There’s a lot to love about the Westshore District in Tampa Bay, but perhaps one of the biggest selling points is how much there is to do outdoors. People and businesses alike come to Tampa to live life outside, and Westshore parks and green spaces cater to many different activities and interests. Within Tampa city limits, the Westshore District connects businesses and residents in a dynamic and thriving local community. Whether you work in the area and need a new lunch rendezvous, or are working from home and want options for your stretch breaks, you’ll find your perfect match.
Cyclists, Joggers & Those Who Mosey
One of the highlights of the Westshore District, the Courtney Campbell Pedestrian Bridge is a 10.5-mile trail that runs parallel to the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Open to bicyclists, joggers, and outdoor enthusiasts, this bridge gives you waterfront views of Tampa Bay, and connects the communities of Tampa and Clearwater. Made of asphalt and concrete, the trail is wheelchair accessible, and fishing is allowed from the trail. Parking for Courtney Campbell Trail is available at Ben T. Davis Beach, Cypress Point Park, and Skyway Park.
At Cypress Point Park, additional nature trails offer places to step away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a brief moment. Paved and unpaved trails lead to tidal ponds and canoe launch points, for those looking to take their repose/respite? on the water. If your workday has ended and you have kids in tow, the park’s playground can offer a place to burn off energy for your whole family.
Swimmers
If you want to take a quick dip, the Loretta Ingraham Recreation Complex is a great place to do it. The pool at this facility is open six days a week, with aqua exercise, lap swims, swimming lessons for kids and adults, and much more. A full schedule can be found here. In addition to the pool, the sports complex offers multiple courts, a gymnasium, playground, fitness center, and computer lab — so you can still make your morning video meeting on time.
Interested in how City of Tampa pool schedules will affect your aquatic exercise? A full list of pools and schedules is located at the Tampa.gov website.
Beachgoers
Florida’s beaches are unmatched, and the Westshore District boasts some of the best. Ben T. Davis Beach is great for a shoeless stroll, but it also offers paddle boarding, kayaking, bike rentals, and picnic areas for those outdoor lunch breaks that re-energize you. Also known as the Courtney Campbell Causeway Beach, Ben T. Davis Beach parking hours are from 7AM to 5PM, and the beach itself is open from sunrise to sunset.
Another beautiful beach option in Westshore is the Cypress Point Park beach. You can reserve a picnic pavilion for that post-work team building event, or simply wiggle your toes in the sand in between meetings.
Golfers
When nothing makes your heart sing like acres of beautifully landscaped green, the Rocky Point Golf Course is your perfect destination. This 18-hole course features a mix of tree-lined fairways and lakes, and the Point Grille clubhouse is a great spot to grab lunch. One of the first golf courses in Florida, Rocky Point’s history is storied — and welcomes a new page for each new visitor.
Sports Fans
Prefer to watch others’ athletic abilities than to test your own? The Raymond James Stadium and George M. Steinbrenner Field are both located in Westshore, and each houses world-class athletes. “Ray Jay” is the home stadium for the 2021 Super Bowl-champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and hosts major concerts and events alongside some of the most important sporting events in America. The George M. Steinbrenner Field is home to the Tampa Tarpons and New York Yankees in the spring, and is also a beloved venue for special events.
Itching to go outside yet? It’s not just in your head — studies have shown that taking a break to connect with nature can actually make people more calm, collected, and productive. So getting some fresh air can benefit you and your workday. No matter your interests, the outdoors are calling, and the Westshore District and surrounding communities have much to offer and explore. Be a tourist in your own neighborhood, and fall in love all over again.
