The Fine Print, Part 2: Six Things You Didn't Know About South Tampa's Waterfront Parks
A private-feeling dog beach, a disc golf course with actual hills and a free place to tie up your boat. Here's the small print at Picnic Island and Ballast Point.
- Published: 2026-10-12
- By: Visit South Tampa
- Category: Things To Do
Most of us drive past these two parks all the time. We know there's water, a playground and somewhere to park. But read the City of Tampa's own descriptions closely and you'll find a few details that make a weekend morning (or a weeknight sunset) a lot better. Here's what we found.
The City puts it plainly: "Who needs to go to Clearwater to find a good beach when you have one in South Tampa?" Picnic Island, way down at the southern tip of the peninsula, has a white sand beach with tranquil waters and, as the City says, breathtaking sunsets.
Dogs get their own beach. There's a separate, gated dog beach just south of the fishing pier, near the boat ramp. Your pup gets the water, and the folks on the main beach get their towels back sand-free.
The disc golf course has hills. In Florida, that's news. The City describes the course as scenic, with "more topography than most Florida courses." Two pieces of fine print: wind can be a factor thanks to the breezes off the water, and you should "watch for picnickers, sunbathers, and dog-walkers!"
Fountains for pets, too. The restrooms come with an outdoor shower for rinsing off after the beach, and the drinking fountains are set up for people and pets. Small thing, big deal on a hot afternoon.
A few more extras worth knowing: there's a sandy playground with jungle gyms, slides, swings and a rope climber; a sand volleyball court north of the southern parking lot; Energi fitness stations scattered around the park; and shelters with picnic tables and grills that can be permitted through the City's shelter office. Paddlers can park across the street from the mangrove tunnel canoe and kayak launch.
Over on the east side of the peninsula, Ballast Point looks out over Hillsborough Bay with a view of downtown Tampa. If Picnic Island is your sunset spot, this is your sunrise spot.
Boat in and tie up for free. The boat and boarding dock sits just north of the fishing pier, and it's lined with cleats so you can temporarily dock your boat for free and enjoy the park. (A heads up: the 600-foot pier itself has been closed since spring 2025 for hurricane repairs, according to the City.)