The 20 best summer bucket list things to do in Tampa Bay

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

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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