20 Attractions to Explore Near Upper Tampa Bay Park

The Mobbly Bayou Wilderness is an outdoor oasis of natural beauty. Spanning over 6175 acres, the preserve provides a wealth of recreational activities such as hiking, kayaking, canoeing and camping. In addition to its robust lineup of outdoor activities, the preserve also boasts diverse wildlife such as alligators, turtles, herons and bald eagles that make their home there. It also offers several educational programs throughout the year designed to educate visitors on the local flora and fauna.

Philippe Park is a hidden gem situated on 25 acres of coastline. It offers lovely views of the bay and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. Visitors can enjoy walking the nature trails that wind through majestic trees and indigenous vegetation, or fishing from one of two piers. A playground and picnic area are also available for those looking for family-friendly fun. Philippe Park provides something for everyone with its variety of activities, gorgeous landscapes, and serene atmosphere.

Big Cat Rescue is an accredited animal sanctuary which is home to over 150 big cats and other animals, including tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, bobcats, servals, lynxes, Foxes and more. The purpose of the sanctuary is to provide a safe and healthy environment for these animals—to rescue them from abuse and abandonment and give them lifelong care in a natural habitat. Big Cat Rescue houses the largest population of rehabilitated captive big cats with an intense focus on public education.

The Hindu Temple of Florida, is a welcoming place for locals to learn about and experience authentic Hindu culture. Its graceful shrines, the intricate details of its walls, the inviting courtyards and lush garden all work together to create a tranquil atmosphere. The temple hopes to provide spiritual solace for congregants and educates guests about various aspects of the Hindu faith with educational initiatives as well as musical, dance, debate and youth activities.

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is a popular walking, running and biking trail Spanning 38 miles, it offers spectacular views of Tampa Bay and the surrounding area, passing through all of the major cities in Pinellas County. The trail is well maintained with regular mowing, pruning, and damage repair. Several rest areas feature signage explaining the history of the area and various features along the pathway. It is part of the United States’ East Coast Greenway system.

The Dunedin Causeway is a beautiful bridge that connects downtown Dunedin to Honeymoon Island in Pinellas County, Florida. The two mile long causeway created as part of the construction of U.S. Highway 19 was built in 1925 and has been used ever since by both locals and visitors alike. Not only does the causeway provide an easy path for vehicles to reach the island, but it also provides a stunning view of St Joseph's Sound which sparkles any time that sunlight hits the water.

Eagle Lake Park, is a stunningly beautiful and serene place that offers visitors plenty to do. Its 844 acres are filled with activities like hiking trails, picnic areas and playgrounds for children. It also has an observation tower with a 360 degree panoramic view which is the ideal spot to watch stunning sunsets. In addition to enjoying the park on their own terms, everyone can attend the annual events that take place at Eagle Lake such as Bird Fest in March and Paddlepalooza in October.

Wall Springs Park, is a rare gem of nature. Visitors to the park will find abundant opportunities for outdoor adventure - from fishing and picnics to hiking and exploring unique wildlife. The main feature of the park is a large spring-fed lake, surrounded by lush vegetation and home to hundreds of species of tropical birds. The lake is connected to the Gulf of Mexico by a two-mile-long freshwater stream, allowing for amazing canoeing and kayaking experiences along serene mangrove trails.

In 2009, Lowry Park Zoo was voted the number one Family Friendly Zoo in the US by Parents Magazine. Nearly 1 million people visit the 65-acre zoo a year to see its more than 1,300 animals.

A three-mile nature trail, a marina, picnic pavilions, bathhouses, a park concession stand, and a beach is what you will encounter in Caladesi Island State Park. The Caladesi Island beach was listed as the best beach in United States by Dr. Beach in 2008.

Caladesi Island State Park, is a beach lover's dream come true. With crystal clear turquoise waters, white sugar sand beach and an array of activities available to do, this park promises to be an unforgettable experience. From kayaking through the mangrove forest to catching the ferry and exploring neighboring islands; nature observing with its abundance of water-birds and wildlife; swimming in the warm gulf to fishing off the Caladesi Pier - there’s something for everybody.

TPC Tampa Bay is a golf course and residence located in Hillsborough County. It offers an upscale PGA Tour experience with an 18-hole championship golf course, practice facilities, and a 26-acre performance center. Guests of the complex can enjoy picturesque natural settings with wildlife, stunning marsh views, and both tee and fairway options for all skill levels. The area also features modern amenities such as a full service interactive Pro Shop and state-of-the-art fitness center.

Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured marine animals, public education, conservation, and research. Numerous forms of marine life are permanent residents at the aquarium, all of which have serious injuries that prevent their return to the wild.

Water Works Park is an amazing place to visit and explore! In this unique park, visitors will find two beautiful nature trails, a kids' splash zone, playgrounds, and a picnic area perfect for families or large groups of friends. There are also many special events hosted at the park throughout the year, such as the popular 'Movies in the Park' series. The park also has majestic views of Tampa Bay that provide a perfect backdrop for an idyllic sunset picnic or walk along one of its nature trails.

Central Park of Pinellas county is a park featuring activities for both children and adults alike, this large park is home to 500 acres of green space and many recreational activities. From picnics, to hiking, golfing, and even zip-lining across its lush landscape, there are plenty of activities inside the park's boundaries. In addition, visitors can also find two lakes where swimming and fishing are allowed. The lakefront also offers beach access due to its soft sandstone shore.

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts is truly a hub of culture and entertainment with an impressive nine venues ranging from cozy theater spaces to expansive concert halls — each equipped with incredible sound technology to ensure the best possible viewing experience. It offering a continuously changing schedule of performances that include Broadway shows, classical and contemporary music concerts, dance events, comedy acts, spoken word programs and much more.

Plant Hall was formerly known as the Tampa Bay Hotel, which was a 511-room resort hotel opened on February 5, 1891 by Henry B. Plant near the terminus of his rail line. The museum's exhibits focus on Gilded Age tourism, the elite lifestyle of the hotel's guests, and the building's use during the Spanish–American War.

Tampa Museum of Art is an outstanding institution for experiencing and appreciating the finest in visual art from around the world. Housed within its walls are permanent collections that display artwork from ancient to modern times including European masters, ancient Greek and Roman antiquities, contemporary American art and more. The museum also has temporary exhibitions and special programming that showcase the works of renowned international artists as well as local talent.

Housed in a 53,000-square-foot facility in downtown Tampa, the museum features 170 interactive exhibits in multiple themed areas. Traveling exhibits occasionally supplement the museum's permanent collection as well.

The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is a refreshing spot for locals and visitors alike to take in the beauty of Tampa Bay. Located on East Bank of the Hillsborough River downtown, this 10-acre park features breathtaking views of the Tampa skyline, an interactive fountain where kids can cool off, an expansive stretch of green space perfect for picnicking and relaxing during Florida's sunny days, as well as cultural programming such as free concerts.