50 Fun Things to do in the Tampa Bay Area

19. James E. Grey Preserve

Located off a quiet side street in New Port Richey, James E. Grey Preserve provides the perfect setting to take a short break from the cluster and traffic. The 2 mile nature trail provides some of the best opportunities in the area for wildlife sightings. It’s not uncommon to see a gopher tortoise walking right alongside the trail. Additionally, a 1/2 mile boardwalk provides scenic views of the Pithlachascotee River and the opportunity for manatee sightings. Also be on the lookout for armadillos – have your camera ready, they are quick!

This hidden rural gem is a must for any nature enthusiast, bird watcher (it’s part of the Great Florida Birding Trail), and anyone seeking a peaceful escape amongst the suburban congestion.

Address: Plathe Road, New Port Richey, FL

20. Honeymoon Island State Park

Although, in my opinion, far from the best beach in the area, Honeymoon Island provides a spectacular setting for sunsets. Bring your camera, a few beach chairs, and enjoy the dramatic drop in crowds (everyone seems to leave by early evening) as you take in a gorgeous Gulf Coast sunset. If you want to cool down and escape the crowds for a while, be sure to take a hike along the island trails. Not only do they provide a glimpse into the natural scenery of Florida, but they also provide you with the opportunity to see various forms of rare wildlife, including Osprey and Bald Eagles.

Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698

21. Eureka Springs Preserve

Another great preserve, Eureka Springs was at one point a botanical garden. Although this park is very small, it’s quite beautiful and well worth a visit by any plant and bird lovers. Highlights include a seasonal rose garden, an orchid room, and boardwalk trails through floodplain forests of cypress and maples. Also the park is home to the largest publicly owned collection of ferns in Florida

Address: 6400 Eureka Springs Rd, Tampa, FL 33610

22. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

Another great park in New Port Richey, Jay B. Starkey, offers miles and miles of hiking trails, a wonderful 6 mile out-and-back biking trail (also great for half marathon training), with unending views of beautiful pine forests and plenty of opportunities for wildlife photography. Part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, it’s a real treat for birdwatchers, with over 150 species seen within the park’s 800 acres.

Tip: If visiting this park in summer, be prepared for the intense hiking conditions. Many new visitors underestimate how much harder hiking is in hot & humid conditions. As mentioned, I use a quality hiking backpack with a built in water hydration pack to ensure I’m hydrated whenever doing any type of lengthy outdoor activity in Florida. The first time I went out on this trail with a single water bottle and also got lost, I thought I would pass out from dehydration. This great backpack also has tons of extra pockets for storing Florida essentials like sunblock, lip balm, and anything else you may need.

Address: 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34655

23. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Tampa’s casino is now the 6th largest in the world. 10 great restaurants, including Tampa’s only Hard Rock Cafe and an excellent buffet called Fresh Harvest are amongst the choices available. Update: the buffet is now closed. A large poker room, over 5000 slots, and over 100 table games place the Hard Rock on the list of top 10 largest US casinos (it comes in at number 4!).

The contemporary hotel features plenty of Rock N’ Roll memorabilia, a pool with an underwater stereo system, and a program that allows guests to check out guitars. A fun place to stay for both tourists and locals, and an easy road trip from many other areas in Florida make Tampa’s Hard Rock Hotel a top choice for a quick weekend destination. The proximity to many other great local attractions (the hotel is only 4 miles from Busch Gardens and 5 from historic Y-bor city) make it a desirable vacation destination for tourists).

Address:  5223 N Orient Road, Tampa, FL 33610

24. Pass-a-Grille Beach

Pass-a-Grille beach is located on the southern end of St. Pete Beach. This is a more laid-back beach with less commercialization, thus appealing to those who are looking for a more relaxing beach experience. You will experience the same great views and pretty white sand as you would at St. Pete Beach, minus the crowds! It’s a great place for sunsets and photography. The dunes, wooden boardwalk, and fishing pier provide plenty of opportunities for great photos. From the beach, you can walk to several local restaurants and shops in Pass-A-Grille village.

Address: 113 11th Ave, St Pete Beach, FL 33706

25. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

What used to be a small zoo is now a beautiful 245 acre park with 6 miles of hiking trails. At Boyd Hill, every hike is unique due to the many different ecosystems found within the park (sand pine scrub, hardwood hammock, willow marsh, pine flatwoods, swamp woodlands, and lake). Not only does this lead to numerous great photography opportunities, it also allows diverse wildlife to call Boyd Hill home. Gopher tortoises, alligators, armadillos, over 50 butterfly species, and 100’s of species of bird can be spotted on and near the trails.

The best way to take in all the beauty, while also learning about the history of the preserve, is to take a guided tram ride around the park. Volunteers will guide you around the park while pointing out all different types of plants and wildlife, some which you might not have noticed on your own. Boyd Hill is a great quiet escape from the city. Plan at least half a day to explore this wonderful St. Petersburg gem.

Tip: If you plan on hiking all the trails (which you should as they are all diverse & beautiful), you will need plenty of water. One bottle will not cut it, so consider a camelbak, which is a handy waterback which can basically be used for any outdoor activities.

Address: 1101 Country Club Way South St. Petersburg, Florida 33705