10 places along the water — with shade! — around Tampa Bay

Summer is here and it’s hot. Really hot.

But you don’t have to take a vacation from basking in the natural beauty of the area. Tampa Bay is rich with waterfront parks that have shade via trees or pavilions. Another bonus is that many don’t charge for parking.

We narrowed the list down to 10 favorites.

North Shore Park

It’s common to see folks kicking back in hammocks under the shade of palm trees at this downtown St. Petersburg park overlooking Tampa Bay. There is a beach here too, but purists don’t like swimming in Tampa Bay — and the city’s Park and Recreation website says to check water quality before even dipping a toe in. A paved path makes biking and skating easy, and you can’t beat the view. There is also a dog park and a shaded playground, so everyone’s happy. 901 North Shore Drive, St. Petersburg. 727-893-7441. stpeteparksrec.org.

Demens Landing Park

A few benches and three pavilions dot the waterfront at this downtown St. Petersburg park. There are also picnic tables and plenty of greenspace on which to lay on a blanket under a tree and enjoy the breeze. It’s home to the St. Petersburg Sailing Club so there’s a good chance of seeing sailboats out on the water. Plus there are boat ramps. Bayshore Drive and Second Avenue S.E., St. Petersburg. 727- 893-7441. stpeteparksrec.org.

Abercrombie Park

Tucked off St. Petersburg’s Park Street, the sweeping boughs of majestic trees form a canopy leading to the turquoise waters of Boca Ciega Bay. The scenery gives major fairy tale vibes, while the boardwalk path around an Indian mound sparks a sense of adventure. There are picnic tables in the shade (including one on a high perch) and benches along the sea wall and hollowed out trees you can sit on. Dogs are permitted and a local group often meets up there to let the pups frolic. The park may be rented for events. Park Street and 38th Avenue N., St. Petersburg. 727-893-7441. stpeteparksrec.org.

Lassing Park

There is also a beach at this park in St. Petersburg’s Old Northeast neighborhood, but it’s on Tampa Bay, so check the water quality first. The water is always soothing to look at, especially while luxuriating in a hammock or on a bench under the shady trees. And it’s a gorgeous backdrop to 14.2 acres of greenspace. Beach Drive S.E. and 18th Avenue S.E., St. Petersburg. 727-893-7441. stpeteparksrec.org.

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Maximo Park

Activity abounds at this St. Petersburg park. Located where Boca Ciega Bay joins Tampa Bay, there is a beach, seven boat ramps and shoreline fishing. The 70-acre park is also one of the city’s four archeological sites, with an Indian midden. With 16 shelters, it’s a popular place for gatherings. The playground is covered and there is a disc golf course, recreation trails and a covered observation tower. Sunshine Skyway Lane S. and Pinellas Point Drive S. 727-893-7441. stpeteparksrec.org.

Clam Bayou Nature Park

Get your nature fix at this Gulfport park formerly known as Osgood Point. It offers multiple water experiences, with the verdant mangroves and marshes of Clam Bayou Estuary and cerulean Boca Ciega Bay. Expect to see lots of critters on the winding boardwalks that land on views of the estuary; one of them has a gazebo. You can view Boca Ciega Bay from a bench where, on a recent visit, a flock of pelicans swam together while a heron looked on. There is a canoe/kayak launch here, too. 4099 34th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. mygulfport.us.

Boca Ciega Millennium Park

This Seminole park is on 186 acres with access to the Pinellas Trail. The main attraction is the 35-foot covered observation tower from which you get panoramic views of Boca Ciega Bay. There is a dog park, a quarter-mile nature trail (it’s recognized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation as part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, according to the county’s website) and has boardwalks. There’s also a mangrove swamp, salt marsh and wetlands. And there are seven shelters and a recently updated playground with shade. 12410 74th Ave. N., Seminole. pinellas.gov.

Philippe Park

According to the county’s website, this Safety Harbor park is the oldest in Pinellas County. It has rolling hills with canopies of trees giving lots of shade. Fishing is allowed, and there is a boat ramp. There are eight picnic shelters with grills and two playgrounds. It is also home to an Indian mound; the Temple Mound was built by Native Americans known as the Tocobaga. 2525 Philippe Parkway, Safety Harbor. pinellas.gov.

Edgewater Park

Smaller parks can be even more convenient for a quick respite and this one on Dunedin’s waterfront fits the bill. It’s next to the Dunedin Marina, and is perfect for boat watching. Shade comes from trees, a pavilion with picnic tables and a gazebo. Don’t take our word for it: It was a location in the Hallmark movie “A Taste of Love” starring Martin Kove (of ”The Karate Kid” and “Cobra Kai” fame) in 2021. 51 Main St., Dunedin. dunedingov.com.

Ballast Point Park

Catch sunrise or sunset at this South Tampa park that offers views of Hillsborough Bay and downtown. It has a fishing pier with covered areas and a boat ramp and dock. Cool down at the splash pad and let kids play at the sail-covered playground. Some shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis and some must be reserved; there’s a gazebo that can be reserved, too. Picnic tables are strategically placed under trees — just watch out for squirrels. 5300 Interbay Blvd., Tampa. tampa.gov.