Tampa Bay Vacation Guide: My Top Picks
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.
11. Lowry Park Zoo (now Zoo Tampa)
Tampa’s little zoo packs in a surprising number of interesting exhibits and annual events, including: Creatures of the Night (an annual Halloween spectacular), Christmas in the Wild (a holiday light spectacular), and Zoo Run Run (a fun 5k course that winds through the zoo and along the river). Safari Africa, my favorite exhibit, offers an up close glimpse of elephants, giraffes, and zebras in a setting that mimics their natural habitat. How cute is that baby elephant in the pic? We were lucky enough to see him many years ago. The zoo houses a number of endangered species including Bornean Orangutans and Okapi (a long time favorite of mine). This walkable zoo is clean, well-organized, and rated one of the number 1 family attractions in the Bay.
Tip: Purchase an annual membership – it will pay for itself in just a few visits. You will also receive free admission to holiday events which is a rarity at most zoos.
Address: 1101 W Sligh Ave.
12. Indian Rocks Beach
Indian Rocks Beach, located just a short drive from the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, has a major advantage over its’ neighbors: less crowds and less congestion! The quaint beach is the perfect escape as most of the tourists head to the more popular options in the area. This was my go-to beach as a local. I love everything about it – the lack of heavy commercialization, the big waves, the white sand. It’s so beautiful. I’ve also seen a manatee and seahorse up close while swimming – what an incredible experience!
Unlike the heavy commercialized touristy beaches, you will only find low-key resort and vacation rentals in this area. Looking for a caffeine boost before your visit? Head over to Indian Shores Coffee Company for an excellent Almond Mocha or Americano (this is my number 1 coffeehouse in the entire Bay region). After your morning joe, grab your chairs, umbrellas, and sunblock and head out for a relaxing day at the beach. Check out my full guide to exploring Indian Rocks for info on the best restaurants and attractions in this charming city.
Address: 1700 Gulf Blvd Indian Rocks Beach
13. John Chestnut Park
John Chestnut stands out as one of the metro’s best parks. This is my number 1 recommended park for new visitors. My first year living in Palm Harbor, this was my go-to park for 5k and half marathon training, wildlife watching, and relaxing. It’s the gem of Pinellas County. I love the boardwalk trails, views of Lake Tarpon, and prehistoric looking cypress swamps. I recommend planning a morning or evening stroll as you are bound to come across dozens of deer (we saw them almost every night) and the occasional armadillo and gator. Even on hot afternoons, you can find a shady escape here which is why it’s so great.
The main loop around the park is great for walks, bike rides, and runs. In addition, you will also find picnic shelters, a sand volleyball court, softball fields, and a large dog park. There is a lot to do here and I love it.
Address: 2200 E Lake Rd, Palm Harbor
14. Bayshore Blvd.
Tampa’s wonderful 4.5 mile long pedestrian path, the longest continuous sidewalk in the world, is the best place in the city to go for a relaxing weekend morning stroll, jog, or bike ride. Gorgeous views of the skyline and water make exercise a breeze. Many people see manatee or dolphins early in the morning, but I’ve had no luck. What I do enjoy is getting in a great workout while looking at beautiful homes, palm trees, and the beautiful bay. I also love the fitness stations along the course. I recommend planning your visit around sunrise for even more spectacular views.
Address: 312 Bayshore Blvd
15. Clearwater Beach
A visit to Florida’s Gulf Coast just isn’t complete until you have step foot upon the crystal smooth white sand of Clearwater Beach. The wide, sandy beach offers plenty of room to enjoy a summer’s day of swimming in the warm waters. Be sure to avoid noisy, crowded “impossible to find parking” weekend visits. I love this beach, but I don’t love the crowds, and thus, it wasn’t on my regular lineup.
The Pier 60 nightly sunset festival is a lively year-round celebration of arts, entertainment (free movies on the beach), and live music. They often show movies on the beach too which is cool (we saw The Goonies). Bonus – there are lots of fun tropical themed restaurants and bars to visit after your day of fun-in-the-sun. My favorite restaurant is Marina Cantina, a local Mexican restaurant overlooking the water.
Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater
16. A.L. Anderson Park
I frequently made daytrips to the Tarpon Springs area during my years living here. I really love this little preserve called A.L. Anderson. It’s really small and there is only a small nature trail. However, I have seen more alligators here than anywhere else. Seriously, I have seen dozens of gators (including many babies) everytime I have walked the boardwalk. Definitely put it on your to-do list if you want to see a gator out of the zoo.
Address: 39699 US Hwy 19 N
17. Anclote Island
This is a beautiful small island only accessible via boat which is part of its’ appeal. To reach this secluded gem without your own boat, you can book a cruise with Island Adventures. Not only did I have a blast shelling (this island is a hot spot for beachcombing), but I enjoyed the many dolphin sightings. Beautiful scenery, a great tour guide, lots of wildlife sightings, and amazing shelling easily made this the best cruise I’ve taken in The Bay thus far.
Address: 510 Dodecanese Blvd #2
18. Hyde Park Village
This quaint, open air shopping & dining destination in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood is a relaxing alternative to a stuffy, crowded indoor mall. I prefer to shop and dine outdoors when the weather is nice. I love the landscaping here – they did a great job although it can be really loud when they are mowing and blowing leaves in the mornings. You will find a great mix of restaurants and shops, both mainstream and local, cheap and upscale. My favorite attraction is Cinebistro – a luxury dine in movie theater. One of my favorite local coffee shops, Buddy Brew, is conveniently located here (I love their seasonal pumpkin drinks and their year-round biscuits). Another thing I love about this plaza is that they offer so many events throughout the year including a pumpkin festival, farmers markets, and a holiday lights extravaganza.
Address: 1602 W Snow Cir.
19. James E. Grey Preserve
Located off a quiet side street in New Port Richey, this preserve is the perfect escape 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. In fact, I’ve probably seen more turtles than people here. You will also find a 1/2 mile boardwalk trail with 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
20. Honeymoon Island State Park
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’s trail network.
Not only do they provide a glimpse into the natural scenery of Florida, but you may also see rare wildlife, including Osprey and Bald Eagles. We actually saw as osprey nest on our first visit. It’s a bit pricey ($8 per car for 2-8 people) compared to other beaches, but I loved swimming here, and also the beautiful trail system and wonderful birdwatching.
Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin
