From scalloping, to late night old-school ice cream shops, Tampa Bay is full of unique adventures to keep ya cool this summer. Though some of you may think the summer months are a drag in the Sunshine State, we disagree. So here are a few must-dos for the next few months. 

Ride the new attractions at Adventure Island 10001 McKinley Dr. Tampa, 813-884-4386 Last spring, Adventure Island opened two new waterslides, Wahoo Remix and Rapids Racer, but there’s also fresh stuff for the kiddos. New this year is Shaka-Laka Shores, which is a toddler-friendly zone featuring “more than two dozen playful elements, a variety of interactive aquatic components, all within a zero-depth area,” says the park. Photo via Busch Gardens/Facebook
Get the day pass to a local resort Named as one of the best cities for ‘pool-lovers’ in 2022, quite a few Tampa Bay hotels offer unique pools and views, for a daily price without staying overnight. From The Sarasota Modern to The Saint Hotel in St. Pete, guests can choose a pool day for any wallet. Photo via Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa/Facebook
Get a scenic workout kayaking through a mangrove tunnel at Shell Key 1 Collany Rd., Tierra Verde, 727-265-2268 Located near St. Pete, Get Up and Go’s clear kayak tours offer views of local wildlife and while floating around in a crystal-clear boat. In the summer, kayakers can look out for manatees, pink Roseate spoonbills and dolphins. Shell Key Preserve also offers a glow tour, a nighttime kayak tour featuring color-changing LED’s lighting up the water beneath your clear kayak. Photo via Get Up And Go/website
Take the ferry to Egmont Key State Park from Fort DeSoto 170 Johns Pass Boardwalk, Madeira Beach, 727–393-1947 Egmont Key State Park invites visitors to explore its large nature preserve and Fort Dade, a large fort dating back to the Spanish-American War that covers expansive areas of the island. With unique opportunities for shelling, swimming and snorkeling, there’s an adventure for everyone. The ferry takes only an hour from dock to dock, offering over three hours to explore the park. Photo via Hubbard’s Marina/Facebook
Go scalloping Scalloping is basically THE most Florida thing you can do, and for most Gulf Coast counties, the season begins July 15. Spend your day snorkeling thes shallows, grabbing and bagging scallops, and when you’re done, reward yourself with a fresh dinner that you harvested. Pro Tip: Just pay the guy at the dock to clean ’em for ya. Photo via FWC/Facebook
Ride the SunRunner to the beach for free Pinellas County’s SunRunner is offering free transportation from ‘Beach to ‘Burg’ all summer. Buses arrive every 15 minutes with stops ranging from Downtown St. Pete to St. Pete Beach. With their own set stops and bus lanes, the SunRunner allows beachgoers a break from the heat and hassles of parking. Photo via
Take a guided tour of the Dalí 1 Dali Blvd., 727-823-3767 Called the “Artist’s Museum,” the Dalí celebrates the life and work of Salvador Dalí, and is home to one of the most acclaimed collections of a single modern artist in the world. Featuring exhibits working with AI and virtual reality, the museum is a unique trip into the history and art of Salvador Dalí. Photo via The Dali Museum/Facebook
​​See the Ray’s play at Tropicana before its gone 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg, 888-326-7297 Tropicana Field features one of the last non-retractable domes in baseball, allowing for a break from the summer heat, with some tickets starting at only $10. Talks of a new stadium for the Ray’s are in the works, and who knows if they’ll stay in St. Pete, so your days are numbered to see the team play at the Trop. Photo via Tropicana Field/Facebook
See the Summer Nights Spectacular at Busch Gardens 10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa, 813-884-4386 It’s that time of the year when our local theme park is open well after dark. Busch Gardens’ annual Summer Nights Spectacular is once again lighting up the sky every Friday and Saturday night for the summer. Starting at 9 p.m., fireworks will dazzle the sky with a perfect closing to a busy day. Plus, from now until July 20, free beer is back! Photo via Busch Gardens/Facebook
Spend a day at the Florida Aquarium 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa, 813-273-4000 Dive into Florida’s Aquarium. Featuring over seven different habitats and hundreds of exhibits, as well as a splash pad for the kiddos, the Florida Aquarium offers a break from the sun in an immersive experience sure to entertain the whole family. Just get there early and avoid the weekend crowds. Photo via The Florida Aquarium/Facebook
Ride the Pirate Water Taxi to Rick’s on the River for oysters (813) 223-7999 The six-fleet Pirate Water Taxi company offers trips along the Hillsborough River, with stops at many of Tampa’s best local attractions. Start the day at the Florida Aquarium and disembark at Rick’s on the River, where you can shake off your sea legs with fresh, local oysters and cold beer. Photo via Pirate Water Taxi/Facebook
Float down one of our nearby natural springs Beat the heat in one of Tampa’s many natural springs. A few of the best spots for tossing a tube in the river are within a short drive from Tampa Bay. From Weeki Wachee to Rainbow Springs to Chassahowitzka, there are plenty of unique features to experience. Just be warned, floating Weeki Wachee typically requires an RSVP at least a week out. But you just gotta get up early and beat the crowds at Rainbow River and The Chaz. Check the link above for more options. Photo via Adobe

Catch a show at the Tampa Theatre

711 N Franklin St., Tampa, 813-274-8286
One of Tampa’s premier historic landmarks, the Tampa Theatre isn’t t just a beautiful building that escaped a wrecking ball in the ’70s, it’s also a fantastic spot to get out of the heat and catch a flick or a live show. Check the schedule to see everything from first-run films, classic movies, stand-up comedy, live podcasts, and everything in between.
Photo via Tampa Theatre/Facebook
Spend a day at the St. Pete Pier 600 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, 727-822-7437 St. Pete Pier offers more than just views. With a variety of restaurants, museum and art exhibits, the Spa Beach, and a massive playground and splash pad for kids, there is something for everyone. Photo via St. Pete Pier/Facebook
Visit a truly beachside restaurant Not every restaurant can provide delicious meals with true beachside views. Whether you’re looking to take a break from the sun, or dinner while watching the sunset, CL has picked out its favorite restaurant that are truly on the beach. Photo via Caddy’s/Instagram
Drink your way through Tampa Bay on the Brew Bus 813-990-7310 Drink your way through Tampa Bay without worrying about getting from one brewery to the next. The Brew Bus offers air-conditioned bus tours through Tampa breweries, and also sells uts own beers on the way. Offering a break from the heat, and a fun day traveling and drinking with friends, the Brew Bus is a great way to explore the city. Photo via The Brew Bus/Facebook
See a night game at the Clearwater Threshers 601 N Old Coachman Rd., Clearwater, 727-712-4300 Catch a nighttime baseball game in Clearwater with the Clearwater Threshers. The minor league team is often running events and promotions through the summer so make sure to catch a game. Photo via Clearwater Threshers/Facebook
Visit one of Tampa’s OG ice cream shops Nothing hits harder than a scoop of ice cream after a long summer day, and its even better when it’s from a Tampa classic. Old-timey ice cream is calling your name this summer, whether you’re in the mood to visit a pastel colored ‘50s themed ice cream shop like Dairy Rich Creamery, or you’re more in the mood for a mom-and-pop vibe from Strachan’s. Photo via Strachan’s/Facebook
Pick berries and drink wine at Keel Farms 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City, 813-752-9100 Explore Keel Farms U-Pick farms and wineries. Take a tour of the farm and visit the animals, while learning about their day-to-day operations, and get a taste of it for yourself in their wine tastings. Photo via Keel Farms/Instagram
Spend an evening on one of Tampa Bay’s best rooftop patios Explore the Tampa skyline from a new perspective from visiting some of the best rooftop patios that Tampa Bay has to offer. If you’re looking for beachside views, check out Jimmy’s On the Edge in Clearwater, or you could watch the sunset over St. Petersburg at Cane and Barrel. Photo via Cane and Barrel/Instagram