The 25 best things to do in Tampa Bay with an out-of-towner

Rent 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 fort and snack bar.
Photo via Top Water Kayak website

Learn 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 Derk Jeter’s former castle on Davis Islands. This is arguably one of the best tours to learn about cool Tampa homes.
Photo via Google Maps

Explore 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/Facebook

Take a tour of local breweries on the Tampa Brew Bus

Location varies, 813-990-7310
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 breweries such as Pour House or Tampa Bay Brewing Co.
Photo via Brew Bus/Instagram

Get 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 poolside cocktails at a swim up bar and white sand to dip your toes in. Throw down a little more for a white sand cabana and server.
Photo via Google Maps

Spend 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 insane. There’s waterslides, swim-up bars, sandy spots, and more.
Photo via Google Maps

Go 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 a canoe and kayak rentals, a lookout tower, and a great little boardwalk loop, so there’s almost zero chance of becoming a gator snack.
Photo via Hillsborough County website

Explore 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 Maps

Do a Serengeti Safari Tour at Busch Gardens

10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa, 813-884-4386
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 website

Swim 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/Instagram

Go 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 also new docks to launch from by the Armature Works food hall in Tampa Heights.
Photo via Urban Kai website

Visit 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 Maps

Take 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. Bonus points if you can shore a ghost tour at night.
Photo via Google Maps

Do a beach day at Gulfport’s severely underrated beach, 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 beaches for families. Best of all, you can practically park right next to the beach. Plus, take your sandy toes a few blocks down to O’Maddy’s for a quick bite.
Photo via MyGulfport website

Bar hop in downtown Dunedin

A Dunedin bar crawl with visits to Rosie’s Tavern and Flanagan’s Irish Pub can make for a good night for you and your out-of-towners. 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 Maps

Enjoy 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 Maps

Rent 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 website

Spend 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/Facebook

Get lunch at Armature Works and explore the River Walk

1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa, 813-250-3725
The picturesque food hall has a view of the Tampa skyline that can’t be beat. Afterwards, you can walk off your Bake N’ Babes “Sleazy Brownie” as you make your way through the Riverwalk trail.
Photo via Google Maps

Explore 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. The weekly street market—which runs seasonally—is your one-stop shop for supporting small businesses in the community.
Photo via Google Maps