Apollo Beach Nature Preserve
A serene, dog-friendly nature preserve with sandy shores, birdwatching, and stunning sunset views. No swimming allowed.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best manatee sightings
Apollo Beach Nature Preserve
Best Time
Best manatee sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, dog-friendly nature preserve with sandy shores, birdwatching, and stunning sunset views. No swimming allowed.
"Great place to bring your family and spend the day relaxing by the water."
🚫 No Swimming Allowed
Remember, it's a preserve! Strong currents mean no swimming or wading. Enjoy the views from shore.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome on the sandy beach, but not on the observation tower. Great for a walk!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Manatee Viewing Center
Adjacent to the preserve
Witness manatees gathering in warm waters during cooler months. A free attraction with trails and an observation deck.
Nature Trails & Observation Tower
Throughout the preserve
Explore sandy paths, enjoy birdwatching, and climb the tower for panoramic views of Tampa Bay.
Sunset Views
Beachfront
Experience breathtaking, unfiltered sunsets over Tampa Bay. A perfect, serene end to your day.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Know Before You Go: Water Rules
Best Time for Wildlife Sightings
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚫 No Swimming Allowed
Remember, it's a preserve! Strong currents mean no swimming or wading. Enjoy the views from shore.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome on the sandy beach, but not on the observation tower. Great for a walk!
🔭 Birdwatching Paradise
Bring binoculars! This spot is a haven for diverse bird species.
🚗 Ample Parking
Don't worry about parking; there's plenty of space available for visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚫 No Swimming Allowed
Remember, it's a preserve! Strong currents mean no swimming or wading. Enjoy the views from shore.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome on the sandy beach, but not on the observation tower. Great for a walk!
🔭 Birdwatching Paradise
Bring binoculars! This spot is a haven for diverse bird species.
🚗 Ample Parking
Don't worry about parking; there's plenty of space available for visitors.
💧 Restrooms Available
Clean public restrooms are on-site for your convenience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Apollo Beach Nature Preserve for its free admission, beautiful sandy shores, and opportunities for relaxation and wildlife viewing. The observation tower offers great views, and the adjacent Manatee Viewing Center is a significant draw during cooler months. However, the strict no-swimming rule due to strong currents is a key point of caution for visitors.
"Great place to bring your family and spend the day relaxing by the water. For safety reasons, you’re not supposed to get in the water, and it is properly labeled in the area. But it’s perfect just to sit down, relax, enjoy the beautiful beach view, and listen to the birds. You can see the city of Tampa and the city of St. Pete in the distance. You can also see cruise ships on the water and even Beer Can Island.
There are public bathrooms available for use, and they are fairly clean most of the time. The park has nice seating areas, picnic tables under shade, and plenty of trash bins. Parking is plentiful, and climbing up to the top gives you an even better viewing experience.
Highly recommended! Best of all, it’s free of charge and publicly operated."
Jenn
"Nice place to walk around with kids or by yourself to see how they are keeping Florida's nature preserved for the future.
Picnic benches for families to sit and relax and have a nice lunch and enjoy the view."
YaYa Claudia
"It's beautiful scenery and sand access. However, you are not allowed in the water, no swimming or wading. We were able to see some wildlife in the water due to its stillness. Seen a dolphin swim by."
Brenda CRONK
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The preserve is located at 6760 Surfside Blvd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. It's about a 15-minute drive from Tampa.
Public transportation options are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the preserve. Consider ride-sharing services if you are not driving.
Use GPS navigation to 6760 Surfside Blvd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572. Look for signs indicating the entrance to the nature preserve.
Yes, the TECO Manatee Viewing Center is adjacent to the preserve, and the Florida Aquarium's Turtle Rehabilitation Center is a short drive away.
Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is a short drive from Ruskin, making it a convenient option for those staying in that area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is completely free! It's a publicly operated space.
The preserve is generally open during daylight hours, but specific times can vary. It's best to check local listings or arrive during typical park hours.
No advance booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit anytime during operating hours.
Yes, as a preserve, there are rules against grilling, walking off-path, using drones, large gatherings, and consuming alcohol.
The Manatee Viewing Center is a separate, adjacent attraction that is also free to enter. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Absolutely not. Swimming and wading are strictly prohibited due to dangerous currents. The area is clearly marked for safety.
You can spot various birds, and if you're lucky, dolphins swimming near the shore. Manatees are best seen at the nearby viewing center during cooler months.
Yes, clean public restrooms are available on-site for visitors.
Yes, it's a nice place for kids to walk around, enjoy the scenery, and learn about nature preservation. Picnic tables are available.
Leashed dogs are welcome on the sandy beach area, but they are not permitted on the observation tower.
📸 📸 Photography
The observation tower offers great panoramic shots of Tampa Bay. The sandy beach provides beautiful foregrounds for sunset photos.
No, drone usage is prohibited at Apollo Beach Nature Preserve as it is a protected natural area.
Late afternoons and evenings are ideal for capturing stunning sunset photos. Mornings can be good for birdwatching photography.
Look for wildlife like birds and dolphins, and capture the expansive views of the bay and distant cities.
Yes, you can take photos of manatees at the nearby Manatee Viewing Center, especially during the winter months.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to explain to children that swimming is not allowed due to safety reasons. Instead, focus on the educational aspects of the preserve and the excitement of spotting birds or even dolphins in the bay.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Nature Lovers
+1 The quiet atmosphere, especially on weekdays, makes it perfect for reflection and relaxation. Climbing the observation tower provides a sense of accomplishment and offers expansive views. It's a place to appreciate Florida's natural beauty and understand the importance of conservation efforts.
📸 Photographers
+1 The observation tower also offers unique angles for landscape photography. Wildlife photography enthusiasts can focus on the diverse bird species present. While drones are prohibited, the preserve still provides ample opportunities for capturing the essence of Florida's coastal environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the 'Preserve' Aspect
The stillness of the water here is a key factor in its appeal for wildlife viewing. While this stillness makes it beautiful to observe marine life, it also contributes to strong, potentially dangerous currents, which is why swimming and wading are prohibited.
Understanding and respecting these rules ensures the long-term health of the ecosystem and allows future generations to enjoy this unique natural space. It's a place to observe, appreciate, and learn about Florida's coastal environment.
Wildlife Encounters: Manatees, Birds, and More
Beyond manatees, the preserve itself is a haven for birdwatchers. The diverse coastal habitat attracts a variety of resident and migratory bird species. Bringing binoculars is highly recommended to get the best views of wading birds, shorebirds, and other avian life.
Keep an eye on the water near the shore; you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins playing in the bay. While less predictable than manatees, dolphin sightings add another layer of excitement to a visit.
Capturing the Scenery: Photography Tips
The sandy shores are particularly stunning during the golden hours. Sunsets here are often described as breathtaking and unfiltered, making it an ideal spot for capturing vibrant evening skies.
+1For those interested in wildlife photography, the preserve offers chances to capture birds in their natural habitat. Remember that drones are not permitted, so focus on ground-level and tower-based photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit