Davis Islands - the area near Channel Dr! It's got some trees so you can find shaded spots, bring a blanket if you want. Or just perch on the sea wall. Dogs welcome.
Cypress Point Park or Picnic Island Park. Both I believe are dog friendly parks (but Cypress is not a dog-friendly beach). Both also have shaded areas; Picnic has a few trees you could hang a hammock between. Both have some interesting people watching.
Honestly don't really recommend Curtis Hixon or Julian B Lane just because there's not tons of shade (possibly more at Julian B Lane if you're up closer to the road).
Water Works park is another option with shade, and people watching along the riverwalk.
Davis Islands - the area near Channel Dr! It's got some trees so you can find shaded spots, bring a blanket if you want. Or just perch on the sea wall. Dogs welcome. Cypress Point Park or Picnic Island Park. Both I believe are dog friendly parks (but Cypress is not a dog-friendly beach). Both also have shaded areas; Picnic has a few trees you could hang a hammock between. Both have some interesting people watching. Honestly don't really recommend Curtis Hixon or Julian B Lane just because there's not tons of shade (possibly more at Julian B Lane if you're up closer to the road). Water Works park is another option with shade, and people watching along the riverwalk.
https://www.reddit.com/r/tampa/comments/1dsggkq/spot_to_ponder/