Fred Howard Park: A Coastal Paradise
Discover a coastal paradise at Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs: pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and endless outdoor activities await on Florida's Gulf Coast.
Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs is a stunning 155-acre park offering a diverse range of outdoor activities and breathtaking natural beauty. Connected to the mainland by a scenic one-mile causeway, the park features a white sandy beach, clear Gulf waters, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, fishing, and picnicking. The park also includes picnic shelters, playgrounds, hiking trails, and a butterfly garden, making it an ideal destination for families and nature enthusiasts. With its spectacular sunsets and tranquil atmosphere, Fred Howard Park provides a perfect escape for relaxation and recreation along Florida's Gulf Coast. The park's unique combination of beach and mainland amenities ensures a memorable experience for all who visit, drawing nearly two million visitors annually.
A brief summary to Fred Howard Park
- 1700 Sunset Dr, Tarpon Springs, Florida, 34689, US
- +1727-582-2100
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a good parking spot and avoid crowds on the beach.
- Bring your own beach umbrella and chairs, as there is limited shade available on the beach.
- Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the park's many picnic shelters, or grab a bite at a nearby restaurant in Tarpon Springs.
- Explore the park's hiking trails and butterfly garden for a change of pace from the beach.
- Stay for sunset to witness the spectacular colors over the Gulf of Mexico.
Getting There
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Driving
From US Highway 19, head west on Tarpon Avenue. Continue on Tarpon Avenue until it intersects with Alternate US 19 (also known as Pinellas Avenue). Turn right onto Pinellas Avenue and follow it north. Turn left onto Sunset Drive. Follow Sunset Drive west; it leads directly to Fred Howard Park. Be prepared to pay $6 for parking upon entering the causeway leading to the beach area. Parking is free in the mainland park area before the causeway.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From anywhere in Tarpon Springs, a taxi or ride-share service (like Uber or Lyft) can provide a direct route to Fred Howard Park. Simply provide the driver with the address, 1700 Sunset Dr, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. Expect to pay around $15-$25 for a one-way trip from the Sponge Docks area, depending on traffic and surge pricing. Be prepared to pay $6 for parking upon entering the causeway leading to the beach area.
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Public Transport
While direct public transportation to Fred Howard Park is limited, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus route 19 has stops along Pinellas Avenue. From the nearest stop at Pinellas Ave N + Athens St, it's approximately a 79-minute walk (6670 yards) to the park. Consider using a ride-share service for the final leg of the journey from the bus stop to the park entrance. A single PSTA bus fare is $2.25. Be prepared to pay $6 for parking upon entering the causeway leading to the beach area.
Discover more about Fred Howard Park
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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