20 Ways to Cool Down During the Hot, Humid Tampa Summer Season (besides the beach!)
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
When the temp soars past 90 on a daily basis, with sunny skies and intense humidity to boot, it can be difficult to enjoy the summer season on Florida’s Gulf coast. While beaches are always a go-to option, the waters are quite warm this time of the year. In fact, temps often rise well past the 90 degree mark! Not really a day of “fun-in-the-sun” if you ask me! Finding ways to get out of the house, without overheating, can be quite a challenge feat this time of year, especially if you love the outdoors! Fortunately, I have discovered more than a few ways to cool down during the hot season in Tampa (which unfortunately last way beyond the summer months!). After 3 summers of dealing with the heat, I have found some ways around merely surviving the season.
Instead of basking in the sun, consider incorporating a few of the fun ideas suggested in my guide. From air-conditioned indoor attractions, to covered boat rides, to creamy cool treats, to local food and drinks, there’s plenty of fun to be had if you know where to look.
1. See a movie at the historic Tampa theater
Summer is the perfect time to plan a visit to what the BBC has declared as “one of the top 10 most beautiful cinemas in the world.” This historic masterpiece has been a part of the Tampa community since 1926. The Mediterranean architecture is gorgeous. Most stunning of all, is the gorgeous domed ceiling which resembles a twinkling night sky. The romantic ambiance places this theater near the top of the list for date night destinations.
During the summer season, the theater runs a classic movies series. What better way to cool off then sit in a beautiful air-conditioned building for a few hours while enjoying nostalgic classics on the big screen (the way they were meant to be seen)? My favorite shows I’ve seen here have been Dirty Dancing & The Breakfast Club, 2 of my 80’s favorites. Oh, and no need to eat before you arrive. All sorts of tasty snacks and beverages including beer & wine, local bakery treats, delicious popcorn, coffee and tea, and of course, candy are available!
2. Treat yourself to a massage
Getting a massage is a great way to relax, repair your muscles, and de-stress. After weeks of battling the heat, nothing could be more relaxing than a soothing massage in a nice air-conditioned setting. Even better is a super affordable massage. Affordable luxury can be found at Essentials Day Spa, tucked away in a little strip mall in Palm Harbor, a relaxed suburb of North Pinellas County. Massages are priced under 100 bucks, with special deals during the week. And, if you are looking for a few hours of pure bliss, consider adding a facial, a detoxifying body wrap, or a pineapple body exfoliant treatment.
Another great affordable massage is located within the Westfield Countryside Mall. Ultimate Relaxation offers chair, table, & reflexology massage. Chair massages start at 10 bucks for 10 min, and reflexology starts at $30 for 30 min. The staff are very skilled at what they do. This is a wonderful option for anyone who likes a lot of pressure and deep tissue work!
3. Indulge in healthy fare with a Hawaiian twist at Ohana Cafe
Update: Ohana Cafe has merged with its’ sister restaurant, Ohana Fresh. The new cafe is located in downtown Palm Harbor.
Ohana Cafe is my to-go choice for healthy breakfast fare in Pinellas County. This cute local establishment serves up the most delicious healthy morning fare including fruit filled smoothies, acai bowls, and veggie filled omelets. They offer plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian selections including the tastiest plant-based pancakes, topped with a decadent macadamia nut butter.
Start with the Tutu Berry Banana smoothie featuring strawberries, bananas, flax, and dates. What a wonderful cool treat for the summer! If you are craving something savory, consider the very veggie omelet. Their local fair trade house coffee is delicious too, so no need to hit the Starbucks drive-thru. The entrees are presented beautifully with fresh tropical fruit. The design is minimalistic with an attractive airy tropical theme. Hands down, Ohana is the most relaxing place to enjoy a long, leisurely weekend brunch.
4. Go under the sea at the Florida Aquarium
The best time to explore The Florida Aquarium is during the hot summer months. Step inside the massive 200,000 square foot facility and enjoy a few relaxing hours in the dim, cool setting. There’s something special about stepping from the bright blinding hot sunlight into a nice cool aquarium on the hottest of summer days.
Here you can get up close and personal with over 9000 exotic forms of marine life. Unique features include a jellyfish touch experience, a dragons down under exhibit featuring seahorses and relatives, a colorful 500,000 gallon coral reef exhibit, and a massive shark tank.
5. Cool off with a frozen yogurt
Not surprisingly, there are no shortage of ice cream and yogurt shops across Tampa. While ice cream is the standard summer treat, self-serve yogurt bars have been gaining popularity in recent years. Frozen yogurt is a bit healthier due to the lower fat content and also easier to digest due to the natural presence of probiotics and live cultures. Anyone who cannot tolerate a lot of dairy may want to give froyo a try!
Menchies is one of the best of the bunch. Here you can mix and match from an assortment of 10 creative yogurt flavors and top your bowl with all sorts of tempting toppings, from cookie dough bites, to sprinkles, to chocolate chips and hot fudge. They always offer one vegan and low sugar option. Conveniently, Menchies operates a number of locations across the Bay, so a cool treat is always just a short drive away.
