Haven't been here since i was a dude. Lol almost a decade ago this used to be way simpler n more on the wild west. Trash everywhere, people hiding in the bushes to hump, Do lines and some time fish. Used to come here with a past Lover to clean the beach or fish. No joke, its all we did. Lol No they have put even more funding into it. I understand why the banned the extra curricular activities. The Manatee sanctuary is literally right there across the water. Also locals don't respect the no wake zones n tourist want to ride the poor Manatees. Its wild as hell the huge foot print left by people n like angry parents. They took away our toys. Im actually glad. Look cleaner, healthier n its now heavy focus on family picnic not making them in the bushes ill stop lol joke aside, they opened up the property for picnics, can play a decent game of throw ball with yo kids. And cleaner trails. I did not see a grill anywhere n i must be blind cuz i cant see the bathrooms either. They added a watch tower in the middle. Keep on mind it is wheelchair accessible, so are the closer picnic areas. Cement goes away at the edge of the beach. Warning: Please bring a cooler, big sun hats, wear proper sun blocking and shoes that wont melt. The sand is paper white! It deflects the sun into you at almost full spectrum, ground gets dangerously hot. The trails are sketchy, bring water n maybe bring a buddy or protection. I did walked them almost all the way through but had to turn back cuz water. Its cute small trail. Gives nicer view of Teco facility n may see manatees. I seen Hares also n randomly snakes. No clue on gators. But it is Florida. Can see Down Town Tampa from Tower also! Ph yeah free parking! Update: yes theres bathroom!s read more

Apollo Beach Nature Preserve - They banned everything except Hiking n Sun bathing. P_P farewell hidden fishing spot. - Beaches Near Me - Apollo Beach, Florida

A lovely little beach for lounging, soaking up sun, and listening to the surf. There are many signs that discourage any swimming or wading. We were visiting in late January, so we weren't aiming to get into the water anyway, just enjoy the beach biome. This beach is quite close to the manatee viewing center and you're likely to see manatees here too as a result. I spotted a half dozen while here! Fair number of fishers here, as there are pipes to prop your rod in. Nice large parking area to accommodate visitors. Many picnic tables. An awesome (and accessible) viewing structure takes you up around fifty feet so you can look out with a 360 view! Bathrooms with running water available, no gender specified. (Love that!) read more

Apollo Beach Nature Preserve - Genderless bathrooms! Yay! - Beaches Near Me - Apollo Beach, Florida

I really like this place. It has plenty of parking and next to it you can find a viewing tower. Additionally, there is a mail walking trail next to the beach. There are also nice shells around. read more

So this was our 2nd time visiting the outlook here at the apollo beach preserve and I will say we enjoy going up to view Tampa bay/ st.pete from a distance the waters beautiful. Now the beach was very dirty unfortunately people don't clean up after themselves and the water you're not aloud to go in but people were walking around in it which whatever but you also gotta realize that the power plant is just north of that beach and idk what's coming out of it or going in the water but I'm sure they're is a warning for a reason. Someone did tell me while I was there that you can get lucky sometimes and see manatees. The outlook is definitely a relaxing spot. read more

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We come here quite a bit. It is the closest outdoor area by where I live. It is a great stop off when we go to American Honey Creamery in Apollo Beach. Wish there were more walking trails like the Manatee Viewing Center. read more

On land there are some pretty homes to view as you drive in. Used to call them wave blockers but the Gulf doesn't have waves as I charge in my Siesta Key review beatdown. CDDs are rising and get passed along to future homeowners, although cheaper than most inlets in the Tampa area. Its probably quicker to get into the Gulf of Mexico through Apollo Beach by the Manatee Viewing Center Parking lot is at the Observation Tower where some dude got busted today, right in front of me, first thing in the morning. He wasn't American, he spoke it but apparently didn't read it because the signs are everywhere and in big bold letters. Nuclear Reactor Fishing. Upon conclusion of this authoritative beheading, I offered to the word executioner a few questions. Why the NO SWIMMING NO WADING signs? I already knew these answers but wanted to start off with a lollypop question to bait him into more sensitive information. A three eyed stingray and another unnamed water dweller were pulled from the flesh eating waters just yesterday. And by "flesh eating" I do intend that quite literally, this is the information I'm looking for, for my own personal stash and for yours too now I suppose. There are C. Montgomery Burns towers to the right and they're viewable from Ruskin to Parrish and if Russia decides to nuke us, this little watery piece of the world likely to resemble seaside Chernobyl and the sonic boom is just upon the anchaotical horizon. Red flash clouds about to burn up the morning sky. I really don't think about the red and white towers with the blinking lights too much, it's enough for me to tack down my tarp with sticks, avoid sand in the face, kick the dogs off my camp tarp and open my new/used (Copyright 1961) Sinclair Lewis book that I purchased at the library last night. 1. Small Town, 2. College, 3. Climb, 4. Success, 5. Decline and 6. Fall all in one An American Life. The wind is quickly getting angry with a down thrust of rain and a cool front in front, damn dogs are flipping my situation to head for lower ground - "no, we must stay together" I exclaimed. "Prepare for weather battle" as I pull another tarp and Paracord and long nails. I saw an alligator in the water last year, he was behind the three island jetty's and this is where people of past perished. The currents reek havoc beneath and they spiral wet sand stairs and do pull towards your eventual and perpetual tepid underwater mansions or perhaps you'll get tossed up upon the rocks. The gator who isn't really a gator after all would sure appreciate that, Dave hom the trouble of dragging you down, nature is about to rid another one of us. It's an American saltwater alligator, yes, it's a real life predator, I kid you not. People talk about Bigfoot, my homemade creature the Kodiak Marmoset may or may not exist, this one does so stay out of the water. read more

Apollo Beach Nature Preserve - Dogs are allowed, on leash and with "verbal commands". - Beaches Near Me - Apollo Beach, Florida

Stunning beach and location. We spent an evening here to take in a serene sunset and enjoyed the walk and beautiful scenery. Parking was easy. read more

This Nature Preserve is at the northern tip of this waterfront community, facing Tampa Bay with St. Pete to the west and Tampa to the north. The sunset view is wonderful.  No swimming no wading signs are visibly posted but beach goers go into the water anyway. The areas are well protected and the water is clear. It's hard to stay away. read more

Found a beach park preserve that we have never been to. I love that it has a Sandy beach and that it is dog friendly on the sand. Since it is a preserve it's a park on the beach. Note, this is not a swimming beach. It's a hang out beach. People do swim here but I definitely would not. There's cute picturesque areas with the rocks to show elevation and it's really cute. My favorite part about this preserve is the look out tower. You can walk up the ramp and see the view from the top. It's quite pretty. There is tons of parking and a restroom. Nice to stop by if you are in the area. read more

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This nature preserve located on Apollo Beach is simply amazing and quite a little hidden gem. The beach is very nice and I even saw a small 4 inch dog shark in the water. There is plenty of parking this time of year and also a three-story higher raised platform to get a 360 view of all around the whole area a beautiful place with visiting if you haven't been here before. read more

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Great place to walk on the beach or go fishing. Several picnic tables are available. There is a large parking lot. No admission fee.

This beach preserve is not that big but is okay to sit out and suntan and maybe go for a swim. I just came to take a short walk because the water smelled quite boggy and swampy and wasn't clean looking. I am not sure if this is where the water goes after the process it from the TECO facility nearby but you can see it off in the distance. There also isn't a lot of tree covering so when it's hot and sunny there is not respite except the water. On the back side of the main beach there were people fishing as the water is kind of stagnated and probably where the fish hide. The do have a watchtower if you want to climb up there and get a higher view of the surrounding area. The area is patrolled by police and there is limited parking. Nonetheless it could be a decent place to relax if you don't feel like driving to a normal beach. read more

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aishadeanphotography.com I love this beach/ preserve. There is so much to offer in just one little beach! Lots of greenery and beautiful rocks! read more

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Who knew this treasure was so close? I've been here almost a year and juuust found this semi secluded gem by accident. Honestly I can see why people don't talk about it. You kinda want to keep it a secret. The pictures speak for its beauty. read more

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thanks.. cant wait to go back.. see you next month. my dogs love it also.. please remember to pick up your dogs poop. read more

Beautiful sunset picture spot. Seen many couple having picnic and enjoying the views. Sand is not soft , very rocky and made of seashells.

Not too much of a beach. Located in the heart of an industrial plant. The water and the smell seem a little dirty and the beach is not much sand bit more rocks and shells. As we were in the water a Ranger walked by and told us to get out of the water. So it's not a place to go to swim or play in the sand. read more

Apollo Beach Nature Preserve - Not the best sand and no swimming allowed. - Beaches Near Me - Apollo Beach, Florida

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Beautifully hidden, great little beach to bring the kids and the dog and to find a quiet spot by the sea. Not very crowded on a weekday. Nice view, water is shallow. There is no shade, so you have to create your own. Nothing to buy, but there are restrooms. (Did not use this time). Beautiful little place. read more

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Love this beach even more that I have my new baby Sarge. Dog friendly beach. He had a blast! He loves the . read more

Apollo Beach Nature Preserve - My babies - Beaches Near Me - Apollo Beach, Florida

Because it is a nature preserve, I enjoyed the experience so much more. It is not a place where it is suitable for swimming or active water sports, instead Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is a very calm and peaceful place which is perfect to just come by and relax. I brought my book with me for a read and let me tell you, it was so nice especially with the wind and water sound in the background. I walked around the area and found cute small little things. Overall it was a great experience. read more

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Absolutely beautiful. Nice and quiet that's dog friendly and calm. I will definitely be back. The drive into the lot was beautiful. The ocean front houses are amazing but what isn't when you live in the oceanfront. read more

Apollo Beach Nature Preserve - Rick formation with seashells. So pretty. - Beaches Near Me - Apollo Beach, Florida

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So the Apollo Beach Nature Preserve has reopened, and while it's great to walk around and (probably) see manatees, it has a long way to go before it gets to its former quality - but the county is hard at work on that. The preserve was closed for beach rejuvenation, using sand dredged from the Apollo Beach canal system. Breakwaters and a well-placed T groin should also reduce erosion due to longshore drift. However, erosion is already occurring on one section of beach, and erosion points like that have a runaway effect that will undermine most of the work done. (My oceanography degree put to use for you here on yelp dot com!). Upshore beach grasses and scrub is being planted, and will eventually be able to protect much of the area from fluvial and anthropogenic erosion. However, there's a good chance to see wildlife, and although there's a sign that discourages interaction with animals, I'm pretty sure you can still fish here. The fishing used to be great, but some old dude named Chen overfished the pompano, so don't expect to catch any of them. There are cobia, sharks of a few different varieties, tarpon, and various trash fish though. Lots of manatees too, and they don't care if you're wading in to cast deeper - I had one of those fat jerks take me out when he crashed into my legs. Dolphins occasionally stop by as well, and you might even see a bald eagle (not to be confused with the ubiquitous ospreys that hang out here). No swimming, and for good reason. Wicked current and razor sharp rocks. Decent skyline views. If the county addresses the erosion and landscape issues, this place will be much better. #oceanography #coastalmorphology read more

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This was a great little spot to run off to enjoy the fresh air and some water views. It wasnt really crowded and plenty of space to get away even if it were. I enjoyed the views of the different city skylines as well as the smoke clouds from the plant. The preserve offers a lot of water access from the main beach front and center to going around the corner to a more private secluded area. Rocks, sand, grass everything is covered on this preserve. I saw people fishing, birds hopping around and I guess you can catch a manatee or two (which I did not) The parking is a little limited but was lucky to get a spot in the loop. As cute as this park is I'm not sure how far I would walk if I had to park my car on the street. Great family park. Bring a picnic, frisbee, floaters and have fun for a few hours or the day! read more

I did not know apollo beach had a nature reserve that is regulated by the county.It looks like a beach for sight seeing & absolutely no swimming because its blocked off. Three people died in the water in June so i assume thats why they blocked it off. read more

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The lookout structure in center of parking lot was great to use and really see the entire area more clearly. The signs upon entering the structure said 'NO RUNNING' but people were running up and down it for exercise... although they were respectful. The beach was small but cute. It was odd to see the coal powered power plant in background; very contrasting to the beauty of the beach area. There were rocks on beach that said 'NO LEANING ON ROCKS' but the people there at same time I was totally disregarded the signs and were leaning on the rocks. The dunes also had signs that said 'NO CLIMBING ON DUNES', yet same scenario... 2 people and their dog were climbing all over and around the dunes. This place is full of rule breakers! Lol. The paths around the beach included some benches and a picnic area which was nice. My favorite part was probably not the preserve itself but the absolutely gorgeous homes in the area you see right outside the entrance to the preserve. read more

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Love sunsets here during the summer. Used to be one of my moms favorite places so it's very special to me. read more

Apollo Beach Nature Preserve - Today was cold and cloudy so the pictures don't do this place justice - Beaches Near Me - Apollo Beach, Florida

This area is GORGEOUS! We have the pleasure of living right here! Do need the police to patrol more on days where its nice out. There are Ninja bike riders who think when they leave for the day, they can do 150 mph. Someone (the riders or neighborhood kids) will be killed! Just saying. I plan to take more advantage of this area, but the traffic is harsh! We bought here for the peaceful atmosphere but when season starts, and it does. The beach gets really crowded and the overflow ends up on Surfside. Drivers beware of kids and distracted parents. I drive like a little old lady down here then. That is SO not me! Hehehe read more

Very nice place to go and see Manatees when they come in to warm waters inWinter. Also see fish and turtles. Nice paved parking lot. Handicap accessible. Bathrooms. Viewing platform. Info boards with pics of wildlife/fish. Picnic tables. read more

Had a great time enjoying the beach! The beach itself is very small and secluded, it's a great place to have a picnic. The sand itself has a lot of shells in it closer to the water so I'd be mindful of that. I would say it's a good beach to hang out at but not to do beach activities such as swimming. There's also plenty of wildlife and it's right by the manatee viewing center! read more

Apollo Beach Nature Preserve - Beaches Near Me - Apollo Beach, Florida

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We live in Riverview. This place is probably 20 minutes from us whereas any 'well known' beach is at least an hour. This is a lovely little space to see and hear the waves. You can walk into it a little but no swimming. Sharp shells and rocks all over the beach so be careful if you want to go barefoot. We spotted a few fire ants too. It wasn't super busy for a Sunday afternoon but you definitely won't get the place to yourself. Since it's so close we'll likely go again. read more

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I absolutely loved this spot! It seems to be a little hidden and less well known than other locations, which meant it wasn't crowded. The view was amazing and the water was clear. I really enjoyed visiting and will definitely be going back there! read more

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Gross. Dirty. Packed. Trash everywhere. Just don't come. Also it's in a residential neighborhood so there are lots of speed traps and a school that will make it an annoying drive. Just don't come. read more

Very relaxing atmosphere. Water isnt very clean but everyone seemed to ignore that and enjoyed the water. Lots of famies out relaxing! read more

Apollo Beach Nature Preserve - Family Time At Apollo Beach - Beaches Near Me - Apollo Beach, Florida

Nice beach to spend with your pooch. Not a real sandy beach, but it's great....water was wonderful, people were dog lovers!!! read more

Apollo Beach Nature Preserve - My wife and our new member to family, Apollo Beach - Beaches Near Me - Apollo Beach, Florida

Very peaceful and pretty! We go for fishing mostly, so to get to our fishing spots, it's quite a track. I give it three stars instead of 4-5 because the 8 out of 10 times we've been there, the bathrooms are disgusting. There are only two and one is usually clogged. Also, there are no outdoor showers. Over all, if you're looking for a nice sunset or peaceful time on the water, this is the place. Just be careful on the rocks THE ARE RAZOR SHARP! All three of us have been cut by them! read more

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Sunday afternoon trip to the beach with our two dogs! It was easy to find. Plenty of people enjoying the beach, fishing, and walking their dogs. No entry fee so that was great! read more

Apollo Beach Nature Preserve - Beaches Near Me - Apollo Beach, Florida

Is an excellent beach if you have a dog, is really clean, is protected by Rocks around, my Dog love this beach, is not deep water, also at the entrance there is a cart where you can have dogs treat, dogs ice cream, love it!!! read more

Newly re-opened beach, that has been completely redone, new sand, new grass, some still planted and waiting to grow, and new amenities such as public restrooms. They are working hard to get this beach top quality and it is a great spot to fish, lay on the sand, watch the manatees, or just enjoy a relaxing day. Once parked the beach is just a short walk down the sidewalk. Nice smaller beach for this area, that should only continue to get better as time goes by and more gets added to it. read more

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This park has been around for years when I first moved to the area it was a beach great for fishing or swimming or just strolling around with the dog and collecting shells. Later they decided they wanted to add a pier and a viewing deck for birdwatching and so forth which eliminated the beaches and most of the fishing area due to the large rocks. Over the last couple years our community has been raising funds to dredge the beach again and return it to its previous glory days of a popular fishing spot for kiting,fishing, and shell collecting. So I am happy to say that I look forward to the reopening of the nature preserve and I am so grateful for all the hard work from neighbors friends and all those that helped take care of plants while they are being relocated and how the locals together as a community to reopen Apollo nature preserve reopening has been rescheduled from August for later this fall. read more

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It's cleaner than the first time we stopped by! Really small beach. Not dirty anymore (or at least when I went!) it's okay for dogs you can't take them off leash. I would give three stars buuuut I fish here occasionally and enjoy it. If you're looking for a more traditional beach this won't be for you. read more