enchanting moments was walking out on the boardwalk by the water—at the very end, a wild turkey appeared, almost like a mythical creature waiting there just for me.”
“Near the Otter Trailhead there is a nature center and canoe and kayak rentals.”
“You can bring your dog on a 6-foot leash The kayak and canoe launch is as fancy as it gets,, and $2 per car with up to 8 people is dirt cheap.”
“The park has plenty of shade, feels very safe, and is just incredibly pleasant to explore.”
“Clean restrooms, drinking fountains everywhere, very clean, well-maintained, cozy, and interesting”
“Clean restrooms, drinking fountains everywhere, very clean, well-maintained, cozy, and interesting”
Plan your run at Upper Tampa Bay Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitehillsboroughcounty.org
- Phone(813) 855-1765
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–6 PM |
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