Picnic Island Beach in South Tampa traces its origins to the late 19th century when the original island was dredged and connected to the mainland as part of Port Tampa City's development. Henry B. Plant established Port Tampa City in 1885 at the end of his railroad line, creating a deep-water port several miles from Tampa's shallow main harbor to accommodate larger ships on Hillsborough Bay. During the Spanish-American War in 1898, Picnic Island served as the port of embarkation for U.S. troops deploying to Cuba, with soldiers practicing close order drill and maneuvers while tented on the island. The area also functioned as a resort featuring parks, a dance pavilion, and a bathing beach where soldiers enjoyed off-duty hours. The original island was eventually dredged and incorporated into the mainland, and in 1957 the Army Corps of Engineers created a second Picnic Island using spoil from bay dredging west of the original site. Tampa annexed Port Tampa in 1967, though local neighborhoods continue cultivating their historical heritage.
Picnic Island Beach at 7409 Picnic Island Blvd offers a beautiful white sand beach with tranquil Hillsborough Bay waters and breathtaking sunsets over Tampa Bay. The 12.39-acre park features extensive amenities including an extra-wide concrete boat ramp open 24 hours, an adjacent fishing pier with nearby restroom facilities, a playground, workout area, sand volleyball courts, disc golf, and multiple picnic pavilions. Spacious shelters equipped with picnic tables, grills, and trash receptacles support family gatherings and group activities. A separate gated dog beach operates just south of the fishing pier. The park provides free entry and ample free parking for visitors. Nature enthusiasts appreciate opportunities for dolphin sightings and bird watching along the bay. However, visitors should note that water quality advisories are occasionally issued when Enterococcus bacteria levels exceed recreational water quality criteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health.
Dining near Picnic Island Beach includes several South Tampa and waterfront restaurants within 3-5 miles. Eats\! American Grill at 4502 S Dale Mabry Hwy serves American cuisine, bar fare, and seafood. Salt Shack on the Bay, a rustic-refined waterfront restaurant in the Westshore Marina district south of the Gandy bridge, welcomes visitors to drive up or dock up for fresh, locally caught seafood. Hula Bay nestles alongside Tampa's Port 32 with tables overlooking Westshore Marina, featuring live music four days weekly. Circles Waterfront Restaurant in the Apollo Beach/Riverview area offers a laid-back vibe overlooking marina docks with tasty locally-caught fish and seafood. American Social Tampa on Harbour Island provides waterfront dining with stunning views of the water, skyline, and sunsets. Anchor and Brine features a refined yet approachable seafood-forward menu with locally-influenced fresh seafood and craft cocktail pairings.
