Cotson Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cotson Park is a beautiful natural park located in the state of Florida.


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Summary

The park is situated in the city of Clearwater which is known for its amazing beaches and crystal-clear waters. There are plenty of reasons to visit this park as it offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.

One of the main attractions of Cotson Park is the stunning beach that stretches out for miles. This beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the beautiful scenery. There are also plenty of facilities available at the park including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.

Another point of interest in Cotson Park is the nature trails that wind through the park. These trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore the beautiful flora and fauna of the area. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Interesting facts about the park include the fact that it was once owned by a wealthy businessman named James E. Cotson. He donated the land to the city of Clearwater in 1967 so that it could be used as a recreational park for the community. The park is also home to a number of historical landmarks including the historic Belleview Biltmore Hotel.

The best time of year to visit Cotson Park is in the winter months when the weather is mild and sunny. This is also the peak season for visitors to the park so it is important to book accommodations in advance. However, the park is open year-round and offers a variety of activities and attractions no matter what time of year you visit.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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