This Short & Easy Hiking Trail Near Tampa Leads To An Enchanting Hidden Beach

You can work up a sweat then dip your feet in cool waters at a hidden beach near Tampa. Key Vista Nature Park, located in Holiday, has several short and easy hiking trails that lead you straight to the coastline. Better yet, it's completely free to visit.

Whether you're on the hunt for a secret beach to lounge on or just an easy nature walking trail with boardwalks and overlooks, this 101-acre park has it all.

Despite the spanning acreage of the park, only a small portion is cleared for traversing. But it's the quarter-mile nature trail that will reward you with access to an enchanting bit of untouched coastline that looks like it's straight out of an African Safari vacation brochure, and a large 3-story observation tower where you can really take in all the views.

As if that wasn't enough to make you want to throw on your hiking shoes, or flip-flops to head out the door right now, there's a large boardwalk trail that leads from Key Vista to Anclote Gulf Park if you're up for some treetop-level adventure. 

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Parking and admission to both Key Vista and Anclote Gulf Park are free, and since they connect it doesn't matter which one you park at, but Key Vista is closer to the hidden beaches.

There is also a dog park at Anclote, so bring the pooch for a day of fun in the sun too! 

There are picnic benches and grills around the two parks, so you can make it an entire day trip and invite along some friends.

It's important to keep in mind that while there aren't many hills to climb on the trails, the terrain is very sandy and definitely more of a workout to walk on than dirt. Additionally, the boardwalk can become slippery when wet.

There are bathrooms and water fountains at the entrance of the park, so fill up —or do the opposite— before you head into nature.

Key Vista Nature Park

Price: FREE

When: Sunrise-sunset

Address: 2700 Baillies Bluff Rd., Holiday, FL 

Why You Need To Go: Hike to paradise for a full day of fun in the sun. You can even bring Fido.

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We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment and obey any local laws.