Picnic Island in Tampa is the right name for this waterfront park that has it all. You have to drive past an unsighly industrial area to get there, though. But don’t let that fool you.

You just have to keep on going past the gasoline silos and gypsum plants in a typical industrial area before you get to the park. Don’t get put off by the stark surroundings and turn back. If you keep to your speed, you’ll get to the park, guaranteed.

Various Facilities

I can vouch for the park that’s just at the south end of Commerce Street in Tampa Port. It’s got a new observation deck that you should check out. Take a look at the view from the deck.

It’ll take your breath away. Boating and fishing are favorite past times at the park. The fishing pier and boat ramp add to the facilities around here. You can angle for hours and possibly catch something exciting with your everyday bait and tackle.

Dog Beach

Picnic Island is also one of the many dog parks in Tampa. Your pet pooch can get to enjoy the water and the sand with other canines. And you can exchange pet stories with other dog owners in the area.

Don’t be surprised if Rover never wants to leave. He’ll be thrilled with the waves and new company he’s found with four legged friends. The best part is that you don’t have to pay to have the use of this dog beach in Tampa.

Ideal for Picnics

Picnic Island park is really a wonderful place to have a picnic with the family. The beautiful surroundings and serene atmosphere make it ideal for your family to rest and relax.

You don’t have to worry about whether there are enough facilities around. The picnic shelters provide ample protection from the elements. The restrooms are adequate and convenient for your needs.

And the children’s playground will likely keep your boisterous kids occupied the whole time you’re having lunch. And what’s more, you can just chill out at the beach, lying on your towel and reading your novel while listening to the waves gently lapping the sand.

Picnic Island Adventure Run

One of the highlights of the island is the adventure run. You can take part in a multitude of trail and beach runs. There’s a just a whole lot of fun things to be a part of like the beach running, streaming crossing, trail running and crawling.

The race if really part of an obstacle race that stretches 3.6 miles along the beach. You don’t really have to finish it. Just enter the competition and be a part of the adventure!

Food is served by a local catering company – mostly you’ll tuck into watermelon, ice cream and hot dogs – everything to keep you cool after a good run on the sand!

Beautiful Views

Have I told you how beautiful the views are? It’s worth repeating here that you don’t come much closer to a great view of downtown Tampa than at Picnic Island.

You’d be surprised at what you can see from the park. The scenic park has wooded areas and indigenous wildlife of Florida. It’s suitable for painting landscapes or nature if you’re an avid water-colorist.

Perhaps Picnic Island Park hasn’t been really discovered by the greater populace of Tampa. And that’s partly because of the industrial zone that you have to go through to get to the park.

I can assure you though, you’ll be quite happy that you took my advice and kept on going till you found this quaint little picnicker’s paradise.