Best Picnic Locations in Tampa Bay For a Special Occasion

Whether you want to plan a romantic date, a family outing, or a little "me-time" in the great outdoors, check out one of these top picnic spots in the area.
Tampa Bay parks offer huge helpings of year-round sunshine, sweeping waterfront views, and beautiful flora.

Drizzle in fascinating wildlife and breathtaking sunsets, and you have the perfect recipe for a romantic picnic date.

Grab your picnic basket filled with goodies and head to one of these Tampa Bay parks. It's the perfect day to find a plot of shade to enjoy the open air.

Discover some of our favorite spots to bring a blanket and a basket and have a picnic in Tampa Bay, whether you're organizing a corporate event or celebrating a special occasion. Get pricing for a Party Bus to upgrade your picnic experience!

» ZooTampa at Lowry Park

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is home to over 1300 animals and is famous for having one of the world's most beautiful tropical zoological settings, bringing together animals and visitors to create unforgettable, natural connections.

Situated 10 minutes north from downtown Tampa, ZooTampa at Lowry Park offers a natural, serene escape for weddings and special gatherings.

With over 20,000 Google reviews, ZooTampa at Lowry Park has a proven track record hosting corporate meetings, picnics, galas, holiday parties, and fundraising events.

» Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is a public park located in downtown Tampa, Florida. It provides a calm and serene space in a busy town.

It also has a playground, picnic area, a separate dog park, and a walking trail, catering to everyone.

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park currently has 4.7 stars from over 8,500 reviews on Google, making it an ideal space to spend special occasions or just a lazy afternoon.

» Al Lopez Park

Located just 10 miles from downtown Tampa FL, Al Lopez Park offers scenic views and outdoor recreational space for the local community.

The 1.2-mile-long multi-faceted trails can be used for walking, jogging, or exercising. Other features include two beautiful ponds, a fishing pier, sheltered picnic areas, exercise stations, and a community center.

Al Lopez Park, with a rating of 4.6 stars from over 5,100 reviews, gives a possibility to take a break for a while and enjoy.

Use it to meet people, participate in celebrations, play with your kids, meet with friends, arrange a date, have a picnic, read a book or lay down under a tree in your free time.

» Ballast Point Park

Ballast Point Park is located on the east coast of South Tampa. It features a 600-foot pier, a splash pad, picnic spots, a boat ramp, and much more!

See stunning sunrises over Hillsborough Bay and a view of downtown Tampa. The Taste of Boston restaurant offers food, snacks, and bait.

Enjoy a picnic at one of the many picnic tables or shelters.

Ballast Point Park offers easy access to Bayshore Boulevard, where you'll find people jogging, walking, rollerblading, or biking.

Rated 4.7 stars from 4,800 reviews, Ballast Point Park is the perfect location to spend time for a special occasion.

» Lettuce Lake Park

Lettuce Lake Park is the most popular of Hillsborough County's conservation parks. It is located on Fletcher Ave Tampa between Interstate 75 and the University of South Florida.

This natural oasis has an observation tower, boardwalk, canoes, kayaks, and picnic shelters, among other amenities.

Lettuce Lake Park is located half an hour north of downtown Tampa along Hillsborough Bay.

Fancy a relaxing picnic on a lazy afternoon? This 4.7-star rated conservation park is the place to be!

» Cypress Point Park

Cypress Point Park is a popular public park and beach in Tampa, Florida. Walking paths wind around the grounds, stocked with several picnic pavilions, tables, and benches.

There's also a canoe launch for leisurely paddling forays out on Old Tampa Bay.

A bayside lunch, an amble on the nature trail, and a little time out on the water—sounds like the recipe for the perfect Gulf Coast afternoon!

Situated on West Cypress Street, Cypress Point Park is minutes away from downtown Tampa by car and has ample parking space.

» Tampa Riverwalk

Tampa Riverwalk is the heart of downtown Tampa's food, leisure, cultural, and entertainment scene. It is a 2.6-mile-long open space and pedestrian trail along the Hillsborough River in Tampa, Florida.

The Tampa Riverwalk provides some fantastic options for enjoying a picnic.

The parks are perfect for the whole family; the kids can enjoy some fun in the water with splash pads, while the rest can enjoy a relaxing afternoon under the beautiful riverside trees.

With over 4,400 Google reviews, Tampa Riverwalk has something to fit every occasion.

» Philippe Park

Philippe Park is a historical site that overlooks Old Tampa Bay, just north of downtown Safety Harbor, featuring an excellent picnic area, playground, and nature trail.

The park is named after Odet Philippe, the person behind the introduction of grapefruit to Florida.

There are several picnic shelters, restrooms, and water fountains scattered throughout the park. There are also 2 playgrounds and a softball field.

» Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

As the largest natural area in the Tampa Bay area, Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve is a major destination for recreation, with 7 entrances across 16,000 acres.

Just a few minutes from downtown Tampa, you can stroll along the river rapids, enjoy camping, explore historic structures, share a picnic or view scenic landscapes.

Under tight-knit shady trees, Trout Creek Park is a great place to sit on the green grass for a family picnic and a nature walk along the Hillsborough River.

» Water Works Park

When visiting Tampa looking for family-friendly and inexpensive activities, look no further than the fun at Tampa's free Water Works Park!

The Water Works Park is located in the heart of downtown Tampa. This park features open, green space, a dog park, covered and shaded picnic areas, a playground, and a splash pad for children.

Rated 4.7 stars from 3,300 Google reviews, this free park is truly a hidden gem in Tampa and a highlight for anyone's Tampa vacation!

» Picnic Island Park

A hidden gem in South Tampa, Picnic Island Park is the perfect place to bring your loved ones to relax or have a picnic. Children can enjoy the sandy playground and beach.

This spacious park offers a sand volleyball court and a disc golf course. A dog beach is located near the boat ramp and pier.

This recreation and green space is free to visit, which is wonderful news if you're on a budget. Picnic Island Park is located in Tampa. When you're ready to leave, Tampa Bay, Weedon Island Preserve, and The Skyway Shopping Center are close by and also worth a look.

» Party Bus Rental to Upgrade Your Picnic Experience in Tampa

Looking for a party bus rental for your special occasion in Tampa? Contact L3 Limo at (813) 699-5777 today to get free estimates, choose the right bus for your event, and ensure that your party bus rental cost is worth it.