Purchased by Hillsborough County as conservation land in a rapidly developing area, Pebble Park protects over 25 acres of land near the mouth of the Alafia River south of Tampa.
Accessibility is key, as the property features a network of paved trails and a sidewalk, with plans to extend a walkway out to the river.
Sidewalk leading towards the entranceIt is a refuge for native animals. Kingfishers, egrets, and herons inhabit a small pond and unspoiled shorelines. Gopher tortoises dig burrows in a wide sunny area of former sandhill habitat.
A variety of native trees, flowers, and grasses have been planted throughout the park. Future ecological restoration is planned.
Plantings along the paved pathResources
Resources for exploring the area
Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.
Overview
Location: Riverview
Length: 0.8 mile in two loops (expansion planned)
Trailhead: 27.866875, -82.337884
Address: 9955 Riverview Dr, Riverview, FL 33578
Fees: Free
Restrooms: Yes
Land manager: Hillsborough County
Phone: 813-672-7876
Open 8:00 AM- 7:00 PM Spring and Summer, 8:00 AM -6:00 PM Fall and Winter. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Directions
From the Interstate 75 exit for Gibsonton Dr in Riverview, head east on Gibsonton Dr for one mile then turn left onto US 301 N. In one mile, turn left onto Riverview Dr. At the traffic circle in one mile, take the second right onto the driveway for the park.
About the Park
Developed as an inviting space within natural setting, a short road leads towards the center of the property, showcasing the landscape while offering a variety of places to park.
Three ADA accessible pavilions are situated a short distance from the restrooms, alongside an information kiosk.
Pavilions before picnic tables were addedA wide, concrete sidewalk connects the parking area to a paved loop at the south end and towards the entrance on the north side, leading into adjacent neighborhoods.
The paved loop is slightly over 0.3 mile in length. It meanders around a grassy field dotted with young cabbage palms, cypress, and red maple.
Winding through cabbage palmsRed blazes lead along a dirt pathway under a dense hardwood canopy on the northwest corner of the park.
The red trail is 0.4 mile in length, immersing nature enthusiasts in a jungle of oaks, cabbage palms, pine, saw palmetto, beautyberries.
Red Trail though the hammockNearly hidden alongside the south end of the red trail is a garden of native plants shaped like a butterfly.
This garden was constructed with bricks that were discovered underneath the road at the entrance to the park while constructing a new roundabout.
Featuring firebush, beach sunflower, and porterweed among others, this arrangement attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to the park.
Butterfly gardenTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
A virtual walk through Pebble Park
Nearby Adventures
More worth exploring while you’re in this area.
Alafia Scrub Preserve
Discover a new perspective on the Alafia River basin on this easy loop through riverside uplands with a scenic overlook at its center.
Bell Creek Nature Preserve
Weaving through scrubby habitats on an oasis of natural land surrounded by development, Bell Creek Nature Preserve provides a window to Florida’s vanishing landscapes.
Jeanie and Pete Johnson Nature Preserve
Showcasing an impressive variety of habitats within a relatively small preserve, a mile long loop trail provides exceptional natural scenery along an easy, well-maintained path.
Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve
An island of high ground in the Alafia River basin, Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve protects more than 400 acres of Florida scrub habitat south of Riverview