20 socially distant things to do in Tampa Bay when it's hot AF outside

Head to the springs

In or within driving distance of Tampa Bay Click here for more info
Florida has many gorgeous natural springs within driving distance of Tampa Bay. Click on the link above for a comprehensive list of 20 nearby springs including Weeki Wachee, Blue Springs and Wekiwa Springs.

Photo via State Park Website

Tampa Bay History Center

801 Water St., Tampa Click here for more info
For a good time in the air conditioning, the Tampa Bay Historic Center includes exhibits that cover natiive inhabitants, Spanish conquistadors and other figures that shaped the area. After a $2 reduction in price, adult tickets are now $12.95.

Photo via Tampa Bay History Center/Website

Sulphur Springs Pool

701 E. Bird St., Tampa, (813) 931-2156 Click here for more info
Sulphur Springs pool offers four 25-square-foot lap lanes, a splash pad and multiple water slides. The adjacent park also offers picnic tables and a view of the Hillsborough River.

Photo via City of Tampa/Flickr

Caladesi Island State Park

1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin, (727) 469-5918 Click here for more info
Caladesi State Park is located on one of a few untouched islands along the Gulf of Mexico. It is a popular location for kayak and canoeing ventures. Costs begin at $2 per kayak and $6 per boat.

Photo via Florida State Park/Website

The Tampa Museum of Art

120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, (813) 274-8130 Click here for more info
The Tampa Museum of Art houses a diverse set of modern and contemporary work from artists around the world.

Photo via Tampa Museum of Art Facebook

Adventure island

10001 McKinley Dr., Tampa Click here for more info
Adventure Island is a Tampa Bay 30-acre water park known for its large slides. To halt the spread of coronavirus, the park has implemented some safety procedures including COVID-19 training for employees and increased cleaning and sanitation routines. For entry, temperature checks will be required and must be below 100.4 degrees. Face coverings are not permitted on the rides but they are required in certain areas like the park entrance and retail spaces. Single-day adult tickets start at $50.99.

Photo via Adventure Island/Facebook

Epperson Lagoon

31885 Overpass Rd., Wesley Chapel, (813) 527-0775 Click here for more info
Epperson Lagoon is a seven-acre man made lagoon in Wesley Chapel. Equipped with an obstacle course, swim-up bar, beach area, big screen TV viewing and clear water, Epperson Lagoon is one of a kind. An adult day pass starts at $24.99 with kayak and paddleboard rentals stating at $10.

Photo via Epperson Lagoon/Website

Childs Park Pool

1227 43rd St. S., St. Petersburg, (727) 893-7730 Click here for more info
This St. Pete pool offers a shaded picnic area, wading pool, swimming lanes, a diving area and a flume slide. Admission for children up to 12-years-old is $1 and it is $2 for anyone older.

Photo via St. Pete Parks and Recreation/Website

Urban Kai

310 W. 7th Ave. No. 5404, Tampa, (813) 598-1634 Click here for more info
Urban Kai is a paddleboard shop in Tampa Bay, which offers classes, events and adventure tours. Classes and tours can be purchased online.

Photo via Urban Kai/Website

Don Cesar

3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, (727) 360-1881 Click here for more info
The Don Cesar is a luxury hotel with a private beach and pool in St. Pete. Day passes are available for purchase starting at $40, which grant's patrons access to the hotel’s facilities for a day.

Photo via Don Cesar/Website

Fort DeSoto Park

3500 Pinellas Bayway S., St. Petersburg, (727) 582-2267 Click here for more info
Fort De Soto is the largest park in Pinellas County and is made up of five islands. With three miles of waterfront, there are many options for guests wishing to get in the cool water. The 1,136-acre park has 238 site family campgrounds , two piers, floating docks for boat access, canoe and kayak rentals, a 6.8-mile recreational trail, pavilions with grills and of course, a historic fort. When on the premises, guests must social distance in an effort to halt the spread of coronavirus.

Photo via Visit St. Pete/Clearwater/Facebook

The Florida Aquarium

701 Channelside Dr., Tampa Click here for more info
The Florida Aquarium is a 250,000 square-foot aquarium located in the heart of Tampa Bay. The layout takes visitors from fresh-water springs to the Gulf of Mexico. Exhibits include a simulated beach, simulated wetlands and a 500,000 gallon coral reef. In alignment with city mandates and CDC guidelines, all guests must wear masks for entry. Additionally, hourly capacity is limited to enable social distancing. Required online reservations start at $28.95 for an adult ticket.

Photo via The Florida Aquarium/Facebook

The Dalí Museum

1 Dalí Blvd., St. Petersburg, (727) 823-3767 Click here for more info
The Dalí Museum houses rare, surrealist paintings and sculptures from world renowned artist Salvador Dalí. Upon reopening the museum implemented many safety precautions including mandatory face masks, temperature checks and touch-free payments. Adult tickets are available for $25 and must be purchased online.

Photo via The Dali Museum/Website

Go camping on a beach near Tampa Bay

Within driving distance of Tampa Bay Click here for more info
Tampa Bay and its surrounding area has many places where campers can set up by the beach. Click the link above for a comprehensive list of such camping spots.

Photo via State Park Website

Chassahowitzka

8600 W. Miss Maggie Dr., Homosassa, (352) 382-2200 Click here for more info
The Chassahowitzka River Campground is a popular place for Florida residents and tourists alike to find shelter from the sun. Rent a kayak for $25 and take it up river. Social distances is recommended between all guests and boat rentals are cleaned in between each use.

Photo via Chassahowitzka/Website

Walter Fuller Park

27883 26th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, (727) 893-7636 Click here for more info
The Walter Fuller Pool is a family friendly public pool in St. Pete, which includes a picnic area, diving area, a wading pool and a flume slide. To halt the spread of coronavirus, play pools remain closed, and phone reservations are required for entry. Swimming lanes will be limited to one person unless the lane is being shared by immediate family members.

Photo via St. Pete Parks and Recreation/Website

Weeki Wachee River State Park

6131 Commercial Wy., Spring Hill, (352) 592-5656 Click here for more info
While guests cannot see mermaids at Weeki Wachee State Park, visitors can rent kayaks and take them along the 12 mile river. Kayak rentals start at $40.

Photo via Florida State Park/Website

South Tampa YMCA

4411 S. Himes Ave., Tampa, (813) 839-0210 Click here for more info
South Tampa’s YMCA features a pool, gym, basketball court, soccer field and more. When indoors, face masks are required and social distancing is required in all areas in accordance with local mandates and CDC guidelines.

Photo via Tampa Area YMCA/Facebook

Take a scenic drive

In or near Tampa Bay Click here for more info
Take refuge in your car by voyaging on one of Tampa Bay’s many scenic drives. Above is a list of 24 scenic drives in or within driving distance of Tampa Bay.

Photo via Luis Santana for Visit Florida

Roy Jenkins Pool

154 Columbia Dr., Tampa, (813) 250-3355 Click here for more info
Roy Jenkins Pool is located on Davis Island and offers five lap lanes, starting blocks and swim up benches. Social distancing is recommended in accordance with CDC guidelines and local mandates.

Photo via Yelp