Hillsborough: Discover Nature, Rivers, and Culture

Hillsborough combines watery landscapes, expansive natural areas, and distinctive cultural sites into a destination offering many different experiences. You can plan your vacation around rivers and lakes, explore trails through forests and flatwoods, or focus on the history of Ybor City and Tampa. When choosing a vacation rental, it is therefore worth first determining your preferred travel focus: water, hiking, nature observation, or culture.

Rivers, Lakes, and Trails Through Nature

Hillsborough County manages 16 public boat ramps providing access to freshwater lakes and rivers as well as Tampa Bay. A notable landmark is Edward Medard Conservation Park. Its 700-acre reservoir is used for canoeing, boating, and fishing; there is also an observation platform overlooking the reservoir. A three-mile trail leads through pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks. This allows you to combine water-based activities with a walk through different types of landscape.

Other parks offer clearly distinct options as well. John B. Sargeant Conservation Park has a small boat ramp, a boardwalk, and facilities for picnicking and fishing. Canoes and kayaks can be rented there on site at the park office. At Hillsborough River State Park, you can expect seven miles of nature trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing. You can also canoe or kayak along the Hillsborough River and observe Class II rapids.

Those who prefer longer or more varied trails will find 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods for riders and hikers at Alafia River State Park. The park is located on the site of a reclaimed phosphate mine and has some of the greatest elevation differences in the state. The South Prong of the Alafia River offers opportunities for canoeing and fishing. For a shorter hike, the approximately 2.5-mile round trip at Lake Dan Nature Preserve is a good option. Alderman's Ford Conservation Park adds a 1.9-mile paved loop trail along the north and south branches of the Alafia River.

Peaceful Nature Experiences and Distinctive Landscapes

Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve encompasses 16,000 acres of protected land and more than 60 miles of trails. Activities at Trout Creek Conservation Park include hiking as well as canoeing and kayaking; the park is also part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Dead River Conservation Park is managed as a secluded park and can be reached only on foot or by bicycle. Its 2.8-mile hiking trail follows the Hillsborough River through shady oak and palm hammocks. At Alderman's Ford Conservation Park, four secluded campsites and the historic site of a river crossing created in 1848 by settler James Alderman also recall different ways of spending time in nature.

Culture Between Ybor City and Tampa

For a cultural and historical complement to the nature parks, visit Ybor City Museum State Park. The historic Ferlita Bakery houses a museum about the cultural history of Ybor City and the cigar industry. Self-guided exhibits with written and audio information, along with a video presentation, allow visitors to explore the topics at their own pace. The park is part of Florida's two National Historic Landmark Districts.

In Tampa, the Tampa Riverwalk extends 2.6 miles along the Hillsborough River and connects parks, museums, restaurants, and other attractions via a pedestrian-friendly waterfront path. The Tampa Bay Hotel was built between 1888 and 1891 as the center of Henry Bradley Plant's railroad, steamboat, and hotel empire. The grounds at the time covered 150 acres and included tropical plants as well as garden sculptures. These historic sites add another dimension to your trip if you want to combine days in nature with exploring the city and its culture.

Hillsborough as a Starting Point for Your Accommodation Search

When searching for a vacation rental, you can use your planned excursions as a guide. Those interested in water activities can base their choice on the boat ramps, rivers, and lakes, while for hiking, the different trail lengths and landscapes of the conservation parks are key. Those who want to combine culture and nature can include Ybor City and the Tampa Riverwalk alongside the parks in their plans. The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, with its 160-acre nature preserve, adds another nature-focused place to visit. This creates a travel plan that is not limited to just one activity.

More Places for Regional Orientation

For further searches for suitable destinations, you can also explore Plant City, Tampa, Ruskin, Seffner, Riverview, Odessa, Brandon, Lutz, Temple Terrace, Sun City Center, Thonotosassa, Lake Magdalene, Town 'N' Country, and Apollo Beach.

For the broader travel overview: Florida.