Ballast Point Park

The park is open daily from 6:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. The current featured-park page lists splash-pad hours as 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; the citywide seasonal schedule may vary, so confirm before a water-play visit.

Free park parking is available but limited and busiest around weekends, sunrise and family activity times. Only four trailer spaces serve the single-lane boat ramp and they fill quickly.

Use Interbay Boulevard for the main playground, splash pad, shelters and waterfront. Boat-ramp users should continue to the designated ramp area and avoid ordinary car spaces with a trailer.

Restroom access is associated with the developed park and fitness/concession area. Hours can be shorter than the 24-hour boat ramp, so plan accordingly for early or late launches.

General park, playground, splash pad, views and ordinary picnic use are free. Food, fitness memberships, reservations, rentals and required fishing licenses cost separately.

Developed park areas have paved connections and nearby parking, but hurricane repair zones can change the waterfront route. Use the closest signed accessible space and obey barriers.

Leashed dogs are welcome in ordinary park areas, subject to posted exclusions around the playground, splash pad and food service. There is no dedicated off-leash area.

A semi-shaded playground with a tot area sits near the flower-style splash pad, benches and picnic shelters. The bayfront has open edges and active boat traffic, so maintain close supervision.

HART bus service reaches the Interbay and Bayshore area, but frequency and the final walk should be checked before relying on transit. Cycling from Bayshore Boulevard is another option.

The 600-foot fishing pier remains closed because of major damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton; do not plan a pier walk or fishing trip there. The boat ramp remains open 24 hours, separate from park hours.

Check current Tampa Bay weather and operator alerts. Heat, lightning, tropical weather, heavy rain, wind, tides, rip currents and water-quality notices can close trails, beaches, splash pads, boat access or facilities independently.