Things to see and do in Violet Cury Preserve, Florida

Violet Cury Preserve: A Hidden Natural Escape in Tampa

Tucked quietly into the northern edge of Tampa, Violet Cury Preserve is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. It’s not a big, flashy park. It doesn’t have theme rides, souvenir shops, or massive crowds. What it does have is something increasingly rare in urban Florida: unspoiled nature, peaceful trails, and the chance to step off the grid without leaving town.

This park is close to our home.  We take our dogs for a hike here most weekends.

Located off of Sinclair Hills Road, Violet Cury Preserve covers roughly 160 acres of protected land. The preserve is managed by Hillsborough County's Conservation and Environmental Lands Management department, and it was named in honor of Violet Cury, a longtime local environmentalist who championed preservation and outdoor access.

At its heart, Violet Cury Preserve is all about the experience of being outdoors—no distractions, no frills, just nature at its purest. The preserve is home to over seven miles of hiking trails, winding through pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, and open meadows and past Flynn Lake. These trails aren’t paved or overly manicured, which is part of their charm.

 You might see a gopher tortoise cross your path. That’s the point.

The trails are well-marked and easy to navigate, with loop options that let you choose your own pace and distance. Some are shaded under towering trees; others open up into wildflower-dotted clearings. 

Wildlife is a big part of the draw. The preserve is a haven for native birds, butterflies, armadillos, and other Florida critters. It’s a favorite spot for birdwatchers, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. You might catch a glimpse of a red-shouldered hawk soaring overhead or a barred owl perched quietly in the trees.

One standout feature of Violet Cury Preserve is its accessibility and quietness despite its location in a busy metro area. Within minutes of exiting I-275 or Fletcher Avenue, you can be in a peaceful, shaded forest, listening to the wind in the leaves and the crunch of trail underfoot. It’s a reminder of the natural beauty that still exists just beyond the noise of everyday life.

The preserve is open to the public year-round and is dog-friendly, as long as your pet is leashed and respectful of the wildlife. There are no restrooms or water fountains, so come prepared. That said, the low-key vibe is part of the charm—it feels like you’ve found a little wilderness pocket right in the middle of the suburbs.

In a city known for its urban growth and traffic, Violet Cury Preserve offers a necessary pause. It’s not about entertainment. It’s about reconnection—with nature, with quiet, and maybe even with yourself. If you're looking to clear your head, stretch your legs, or just escape the digital world for an hour or two, Violet Cury delivers—no crowds, no stress, just nature.

Thinking of visiting? Viator offers numerous tours in Florida.  Click here for details. vi.me/0yyUX

For more information on wineries, distilleries, and craft breweries in the area visit https://flbwd.com 

Entrance to Violet Cury Preserve

Flynn Lake in the Violet Cury Preserve

Pond in the Violet Cury Preserve

Florida Gopher Tortoise in it's burrow.

Mallard ducks on Flynn Lake