From new thrill rides, to berry season, and spring hopping, Tampa Bay is full of cool summer activities. Here are a few things to do and places to go in and around Tampa Bay before the summer’s over.
Visit the new Arts and Crafts museum
355 4th St. N, St. Petersburg. 727-440-4859
Dedicated to the American Arts and Crafts movement, St. Pete’s new museum showcases stunning architecture and incredible works of art in the downtown waterfront district. The five-story building features 40,000 square feet of gallery space alongside private dining rooms, a graphic studio, outdoor green space and more. General admission is $25, and if you haven’t figured it out, arts & crafts is way, way, way more than your local Michaels store, people. Photo via Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement/websiteScream your lungs out on Iron Gwazi
10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa. 813-884-4386
Busch Gardens’ new addition claims the title as North America’s tallest and world’s fastest and steepest hybrid roller coaster. The crocodile-inspired ride reaches 76 mph as it plunges its riders from its 206-foot peak.
Photo via Busch Gardens/websitePick berries and drink wine at Keel Farms
5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City. 813-752-9100
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes trolley ride tour that explores Keel Farms’ scenic landscape and winery. Each ticket costs $10 and includes a glass of wine, beer or cider.
Photo via Keel Farms/websiteIchetucknee Springs State Park
12087 SW U.S. Highway 27, Fort White, (386) 497-4690, starting at $6 per vehicle
Known best for its warm weather tubing experience, the Ichetucknee River also offers canoeing, kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing and eight major springs that join together to create the 6-mile river run. Although no camping is offered on site, River Run campground, Ichetucknee Family Canoe and Cabins, and Ichetucknee Springs campground.
Photo via Ichetucknee State ParkClimb the lookout tower and spot some gators at Lettuce Lake
6920 E Fletcher Ave., Tampa. 813-987-6204
Open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. during the summer, this Hillsborough County park features a hardwood swamp forest, picnic and playground areas, a 1.25-mile paved exercise trail and 3,500-foot boardwalk with a scenic lookout tower. Expect a $2 entrance fee per vehicle.Photo via Hillsborough County/websiteGet a scenic workout kayaking through a mangrove tunnel at Shell Key
1 Collany Rd., Tierra Verde. 727-265-2268
Book a two-hour clear kayak tour at Shell Key Preserve for picturesque views and wildlife spotting. Tickets cost $64 for adults and $54 for ages 11 and under.Photo via Get Up and Go Kayaking/GoogleEmbark on a walking Dunedin Food Tour
221 Main St., Dunedin. 813-310-4401
This walking food tour visits Dunedin’s favorite independent eateries and craft breweries across town for a true cultural experience. The three-hour tour costs $85, including food and drinks, and hosts up to 12 people. Photo via Tampa Bay Food Tours/websiteBe “that guy” on the PedalPub
1975 3rd Ave. S, St. Petersburg. 727-581-3388
Perfect for birthday parties, bachelorettes or friends in town, the PedalPub is a one-of-a-kind experience that tours the city of St. Pete while pedaling, drinking and singing. You can book an individual seat or the entire bike online and must be 21+.Photo via PedalPub/websiteRide the Pirate Taxi to Rick’s on The River for oysters
333 S Franklin St., Tampa. 813-223-7999
Hop on and off the Pirate Taxi to tour Downtown Tampa’s restaurants, museums, parks and attractions, hitting nearly 90 spots altogether. An all-day wristband to get on the boat costs $25 for adults and $15 for children. Photo via Pirate Water Taxi/FacebookSee the Rays play at Tropicana before they leave for good
1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg. 1-800-326-7297
With relocation rumors circulating the franchise for over a decade, the Tampa Bay Rays are expected to make a decision regarding the future of the baseball team before its lease to play at Tropicana Field expires in 2027. Make sure to catch a game this season, it could be your last chance to see them play in St. Pete.
Photo via CityofStPete/Flickr Credit: CityofStPete/FlickrFind Tampa Bay’s best rooftop patio
Tampa Bay offers a variety of bars and restaurants from up high. From St. Pete Beach’s 360 to Tampa’s M. Bird to Clearwater Beach’s Jimmy’s Crows Nest, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a drink with a beach or skyline view.
Photo via M. Bird/FacebookGet tatted at Dave Bautista’s DC Society Ink
1108 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. 386-256-2076
WWE and Marvel Studios superstar Dave Bautista opened a tattoo shop in South Tampa earlier this year. The shop currently has seven artists and takes online reservations via its website.
Photo via DC Society Ink/InstagramVisit a truly beachside restaurant
Where else than Tampa Bay can you enjoy a cold beer and cheeseburger while sticking your toes in the sand? From waterfront bars to tiki huts, there are plenty of nearby food spots with direct access to the salty water.
Photo via Caddy’s Treasure Island/Facebook Credit: Photo via Caddy’s Treasure IslandFloat down the Weeki Wachee river
6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. 352-610-5660
Featuring a cool natural spring, five waterslides, dancing mermaids and more, Weeki Wachee is a full day adventure. Weeki offers a variety of fresh water activities and rentals, so make sure to check out its website before planning your visit.
Photo via Weeki Wachee Springs State Park/FacebookExplore Fairgrounds St. Pete
800 28th St. S, St. Petersburg.
St. Pete’s indoor (read: air conditioning) museum offers an immersive experience that features a variety of art and technology. The museum is only open Thursday through Sunday and general admission costs $27.
Photo via Photo by Dave DeckerStay at Ybor City’s “Friends”-themed Airbnb
This two-bedroom, two-bathroom Airbnb is completely dedicated to the popular ‘90s sitcom, including tons of replica items and memorabilia. Rental begins at $270 per night.
Photo via Airbnb/websiteDrink your way through Tampa Bay on the Brew Bus
4005 W Spruce St., Tampa. 813-990-7310
Board the Brew Bus and take a day’s trip to local breweries throughout Tampa Bay. From craft beer enthusiasts to newcomers, this experience welcomes all and sells its own branded beers aboard the ride. Buses can be booked both publicly or privately and drinks are not included. Photo via Brew Bus Tours/Instagram2D Cafe
2105 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-329-9008
Downtown St. Pete’s innovative two-dimensional cafe serves breakfast bites, sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages. The cartoon-inspired spot opened on April 8 and is the first of its kind in the area.
Photo via 2D Cafe/InstagramTake the ferry to Egmont Key State Park from Fort Desoto
3500 Pinellas Bayway S, St. Petersburg. 727-393-1947
Hey Gilligan, this 5-hour tour takes you on a scenic ride to Egmont Key, where you can spot dolphins, snorkel, find seashells and soak in the sun. This family-friendly ferry seats up to 49 passengers and costs $40 for adults and $20 for ages 3-11. Photo via Tampa Bay Ferry to Shell Key by Hubbard’s Marina/GoogleHike the treetop canopy at Myakka River State Park
13208 SR-72, Sarasota. 941-361-6511
From fishing to horseback riding to boat tours, this scenic park is full of adventures just waiting to happen. Visit for the day or make camping reservations to stay overnight. Vehicles will be charged $6 to enter.
Photo via Florida State Parks/website
