Few public parks in Florida manage to deliver this much variety without charging a dime for entry. Fred Howard Park is 155 acres of park and beach located off the Gulf in Tarpon Springs, and it has quietly become one of the most beloved outdoor destinations in all of Pinellas County. Each year, almost 2 million visitors enjoy this expansive park — and once you experience it for yourself, it’s easy to understand why.
Fred Howard Park is like getting three parks in one. You have dense, shaded woodland brimming with wildlife, a well-equipped mainland recreation area, and a breathtaking Gulf-front beach all wrapped into a single destination. Whether you’re looking for a calm family afternoon or an active day on the water, this park genuinely delivers.
Best Things to Do
Drive or Walk the Iconic Causeway. From the mainland, a stretch of gently curving mile-long causeway brings visitors to a palm tree-shaded white sand beach with spectacular sunsets, a lifeguard stand, snack truck, umbrellas, lounge chairs, and water sports for rent. The causeway itself is a highlight — the views across the open water are stunning in both directions, and it’s a beloved spot for cyclists and joggers alike. The mile-long causeway is even a favorite of filmmakers, having been featured in the John Cusack film Grace is Gone and a national Cadillac television commercial.
Hit the Beach. The beach itself has a swimming area and stunning, sun-drenched sand. The shallow, calm Gulf waters make it exceptionally welcoming — the water is calm and gradually gets deeper, making it perfect for young children to play. It’s a quiet, clean beach that’s notably less crowded than other beaches nearby, which is something locals have been known to guard as a well-kept secret.
Kayaking Through Mangrove Tunnels. One of the most unique experiences the park offers is its kayak trail. You start the day paddling through a mangrove tunnel — a lot of fun, though you’ll want to have bug spray applied as you go through the narrow passage. Once you reach open water, it’s calm and relaxing, making for a rewarding adventure whether you’re an experienced paddler or a first-timer. The rental spot for kayaks is conveniently located in the parking lot at the end of the causeway.
Windsurfing and Paddleboarding. The orientation of the park makes it a favorite among windsurfers — or for the less adventurous, it’s a great place to watch windsurfers while you enjoy the white sandy beach. Paddleboards are also available for rent, and the calm Gulf waters make conditions approachable for beginners and fun for seasoned riders.
Wildlife Watching. Fred Howard Park protects many important and disappearing Florida habitats, such as sea grass beds, wetlands, mangrove estuaries, salterns, coastal scrub, longleaf and slash pine flatwoods, and turkey oak-longleaf pine sandhill. The park provides homes to wildlife including eagles, gopher tortoises, and fox squirrels — and dolphin sightings from the beach are a genuine possibility. Keep your eyes open and your camera ready.
Picnicking, Hiking & More. Park-goers can take advantage of picnic shelters, a butterfly garden, a softball field, a playground, and a hiking and biking trail. The park’s peaceful, family-friendly, and pet-friendly atmosphere makes it a natural fit for a full day out with the family, a dog walk, or a solo nature hike through genuinely wild-feeling Florida landscape.
Atmosphere & Setting
The park entrance takes visitors through towering pine trees and parkland with all the amenities typically found in a well-maintained county park. There’s a real sense of transition as you move through the wooded interior — the towering pines and native scrub give the area a raw, unspoiled character that feels miles away from the typical Florida tourist experience.
Once you cross the causeway, everything opens up dramatically. The palm-lined beach stretches out before you with sparkling Gulf water and wide-open skies. Sunsets here are spectacular — the westward-facing beach is perfectly positioned to catch the full show every evening, and it’s become a cherished ritual for both locals and visitors. The mood shifts from energetic and playful during the day to quietly magical as the sun dips toward the horizon.
The park strikes a rare balance between active and serene. Whether you’re picnicking in the woods, swimming at the beautiful beach, or simply enjoying Florida sunsets, the atmosphere accommodates every pace. It never feels overcrowded or over-commercialized — this is a place that still feels authentically Floridian.
Other Considerations
What does it cost to visit? Admission to the park itself is free. Beach parking is available via automated pay stations with a daily parking fee of $6, and annual beach parking passes are also available. For a full day of sun, sand, and outdoor adventure, this is exceptional value — especially compared to many other Gulf Coast beach destinations in the area.
Is it a good spot for families and kids? Absolutely. It’s quiet, very family-friendly, and the water is calm with a gradual depth — perfect for young children. Even at its busiest, the beach doesn’t feel crowded, with plenty of space for each family. The playgrounds, picnic shelters, and grassy open areas give kids plenty of room to roam freely.
Can I bring my dog? The park is well-known for being pet-friendly, which is a big draw for local dog owners who regularly make it part of their weekend routine. Keep your pup leashed and plan to explore the wooded trails together.
What about seaweed? It’s worth noting that, like many Gulf beaches, sea grass on the beach can occasionally be present depending on when you visit. This is a natural occurrence and typically doesn’t detract significantly from the experience, but it’s good to keep in mind if you’re visiting in warmer months.
When should I visit and what are the hours? The park is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to sunset. County parks are closed two days throughout the year: the day after Thanksgiving and December 25. Arriving early on weekends is a smart move — parking fills up quickly, especially in peak season. Weekday mornings offer the most peaceful experience if your schedule allows.
What’s the history behind the park’s name? The park was named in honor of Fred H. Howard, the former mayor of Tarpon Springs who was first elected to the office in 1945, and who also served as a city commissioner and vice-chair of the Pinellas County Park Board for more than 30 years. Howard was a successful and civic-minded real estate businessman who worked to acquire this very property for development as a north county park for the enjoyment of residents. His legacy lives on every time someone steps onto that white sand beach.
Fred Howard Park
📍 1700 Sunset Dr, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Website: https://pinellas.gov/parks/fred-howard-park/
