As winter turns to spring, the sun shows its beaming face and the breeze is cool off the water and the best running and biking trails in Tampa Bay deserve your attention! The question is this: which running trail in Tampa Bay do you choose?
One of the best spots is the Courtney Campbell Pedestrian Trail, a blissful 6.5-mile romp running parallel to the Courtney Campbell Causeway. The apex stands 45 feet above the water, giving you one of the most beautiful views in Tampa. You will likely see manatees and dolphins while on your jogging adventure and parking is abundant either at Ben T. Davis Beach (which just adds a mile or so) or further along the trail.
After your run along this gorgeous beachfront trail, take a breather at Beach Bar & Restaurant! Enjoy delicious food and a cool tropical drink on the water.
If you're up for hopping on the bike instead of running, start at Cypress Point Park and head north as you wind your way around and toward the Courtney Campbell Causeway. You will love the scenic, 13.5-mile trail as you travel over the Causeway and into Safety Harbor. The town is full of tasty meal options so you can stop for lunch before heading back to the beginning.
Take a look at our list of Best Restaurants in Safety Harbor while you're there! Safety Harbor is a great stop for lunch before you head back. You do not want to miss the homemade chocolate chip cookies at The Sandwich on Main.
If you want a shady run on a variety of surfaces, pop over to Safety Harbor to run along the Ream Wilson Trail. There are many starting points along this trail as it winds its way through forests, a few elevations and streams.
Once you break out along Bayshore Boulevard in Safety Harbor you can head north along the Bayshore Boulevard Linear Park trail and keep on going! This trail is perfect for runners or bikers as you can score 15.5 miles of memorable trail.
Wilderness Park offers trails through pinewood flats and cypress swamps, access to the Hillsborough River, dirt trails and a 9 mile paved loop. The trail maps will guide you through short and long runs, and up to 30 miles of biking trails.
Closer to South Tampa, you can explore Bayshore Boulevard, with 5 miles of uninterrupted sidewalk and 9 miles of trail that runs along Tampa Bay. This is a bustling pedestrian area where runners are welcome and a bike path on the road keeps the faster riders off the sidewalk.
Head south to Ballast Point Park where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the bay and downtown Tampa.
Further north, hop off Bayshore into the Hyde Park neighborhood to run along the shaded streets and take a break from the sun. Eventually, you may find yourself wandering into Hyde Park Village where you will find fellow amblers sipping iced Buddy Brew coffees while sitting a spell by the fountain.
Some days you just have to hang out around Downtown St. Pete and there is nowhere better for a run than along the shores of Tampa Bay! Park anywhere downtown, where there are hundreds of metered spots, and head toward the water. Once you find the sidewalk that runs along the bay, just head north.
Walk, run, or bike for 7 miles as you float through beautiful parks. Keep your eyes open for North Straub, Vinoy Waterfront Park, Flora Wylie, North Shore, and Coffeepot Park. All of the parks are beautifully manicured, and the Banyan trees will stun you with their beauty! Be daring and follow the sidewalk into Coffeepot Bayou, making the most of your trip to St. Petersburg.
From there you can once again veer off the beaten path and explore the historic Old Northeast, where you will find at least three thousand historic houses, brick and cobblestone roads, abundant shade, and maybe, just maybe, the house of your dreams!
As soon as your fun workout is over and you are back downtown, choose from a handful of excellent watering holes to revive yourself, like Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro! Cool off even more with refreshing Italian desserts from Paciugo Gelato. Make two pit stops for super laid back, eat in your running clothes, waterfront dining and a cold brew!
Along with the best running and biking trails in Tampa Bay, there are many ways to stay fit and break a sweat in our area! Title Boxing Club has a special offer for 2017 to make this year your healthiest yet. If you want to get active in another way, you can also visit some of the best Tampa Bay golf courses you can play.
It's the most beautiful time of year here in Tampa Bay, which means now is your chance to get out and explore the great outdoors and increase your mileage, sans heat and humidity. Get out of the hotel gym or shake up your same old neighborhood run and get some beautiful miles under your belt in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
