Fred Howard Park, Tarpon Springs

Fred Howard Park is a really neat place. It isn't your typical beach though. It is more of a man made beach in the bay. The water has sea grass and the waves are minimum. There is great sunset views and several trails and a causeway to walk and exercise on. The park is pet friendly except for the beach. If you like wildlife, many birds can be seen in the park and there is some fishing opportunity.

We started visiting this beach more than a dozen years ago to walk our daily 2 miles (from the beach side of the Causeway and back to the beach is 2 miles) after we got off work. We always had a cool breeze as we walked. When we finished, we’d get out whatever we packed for dinner, and sit on the beach, eating our meal and watching the sunset. I don’t remember when the park system started charging $5 a day for the beach portion of Howard Park. But when they did, we stopped coming. We found other places to see the sunset that did not require a parking fee. It is a 20-30 minute drive home, and the other beaches we found were closer. This morning I met a friend here, and she comes every Monday. Both of us are considering the annual park pass as it is less expensive than the daily $5 fee IF you plan on visiting at least twice a month. And it’s good for Sand Key Beach and Fort Desoto Park. The pass is also good for two cars. Since the pass I paid for this morning was good until closing, Husband & I returned this evening (6/30/22) for the cool breezes & sunset. We both like this park for its soft, even sand, the clean restrooms, and plenty of parking. The parking fee is the worst part of the experience, and $5 is not that much to keep the area and restrooms clean!

I was first taken to this park in 1981 when as a teen I was down visiting my grandma, aunts, uncle and cousins on my first solo vacation from upstate NY. Having recently lost my father - and some days being better than others - on one of those "not so good" days I found myself out for a drive with no initial destination in mind and ended up at the park. I found a lovely clearing where I was able to look out at the Gulf through some trees and just collect my thoughts for a couple of hours. I didn't make the drive across the Gulf to the beach this time (it amazed me as a kid there was a road over water!!) however it's an amazing compliment to the tranquility and serenity the park has to offer.

What a wonderful little slice of Paradise in Tarpon Springs. The park is beautiful, with many trees, including some gorgeous Pines. Lots of walking trails through the forests, and a nice hike to the quaint little beach. Clear, crystal blue water with lots of sea life. Wonderful for a full day, or just a few hours. The scenery is perfect for a picnic. Was definitely NOT disappointed. Thank you Mother Nature.

This place is beautiful! As you enter the park, it looks like any park. Trees, playgrounds, and pavilions. But journey a little further and the way opens up to a causeway that leads out to the beach! There are separate areas for fishing and swimming with additional parking along the causeway into the beach area. There are giant trikes an other fun things to rent! Come on our and enjoy!