Discover Temple Terrace
9 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Rotary Riverfront Park
Rotary Riverfront Park on the Hillsborough River offers riverside boardwalks, mangroves, boat launches and open lawns — good for water reflections, birdlife and sunset skies. Best at golden hour or early morning for soft light and fewer people. Easy street parking, wheelchair-accessible paths, no entry fee. Expect mosquitoes in warm months; bring insect repellent.
West River Preserve
Small riverside preserve with winding trails, river views, mangroves and birdlife — great for intimate landscape, waterscape and wildlife shots. Best at golden hours for warm reflections and long shadows; weekday mornings are quieter. Trail access and informal parking available off local streets; bring insect repellent and waterproof footwear after rain. No special permits for casual photography, but stay on paths and respect wildlife.
City Of Temple Terrace Linwood Park
Small riverside park on the Hillsborough River with shady live oaks, Spanish moss, boardwalks and calm water reflections — great for intimate landscape and waterscape shots. Best at golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm light and long reflections; weekday mornings are quiet. Easy street parking near the entrance, no fee, wheelchair-accessible paths in parts. Watch for mosquitoes and bring insect repellent. Seasonal bird activity and kayaks add action.
Scout Park
Small riverfront park on the Hillsborough River offering open lawns, boardwalks and river views — ideal for reflections, canoe/kayak activity and intimate urban-nature scenes. Free entry and on-site parking; easy access from W River Dr. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm side-light and mirrored water; weekday mornings and late afternoons have fewer people. Expect birds and occasional paddlers; no permit needed for casual photography.
Ben Lomond Park
Small riverside park on the Hillsborough River with winding trails, oak and cypress canopies, boat ramps and river bends—good for waterscape reflections, native birds and intimate landscape frames. Best at golden hour (sunrise for east light, sunset for warm highlights on oaks). Easy access with free parking along Ben Lomond Dr and at the lot; mostly flat, wheelchair-accessible paths. Weekday mornings are quiet; expect mosquitoes in summer and seasonal water-level changes.
Trapped from the Future:Escape Rooms
An escape-room venue with themed interior sets, moody lighting and a neon-lit storefront — great for storytelling, candid action shots of teams solving puzzles, and detail shots of props and locks. Best visited on weekday evenings for dramatic exterior light or booked private sessions to shoot interiors without crowds. Located in a small plaza with free parking; ask management for permission before shooting inside and be mindful of other guests.
Hillsborough river
A mixed urban–river corridor near USF offering calm river reflections, mangrove-lined banks, bridges and frequent waterfowl — great for intimate waterscape and nature shots close to the city. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and mirror reflections; weekday mornings are quieter. Trails and paved riverwalks are accessible; parking available in nearby visitor lots but check campus permits. Look for kayaks, anglers and student life to add context.
Hong Kong Willie's
Hong Kong Willie's is a casual, neon-lit seafood shack known for colorful signage and plate compositions — shoot exterior signage and diners for candid street-style images, plus close-ups of vibrant seafood platters. Best at dusk when neon contrasts sky; evenings offer lively atmosphere. Easy roadside parking; small interior so weekdays are less crowded. No entry fee but ask before photographing patrons.
Extended Stay America Select Suites- Tampa - North - USF - Attractions
A mid-range extended-stay hotel in suburban Temple Terrace near USF. Photograph clean, utilitarian exterior lines, lobby and suite interiors, pool area and nearby suburban streetscapes. Useful for travel-documentary, hotel-architecture, or lifestyle shoots. Best light: early morning or late afternoon for warm side-light on the facade; night shots capture lit windows and signage. Easy roadside access and free parking; no special entry requirements but ask front desk for interior permission for a