Eureka Springs Park

Tampa, Florida: The New Year outdoor vibe continued on the second day of the year with another nature adventure, this time Eureka Springs Park was the destination.  But today I needed a little safer destination for the first new year forever adventure and this was the place.

The adventure began with the drive.  It's amazing how a city with almost a half a million residents can become so backwoods.  You literally left the city at the interstate and entered into the land of cousbins and banjo players.  Ok well maybe not that bad, but it certainly wasn't Hyde Park or Y'bor, Seminole Heights, heck the only think that felt Tampa-ish was the mailing address.

But once you got past the feeling of an episode of Criminal Minds.  What an amazing park.  It was certainly a hidden gem in a bustling big city.  For a moment you didn't even realize you were in a big city but the sound of the interstate and the buzz of airplanes from Tampa Executive Airport reminded you that you were still in Tampa.


The park is one part botanical gardens and another part swamp boardwalk.  We began the tour by strolling through the gardens and greenhouse.  The gardens were filled with tropical plants, a nice covered bridge over a canal with water lilies and a rose garden with a white trellis perfect for photos.  The greenhouse, well now we are back to our episode of Criminal Minds complete with a shocking plot, was not quite as visually stunning as the rest of the gardens but served its purpose to help maintain the plants.

Once you finish the tour of the gardens and you fight back the urge to sun bathe, picnic or play field games, its time to tour the boardwalk.  The highlight of the park is the raised boardwalk around the spring and through the surrounding wetlands.  Break off a stick and enjoy the stroll while listening to the sound of hawks, woodpeckers, a Mack truck and a passing Cessna.   There is a lot of potential on this hike but it was pretty quiet wildlife wise on our trip.

All joking aside, the Eureka Springs Park is a nice hidden oasis nestled in a busy urban center.  It is nice to know that these places exist allowing you to take a break from the concrete jungle and get lost in the the Floridian jungle.

Eureka Springs Park is located at 6400 Eureka Springs Road in Tampa Florida.  It is open daily from 9-5 and there is a $2 per car admission fee payable in the payment box.

Click on the photo above to view my Eureka Springs Park photo gallery.

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