Gyms can get boring, and the combination of dark walls, shared equipment and strange lighting makes exercising even more uncomfortable. Ditch the generic gym and head outside to these locations for a workout with a view.
Upper Tampa Bay Park
Established in 1982, this park is 596 acres of pure wildlife. Hikers have the chance of seeing gopher tortoises, ospreys, roseate spoonbills, zebra swallowtail butterflies and more on the trails and boardwalks. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available at this park. The launch gives people access to both the creek and the bay, where they can see aquatic animals like manatees, bottle-nosed dolphins and more.
8001 Double Branch Road | (813) 855-1765
Al Lopez Park
This 132-acre park has a biking trail and a boardwalk trail that winds around the lake. The 1.2-mile loop asphalt path is perfect for runners, and a nature trail extends from the northeastern edge into the woods. For those who still prefer indoor training, Cordelia B. Hunt Community Center has a fitness center equipped with treadmills, ellipticals, weights and more. The park also features a dog park, James Urbani Dog Park.
4810 N. Himes Ave.| (813) 274-8615
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
The large sloped lawn at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is perfect for sports and yoga classes. The park also features a fenced-in dog park and access to the Tampa Riverwalk, a pathway for walkers, runners, bikers and bladers adorned in art that extends from the Channelside area up to Tampa Heights.
600 N. Ashley Drive | (813) 274-8615
Flatwoods Wilderness Park
This park in Hillsborough County has 9 miles of asphalt trails, nature trails and single-track mountain bike trails. The Amberly Drive loop (3.22 miles) and the Tampa Palms Loop (5.81 miles) provide runners, joggers and bicyclists ample space to exercise. It also offers canoe access to the Hillsborough River. Residents can use neighborhood paths to access the seven-mile Bruce B. Downs trail as well.
14302 Morris Bridge Road | (813) 987-6211
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
Just north of the University of Tampa, this park boasts multiple sports courts. Two basketball courts, two pickleball courts, six concrete tennis courts and a multi-use field with artificial turf provides exercisers with a variety of options to choose from.
1001 N. Boulevard | (813) 274-8615
Lettuce Lake Park
This park boasts a 1.25-mile paved exercise trail and a 3,500-foot boardwalk with a view of the Hillsborough River. Park rangers offer nature education tours on weekends along the hiking trail. Visitors can rest at the wooded picnic areas in the park or rent canoes and kayaks and launch them from the boat dock.
6920 E. Fletcher Ave. | (813) 987-6204
Bayshore Boulevard Trail
Starting at Columbus Statue Park at Platt Street and ending at Gandy Boulevard, this sidewalk trail is accompanied by a three mile bike lane. The 10-foot sidewalk has benches, a water fountain, exercise stations and bicycle parking.
312 Bayshore Blvd. | (813) 274-8615
