A sprawling 396-acre natural sanctuary at the northern tip of Tampa Bay where you can hike through pristine Florida wilderness, paddle through mangrove channels, let your dog run free, or soar 60 feet above the treetops on a thrilling zipline adventure—most of it completely free.
Why We Love This Place
Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve is one of Tampa Bay’s best-kept secrets—a place where adventure and tranquility coexist in perfect harmony. While tourists flock to the beaches, this incredible preserve sits quietly at the top of Tampa Bay, offering everything from peaceful nature walks to heart-pumping zipline adventures through the treetops.
What makes Mobbly Bayou special is its incredible diversity. In a single visit, you can explore coastal mangroves, upland pine forests, freshwater wetlands, and a hidden bayfront beach. The preserve sits right where Pinellas and Hillsborough counties meet, offering panoramic views across Upper Tampa Bay while remaining wonderfully uncrowded. One visitor described it as “a smaller, more peaceful version of Philippe Park”—high praise indeed!
The City of Oldsmar claims more park space per capita than anywhere else in Florida, and Mobbly Bayou is the crown jewel of their parks system. Roughly one-third of the entire city is dedicated to parks and conservation areas!
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address | 423 Lafayette Blvd, Oldsmar, FL 34677 (Main Preserve) 807 Shore Drive E, Oldsmar, FL 34677 (Mobbly Beach) |
| 🕐 Hours | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Daily |
| 💵 Admission | FREE |
| 🅿️ Parking | FREE at main preserve (423 Lafayette) $5 weekdays / $10 weekends at Mobbly Beach (807 Shore Dr) |
| 🐕 Dogs | Welcome on leash (off-leash at Janice Miller Bark Park only) |
| 📏 Size | 396 acres |
| 📞 Phone | (813) 749-1152 |
| ⏱️ Suggested Visit | 2-4 hours (full day if combining activities) |
Things to Do at Mobbly Bayou
🌲 1. Explore the Nature Trails
The preserve features miles of trails ranging from well-maintained paved paths to more adventurous sandy tracks through natural habitats. The main trail to Mobbly Beach is well-marked with plenty of signs—perfect for beginners and families. More remote sections offer a wilder experience for those seeking to explore deeper into the preserve, though be prepared for potentially muddy conditions after rain.
Pro Tip: Download an offline map before venturing into the more remote areas, as cell service can be spotty.
🏖️ 2. Discover the Hidden Beach
Mobbly Beach is the preserve’s secret treasure—a small, peaceful sandy shoreline along Tampa Bay where you can sunbathe, wade in the calm waters, or simply enjoy the waterfront views without the crowds. It’s like having your own private beach experience! The beach has its own parking area at 807 Shore Drive E (parking fee applies).
🚣 3. Kayak & Paddleboard the Bayou
One of the preserve’s most popular features is its easy water access. Launch your kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard from the designated launch area and explore the mangrove-lined waterways. The protected waters are calm and perfect for beginners. Paddlers regularly spot:
- Dolphins playing in the bay
- Manatees (especially in cooler months)
- Wading birds hunting along the shoreline
- Fish jumping in the tidal creeks
The bayou connects to miles of water trails—you can even paddle across the county line to Upper Tampa Bay Park!
🦅 4. Go Wildlife Watching
The preserve’s diverse ecosystems support an incredible variety of wildlife. Keep your eyes open for:
| Category | What You Might See |
|---|---|
| 🐊 Reptiles | American alligators (common!), gopher tortoises, various turtles, snakes |
| 🦅 Birds | Osprey, herons, egrets, ibis, woodpeckers, hawks, pelicans, cormorants |
| 🦎 Mammals | Dolphins (in the bay), manatees, raccoons, marsh rabbits |
| 🦋 Other | Butterflies, dragonflies, fiddler crabs in the mangroves |
⚠️ Wildlife Safety: Alligators are common in Florida’s freshwater areas. Observe from a safe distance, never feed wildlife, and keep pets away from the water’s edge.
🎢 5. Soar on the Zipline Adventure
Empower Adventures Tampa Bay operates a 5-star rated zipline course right within the preserve—it’s consistently rated one of the best outdoor adventures in the entire Tampa Bay area!
The fully-guided 2-hour experience includes:
- 5 thrilling ziplines totaling over 3,000 feet
- 60-foot tall platforms with panoramic bay views
- 200-foot suspension bridge crossing
- Multiple aerial challenges testing balance and agility
- Auto-belay leap of faith jump
| Empower Adventures Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Duration | Approximately 2 hours (fully guided) |
| Age Requirement | 7 years and older |
| Weight Limits | 70 lbs minimum – 270 lbs maximum |
| Prices | $25–$275 depending on package |
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily |
| Reservations | Required – Book at zipontampabay.com |
| Phone | (813) 448-5635 |
| Special Tours | Sunset & moonlight tours available! |
“From start to finish, it was well-organized, exciting, and unforgettable. Empower really lives up to its name. This is more than a thrill—it’s a life moment.” — Recent visitor review
🐕 6. Let Your Dog Run Free
The Janice Miller Bark Park is a fenced, off-leash dog park located within the preserve. It features separate areas for small and large dogs, allowing your furry friends to run, play, and socialize safely. Water stations and waste bag dispensers are available.
Note: Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash everywhere else in the preserve and are not permitted on the beach sand areas or playgrounds.
🎣 7. Go Fishing
The preserve includes a fishing dock where you can cast a line into the bayou. The tidal waters support a variety of fish species—a relaxing way to spend a morning or afternoon.
👀 8. Climb the Lookout Towers
Observation towers throughout the preserve offer elevated views of the surrounding wetlands and Tampa Bay—perfect for birdwatching, photography, or simply taking in the stunning scenery.
🚴 9. Bike the Oldsmar Trail
Mobbly Bayou connects to the Oldsmar Trail—an 11-mile network of paved and natural surface trails linking parks throughout the city. Bike or walk from the preserve to Mobbly Beach Park, Bicentennial Park, R.E. Olds Park (named after the founder of Oldsmobile!), and beyond.
📚 10. Visit the Environmental Education Center
The Lynn Rives Environmental Education Center provides information about the preserve’s ecosystems, wildlife, and ongoing restoration efforts. It’s a great starting point for your visit and offers programs for groups and schools.
Perfect For…
| 🏕️ Nature Lovers | 396 acres of diverse Florida ecosystems to explore, from mangroves to pine flatwoods |
| 🎢 Thrill Seekers | 5-star zipline adventure with 3,000+ feet of lines and 60-foot platforms |
| 🐕 Dog Owners | Dedicated off-leash bark park plus trails where leashed dogs are welcome |
| 🚣 Paddlers | Easy kayak/SUP launch into calm protected waters with miles of water trails |
| 👨👩👧👦 Families | Playground, beach access, easy trails, wildlife viewing, zipline (ages 7+) |
| 📷 Photographers | Wildlife, sunrises over Tampa Bay, Spanish moss-draped oaks, observation towers |
Know Before You Go
🎒 What to Bring
- Water and snacks – No vending machines on site
- Bug spray – Essential, especially near the water
- Sunscreen – Limited shade in some areas
- Sturdy shoes – Trails can be muddy after rain
- Binoculars – For wildlife watching
- Kayak/SUP – If you want to paddle (or rent nearby)
⚠️ Important Notes
- No-See-Ums Alert: These tiny biting insects are common in Oldsmar. Visit between 9 AM and 5 PM to avoid the worst of them (they’re most active at dawn and dusk).
- Cell Service: Can be spotty in remote areas—download offline maps before exploring
- Muddy Trails: Some unpaved trails become muddy after rain
- No Pets on Beach: Dogs are not allowed on the sand areas at Mobbly Beach
- Zipline Reservations: Book in advance, especially for weekends and peak season
🕐 Best Times to Visit
- Early Morning: Best for wildlife viewing and avoiding crowds
- Weekdays: Fewer people, lower parking fees at the beach
- Winter Months: Best chance to see manatees, comfortable temperatures
- Sunset: Beautiful views from the observation towers (or book a sunset zipline tour!)
Preserve Amenities
- ✅ Free parking at main preserve area
- ✅ Restrooms
- ✅ Picnic shelters (3 available for rental)
- ✅ Playground
- ✅ Kayak/canoe/paddleboard launch
- ✅ Fishing dock
- ✅ Lookout towers
- ✅ Off-leash dog park
- ✅ Environmental Education Center
- ✅ Fitness equipment along trails
- ✅ Connection to Oldsmar Trail system (11 miles)
- ✅ Empower Adventures zipline (reservations required)
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in Oldsmar, consider exploring:
- R.E. Olds Park — Waterfront park with beautiful bay views, named after the founder of Oldsmobile who developed Oldsmar in 1916
- Oldsmar Flea Market — One of Florida’s largest flea markets (open Saturdays & Sundays)
- Cypress Forest Park & Spray Park — Great for families with kids, splash pad operates seasonally (April–October)
- Philippe Park — About 10 minutes south in Safety Harbor, featuring the 1,000-year-old Tocobaga Temple Mound
- Downtown Safety Harbor — Charming walkable downtown with restaurants, shops, and the historic Safety Harbor Resort & Spa
Driving Directions from Our Vacation Rental
From: 1731 Clearwater Harbor Dr, Largo, FL
To: Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve, 423 Lafayette Blvd, Oldsmar, FL 34677
Distance: Approximately 12 miles
Drive Time: About 25-30 minutes
Turn-by-Turn Directions:
- Head north on Clearwater Harbor Dr toward the mainland
- Turn right (east) onto Clearwater Largo Rd
- Continue to Gulf to Bay Blvd (SR 60) and turn left (east)
- Turn left (north) onto McMullen Booth Rd
- Continue north as McMullen Booth Rd becomes East Lake Rd
- Turn right (east) onto Tampa Rd (SR 584)
- Turn left (north) onto Lafayette Blvd
- Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve will be on your right
📱 Google Maps: Click here for GPS directions
Alternative: To Mobbly Beach (South Entrance)
Address: 807 Shore Drive E, Oldsmar, FL 34677
Note: Parking fee applies ($5 weekdays / $10 weekends)
📱 Google Maps: Click here for GPS directions to Mobbly Beach
Contact Information
Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve
423 Lafayette Blvd
Oldsmar, FL 34677
Phone: (813) 749-1152 (Cypress Forest Recreation Center)
City of Oldsmar Parks: www.myoldsmar.com
Mobbly Beach Park (South Entrance):
807 Shore Drive E
Oldsmar, FL 34677
Empower Adventures Zipline
Phone: (813) 448-5635
Website: zipontampabay.com
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Reservations: Required – book online
Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve offers a rare combination that’s hard to find anywhere else in Tampa Bay: pristine Florida wilderness just minutes from urban areas, with activities ranging from peaceful nature walks to heart-pumping zipline adventures. Whether you want to paddle through mangrove channels, let your dog run free, watch alligators bask in the sun, or fly through the treetops, this hidden gem delivers an unforgettable outdoor experience. And the best part? The main preserve is completely free to explore. We think you’ll love it as much as we do!
