Gardenville Beach derives its garden-inspired name from the historic Gardenville community established when James Gibson Sr. acquired 150 acres at Alafia River mouth in 1884, initially naming the settlement Gardenville before son James Barney Gibson Jr.'s development led to 1926 Gibsonton post office designation honoring the Gibson family. This Hillsborough County Tampa Bay beach evolved from 1884 Alabama family homestead on Alafia River south bank through multiple historic communities including Adamsville, Garden City, Remlap and Gibsonton stretching from Gibsonton Drive to south of Bullfrog Creek, serving Florida's Gulf coast heritage when 1920s mild winter climate attracted showmen beginning with carnival operators Eddie and Grace LeMay opening Eddie's Hut in 1924 transforming Gibsonton into famous winter quarters for carnival and circus performers following 1959 Gardenville School closure replaced by Gibsonton Elementary.
The beach offers swimming, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, biking, jet-skiing, paddleboarding and beach walking along serene natural Tampa Bay eastern shores far from commercialized destinations, with sandcastle building, volleyball and sun-soaking accessible through town center. Fishing from riverbank targets Sheepshead, Red Snapper, Speckled Trout, Snook, Spotted Bass and Florida Gar, while Bullfrog Creek kayaking and fishing produces largemouth bass, redfish, channel catfish and brook trout. Tiki Boat of Riverview tours Eastern Tampa Bay, while Alafia River and Hillsborough Bay provide outdoor recreation opportunities throughout this tranquil escape where natural setting preserves the historic Gardenville community character defining the 1884 Gibson family settlement heritage.
Gibsonton dining includes River's Edge Bar & Grill beside Alafia River for river views and cool breezes providing relaxation atmosphere, Showtown Bar & Grill for community favorite comfort and savory meals combining restaurant and lounge with arguably the best food and drinks in Gibsonton, and El Pulpo Marisquería for variety seafood and chicken meals, serving Hillsborough County's Tampa Bay carnival community along this historic Gardenville settlement where 1884 Gibson family homestead and 1920s showmen winter quarters transformed the Alafia River mouth into unique Florida destination blending agricultural heritage with circus performer legacy.
