Colonel Michael J. Horan Park - Image 1
1 / 10

Colonel Michael J. Horan Park

4.6
·183 reviews·St. Pete Beach, United States

A beloved beachfront park on Boca Ciega Bay, perfect for family fun with a great playground and scenic views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more playground time

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Colonel Michael J. Horan Park - Image 1

Colonel Michael J. Horan Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more playground time

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved beachfront park on Boca Ciega Bay, perfect for family fun with a great playground and scenic views.

4.6
(183 reviews)

"Such a great park for families! The playgrounds are well-designed, safe, and perfect for kids of all ages."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Family-Friendly Playground

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

Boca Ciega Bayfront

Waterfront edge

Scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing stroll or enjoying the sunset.

Community Events

Community Events

Pavilion and lawn

Enjoy free concerts and movie nights, often featuring local firefighters serving affordable food.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the crowds by visiting during weekdays or early mornings. Weekends and event days can get busy, especially with local families enjoying the playground and bayfront. Check for free concerts or movie nights, but be prepared for potential traffic backups.

Event Day Essentials

If you're planning to attend a special event like the free concerts or 4th of July party, arrive early to secure parking and a good spot. Bring chairs, blankets, and cash for inexpensive food and drinks often served by local firefighters.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more playground time
Crowd
Low
When
Event evenings
Why
Live music & community fun
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

No trip to St. Pete is complete without a trip to St. Pete Beach. Check out my go-to guide to having the perfect beach day in St. Pete, Florida. From pre-beach bagels to the Pink Palace, Ted Peters and more, I’ve got you covered with this like a local guide here. 🌊 #letsshinespc #stpetersburg #floridalife #beachday #traveltiktok #tampabay
@explorewithgg
21.6K likes • 555.9K views

🎯 Family Fun Zone

Excellent playground for all ages, with plenty of space to run and play. :child: Reddit

🎶 Event Day Prep

Arrive early for events to avoid traffic and secure parking. Bring chairs & cash! :moneybag: Reddit

First 2 days in our favorite place #StPete #happyeaster #family #familytime #littlecouple #relaxation #beach #ocean #springbreak
@jenarnoldmd
11.9K likes • 250.8K views
i meannnn Mr. parrot is living his best life 🦜 #parrot #stpetersburgflorida #stpetersburg #stpete #stpetebeach #stpetefl
@ashtonjarrell
8.6K likes • 73.4K views

🌅 Sunset Views

The bayfront offers beautiful sunset vistas, perfect for a relaxing evening. :city_sunset: TikTok

💧 Restroom Access

Clean restrooms and water fountains are available for visitor convenience. :toilet: Reddit

This is #stpetebeach after #helene and #milton ripped through the area. 😢 #toastedmonkey #florida
@calvin.michael70
3.6K likes • 149.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Family Fun Zone

Excellent playground for all ages, with plenty of space to run and play. :child: Reddit

🎶 Event Day Prep

Arrive early for events to avoid traffic and secure parking. Bring chairs & cash! :moneybag: Reddit

🌅 Sunset Views

The bayfront offers beautiful sunset vistas, perfect for a relaxing evening. :city_sunset: TikTok

💧 Restroom Access

Clean restrooms and water fountains are available for visitor convenience. :toilet: Reddit

🍔 Event Food Deals

Support local firefighters by buying inexpensive hot dogs and soda at events. :hot_dog: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(183 reviews)

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

Great playground for all ages
Beautiful bayfront views
Free community events

What People Dislike

Traffic during events
Limited parking at peak times

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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at the park, especially for picnics or during events. Reddit

General park rules apply, such as no glass containers and respecting noise levels. For specific events, check for any additional restrictions. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. Reddit+1

Yes, the playground is designed for kids of all ages, including toddlers, with safe and engaging play structures. Reddit

While there isn't a boat dock, fishing is considered a good idea at this park. The bayfront location offers potential fishing spots. Reddit

Yes, the park is equipped with restrooms and covered picnic tables, making it convenient for families and groups. Reddit+1

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. TikTok+1

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

Being located near St. Pete Beach, there are numerous restaurants and cafes in the vicinity offering a variety of dining options. TikTok

Absolutely! The park has covered picnic tables and open lawn areas perfect for enjoying a picnic with family and friends. Reddit+1

At community events, you can often find affordable options like hot dogs and soda, usually served by local firefighters. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok

Yes, the park's west-facing bayfront location makes it an excellent spot for capturing beautiful sunset photos. TikTok+1

Keep an eye out for local wildlife, especially birds, and the vibrant atmosphere during community events can offer unique candid shots. TikTok

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the best natural light for photography. Midday can be harsh due to the Florida sun. TikTok

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management regarding drone policies before flying. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Colonel Michael J. Horan Park is a top-tier destination for families. The well-designed playground is a major draw, offering safe and engaging play structures for children of all ages. Ample space allows kids to run freely, making it easy to spend hours here. Reddit

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. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This park is a fantastic free option for budget-conscious travelers. General admission is free, and it offers a great playground and beautiful bayfront views. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Colonel Michael J. Horan Park to be a rewarding location, especially for coastal and sunset shots. The Boca Ciega Bayfront provides stunning vistas, and the 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the best lighting conditions. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Family Fun at the Playground

Colonel Michael J. Horan Park is a gem for families, primarily thanks to its well-designed and safe playground. Reviewers consistently praise its suitability for children of all ages, noting ample space for running, climbing, and imaginative play. The playground is described as clean and well-maintained, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere for a few hours of fun. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

Experiencing Community Events

The park frequently comes alive with community events, most notably free concerts and movie nights. These gatherings are a highlight for many visitors, offering a chance to enjoy live music or outdoor cinema in a relaxed setting. Local firefighters often participate, serving inexpensive hot dogs and soda, which is a popular and affordable way to support the community. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Bayfront Serenity and Views

Colonel Michael J. Horan Park boasts a beautiful Boca Ciega Bayfront location, offering serene views and a peaceful escape. The waterfront edge provides a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls, quiet contemplation, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area. TikTok

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. TikTok+1

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. Reddit

You may also like