Colonel Michael J. Horan Park
A beloved beachfront park on Boca Ciega Bay, perfect for family fun with a great playground and scenic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more playground time
Colonel Michael J. Horan Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more playground time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved beachfront park on Boca Ciega Bay, perfect for family fun with a great playground and scenic views.
"Such a great park for families! The playgrounds are well-designed, safe, and perfect for kids of all ages."
🎯 Family Fun Zone
Excellent playground for all ages, with plenty of space to run and play. :child:
🎶 Event Day Prep
Arrive early for events to avoid traffic and secure parking. Bring chairs & cash! :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Family-Friendly Playground
Main park area
Well-designed, safe, and spacious playground perfect for kids of all ages to climb and play.
Boca Ciega Bayfront
Waterfront edge
Scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing stroll or enjoying the sunset.
Community Events
Pavilion and lawn
Enjoy free concerts and movie nights, often featuring local firefighters serving affordable food.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Event Day Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Family Fun Zone
Excellent playground for all ages, with plenty of space to run and play. :child:
🎶 Event Day Prep
Arrive early for events to avoid traffic and secure parking. Bring chairs & cash! :moneybag:
🌅 Sunset Views
The bayfront offers beautiful sunset vistas, perfect for a relaxing evening. :city_sunset:
💧 Restroom Access
Clean restrooms and water fountains are available for visitor convenience. :toilet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Family Fun Zone
Excellent playground for all ages, with plenty of space to run and play. :child:
🎶 Event Day Prep
Arrive early for events to avoid traffic and secure parking. Bring chairs & cash! :moneybag:
🌅 Sunset Views
The bayfront offers beautiful sunset vistas, perfect for a relaxing evening. :city_sunset:
💧 Restroom Access
Clean restrooms and water fountains are available for visitor convenience. :toilet:
🍔 Event Food Deals
Support local firefighters by buying inexpensive hot dogs and soda at events. :hot_dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Colonel Michael J. Horan Park, highlighting its excellent playground for kids and beautiful bayfront location. It's a beloved spot for family outings and community events, offering free entertainment and affordable food options. Some mention potential traffic and parking challenges during popular events.
"Such a great park for families!
The playgrounds are well-designed, safe, and perfect for kids of all ages — there’s plenty of space for them to run, climb, and play. I also loved that there are small areas where you can grab a snack or enjoy a meal outdoors. It’s clean, well-maintained, and has a really welcoming atmosphere. Perfect place to spend a few hours with the family!"
Nassouh Darwazeh
"This is a wonderful park. It’s right off the water around the corner of st Pete beach. Every year around October they put on free concerts. The fireman serve cheap hotdogs and soda— bring cash. I have been to the 4th of July party it was great! I’ve seen about 5 bands here. The park is beautiful. You may want to leave early because traffic will be backed up. Bring chairs, food, blankets. and anything else to have a great time!"
Colleen Byrne
"Really nice park. Clean. Well maintained. Unfortunately no boat dock, but fishing would be a good idea. Restrooms. Water fountain. Pavilion. Swimming pool."
Captain Tom
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located right off St. Pete Beach, making it easily accessible by car. While there's no direct mention of public transport like the SunRunner reaching this specific park, nearby St. Pete Beach has options. Parking can be challenging during events, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, there is parking available at the park. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during special events or on weekends. Consider carpooling or arriving early to ensure a spot.
While specific bike lanes aren't detailed, the park's location near St. Pete Beach suggests it could be a pleasant bike ride, especially from nearby areas. Always check local bike route maps for safety.
The park is generally well-maintained with paved paths and open lawn areas, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The playground also has accessible features.
To avoid traffic, especially for events, aim to arrive well before the scheduled start time. Weekday visits outside of peak hours are also a good strategy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Colonel Michael J. Horan Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee for general access. Special events might have associated costs for food or activities, but entry to the park itself is free.
As a public park, Colonel Michael J. Horan Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours for events may vary, so it's best to check local listings for any scheduled activities.
For most events like free concerts or movie nights, you do not need to book tickets in advance. Entry is free, though you may want to purchase food and drinks.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at the park, especially for picnics or during events.
General park rules apply, such as no glass containers and respecting noise levels. For specific events, check for any additional restrictions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park features a well-designed playground for children, open lawn areas for recreation, and a beautiful bayfront for relaxing and enjoying views. It also hosts community events like free concerts and movie nights.
Yes, the playground is designed for kids of all ages, including toddlers, with safe and engaging play structures.
While there isn't a boat dock, fishing is considered a good idea at this park. The bayfront location offers potential fishing spots.
Yes, the park is equipped with restrooms and covered picnic tables, making it convenient for families and groups.
The bayfront offers beautiful scenery, especially during sunrise and sunset, making it ideal for photography. The park's natural beauty and community events also provide great photo opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
During special events, local firefighters often serve inexpensive hot dogs and soda. Otherwise, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and snacks.
Being located near St. Pete Beach, there are numerous restaurants and cafes in the vicinity offering a variety of dining options.
Absolutely! The park has covered picnic tables and open lawn areas perfect for enjoying a picnic with family and friends.
At community events, you can often find affordable options like hot dogs and soda, usually served by local firefighters.
Yes, it's highly recommended to bring cash, as the food and drinks sold at events by local firefighters are often inexpensive and may not accept cards.
📸 📸 Photography
The Boca Ciega Bayfront offers stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The tree-lined paths and the playground area also provide picturesque backdrops.
Yes, the park's west-facing bayfront location makes it an excellent spot for capturing beautiful sunset photos.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, especially birds, and the vibrant atmosphere during community events can offer unique candid shots.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the best natural light for photography. Midday can be harsh due to the Florida sun.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management regarding drone policies before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the playground, the park's open lawns and bayfront views provide a pleasant environment for picnics and relaxation. Consider attending one of the community events, like free concerts, which are often very family-friendly. Just remember to arrive early for parking and bring cash for affordable food options.
💰 Budget Travelers
For an even more budget-friendly experience, take advantage of the community events. You can bring your own food and drinks, or opt for the very inexpensive hot dogs and soda often sold by local firefighters during these events. It's a perfect way to enjoy local culture without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the natural beauty, the park's vibrant community events, like concerts, can offer unique opportunities for candid shots and capturing local life. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, particularly birds, which can add an interesting element to your photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Family Fun at the Playground
Beyond the playground, the park offers open lawn areas perfect for kids to explore or for families to spread out a blanket. The proximity to the bay also provides a scenic backdrop, making it a pleasant environment for both active play and relaxed family time.
Parents appreciate the thoughtful design that caters to different age groups, ensuring that both toddlers and older children can find engaging activities. This focus on family-friendliness makes it a go-to spot for local residents and visitors alike.
Experiencing Community Events
Attending these events means being prepared for potential crowds and traffic. Visitors are advised to arrive early to secure good spots and parking. Bringing chairs, blankets, and cash for food purchases are essential tips for maximizing the enjoyment of these festive occasions.
The atmosphere during these events is described as great and family-friendly, fostering a strong sense of community. It's a chance to experience the local St. Pete Beach culture and enjoy entertainment under the stars.
Bayfront Serenity and Views
This scenic aspect makes the park an ideal spot for photography, particularly during sunrise and sunset when the light paints the sky in vibrant colors. The tranquil waters and coastal flora create a captivating backdrop for capturing memorable moments.
While the park doesn't have a boat dock, the bayfront setting is conducive to activities like fishing, offering a relaxed way to engage with the water. It's a place where visitors can unwind and appreciate the coastal charm of St. Pete Beach.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit