Discover the Serenity of Hillsborough River State Park
Explore the natural beauty of Hillsborough River State Park, a serene oasis of recreation and wildlife just outside Thonotosassa, Florida.
Hillsborough River State Park offers an idyllic escape into nature just outside Thonotosassa, Florida. With stunning waterways, lush landscapes, and ample recreational activities, it's a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
A brief summary to Hillsborough River State Park
- 15402 US-301, Thonotosassa, Florida, 33592, US
- +1813-688-9500
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-8:15 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-8:15 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-8:15 pm
- Thursday 8 am-8:15 pm
- Friday 8 am-8:15 pm
- Saturday 8 am-8:15 pm
- Sunday 8 am-8:15 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early to secure a good spot for picnicking or to avoid crowds on the trails.
- Don't forget your camera; the park offers stunning views and wildlife photo opportunities.
- Check for guided tour schedules or ranger-led activities for a more in-depth experience.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike or spend extended time outdoors.
- Consider visiting during weekdays for a quieter experience as weekends can get busy.
Getting There
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Car
From Honeymoon Island State Park, start by heading south on Honeymoon Island Causeway. After approximately 2 miles, merge onto FL-586 W (Curlew Road). Continue for about 5 miles until you reach US-19 S, where you will turn left. Continue on US-19 S for about 11 miles, then take the exit onto I-275 S toward Tampa. Follow I-275 S for about 13 miles, then take exit 47A to merge onto I-4 E toward Orlando. After about 18 miles, take exit 7 for US-301 N toward Zephyrhills. Continue on US-301 N for about 10 miles, and Hillsborough River State Park will be on your left at 15402 US-301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592. Please note there is an entry fee of $6 per vehicle.
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Public Transportation
From Honeymoon Island State Park, you will first need to take the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus route 444 to Tarpon Springs. This ride will take about 30 minutes. Once at Tarpon Springs, transfer to bus route 19 heading south. Ride this bus for about 45 minutes until you reach the Tampa Bay Area Transit Authority (HART) stop. From there, you can catch HART route 18 to reach the intersection with I-4. Finally, you will need to take a taxi or rideshare service for the remaining 10 miles to Hillsborough River State Park, as public transportation does not go directly there. Expect costs ranging from $25 to $40 for the taxi or rideshare.
Discover more about Hillsborough River State Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Zephyrhills Museum of Military History
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Hamner Tower
25.0 km
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The Goods - Coffee & Gifts
27.4 km
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Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe
27.5 km
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The C House
27.6 km
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Confederate Dead Momument
28.0 km
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Seminole Heights General Store
28.0 km
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Giunta Homestead and Farm
28.4 km
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9/11 Fallen Heroes Memorial
28.8 km
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Centennial Park
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Arturo Fuente Building
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Tampa Bay Tour Company
29.4 km
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Palmetto Beach Historic District
29.5 km
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Ybor City Gateway
29.6 km
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Centro Asturiano de Tampa
29.8 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Fort Foster State Historic Site
1.0 km
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Lower Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area
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Lettuce Lake Park
16.4 km
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Croc Encounters
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Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum
17.5 km
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Plant City Train Viewing Platform
17.5 km
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Plant city community garden
17.9 km
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Eureka Springs Park
19.0 km
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Museum of Science & Industry
20.1 km
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Adventure Island
21.4 km
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USF Botanical Gardens
21.5 km
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Cracker Country
21.7 km
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Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
21.9 km
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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
22.2 km
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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Howl-O-Scream
22.3 km
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Essential places to dine
Sugar Factory - Tampa Bay
21.7 km
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Big Cypress Grill Restaurant & Tavern
22.3 km
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The Rollin' Mullet
26.7 km
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Bamboozle Heights
26.9 km
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Hampton Station Pizza, Beer & Records
27.0 km
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Rooster & the Till
27.4 km
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Trip's Diner
27.4 km
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The Sacred Pepper
27.5 km
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Trophy Fish
27.7 km
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Front Porch & Bart's Tavern
27.7 km
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Old Heights Bistro
27.9 km
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Rosenheim Restaurant
28.6 km
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Columbia Restaurant
28.8 km
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Madame Fortune Dessert + HiFi Parlour
28.9 km
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7th + Grove
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Island Surf Shop
21.3 km
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Tiger Treasures
22.4 km
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Iron Gwazi Gifts
22.7 km
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Xcursions
22.8 km
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Tampa Bay Designer World
24.0 km
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Seminole Heights Shopping Center
26.4 km
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Chicmirror
26.9 km
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House of Fancy
27.2 km
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Cleanse Apothecary
27.4 km
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The Shoppes
27.4 km
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ZooTampa Gift Shop
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Foreign fitz boutique
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Design Buy Consign
28.2 km
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Vintage Post Marketplace
28.2 km
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Tate & Tilly
28.3 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bigfoot On the River
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Corner Club Tampa
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Hammered Harry's Tampa
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Mandarin Heights
27.7 km
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Velvet Gypsy
28.1 km
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Independent Bar and Cafe
28.3 km
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The Dirty Shame
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Coyote Ugly Saloon
29.1 km
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Big Easy Bar
29.1 km
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Ybor City Tap House
29.2 km
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Showbar Ybor
29.2 km
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SpookEasy Lounge
29.2 km
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The Catacombs
29.2 km
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Reservoir Bar
29.3 km
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The Copper Shaker Ybor
29.3 km
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