31. E. G. Simmons Park
City: Tampa Bay, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (813) 671-7655
Description: Not only are there miles of sandy beaches at E. G. Simmons Park, there are also two campgrounds with almost 90 sites (water and electricity at each site and a dump station at each campground). The campground area is set among shade trees and there are showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. Located on the southeast side of Tampa Bay near U.S. 41, E. G. Simmons Park has 469 acres to explore on foot or in a canoe. There is a boat ramp (no ramp or day use fee). The park opens at 6 a.m. every day and closes at 6 p.m. in the fall and winter, at 7 p.m. in the spring, and at 8 p.m. in the summer. Campsite rental is $12 per site ($10 for seniors ages 55 and older). There is no concession stand or store, but civilization is only a couple of miles away. This is a Hillsborough County Park.
City: Tampa Bay, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S.
33. Picnic Island Park
City: Tampa Bay, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 7409 Picnic Island Blvd.
Description: In Tampa’s early days, a railroad spur that came out here, as this used to be Port Tampa—Henry B. Plant’s effort to monopolize boat travel. Today you’ll find a pier from which to fish, picnic shelters with grills, a playground, beaches, and an island to explore plus a boat ramp and canoe and kayak launch. Picnic Island is a Tampa City Park.
34. Sand Key Park
City: Tampa Bay, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (727) 588-4852
Address: 1060 Gulf Blvd.
Description: Just south of Clearwater Beach and just over Clearwater Pass, Sand Key is 95 acres of dual identity. Part park, part beach, it all adds up to one-stop outdoor enjoyment. Walk over one of the nine boardwalks to the beach, where you can rent a cabana, use the bath house, swim, stroll the beach, and shower off at one of the nine shower towers before heading home—or to the park. Sand Key’s park side has picnic shelters, a dog park area, and a playground. Not quite either beach or park, there’s also a salt marsh bird nesting area with viewing benches. Sand Key Park also houses an interdepartmental artificial reef program. It’s a Pinellas County Park.