Ballast Point Park — Attraction in Tampa

A pier, a restaurant, and a playground/splash pad. What more could you want?

Parking: There is plenty of parking in front of the playground itself, but also on the other side of the nearby rec center. The lot does get full after school on hot days because of the splash pad.

Fencing: Not fully fenced (splash pad is fully fenced, though). However, there is enough immediate fencing to give the illusion that it is to younger children. The road is quite a ways out from the play equipment, so even without a fence, you’d have time to catch them before they made a run for it.

Bathrooms: The bathrooms are located in the building housing the restaurant. The men’s bathrooms are on the back side closest to the play area. The women’s is on the front of the building facing the parking lot. I cannot attest to the men’s, but the women’s does have a changing table and hand dryer. It is big enough for a stroller to enter, but it can be a squeeze getting it into the stalls if needed.

Trash: There are a few trash cans around. While this park is generally clean, we’ve had to pick up trash a few times because the wildlife like to rummage in the rubbish.

Shade: There are shade covers over most of the play equipment; however, it can still be very sunny in the middle of the day (especially at the main swings). The tree coverage is off to the side of the equipment. There are two baby swings near the splash pad that are in tree cover. For reference, the photos were taken around 9:00 am.

Water: Water fountain works and has a convenient water bottle filling station. Located near the back of the restaurant.

Flooring: Rubberized flooring under the larger play equipment; wood chips under the swings and small play structure.

Safety: I’ve never had an issue at this playground. While there are usually people present at picnic tables under pavilions who do not have children, my children have not once been approached by anyone. There are typically fitness groups, cyclists, and people with other interests around as well, so it’s pretty heavily populated.

The pier is close by, but enough out of sight that children wouldn’t start running toward it. Also, that is the side with the most fencing. It’s a great walk if your kids are up to it!

On another note, I’ve never tried the restaurant, but it’s certainly convenient. There is a beautiful wall mural on the far side of the park green space near a banyan (?) tree. ...

A Serene Oasis with Breathtaking Views I recently visited Ballast Point Park in Tampa Bay, Florida, and I was blown away by its serene beauty and stunning sunrise views. This hidden gem offers something for everyone in the family, making it the perfect destination for a day of relaxation and fun.

First and foremost, the sunrise at Ballast Point Park is simply breathtaking. As the sun begins to rise over the Tampa Bay, the colors painted across the sky create a magical and peaceful atmosphere. It's the ideal spot to start your day, whether you're an early riser or simply love the beauty of nature.

One of the highlights of this park is the charming pier that stretches out into the bay. It's an excellent spot for fishing enthusiasts to cast their lines and enjoy the tranquility of the water. Even if you're not into fishing, taking a leisurely stroll along the pier is a great way to soak in the panoramic views of the bay and the impressive skyline of downtown Tampa. The sight of the towering skyscrapers against the backdrop of the blue water is truly mesmerizing.

Ballast Point Park is also incredibly family-friendly. With a well-maintained playground, kids can have a blast while parents relax and enjoy the surroundings. The park offers ample parking, which is always a plus, ensuring a stress-free visit.

Ballast Point Park offers a delightful combination of natural beauty, stunning sunrise views, and family-friendly amenities. Whether you're a nature lover, an angler, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this park is a must-visit. Don't miss out on its charm and the opportunity to witness a captivating sunrise that will...

I really enjoyed my visit to this park on Ballast Point. It's a beautiful location with awesome views of the Hillsborough Bay. It's worth a visit just for the Tampa skyline view. It's also great for bird watching. Have you noticed that there always seems to be a pelican perching on a post near a pier? It can be any pier. Well, there was also one here... even though it was further out in the distance.

This park is a great place for families, and anyone who likes to fish. There's no fee for fishing off of the pier. I saw a few people fishing while I was there. It has a boat ramp and docking area (also free). There are picnic tables (covered and uncovered), swinging benches, a gazebo, and even a playground with a splash pad. There's a walking path that runs through it, as well as a fitness center. There are some very colorful murals along the barrier between the park and the Yacht Club.

Ballast Point Park is super close to MacDill AFB. It was surprisingly my first visit to this spot in the South Bayshore area. I decided to stop at Leon's Lobstah Shack on my way home from the base. Yes, there is a great casual place to get seafood and even a smash burger. It was a great last minute decision to check it out on a beautiful summer morning. I was surprised to find available parking spaces during the late morning hours on a weekday. Just keep in mind that parking may be limited during peak hours or on the weekend.

Other than the parking situation, it's just a great place to relax and soak in the view. It's a cool hidden gem in...