On your next visit to Tampa Bay make sure you carve out a moment in time to visit the National Historic Landmark found in the stunning Philippe Park. Located in Safety Harbor just outside Tampa is an old burial mound left by Native Americans long ago. You can go to the top of the mound as well as enjoy an evening stroll through land that was once the native town of Tocobaga Indians as well as, later, a citrus grove owned by the Philippe family.
Now many guests enjoy their time here with family and friends under the shade of large oak trees.
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Philippe Park Information
Address: 2525 Philippe Parkway Safety Harbor, Florida 34695
Hours: 7 a.m. to Sunset
Phone number: 727-582-2100
Features
Philippe Park provides the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing evening stroll, a fun day at the park or a moment of quiet reflection. Here you will find everything a good park might have such as picnic shelters, grills, playgrounds, sports fields and restrooms. In addition to these, in true Florida fashion there is a boat ramp where you can put your boat into the Bay.
Since the park is right on the water you have beautiful views over the water from many different areas in the park. The large trees offer shade which can often be hard to find in Tampa. It makes hot days almost bearable! At 92 acres Philippe Park is the oldest park in Pinellas County. It was taken from land that used to be a part of an citrus grove owned by Odet Philippe, and it is full of history.
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Indian Mound at Philippe Park
The largest piece of history Philippe Park holds is the Temple Mound which was built by the Native American tribe known as the Tocobaga. Tampa Parks website states, “It is the largest remaining mound in the Tampa Bay region and is listed in the National Register of Historic Landmarks” (pinellas). Artifacts from the Tocobaga Indians in this mound can be found in the Safety Harbor Museum.
The mound itself is a shock to see since most of Tampa, and Florida, is completely flat. And since you can walk to the top, it offers a really beautiful view of Old Tampa Bay.
Family Pictures at Philippe Park
Philippe Park is a great place for family pictures because it is covered in native Florida plants but it also has beautiful walkways and steps that add a different vibe. I love the spanish moss hanging down from all the trees and the stone walkway on the back of the Indian Mound.
We used a local photographer Taz Smith Photography and I have nothing but praise for him! He was awesome to work with and delivered exactly what I was looking for! I was pretty picky, sent him a million inspiration pictures and just like the first time at Cypress Point Park he got them perfect.
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FAQs About Philippe Park
Are Dogs Allowed at Philippe Park?
Dogs are in fact welcome at Philippe Park. This is a great place to bring your pet to get a little exercise and see a new area. Dogs must be leashed but the park water fountains include a dog water fountain which is very thoughtful. In addition, the trees keep the area well shaded which really helps keep dogs from overheating.
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What Does Parking at Philippe Park Look Like?
There are several parking lots available with many spots available in each lot. We have visited on a weekday both times and there were so many spots free. On a weekend or any time there is an event, I imagine it would be a little more difficult to find parking.
The only area you have to pay for parking is at the Boat Launch.
Can I Fish in Philippe Park?
Fishing can be enjoyed in certain areas of the park however a saltwater fishing license may be required at times. Please ask at the information kiosk for more information.
Visiting Philippe Park Near Tampa, Florida
This is a truly beautiful park that I wish I would have known about sooner. It holds amazing pieces of history that were fun to learn about after four whole years living in the Tampa Bay Area. You can enjoy the outdoors while visiting historic sites that tell an integral piece of Tampa’s History.
