Philippe Park (in Safety Harbor) is one of those rare places where you can walk through a thousand years of history in a single afternoon. This 122-acre waterfront park in Safety Harbor is Pinellas County’s oldest park, featuring a sacred Native American temple mound, centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and stunning views across Old Tampa Bay. It’s a place where ancient civilizations, Spanish conquistadors, and Florida pioneers all left their mark.
Whether you’re looking to explore archaeology, launch a kayak, have a waterfront picnic under majestic oaks, or simply escape into nature, Philippe Park delivers an experience unlike anything else in the Tampa Bay area.
The Tocobaga Temple Mound: A National Historic Landmark
The centerpiece of Philippe Park is the Tocobaga Temple Mound—the largest remaining Native American mound in the Tampa Bay region. This impressive structure stands approximately 20 feet high and 150 feet in diameter, built from alternating layers of shell and sand by the Tocobaga people who inhabited this land from around 900 AD until the late 1600s.
Archaeologists believe this was the capital of the Tocobaga chiefdom, home to between 400 and 2,500 people. The mound likely served as the chief’s residence and ceremonial center, with a ramp leading down to a town plaza. Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés visited this very spot in 1567—the founder of St. Augustine came here hoping to negotiate peace between rival Native American chiefs.
Today, you can walk up a paved path to the mound’s summit for sweeping views of Tampa Bay. Standing at the top, it’s easy to imagine the thriving village that once surrounded you—dugout canoes on the shore, palm-thatched structures dotting the landscape, and the chief surveying his domain.
The site was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Artifacts discovered here—distinctive pottery, European iron tools, Spanish olive jars—helped archaeologists define the entire “Safety Harbor Culture” that flourished along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Please note: Federal, state, and county laws prohibit digging, using metal detectors, or removing artifacts from the park. If you find arrowheads, pottery fragments, or other artifacts, please report them to park staff.
Count Odet Philippe: Florida’s Grapefruit Pioneer
The park takes its name from Odet Philippe (pronounced Oh-DAY Phil-EEP), the first non-Native American permanent settler on the Pinellas Peninsula. Philippe arrived in 1842 and established “St. Helena Plantation” on this land—named in admiration of Napoleon, who was exiled to an island of the same name.
Philippe is credited with two major contributions to Florida history: he was the first to cultivate grapefruit in Florida (earning him a place in the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame) and he introduced cigar-making to Tampa—planting the seeds for an industry that would later flourish in Ybor City.
During the devastating hurricane of 1848—the same storm that carved out Johns Pass near Madeira Beach—Philippe and his family survived by climbing to the top of the ancient Tocobaga mound as storm surge flooded the surrounding land. The hurricane reportedly washed away about one-third of the mound, but the Philippe family lived to rebuild.
Philippe died in 1869 and was buried somewhere on his beloved plantation. You’ll find a grave marker in the park commemorating his life, though the exact location of his remains is unknown. Many of his descendants still live in Pinellas County today.
Park Highlights & Activities
Waterfront Access & Water Sports
Philippe Park offers one mile of shoreline along Old Tampa Bay, with multiple ways to enjoy the water:
- Boat Ramp: A public boat ramp provides access to Tampa Bay (small parking fee at the boat ramp lot)
- Kayak & Paddleboard Launches: Several breaks in the mangroves at the south end of the park provide easy launch points for kayaks, canoes, and SUPs
- PADL Rental Station: An automated paddleboard rental station lets you get on the water without bringing your own equipment (get a code online)
- Fishing: Cast a line from shore along the waterfront
Picnicking Under the Oaks
The park is famous for its massive, centuries-old live oak trees—some estimated to be over 300 years old. These ancient giants provide spectacular shade, making Philippe Park one of the best picnic spots in the Tampa Bay area. Numerous picnic shelters with grills are scattered throughout the park (shelters can be reserved in advance).
Trails & Walking
A scenic paved pathway hugs the shoreline near the mound, offering beautiful bay views. The park roads are also popular for walking, jogging, and biking. Philippe Park connects to the Safety Harbor Bike Trail (Bayshore Linear Greenway), which runs about 2 miles through downtown Safety Harbor.
Playgrounds
Two playground areas provide fun for children. The current playground remains open while plans for a new playground are being developed.
Softball Field
The park includes a softball field for recreational use.
Wildlife Watching
Keep your eyes open for dolphins playing in the bay, manatees in cooler months, osprey and herons fishing along the shore, gopher tortoises crossing the paths, and raccoons in the oak trees. The park’s diverse ecosystem supports abundant birdlife.
Hours of Operation
Daily: 7:00 AM to Sunset
The park is closed the day after Thanksgiving and on Christmas Day.
Admission & Parking
Park Admission: FREE
General Parking: FREE throughout most of the park
Boat Ramp Parking: Daily parking fee at the boat ramp lot only (30 spaces available)
Park Rules
- Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times
- No digging or metal detecting
- Do not remove any artifacts, shells, or natural materials
- No overnight camping
- Please use designated areas for launching watercraft
Best for Families
Philippe Park is an excellent destination for families of all ages:
- History comes alive: Kids can climb a real Native American mound and imagine life 1,000 years ago
- Endless shade: The massive oak trees keep everyone cool, even on hot Florida days
- Waterfront fun: Watch for dolphins, spot birds, or just skip rocks at the water’s edge
- Perfect picnic setting: Grills and shelters make it easy to spend the whole day
- Dog-friendly: Your four-legged family members are welcome too
- Free admission: A full day of adventure without the admission fees
Pro tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the light is golden on the bay and the temperature cools—it’s magical.
Amenities
- Free parking throughout park (fee at boat ramp lot only)
- Multiple restroom facilities
- Numerous picnic shelters with grills (reservable)
- Water fountains
- Boat ramp with bay access
- Kayak/SUP launch points
- Paddleboard rentals (PADL station)
- Two playgrounds
- Softball field
- Paved waterfront pathway
- Connection to Safety Harbor Bike Trail
- Historical markers and interpretive signs
Tips for Your Visit
- Bring a picnic: There’s no food vendor in the park, but the setting is perfect for a packed lunch
- Wear comfortable shoes: The park covers 122 acres with plenty to explore
- Bring binoculars: Great for spotting dolphins in the bay and birds along the shore
- Bug spray: Especially useful near the water and in evening hours
- Check shelter availability: If you want a covered picnic area, consider reserving in advance
- Walk to the mound summit: The view of Tampa Bay from the top is worth the short climb
- Combine with downtown Safety Harbor: The charming downtown area is just a short walk or bike ride away, with excellent restaurants and quirky shops
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in Safety Harbor, consider exploring:
- Downtown Safety Harbor: A walkable Main Street with restaurants, shops, and a welcoming small-town vibe
- Safety Harbor Museum & Cultural Center: Exhibits on Tocobaga artifacts and local history
- Whimzeyland (Bowling Ball House): A fantastical private residence covered in 800+ hand-painted bowling balls—free to walk the yard
- Safety Harbor Resort & Spa: Historic resort built around natural mineral springs
- Safety Harbor Marina & Fishing Pier: More waterfront access just south of the park
Contact Information
Phone: (727) 669-1947
Address:
Philippe Park
2525 Philippe Parkway
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Website: pinellas.gov/parks/philippe-park
Driving Directions from Our Vacation Rental
From: 1731 Clearwater Harbor Dr, Largo, FL
To: Philippe Park, 2525 Philippe Parkway, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Distance: Approximately 10 miles
Drive Time: About 20-25 minutes
Directions:
- Head north on Clearwater Harbor Dr toward Clearwater Largo Rd
- Turn right onto Clearwater Largo Rd
- Continue to Gulf to Bay Blvd (SR 60) and head east
- Turn left onto McMullen Booth Rd heading north
- Continue north as McMullen Booth becomes Philippe Parkway
- Philippe Park will be on your left, overlooking the bay
Philippe Park offers something rare: a chance to stand where Native Americans gathered for ceremonies a thousand years ago, where Spanish conquistadors negotiated treaties, and where a French pioneer planted Florida’s first grapefruit trees. Add in the stunning waterfront setting, magnificent oak trees, and easy access to the water, and you have one of the most special parks in all of Florida. Best of all, it’s completely free to visit.
