PLANT CITY. Popular with canoeists who cruise the Alafia River, this 1141-acre park offers activities that reach beyond the banks of the river. You'll also find paths to bike or walk on, and a boardwalk system invites views of the local flora and fauna. Picnic areas along the water provide a quiet resting spot for those wanting to escape the city and take in the area's natural beauty.

SOUTH TAMPA. Running alongside the water from the Hillsborough River to MacDill Air Force Base, this 6-mile stretch of sidewalk is reputed to be the world's longest. Flat, wide and open, the path provides glimpses of some of Tampa's oldest neighborhoods and houses, including those of Hyde Park. It also winds past the Jose Gasparilla ship and offers great views of the city and the bay. Runners, cyclists and roller-bladers often take their daily workouts along the sidewalk, enjoying the scenic vistas and the cool breezes that blow in from the water.

THONOTOSASSA. Throughout the year, this park is filled with lush vegetation and a wide variety of nature's inhabitants. At any one time, you're likely to spot delicate wildflowers and blooming shrubs, along with frogs, birds, armadillos and maybe even a wild pig or bobcat. (Remember: They're more frightened of you than you are of them.) When the weather cooperates, outdoor enthusiasts flock to the park to jog, bike and roller blade along the paved trails. The paths at Flatwoods also connect to those at other parks to comprise a 20-mile route through populated and natural areas of the city.

THONOTOSASSA. Twelve miles north of the city, this 3000-acre park winds alongside the Hillsborough River and offers a variety of landscapes, including swamps and pine woodlands. Marked trails provide paths for jogging, biking and sightseeing. There are also facilities for camping, boating, fishing and swimming. Open since 1938, this expansive preserve is one of the area's favorites and a great getaway for city residents.

LITHIA. This 300-acre park provides a refreshing break from the beach. It contains one of the area's few freshwater springs, which maintains a water temperature of 72 degrees year-round and attracts swimmers who want a change from seawater. Located along the Alafia River, the park also features changing rooms, camping facilities, barbecue grills and walking trails.