Cypress Point Park

5620 West Cypress St., Tampa, FL 33607

Categories: Park

Features: Beach/Waterfront, Canoe/kayak trails, Hiking trails

More in this neighborhood: Westshore

Cypress Point Park is no urban legend. Who knew you could fly a kite, launch a canoe and spike a volleyball on a dead-end flank of western Cypress Street?

Unexpected pleasures lie beyond billowing mangroves exactly 1 mile from bustling West Shore Boulevard.  Look up to blue herons and Jet Blue sharing the flight path. Gaze down to see crabs scuttling in the wet sand.

Tampa Parks and Recreation maintains the beach, nature trails and picnic grills behind a row of office buildings fronting Tampa Bay. There's ample parking and ADA accessibility.

St.-Tropez it's not, just a handy spot to dip your toes and chill. -- Amy Scherzer, Times Staff Writer