Nestled along the shores of Tampa Bay is a popular fishing and boating area over the tangled roots of mangroves. This nature lover's paradise is called the Weedon Island Preserve. Here, from the top of an observation tower, visitors can relish a great view of Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg's gorgeous skyline. Here, herons and egrets amble through lush, wooded expanses, while black crabs dart along mangrove branches that form marvelous arcs over streams. Sheltering a fishing pier, picnic tables with charcoal grills and a canoe/kayak trail, this preserve is also home to a picturesque boardwalk, ruins of an erstwhile airport and historical markers pointing out a Native American mound. Displaying a brilliant convergence of nature, culture and archaeology, the Weedon Island Preserve is a sprawling canvas of magnificence and unabashed, natural grandeur.
As one of the earliest parks in the South Tampa area, Ballast Point Park has been providing outdoor fun for countless Floridians since its construction in 1894. Besides offering splendid views of downtown Tampa, Ballast features a water area, playground and covered picnic area. Families head here in droves during the summer months for some good old fashioned outdoor recreation.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park provides for a calm and serene space in a busy town. This recreation park is equipped with modern equipments like LED lighting, adjustable seating arrangement, NEOS 360 Ring featuring challenging games for kids and so forth. Also, the lighting and water supply for the park is done through reclaimed water, thereby conserving water and electricity. It also has playground, picnic area, a separate dog park and walking trail, thereby catering to the entire family. All in all, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is an ideal space to spend a lazy afternoon.
City Bike Tampa is a full service specialty bike shop in downtown Tampa focused on rentals, tours, repairs, parts and more. As an authorized dealer for Bianchi, Orbea, Pedego (electric bicycles), Jamis, Eastern, Sun Cruiser and KHS Bicycles, City Bike Tampa offers a broad selection of products and services for active cyclists and those looking to explore bicycling as a new part of their active lifestyle.
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced rider, In the Breeze offers something for everyone. The ranch offers riding lessons in both English and Western style, nature trail rides with certified guides, moonlight rides for intermediate and advanced riders, plus pony rentals and hay rides. Children's camps are also held. Call them to check the dates. Take lessons on nature while you walk through woods. One-on-one attention is paid for the handicapped. You may also throw a nature party at Breeze.
At Busch Gardens, animals roam free and you are the outsider. You can see the park by monorail, cable car or train. Roller coasters, wild animals, entertaining shows, rides, food, shopping, sightseeing, bird shows, exotic flowers, train rides, Serengeti adventures, river rapids...the list goes merrily on. Wear comfy walking shoes and spend the day at this 300-acre park. You can even taste the Anheuser Busch brew that started it all. Busch Gardens is open year-round with varying schedules. Call or see website for details.