It’s that time of year when friends and family from the north start appearing in your house, and now it’s up to you to keep ’em busy. Well, no one’s gonna be bored on our watch, so here’s a few of our favorite ways to entertain out-of-towners in Tampa Bay.
Go walk the St. Pete Pier
The picturesque waterfront, vibrant greenery, restaurants and parks at St. Pete Pier make it the ultimate place to stroll, bike, dine, drink, shop, or swim. Try some craft beer or beach shack snacks at the bistro, play at the nearby Glazer Family Playground or relax at Spa Beach.
Visitors can also check out the The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center that has interactive displays, tours, and a touch tank.
Photo via Visit St. Pete/ClearwaterGo dolphin spotting on a Paradise Boat Tour
200 Bridge St., Bld. A, Bradenton Beach, 941-465-8624
A short drive over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Paradise Boat Tours is pretty much a guarantee to see a dolphin. Reservations are available and walk-ins are accepted.
Photo via Google MapsExplore Wat Mongkolratanaram Buddhist Temple’s Sunday morning market
5306 Palm River Rd., Tampa, 813-621-1669
This drive-thru market offers a variety of meals such as Pad Thai and shrimp fresh rolls that can be enjoyed at the temple’s picnic tables. Don’t skip the Thai tea either.
Photo via Wat Mongkolratanaram of Florida/FacebookCatch 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/FacebookZooTampa
1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa, 813-935-8552
ZooTampa is without a doubt a lowkey, local favorite, and it’s alsoa much cheaper option than heading to Busch Gardens. Visit the new stingray touch tank, ride some rides, checkout primates, big cats and marine animals, and stroll around with a beer and a pretzel.
Photo via ZooTampa/Facebook Credit: ZooTampaGo on a river cruise dinner with Craft
603 Channelside Dr., Tampa
Craft, a new river cruise experience in downtown Tampa, officially set sail last March. Billed as Tampa’s first dining river cruise, Craft was initially announced last September, and is essentially a two-hour European-style river cruise up the Hillsborough River, beginning from the Channel District at the StarShip dock adjacent to Sparkman Wharf. At 130-feet in length and featuring only 11-feet of air draft, the upscale dining ship is the largest commercial vessel currently on the Hillsborough, all while still being able to pass under five of the river’s lowest bridges.
Photo via Yacht Starship Dining Cruises Credit: Photo via Yacht Starship Dining CruisesVisit the Tampa History Center, and grab lunch at the Columbia Cafe
801 Water St., Tampa, 813-228-0097
If Tampa’s rich history riddled with tales of conquistadors, pirates, and shipwrecks gets your appetite going, stop by the adjacent cafe version of Florida’s oldest restaurant afterwards.
Photo via Google MapsGet lunch at Armature Works and explore the River Walk
1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa, 813-250-3725
Probably the best option if everyone in your group can’t decide on a restaurant. The picturesque food hall has a view of the Tampa skyline that can’t be beat. Afterwards, head down the Riverwalk trail or stop at the Waterworks Park playground.
Photo via Google MapsShop, dine and see a movie in Hyde Park Village
1602 W Snow Ave., Tampa, 813-254-6210
From high-class eateries (On Swann) to taco-fusion spots (Bartaco) and plenty of retail, this upscale shopping area will leave you with endless options of entertainment, and people watching.
Photo via Google MapsGet a day pass at the Don CeSar
3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, 844-388-1501
The “pink palace” awaits you and future tourists with a luxury private beach experience. A $75 day pass gives access to the heated pool and the adjacent bar and restaurant. Order cocktails at a swim up bar and enjoy the beach access. Throw down a little more for a white sand cabana and server.
Photo via Google MapsTake a tour of local breweries on the Tampa Brew Bus
Location varies, 813-990-7310
Brew Bus is probably the booziest thing you can do on this list. Public or private tours are available as part of this introduction to the local brewery scene. The routes can include stops at up to seven breweriesm such as Pour House or Tampa Bay Brewing Co.
Photo via Brew Bus/InstagramGo alligator watching at Lettuce Lake Park
6920 E Fletcher Ave., Tampa, 813-987-6204
This county park can give you easy access to some of Tampa’s best gator watching. There’s canoe and kayak rentals, a newly-remodled playground, a lookout tower, and a great little boardwalk loop, so there’s almost zero chance of becoming a gator snack.
Photo via Hillsborough County websiteRent kayaks at Fort DeSoto
3500 Pinellas Bayway S, St. Petersburg, 727-864-1991
Got a nature-oriented visitor? Spot manatees, jumping mullet and paddle through the waterways of this local-favorite county park. Afterwards, explore the nearby historic fort and snack bar.
Photo via Top Water Kayak websiteExplore downtown Safety Harbor or get a day pass to the historic Safety Harbor Resort
105 N Bayshore Dr., Safety Harbor, 727-726-1161
This historic Roaring ‘20s-era spa has everything you need to rejuvenate yourself before your night on the town. After taking a swim in their natural mineral spring head over to Crooked Thumb Brewery for live music and a taste of the extensive tap list.
Photo via Google MapsSpend a day at Lithia Springs
3932 Lithia Springs Rd. Lithia, 813-744-5572
The year-round natural spring is a great spot for family fun, even with trace amounts of lithium from nearby citrus farm fertilizer run-off. Barbecue for the afternoon while taking a dip in the consistently 72-degree water. Photo via Lithia Springs Park/FacebookDo a Serengeti Safari Tour at Busch Gardens
10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa, 813-884-4386
If you have guests that have already been to BG, this is a great way to mix it up. Become a “keeper for a day” and besides exploring 65-acres of safari preserve on the back of a truck, you can also learn how the zoo specialists of Busch Gardens care for the animals with behind-the-scenes access.
Photo via Busch Gardens Tampa websiteSwim with the mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs
6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, 352-610-5660
The Weeki Wachee mermaids are a one-of-a-kind attraction and a classic Florida tourist destination. Besides the must-see mermaid show, and the water park, be sure to take an on-site boat tour and learn about the history of the springs.
Photo via Weeki Wachee/InstagramLearn about the homes on Davis Islands on a Fun Boat Tour
333 S Franklin St., Tampa, 727-204-9787
What better way to sight-see around the Bay than by traveling on it. Bring your own booze, and float by historic homes on Davis Islands. This is arguably one of the best tours to learn about Tampa history and be out on the water.
Photo via Google MapsGo stand-up paddleboarding with Urban Kai
Multiple locations, 813-598-1634
Urban Kai has multiple locations, so you can choose whether or not to paddle the mangroves of St. Pete, or scoot along the bay and view the sights of downtown Tampa, either with or without a guide. There are docks to launch from by Armature Works in Tampa Heights.
Photo via Urban Kai websiteLearn how to care for dolphins at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, 727-441-1790
Clearwater Marine Aquarium isn’t just a fun half-day excursion to hangout with sea life, it’s also a world-renown rescue and rehabilitation center. You may remember the aquarium as the backdrop to Dolphin Tale 1 & 2.
Photo via Clearwater Marine AquariumRent a see-through canoe at Shell Key Preserve
1 Collany Rd., Tierra Verde, 727-265-2268
These literal see-through boats ensure you won’t miss a single creature that swims under you as you make your way through Shell Key. Take a guided tour through the mangrove tunnels and spot tons of local wildlife like manatees and dolphins.
Photo via Get Up and Go Kayaking websiteSpend a day at Epperson Lagoon
31885 Overpass Rd., Wesley Chapel, 813-444-5221
Probably the most Dubai-like thing in Tampa Bay, this 7-acre pool is truly insane. The passive lake-like pool features waterslides, swim-up bars, sandy spots, shallow areas for little kids, and more.
Photo via Google MapsTake an Ybor City walking tour
1601 E 7th Ave, Ybor City, 813-505-6779
Immerse yourself in the rich, immigrant-driven history of the historic Ybor City district by taking a walk through time. Stick around afterwards for lunch at TBBC, or catch a comedy show at Funny Bone.
Photo via Google MapsDo a beach day at Gulfport’s, and then grab lunch on Shore Blvd.
5730 Shore Blvd., Gulfport, 727-893-1068
With easy parking and nearby facilities, Gulfport Beach Recreation Area is arguably one of the best little beaches for families. Best of all, you can practically park right next to the sand (which is rare in Tampa Bay). Plus, take your sandy toes a few blocks down to O’Maddy’s for a quick bite.
Photo via MyGulfport websiteBar hop in downtown Dunedin
A Dunedin bar crawl is sort of a right of passage around here. For the lightweights of the group, make sure to stuff your face during a Dunedin Food Tour to make the pregame last. If you’re looking for live music, don’t look further than Dunedin Brewery, which almost always has a funky show that’s 100% free.
Photo via Google MapsEnjoy a bird’s eye view of Tampa Bay on a flyVenture tour
825 Severn Ave., Tampa, 844-359-8368
Florida sunsets already look good from the ground, but why not see it amongst the clouds? This helicopter adventure has packages that can take you over the city beaches and skyline. Find it at Davis Islands’ Peter O. Knight airport.
Photo via Google MapsExplore the Saturday Morning Market in St. Pete
100 1st St. SE, St. Petersburg, 727-455-4921
Housing the goods of local farmers, a variety of artisan food vendors, and many more global eats. This extremely popular weekly street market—which runs seasonally—is your one-stop shop for supporting small businesses in the community.
Photo via Google MapsDrink and sight-see on the PedalPub
1975 3rd Ave. S, St. Petersburg, 727-581-3388
Your weekend bar hop just got a lot more environmentally friendly. Sure, every car behind you will hate your guts, but their just jealous. The 15-person bike makes two-three stops at local bars and breweries on the tour, but BYOB is allowed and encouraged.
Photo via Google MapsCheck out the Florida Aquarium, and end the day at Sparkman’s Wharf
701 Channelside Dr., Tampa, 813-273-4000
Stingrays and Sparkman? Count me in. After your afternoon with marine life (and hoards of strollers), grab a bite from one of the many food stalls on the other end of Channelside.
Photo via Florida Aquarium/Facebook Credit: Photo via Florida Aquarium/FacebookShow ‘em the full tiki-hut experience at The Getaway
13090 Gandy Blvd. N, St. Petersburg, 727-317-5751
If it’s good enough for the luxury realtors of Netflix’s Selling Tampa to visit, it’s a must-have on your tour guide to-do list. Tropical cocktails and seafood staples can be enjoyed within this St. Pete hideaway. Bring your kids to play in the sand and splash around on their small beach.
Photo via Google Maps
