Active Pursuits in Tampa
Biking, Skating & Jogging in Tampa, Florida
Bayshore Boulevard, a 7-mile-long promenade, is famous for its sidewalk on the shores of Hillsborough Bay and is a favorite with runners, walkers, and in-line skaters. The route goes from the western edge of downtown in a southward direction, passing stately old homes in Hyde Park, a few high-rise condos, retirement communities, and houses of worship, ending at Ballast Point Park. The view from the promenade across the bay to the downtown skyline is matchless. (Bayshore Blvd. is also great for a drive.)
Canoeing & Kayaking in Tampa, Florida
Rent your own canoe or kayak and take a self-guided tour through Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, 8001 Double Branch Rd. (tel. 813/855-1765), a 596-acre peninsular park with mangrove forests, salt and freshwater marshes, coastal hammocks and flatwoods. There’s also an abundance of wildlife including bottle nosed dolphins and manatees. Rentals and paddling maps are available at the park’s entry station. Rates are $25 for four hours and $10 for each additional hour. Fee to get into the park is $2 per vehicle. Park is open from 8am to 6pm.Fishing in Tampa, Florida
For charters, try Tampa Fishing Charters (tel. 813/945-7830), which offers inshore, offshore, tarpon, and shark fishing charters. Rates are $800 to $1,200 for half day for up to 4, $1,600 to $1,800 for a full day. Call for schedule and reservations. Then there’s Tampa Fishing Charters, Inc., (tel. 813/245-4738), more for beginners and with affordable rates starting at $425 for four.
Golf in Tampa, Florida
Tampa has three municipal golf courses where you can play for about $30 to $35, a relative pittance compared to fees at private courses. The Babe Zaharias Golf Course, 11412 Forest Hills Dr., north of Lowry Park (tel. 813/631-4374), is an 18-hole, par-70 course with a pro shop, putting greens, and a driving range. It is the shortest of the municipal courses, but its small greens and narrow fairways present ample challenges. Water provides obstacles on 12 of the 18 holes at Rocky Point Golf Course, 4151 Dana Shores Dr. (tel. 813/673-4316), between the airport and the bay. It’s a par-71 course with a pro shop, a practice range, and putting greens. On the Hillsborough River in north Tampa, the Rogers Park Golf Course, 7910 N. 30th St. (tel. 813/673-4396), is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course with a lighted driving and practice range. The courses are open daily from 7am to dusk, and lessons and club rentals are available.You can book starting times and get information about area courses by contacting Tee Times USA (tel. 800/374-8633).
If you want to do some serious work on your game, book lesson at Saddlebrook Golf Academy, 5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel, 12 miles north of Tampa (tel. 800/729-8383 or 813/973-1111). Half-day and hourly instruction is available, as well as multi-day programs for adults and juniors.
