Places to visit around the Tampa area

Fred Howard Park – 1700 Sunset Dr, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Description – Park / Beach location with a beautiful drive to the beach location. This location is great for relaxing, enjoying the sun and entering the water for snorkeling, stand up paddle board or just wading. There is usually no waves here and the water is very shallow.

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks - 735 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Description – Tarpon Springs is a greek enclave and the culture of restaurants in the area reflects this. Many shops catering to the sponge harvest and greek culture up and down the street. This is a touristy area and prices reflect that as well.

Sand Key Park – 1060 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767

Description – Beach location with plenty of places to set your towel and enjoy the sun and water. To the north is a rock pier that lines a boat channel leading to the open ocean. You may find beach weddings happening here during the afternoon.

Parking Fees are $5+ for all day parking.

Honeymoon Island State Park – 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698

Description – Beach location with plenty of places to lay out and setup sun shades. This location is also unique in that it has a dog / pet beach that allows animals. The area for the dog beach is clearly defined and separate from the rest of the beach. There is also a private beach that can be accessed by ferry or private boats.

Parking Fees – You pay to enter the park. There is no additional parking fees.

Cypress Point Park – 5620 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607

Description – Beach / Park Location that is easily accessible just south of Tampa International Airport. On certain days the flight path of incoming jets will fly directly over the park. There are many pavilions that can be reserved for special occasions.

Parking Fees - $1.50'ish per hour for parking.

Ybor City Historical District – Tampa

Description – The historic district is a unique spot that has many different types of shops. Restaurants, gift shops, cigar factories that still hand roll cigars, movie theatres, clubs and bars. You will find many things to do all day long and on the weekends this is a very popular nightspot with many bars / clubs within walking distance of each other.

Armature Works - 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602

Description – Armature works is an old railroad service building that has been converted into a unique location that retained some of the unique character of its previous use. It is essentially an indoor food court / drink location that caters to every need. Many young urban professionals hang out here along with families and kids. A great place to hang out, meet friends and grab food / drinks.

Fort DeSoto Beach – St. Petersburg

Description – Beach location with an old fort and fishing pier. This location offers some beautiful beaches on the southernmost part of St. Petersburg.

St. Pete's Pier – 600 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Description – This location is a great spot to walk around and look at the pier. On certain days, vendors will be out selling their wares. This spot is a great location to walk and enjoy the scenery. Further inland there are plenty of shops and restaurants to check out and enjoy.

Vinoy Park / Museum - 701 Bayshore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Description – Park area with trees and grass lands. This is a good spot to bring your pet and walk around. There is a museum nearby with huge banyan trees to check out.

Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum – 605 11th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Description – This location is an outdoor botanical garden that features many of the native plants local to the area. Nearby is a beach featuring vollyball courts for those interested in playing.

John's Pass Park – 12774 FL-699, REDINGTN SHOR, FL 33708

Description – On the west side in the park is a beach location that features places to lay and enjoy the water and sun. To the east is a bunch of shops and restaurants including Hooters, Bubba Gump Shrimp and many local restaurants featuring gift shops, ice cream and much more.

Upham Beach / Secret Garden – 6850 Beach Plaza, St Pete Beach, FL 33706

Description = Upham beach is a great beach location in St. Petersburg. Unfortunately parking can sometimes be difficult to find on busy weekends. Best time to check this spot out is during the weekend when parking is plentiful. Secret Garden is a unique spot that is tended by residents in the condos behind it. The location was destroyed during Hurricane Milton in 2024 but the residents have been working hard to restore this location. To access Secret Garden, head toward the beach at Upham beach area then head north. The water will be on your left, condos on your right. You will see a grove of trees on the right

Coquina Beach – Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Description – One of Bradenton's most popular beach spots is Coquina. With white sandy beachs and ample public parking even during busy weekends, this is a great spot to hit the beach and enjoy the sun and water. On certain weekends, vendors will line up to sell their wares.

Siesta Key Beach – 948 Beach Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34242

Description – This beach features white sandy beaches that are markedly different from those in Clearwater / St. Petersburg area. The sand is much more fine and softer than other locations making it very unique. Often Siesta Key Beaches compete with Cleawater / St. Petersburg beaches for best in the country. You will find plenty of public parking at this location even on busy weekends.