Ballast Point Park & Pier
A scenic waterfront park in Tampa offering stunning bay views, a playground, and access to Bayshore Boulevard.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Unreal sunset and sunrise views
Ballast Point Park & Pier
Best Time
Unreal sunset and sunrise views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic waterfront park in Tampa offering stunning bay views, a playground, and access to Bayshore Boulevard.
"The best getaway spot ever, especially if you go during the night. The view is not only amazingly breathtaking but relaxing to the soul."
Check Pier Status First
The fishing pier is often under repair post-hurricane. Call ahead or check online before your visit! :construction_worker:
Pack for Playtime
Bring swimsuits for the splash pad and comfortable shoes for the playground. :athletic_shoe: :woman-woman-girl-girl:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fishing Pier Views
End of the pier
Stroll to the end of the pier for breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Tampa and the bay.
Playground & Splash Pad
Central park area
A fantastic spot for kids to burn energy with a playground and a splash pad (check availability).
Bayshore Boulevard Access
Park entrance
Connect to the world's longest continuous sidewalk for a scenic walk, jog, or bike ride.
Waterfront Picnics
Designated picnic areas
Enjoy a meal with a view in serene picnic spots overlooking Hillsborough Bay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Pier Repairs & Park Amenities
Best Times for Views & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Pier Status First
The fishing pier is often under repair post-hurricane. Call ahead or check online before your visit! :construction_worker:
Pack for Playtime
Bring swimsuits for the splash pad and comfortable shoes for the playground. :athletic_shoe: :woman-woman-girl-girl:
Sunset Serenity
End your day with a peaceful stroll on the pier as the sun melts into the bay. :city_sunset:
Connect to Bayshore
Use the park as a starting point for a long walk or run on Bayshore Boulevard. :runner:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Pier Status First
The fishing pier is often under repair post-hurricane. Call ahead or check online before your visit! :construction_worker:
Pack for Playtime
Bring swimsuits for the splash pad and comfortable shoes for the playground. :athletic_shoe: :woman-woman-girl-girl:
Sunset Serenity
End your day with a peaceful stroll on the pier as the sun melts into the bay. :city_sunset:
Connect to Bayshore
Use the park as a starting point for a long walk or run on Bayshore Boulevard. :runner:
Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for pet owners. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ballast Point Park for its stunning waterfront views, especially during sunrise and sunset, and its family-friendly amenities like the playground. It's a peaceful escape with beautiful scenery and easy access to Bayshore Boulevard. Some disappointment exists regarding the splash pad and pier being closed due to hurricane damage.
"My grandkids love going to Ballast Point. They enjoy the playground, walking out onto the pier, and just being near the water. On occasion, we’ll get lucky and see the horses out at the stables across the street! They especially loved the splash pad, but it’s been closed since the hurricanes last year. We are really hoping it’ll be repaired soon! But, even without the splash pad, it really is a nice park for the little ones."
Nicki M
"I absolutely love it here! The best getaway spot ever especially if you go during the night. The view is not only amazingly breathtaking but relaxing to the soul"
Yde
"Ballast Point Park is in a beautiful location with awesome views of the Bay and downtown. It's also great for bird watching, has a fishing pier, picnic tables, swings, eatery, coffee shop, and a fabulous play area for the kids. Plenty of free parking and super dog friendly. Hope these photos inspires you to go visit."
Susan Roghair
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ballast Point Park is located at 5300 Interbay Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611. It's accessible by car, with plenty of free parking available. For those using public transport, check local bus routes as options might be limited.
Yes, there is ample free parking available at Ballast Point Park, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Ballast Point Park is situated at one end of Bayshore Boulevard, making it a perfect starting or ending point for a walk, run, or bike ride along the scenic waterfront.
Yes, Ballast Point is located in South Tampa and is situated near MacDill Air Force Base, making it a convenient spot for residents and visitors in that area.
In Sydney, Ballast Point Park in Balmain is best reached by bus to Birchgrove Oval, followed by a 9-minute walk. There's also limited free parking available. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ballast Point Park is a public park and generally free to enter. There are no admission fees required to enjoy the grounds, playground, or walk along the pier.
Access to the fishing pier at Ballast Point Park is typically free. However, it's advisable to check for any temporary closures or repair notices before your visit.
Ballast Point Park is generally open 24/7, allowing visitors to enjoy the waterfront views and amenities at any time. The fishing pier is also noted as being open 24/7.
Picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis. While there are designated areas, reservations are not typically required for casual picnicking.
The splash pad at Ballast Point Park has been subject to closures due to hurricane damage. It's recommended to check the park's current status or local advisories before planning a visit specifically for the splash pad.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a playground, splash pad (check availability), walk or fish on the pier, have a picnic, bird watch, and connect to Bayshore Boulevard for walking or running.
The park offers stunning waterfront views of Hillsborough Bay and the downtown Tampa skyline, especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
Yes, it's very family-friendly with a playground and splash pad (when operational). Grandkids love it here, and it's a great spot for them to play near the water.
Yes, there is a fishing pier at Ballast Point Park, making it a popular spot for anglers. Remember to check if the pier is open due to ongoing repairs.
Yes, there's an eatery and a coffee shop within the park, and Taste of Boston is located right at the end of Bayshore in the park, serving seafood.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, with stunning views of the Tampa skyline.
The fishing pier, the waterfront promenade with city views, and the playground area (especially with kids) are popular photo spots.
Absolutely! The pier provides an unobstructed view of the sunset over the water, making it an ideal location for capturing beautiful sunset shots.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits, so it's best to check with park authorities if you have specific needs.
From Ballast Point Park, you can capture wide-angle shots of the downtown Tampa skyline across the bay, especially vibrant during the day and illuminated at night.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the play areas, the park offers picnic spots for easy family meals with a view. It's also dog-friendly, so your furry companions can join the fun. The proximity to Bayshore Boulevard also means you can easily incorporate a family walk or bike ride into your visit.
🏃♀️ Runners & Fitness Enthusiasts
Many runners use the park as a convenient point to begin their workout, allowing them to cover significant distances along the waterfront. The park itself provides a pleasant environment for a warm-up or cool-down, and its accessibility makes it easy to integrate into a training routine.
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
The park provides excellent vantage points for photographing the downtown Tampa skyline across the bay. The combination of natural beauty and urban landscape, especially during the golden hours, offers endless photographic opportunities.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Bayshore Boulevard
Many runners and walkers use Ballast Point Park as a convenient point to start or break up their long runs along Bayshore. The park's location provides a natural transition point, allowing individuals to complete a segment of the boulevard and then loop back. This makes it an integral part of the fitness culture surrounding this famous Tampa landmark.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful walk or an invigorating workout, Bayshore Boulevard, accessible from Ballast Point Park, offers a quintessential Tampa experience. The sheer length and consistent waterfront views make it a unique urban trail.
Family Fun at Ballast Point
While the playground is a consistent draw, the splash pad's availability can be unpredictable due to hurricane damage. Visitors are advised to check current conditions before planning a visit centered around the splash pad. Despite this, the park's open spaces, picnic areas, and proximity to the water still offer plenty of enjoyment for younger visitors.
The park's dog-friendly nature also adds to its family appeal, allowing everyone, including furry members, to enjoy a day out. The combination of play areas, open space, and scenic views makes Ballast Point Park a cherished local spot for family outings.
Capturing the Views: Sunrises, Sunsets, and Skylines
+1However, the real magic happens during the golden hours. Sunrises paint the sky with vibrant colors, offering a serene start to the day, while sunsets provide a breathtaking spectacle as the sun dips below the horizon, often casting a warm glow on the city skyline. The fishing pier extends out into the water, offering an ideal vantage point to capture these moments without any obstructions.
Beyond the skyline, the park itself offers charming scenes with its picnic areas, playground, and the gentle lapping of waves. Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, Ballast Point Park provides ample opportunities to capture stunning images of Tampa's natural beauty and urban landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit