Tampa Bay encompasses Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and other communities surrounding the bay. It’s a beautiful, sun-kissed destination, popular year-round. If you visit Florida, you can’t miss Tampa!
Where to Stay
There’s no shortage of accommodations in the area, but as RVers, we recommend two standout RV parks.
Fort De Soto Campground, located in St. Petersburg, is one of the most reasonably priced waterfront campgrounds in the state. Situated just outside the entrance to Fort De Soto Park, it offers pull-through and back-in sites with water and electric hookups, along with a tent-only camping area. Some sites back right up to the water, providing easy access for fishing or kayaking.
For active-duty and retired military, as well as disabled veterans, MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa has an excellent RV park. Guests can enjoy access to the base’s private beach—a nice perk! Plus, the base's location makes it easy to e-bike to several of the top spots listed below.
Fort De Soto Park
Whether or not you camp at Fort De Soto, it’s a must-visit for e-biking in the Tampa Bay area. Not only has its beach been ranked among the top in the U.S., but the park also offers seven miles of paved recreational trails, plus several more miles of paths extending through Tierra Verde.
It’s a pleasant ride in any direction, with multiple beach access points along the way. Be sure to visit the historic fort that gave the park its name. Built in 1898, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Climb to the top for a stunning view!
Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk is the perfect way to experience downtown Tampa. Spanning 2.6 miles along the Hillsborough River, it offers beautiful views and the chance to spot manatees.
Across the river, the University of Tampa’s minarets gleam in the sunlight. The university is worth a stop—its historic Plant Hall, formerly a 19th-century hotel, houses a museum and is open to visitors.
For dining, the Riverwalk has plenty of options:
- Armature Works – A vibrant food hall offering diverse international cuisine.
- Ulele – A must-visit, specializing in Florida-inspired fare. The restaurant’s patio is a great place to relax while e-biking. Unique fairy tale statues, originally from Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo in the 1950s, add to the restaurant’s charm.
If you're up for an added adventure, you can take the Cross Bay Ferry from the Tampa Convention Center to downtown St. Petersburg. Bicycles are allowed on board!
Bayshore
For an extended ride, combine the Riverwalk with Bayshore Boulevard. Bayshore’s scenic path begins at the Platt Street Bridge, directly across from the Riverwalk. At 4.5 miles long, it holds the title of the world’s longest unbroken sidewalk!
As the name suggests, it follows the bay’s shoreline, offering spectacular views the entire way. It’s popular with joggers, dog walkers, and cyclists, so expect some crowds, especially on weekends.
To bike Bayshore without the Riverwalk, you can park at either Ballast Point Park or the Pirate Ship parking lot right on Bayshore. Ballast Point Park is a great rest stop along the way and is home to Leon’s Lobsta Shack—a good place to refuel!
Lettuce Lake Park
Lettuce Lake Park is a hidden gem of Old Florida nestled within Tampa’s hustle and bustle. Located along the Hillsborough River, it features a 1.25-mile paved loop, perfect for getting comfortable with a new e-bike.
In addition to e-biking, visitors can explore a scenic boardwalk through the swamp and along the river, offering a high chance of wildlife sightings—including alligators and a variety of birds.
Upper Tampa Bay Trail
A favorite among locals, the Upper Tampa Bay Trail offers a more tranquil ride compared to downtown Tampa. Stretching through northwest Hillsborough County, it runs from Memorial Highway/Montague Street to Peterson Road Park.
The trail winds through neighborhoods, forests, and swampland. In spring, you might hear alligators bellowing along certain sections of the path!
Several restaurants and cafés are accessible from the trail. A standout stop is Florida Cracker Fish Company at Ehrlich Road, which serves fresh seafood and Southern fare. Adjacent to it is Bourbon Bar & Taproom, perfect for a post-ride drink.
At its northernmost point, the Upper Tampa Bay Trail connects to the Suncoast Trail, which stretches over 50 miles into Hernando County—ideal for long-distance riders.
Note: The Upper Tampa Bay Trail sustained hurricane damage in late 2024, so be sure to check Hillsborough County’s website for updates before heading out.
Why E-Biking is the Best Way to Explore Tampa Bay
With miles of trails and year-round warm weather, Tampa Bay is incredibly e-bike friendly. In the city, e-biking allows you to see the sights without dealing with traffic or searching for parking. Beyond downtown, it’s an immersive way to experience Florida’s natural beauty—cruising under sprawling live oaks draped in Spanish moss, with opportunities to spot native wildlife.
Whether you’re looking for scenic waterfront rides, urban exploration, or off-the-beaten-path nature trails, Tampa Bay offers an unforgettable e-biking experience!