20 Attractions to Explore Near Philippe 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.

Upper Tampa Bay Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. This 1,125 acre park boasts stunning and varied landscapes, including woodlands comprised of pinion pines and palmettos, wetlands brimming with wildlife, shoreline areas along two different bays, and plenty of open grasslands. Hikers are especially enticed by the 7 mile trail that guides them through different ecosystems, as well as numerous shorter trails that delve deeper into swamplands filled with tall grasses.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pier 60 Park, is a stunning destination for nature-lovers and beach-goers alike. This park sits on the white sand beaches of Clearwater Beach, surrounded by the bright blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can take part in activities such as snorkeling, boating, kayaking, as well as fishing off the park’s iconic 1,080 foot long pier. Additionally, there are plenty of walking trails throughout the park that guests can explore to admire the natural beauty of wetland habitats and wildlife.

Clearwater Beach is an excellent holiday destination known for its spectacular sunsets, sugar-white sands and crystal-clear waters. Its award-winning beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, sailing or simply watching the dolphins which play in the surf. There's also plenty of shopping, seafood restaurants and entertainment to enjoy - from athletic events to Broadway shows - all located along lights-filled streets lined with boutiques, galleries and nightclubs.

Sand Key Park is a beautiful place to visit if you're seeking adventure and relaxation. With its miles of sugar sand beaches, visitors can soak up the sun or explore the vibrant coral reefs just off shore. Whether you're out for an afternoon stroll on the beach or for a fishing expedition on one of their many boats, Sand Key Park promises an exciting day at sea. For those looking for something more, amenities such as picnic areas, paw parks, bike trails, and kayak rentals are also available.

The park is 385 acres (1.6 km2) in land area with 2,400 acres (10 km2) submerged and 4 miles (6 km) of beach. Consistently receiving more than one million visitors each year, it is the most-visited state park in Florida.

The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing a unique journey into the history of cars. Home to an array of automobiles from some of the earliest models through to the present day, this museum celebrates the evolution and ever-changing advancements in automobile technology. It traces over one hundred years of vehicular innovations and gives visitors the chance to explore these fascinating cars while learning about their historic background.

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks is truly an experience like no other. From taking a boat ride around the peaceful Anclote River to visiting countless motley shops and restaurants, each offering unique delicacies. Guided tours are available - giving a full history of the area and its traditional sponge industry. Wandering along the docks themselves can be just as enlightening with locals scattered around sharing stories and natural wonders being showcased throughout.

Spanning over 175 acres, the Florida Botanical Gardens is one of the area’s greatest treasures. Here visitors can explore natural wildlife, a world-class collection of palms, and breathtaking butterfly gardens. A variety of workshops and classes, such as botanical illustration, are offered for those looking to learn more about plants and ecology. Additionally, there are 11 distinct displays including a bromeliad garden and showcase herb garden highlighting aromatic greenery.

Heritage Village, is an outdoor living museum which seeks to bring the past to life. Across its 8 acres of lush grounds, visitors can experience displays from early Florida settlers: wooden houses from the 1880s; a two-room school house; a country store with artifacts and tin signs; and even a cemetery. In addition to these historic landmarks, Heritage Village also offers visitors educational programs on local history and cultural heritage.