Nestled between Tampa and Clearwater, the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail offers a stunning 9.5-mile path that provides breathtaking views of Tampa Bay. From biking and fishing to wildlife encounters and fascinating history, the Causeway promises a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Join us as we unveil the beauty of this scenic trail and the recreational opportunities it has to offer.
Explore the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail, a 9.5-mile scenic route connecting Tampa and Clearwater with stunning views of landmarks such as Cypress Point Park and Ben T. Davis Beach .
Enjoy recreational activities like biking, fishing, wildlife observation and more while admiring the bridge’s preservation efforts for restoring Tampa Bay’s habitat & water quality
Visit on weekdays during less busy seasons to ensure a safe & enjoyable experience
The Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail, a well-kept 9.5-mile scenic route, connects Tampa and Clearwater, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of Tampa Bay. As the longest stretch of trail over water in the nation, the Causeway Trail is completely isolated from other areas, boasting wide medians, barriers, and bike bridges. With designated pull-outs for taking in the view, the trail provides an ideal setting for cycling, walking, jogging, trekking, and bird and wildlife observation.
A 45-foot-high bridge near the midpoint offers spectacular views of landmarks such as:
the Tampa International Airport control tower
downtown Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg
Tropicanna Field
the Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Though the trail can be quite noisy near the highway, it provides a very pleasant ride overall along the scenic trail. Expect to encounter wind, a significant element to consider in your visit planning.
The trail offers stunning views of Old Tampa Bay, ending at Clearwater Beach, a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Along the way, you’ll encounter notable landmarks such as Cypress Point Park, Skyway Park, and Ben T. Davis Beach. For a complete experience of the scenic route, starting halfway over the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail and heading towards Clearwater Beach is advised.
The Bayview area, located just south of the Causeway on the Pinellas side, is home to the original settlement homes and offers stunning views of Old Tampa Bay. Cooper’s Point, a preservation area, preserves much of the northwest portion of the causeway, allowing visitors to experience the Tampa Bay area as it was during Odet Philippe’s era.
You can easily access the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail from two points: Cypress Point Park in Tampa and the intersection of Gulf to Bay Blvd. and S. Bayshore Blvd. in Clearwater. Parking is available at Ben T. Davis Beach on the east end of the trail. Additionally, free parking is offered at Cypress Point Park and Skyway Park. While there are no parking fees for the Causeway Trail access points, except for Ben T. Davis Beach, accessible handicap parking is available at the east end of the trail, at Ben T. Davis Beach in Tampa.
Keep in mind that the parking lots at Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail operate from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. Plan your visit accordingly to ensure you have ample time to enjoy the trail and its surroundings.
The trails connected to the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail are Skyway Park at the south end and Ben T. Davis Beach at the north end. These connections provide access to a variety of attractions, including Cigar City Brewing, International Plaza and Bay Street, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Walt Disney World. Moreover, visitors can appreciate the stunning views of Tampa Bay along the trail. For those interested in exploring this beautiful area, checking out Courtney Campbell Trail reviews can be helpful in planning your visit.
Popular attractions in the vicinity of the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail include:
Bowling Ball House
Folly Farms
Whimzeyland
Ice Barr
Croc Encounters
Gigglewaters
With so many nearby attractions, visitors can easily plan a day full of adventure and discovery.
Constructed in 1934 by Ben T. Davis, the Davis Causeway, also known as the Courtney Campbell Causeway, was built to connect central Pinellas County and Tampa. With a reported cost of $900,000, the Causeway opened on June 28, 1934, shortening the journey between Clearwater and Tampa. Davis, a direct descendant of President Jefferson Davis of the Confederacy, worked tirelessly on the Causeway from 1927 to 1934 when his company had no other dredging work to do.
During its construction, several challenges were encountered, including:
Addressing water quality problems
Finding cost-effective and environmentally sound ways to store dredged material
Guaranteeing the stability and safety of the bridge structure
When the Causeway opened, the fee for a car and driver was 25 cents.
Today, the Courtney Campbell Causeway remains a tribute to the determination and vision of its creator and continues to be a beloved recreational spot for locals and tourists.
The Courtney Campbell Causeway provides a restricted access to natural predators, creating an environmental sanctuary for a variety of bird species. The Causeway hosts a wide variety of wildlife, including:
Brown Pelicans
Ospreys
Sandwich Terns
Royal Terns
Laughing Gulls
Herring Gulls
Ring-billed Gulls
All of these species can be seen throughout the year, with extra species appearing in the winter months.
Tampa Bay is the biggest open water estuary in Florida. At high tide, it covers a total area of 398 square miles. The Courtney Campbell Causeway has undertaken specific measures to safeguard the environment and water quality, including the elimination of a section of the causeway to aid in the restoration of water quality and habitat in Tampa Bay, executed by the Florida Department of Transportation. Through these preservation efforts, the Causeway continues to be a haven for nature enthusiasts and a vital part of the Tampa Bay ecosystem.
While traversing the Causeway, one can encounter various marine life, including fish, crabs, and other aquatic creatures. The northern shoreline of the Causeway serves as a haven for birds, providing a form of barrier from potential predators. Tri-colored heron, Snowy egret, Little Blue heron, Great Blue heron, Great egret, American oystercatcher, and Yellow-crowned night-heron are known to nest in the safeguarded regions of the Causeway.
The winter months are the most opportune times of the year to observe different bird species along the Courtney Campbell Causeway. In particular, mornings and evenings are prime times for birdwatching, as these are the periods when birds are most active. So, grab your binoculars and venture out to discover the diverse avian population that calls the Causeway home.
The western half of the Causeway is part of the Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve, as designated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Measures implemented to preserve the environment around Courtney Campbell Causeway include clean-up activities, improvement projects centered on the environment, and initiatives to conserve water resources. The Hillsborough Trash Free Waters Program encourages community residents to be vigilant in safeguarding the waterways in the vicinity.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection works diligently to sustain the water quality in the Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve through the following actions:
Conducting water quality checks
Implementing rules to prevent harm to seagrass
Conducting studies and restoration projects to improve the preserve’s overall health
By protecting the environment and water quality, the Courtney Campbell Causeway remains a vital and thriving ecosystem for both wildlife and visitors to enjoy.
The Causeway provides a selection of recreational activities, such as biking, fishing, and wildlife encounters. The optimal biking route on the Courtney Campbell Causeway is the Courtney Campbell Trail, stretching for 9.5 miles along the south side of the causeway and offering a picturesque and pleasurable biking experience. Biking is permitted on the Causeway, and the Courtney Campbell Trail offers pedestrian and bicycle access along the southern side of the causeway.
Anglers will find opportunities to catch a range of fish, including:
Hammerheads
Jack Crevalle
Redfish
Several types of sharks such as bull, blacktip, tiger, and hammerhead sharks
Boat ramps are accessible on the Courtney Campbell Causeway, with ramps located on the north side of the Causeway in Hillsborough County and at 12030 Courtney Campbell West in Clearwater, FL. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the regulations and restrictions for fishing on the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail before casting your line.
Experience the thrill of biking on the longest over-water fill in the US, with breathtaking views and a well-maintained bike trail. The Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail provides a safe and enjoyable biking experience, with designated pull-outs for taking in the view and safety measures implemented for bikers, including the enforcement of Florida bicycle laws and safety tips such as wearing a helmet and checking the bike’s condition.
While biking on the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail, you might find interest in places like Davis Beach, Cypress Point Park, and Skyway Park. Along the way, you’ll find amenities such as restrooms and eateries to cater to your needs. Just remember to bring sunscreen, water, and snacks to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
Ideal fishing spots on the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail include Safety Harbor Pier and Upper Tampa Bay Regional Park. As mentioned earlier, boat ramps can be found on the north side of the Causeway in Hillsborough County and at 12030 Courtney Campbell West in Clearwater, FL. These locations provide easy access for anglers eager to cast their lines and reel in a variety of fish species.
Before you embark on your fishing adventure, be sure to familiarize yourself with the regulations and restrictions for fishing on the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail. By adhering to these rules, you’ll contribute to the preservation of the area’s natural resources and ensure a sustainable and enjoyable fishing experience for all.
For a safe and enjoyable visit to the Courtney Campbell Causeway, it’s necessary to:
Check for hot and humid weather conditions before your trip
Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks to stay hydrated and protected from the sun
In case of emergencies, first aid facilities are available at the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail.
To avoid crowds, the best time to visit the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail is on weekdays, particularly during the less busy seasons like fall and spring. By avoiding weekends and peak tourist times, you can enjoy a more tranquil and gratifying experience on this picturesque trail.
The Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, history, and recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. From biking and fishing to wildlife encounters and environmental preservation, the Causeway provides a unique experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, pack your sunscreen, grab your binoculars, and set out to explore the wonders of this scenic trail across Tampa Bay.
The Courtney Campbell Causeway trail is 9.5 miles long and features two bridges offering stunning views.
The Courtney Campbell Causeway is named in honor of Clearwater Beach resident, U.S. Representative and Florida Road Board member Courtney W. Campbell, who worked to secure funding for repairs and beautification projects along the Davis Causeway in 1948.
To park for Courtney Campbell trail, head to Ben T. Davis Beach, located at 7740 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway in Tampa. Here, you can begin your ride or enjoy a short trail run.
You can fish off either side of the Courtney Campbell Causeway, with popular catches including snook, redfish and tarpon. It's well-lit, making it easy to spot your bait and catch fish.
Yes, you can walk on the Courtney Campbell Causeway. It is an 8' to 12' wide paved path providing joggers, cyclists and skaters seeking sunshine, breezes and panoramic views of Upper Tampa Bay with a safe passage between Clearwater and Tampa.
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