Fun Things To Do Around Tampa
A few area interests:
1) Passe Grille Beach – 113 11th Ave, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Relax. Get barefoot! Pass-A-Grille brings out the adventurer in you. Beachcombing, boating, visiting quaint shops with plenty of dining options within steps of the beach. Bring plenty of quarters as parking can be a challenge and you may find you have to park and walk from a meter which only takes quarters located a few streets away. If you are lucky and arrive early you can purchase a parking pass from one of the many kiosks using a credit card from a meter much closer to the beach where I learned more about this instant w-2 generator.
2) Caladesi Island – Offshore Island Dunedin FL 34698
Natural island preserve. Known for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding.
3) 3 Sister Springs – 1502 S.E. Kings Bay Dr, Crystal River, FL 34429
Crystal clear water great for snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing. Popular place during the cooler months to view manatees.
4) Manatee Viewing Center – 6990 Dickman Road Apollo Beach, FL 33572 (just off Big Bend Rd exit)
Open November – March
5) John’s Pass Boardwalk – 12901 Gulf Blvd, St Petersburg, FL 33708
We like to go here and eat at Bubba Gumps on the deck overlooking the bridge/bay. Almost always see dolphins. Madiera Beach (or as the locals call it Mad Beach) is just across the road, look for small road signs that indicate there is public parking. While at John’s Pass be sure to visit the Alligator Attraction, you can train a gator and get a real hands on experience! Alligator Attraction
6) Clearwater Beach – 10 Pier 60 Dr, Clearwater, FL 33767
If you have small children or visitors with small children the pirate cruise is a fun afternoon, they keep the kids entertained with games and it’s an open bar for the adults! The Yellow boat/Sea Screamer is great for dolphin viewing.
Friday nights is vendor night on the beach, after watching the sunset you can stroll the pier to see what the locals have to sell. In the park there are blow up slides and a blow up movie screen. Be sure to visit the one directly on Clearwater Beach!
7) Frenchy’s Rockaway Grille – 7 Rockaway St, Clearwater, FL 33767
By far one of my favorite places to eat. Be sure to be seated on the outside deck near the railing, worth the wait. Must try the she crab soup, grouper tamales, and the grouper sandwich (not all at once:) Getting hungry just thinking about it!
8) Anna Maria Island Beach –100 South Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria, FL 34216
Worth the drive! Beautiful narrow beach great for dophin/manatee sighting, you can fish from the pier or walk to the end to visit the restaurant. Most days the restaurant has live music in the outdoor seating area. Good spot to find unusual shells, when in season it’s common to find starfish, sand dollars, and conch shells. Best finds are on the sandbar, be sure to bring a bucket and small shovel!
9) Siesta Key Beach – 948 Beach Road, Sarasota, FL 34242
Voted best FL beach year after year. Love this beach but it is crowded. parking is an issue, unless you arrive before 11 am or after 3 pm, so if arriving during peak hours just be patient and eventually a spot will open up. There is a snack bar, but most people bring a cooler and stay for the day. Lots of pro volleyball, baby soft white powder sand beach, and a young crowd.
10) Lido Beach – 700 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
One of my favorite weekend getaway destinations. The interior accessed rooms of the hotel are much nicer than the exterior accessed rooms and be sure to get an ocean front view. Beautiful private beach within walking distance to St Armand’s Circle.
I like this beach because it’s not crowded and it tends to have an older crowd (makes me feel young;)
11) St. Armands Circle – 948 Beach Road, Sarasota, FL 34242
Very romantic but also family friendly. I usually combine with our trip to Lido Beach. Lots of twinkle lights at night, small specialty shops, great restaurants and carriage rides are available. There is an ice cream shop that makes fresh fudge in front of you. Within walking distance to Lido Beach and most of the hotels offer a free shuttle.
12) Sarasota Marina Jacks – 2 Marina Plz, Sarasota, FL 34236
If you enjoy looking at beautiful boats this is the place to be. There is also a famous diner on the water. It was featured on Triple D. There is an island park, this is where they let off the fireworks for 4th of July. Great experience.
13) Tarpon Springs – Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Known for their sponge docks, small town feel with heavy Greek influence. Historical marina community with some great affordable restaurants on the water. If interested in taking a tour boats they have several to choose from.
14) Treetoppers – 27839 Saint Joe Rd, Dade City, FL 33525
15) Tree Umph! 21805 East State Road 70, Bradenton, FL 34202
Swing into action for a full day of play on 5 progressive courses with wobbly bridges, hanging nets, swinging logs, foot bridges, Tarzan ropes, ZIP lines and more! Set in an expansive park over 10 football fields in size, TreeUmph! Adventure Course is your destination for high-flying, obstacle-defying fun!
16) Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure – Florida Residence discount/Annual passes
17) Disney World – Florida Residence discount/Annual passes
18) Bush Gardens/Sea World/Aquatica – Florida Residence discount/Annual passes
19) IFLY – Indoor skydiving 10654 Palm River Rd, Tampa, FL 33619
