Cliff Stephens Park

Park Overview

Tucked away in Clearwater, Florida, Cliff Stephens Park spans 44 peaceful acres of public land. Since its establishment in 1980, this green space has been pulling double duty - it's not just a place for fun and relaxation, but also functions as part of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, helping manage stormwater and protect the surrounding Clearwater neighborhoods from flooding.

The park combines recreational opportunities with natural beauty, attracting both locals looking for outdoor time and tourists wanting to experience Florida's natural environment. With its well-kept grounds and picturesque landscape, it's a wonderful spot to catch your breath from the everyday hustle or get some exercise in a serene setting.

Trails and Natural Setting

Winding through the park is a network of smooth paved trails that accommodate everything from a casual stroll to a serious jog, bike ride, or inline skating session. These paths meander through the park's natural landscape, taking you past several lakes and wetlands where diverse wildlife lives.

As you explore, you'll likely spot birds going about their business, turtles sunning themselves, and fish swimming in the clear waters. If you're lucky (or unlucky, depending on your perspective), you might even catch alligators lounging on small islands in the lakes - a reminder that you're definitely in Florida.

The trails don't just stop at the park boundaries, either. They connect to a broader network of regional pathways, letting you venture all the way to Safety Harbor, the Courtney Campbell Causeway, or Baycare Ball Park if you're feeling particularly energetic.

Recreation Amenities

A main attraction at Cliff Stephens Park is its 24-hole disc golf course, established back in 1986. Don't be fooled by the casual nature of disc golf - this course means business with its challenging layout featuring water hazards and strategically placed trees that will test your skills and patience.

The course has developed quite a reputation among disc golf enthusiasts, regularly hosting tournaments during the year. It has some serious disc golf history as the home course of a 12-time world champion - notable for a community park.

For families with young kids, there's a small playground that provides a nice diversion when the little ones need to burn off some energy.

Water Activities

The lakes at Cliff Stephens offer good fishing opportunities as well as scenic views. Anglers report good catches of bass and bowfin, and you can cast your line from convenient fishing docks and piers that provide easy water access.

If fishing isn't your thing, consider exploring the lakes by kayak, which gives you a different perspective on the park and its wildlife. Just remember to keep a respectful distance from any wildlife you encounter - those alligators aren't just decoration, and they definitely deserve their space.

Picnic and Rest Areas

Scattered around the park are several welcoming picnic areas with tables positioned to take advantage of lovely views. These spots are good places for a casual lunch or snack break under the shade of mature trees.

When nature calls, you'll discover portable toilets near the entrance and parking area. They're not exactly luxury accommodations, but they do the job when you're spending a few hours exploring the park.

Visitor Experience

Four-legged friends are welcome at Cliff Stephens Park, making it a popular destination for dog-friendly outings. You'll see plenty of pups enjoying walks along the trails with their humans (just remember to keep them leashed and clean up after them - there are trash cans around the park for this purpose).

Even on scorching Florida days, the park remains relatively comfortable thanks to generous shade from mature trees across the grounds. The beautiful scenery - from reflective lakes to green spaces - makes it a natural choice for photographers capturing special events or just the everyday beauty of Florida's outdoor spaces.

Open from 6AM to 10PM daily, the park accommodates early birds getting their morning exercise as well as evening visitors enjoying the cooler hours, making it a welcoming recreational space for everyone in the Clearwater community.