Dinosaur World - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

A popular park due to its proximity to the city of Tampa. The park consists of over 2,990 acres, and there are more than seven miles of trails.

The Fort Foster State Historic Site is an iconic remnant of the Seminole Wars. It was initially built as a military base by the federal forces in 1837 during their operations against the Seminoles. The white-washed fort was never actually used in battle, but its presence was enough to show that the Americans were ready to wage war against the native population. Today, it is preserved as a historical site and has gained importance due to its diverse landscape.

Eureka Springs Park, is a beautiful and natural park that is perfect for spending a day outdoors. The sprawling grounds feature plenty of walking trails amongst the thick forestry, as well as some stunning waterfront views. There are also several attractions within the park such as Big Fish Lake and Eureka Springs Park Nature Center, where visitors can learn more about the local wildlife. Other activities include fishing, picnicking, birdwatching or other leisure activities.

Cracker Country is an educational living history museum that provides visitors with a unique view of rural life in the 19th century. Through its re-created farmstead, period demonstrations, craft and trades heritage exhibits, original buildings and artifacts, Cracker Country showcases Florida's rich culture and diverse history. The guided tour offers an up-close look at lives of Florida pioneers who called themselves “Crackers” — self-sufficient cattle ranchers and farmers who lived.

Lithia Springs Park offers all the delights of outdoor recreation, with a hint of Florida history. Visitors can take in the breathtaking beauty as they stroll along the 1/3 mile nature trail and enjoy the lush foliage, wildlife and springs that feed into nearby FishHawk Creek. In addition to its nature trail, other activities include kayaking, canoeing, fishing, picnicking and swimming at one of the area's multiple springs. The park was once part of an old plantation dating back to 1846.

Lettuce Lake Park is the perfect blend of recreational activities and scenic nature trails. With a range of outdoor experiences including canoeing and kayaking along the Hillsborough River, camping along its serene wooded sites, fishing and picnicking on banks of the shallow water lagoon, as well as hiking and biking through winding trails and an environmental education center for a deep dive into nature, there is something for everyone at this breathtaking park.