Coastal Trails & Tower Views: Exploring Anclote Gulf Park & Key Vista with Simba 🐾🌊🌲
Hey everyone! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, and this week Simba and I set out to explore one of Florida’s best-kept coastal secrets — the beautiful, breezy trail loop that connects Anclote Gulf Park and Key Vista Nature Park in Holiday, FL.
If you're looking for an easy, dog-friendly trail that combines Gulf of Mexico views, forest paths, wildlife, and even a scenic observation tower, this one’s for you. It’s a perfect low-key adventure if you're RVing the west coast of Florida or just want a relaxing hike with your pup.
Trail: Anclote Gulf Park & Key Vista Park Loop
Distance: ~2.5 miles (loop trail across both parks)
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Boardwalks, crushed shell paths, shady forest trails, coastal overlooks
Dog-Friendly: 100% yes — Simba gave it two paws up!
✔️ Peaceful waterfront paths at Anclote Gulf Park
✔️ Boardwalks over tidal areas and wetlands
✔️ Dense shaded oak and pine forest in Key Vista
✔️ A wooden observation tower with panoramic Gulf views
✔️ Wildlife spotting — birds, crabs, and butterflies galore
And the best part? It’s never too crowded, so it feels like your own little slice of Florida paradise.
🌊 Cool coastal breezes that kept him refreshed
👃 So many great smells in the shaded forest section
🐾 Room to roam — the wide trails were easy for walking
👀 He was mesmerized by the views from the observation tower
This trail is flat and gentle, which made it a great mid-day outing in between longer hikes on our RV journey.
💧 Bring water — especially if it’s warm or sunny
🦴 No dog bowls or fountains, so come prepared
🌞 Mid-morning or sunset are ideal for cooler temps and prettier lighting
📷 Don’t skip the observation tower — it’s a short climb and totally worth the view!
In our latest video, we take you along the full loop, show off the trails, views, and even Simba’s windblown ears at the tower summit. It’s one of those relaxing, feel-good hikes that leaves you (and your dog) recharged.
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📲 Follow us on Instagram, YouTube & more → @lifeonpawsandwheels
✔️ Dog-approved — lots of shade and stimulation
✔️ Coastal views + forest walks = the best of both worlds
✔️ A great Florida detour for nature lovers and road trippers
Thanks for tagging along as we explored this hidden gem on Florida’s west coast! Whether you’re in the area for a beach vacation, RV stopover, or local adventure, the Anclote-Key Vista loop is a perfect, pup-friendly way to connect with nature.
Until next time — happy trails, ocean air, and wagging tails! 🐾🌊🌴
If you're looking for an easy, dog-friendly trail that combines Gulf of Mexico views, forest paths, wildlife, and even a scenic observation tower, this one’s for you. It’s a perfect low-key adventure if you're RVing the west coast of Florida or just want a relaxing hike with your pup.
🗺️ Trail Overview
Location: Holiday, Florida – Pasco CountyTrail: Anclote Gulf Park & Key Vista Park Loop
Distance: ~2.5 miles (loop trail across both parks)
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Boardwalks, crushed shell paths, shady forest trails, coastal overlooks
Dog-Friendly: 100% yes — Simba gave it two paws up!
🌴 What Makes This Loop Special
This hike is the perfect blend of coastal breeze and quiet forest, with lots of variety packed into just a couple of miles. Here’s what you can expect:✔️ Peaceful waterfront paths at Anclote Gulf Park
✔️ Boardwalks over tidal areas and wetlands
✔️ Dense shaded oak and pine forest in Key Vista
✔️ A wooden observation tower with panoramic Gulf views
✔️ Wildlife spotting — birds, crabs, and butterflies galore
And the best part? It’s never too crowded, so it feels like your own little slice of Florida paradise.
🐶 Simba’s Favorite Trail Moments
Simba absolutely loved this loop — here are a few reasons why:🌊 Cool coastal breezes that kept him refreshed
👃 So many great smells in the shaded forest section
🐾 Room to roam — the wide trails were easy for walking
👀 He was mesmerized by the views from the observation tower
This trail is flat and gentle, which made it a great mid-day outing in between longer hikes on our RV journey.
🧭 Tips for Visiting with Your Pup
🐕 Leash required at all times💧 Bring water — especially if it’s warm or sunny
🦴 No dog bowls or fountains, so come prepared
🌞 Mid-morning or sunset are ideal for cooler temps and prettier lighting
📷 Don’t skip the observation tower — it’s a short climb and totally worth the view!
🚐 RV Travel Note
While these parks don’t offer RV camping, there are several RV-friendly campgrounds nearby in Pasco and Pinellas counties. We used this loop as a day hike from a local RV park, and parking at Anclote Gulf Park had enough space for larger vehicles or tow-behind setups.🎥 Watch Our Hike
In our latest video, we take you along the full loop, show off the trails, views, and even Simba’s windblown ears at the tower summit. It’s one of those relaxing, feel-good hikes that leaves you (and your dog) recharged.
🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos featuring trails, parks, RV travel, and life with Simba the Adventure Pup
📲 Follow us on Instagram, YouTube & more → @lifeonpawsandwheels
Why We Loved This Hike
✔️ Easy, breezy, and beautiful✔️ Dog-approved — lots of shade and stimulation
✔️ Coastal views + forest walks = the best of both worlds
✔️ A great Florida detour for nature lovers and road trippers
Thanks for tagging along as we explored this hidden gem on Florida’s west coast! Whether you’re in the area for a beach vacation, RV stopover, or local adventure, the Anclote-Key Vista loop is a perfect, pup-friendly way to connect with nature.
Until next time — happy trails, ocean air, and wagging tails! 🐾🌊🌴
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