Top ten things to do in Tampa Bay, Florida

When watching Chris Pirillo’s video, the Top Ten Things to Do in Florida, I knew I had to do such a list specific for Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay consists of the counties in west central Florida that surround, or are near, the bay and the Gulf of Mexico. I am a native of this area, and despite the ungodly humidity, I think it is the best place to live in America! Here are some great things to do when visiting the area:

(1) Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is an award-winning beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida with plenty of public beach space and many restaurants and clubs. There also numerous resorts and residences along Clearwater Beach. Such movies as the comedy “Summer Rental” where filmed at Clearwater Beach.

(2) Sponge Docks – Tarpon Springs

Want to visit Greece for the day? Head on over to Tarpon Springs, my home town, and visit the Sponge Docks to experience Greek culture and food at its best. Learn about the historic sponge diving industry…be sure to take home some fresh sponges!

(3) Fishing / Boating

There are all kinds of fishing and boating opportunities in Tampa Bay. You can go out on a deep sea fishing boat, hire a fishing captain to take you on a more private fishing tour, or even just rent some jet skis and have fun around the bay.

(4) Don Cesar Beach Resort and Spa

Dubbed as “Florida’s Pink Castle” the Don Cesar, built in 1928, is a famous historic resort at St. Pete Beach. You don’t have to cough up the high dollar hotel fee to visit, you can just go for the day and visit one of their great restaurants or just give yourself a tour around the main floor of this historic building. You just might run into someone famous.

(5) Busch Gardens / Adventure Island

No need to travel to Orlando to experience top-quality theme parks. Busch Gardens boats some of the best roller coasters in the country, as well as a zoo experience you will not forget. Adventure Island, the water park sister of Busch Gardens, is a great place to cool off.

(6) Ybor City / Columbia Restaurant

Want the full nightlife experience in a historic setting? Try Ybor City, great nightclubs and restaurants with a Mediterranean feel. Like cigars? Ybor City was home to some of the best cigar factories, and still has some great cigar stores. Visit the world famous Columbia Restaurant where you can eat some of the best Spanish food in America. Their Cuban bread is to die for!

(7) Professional Sporting Event

Tampa Bay is home to the one time Super Bowl Champions The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Stanley Cup Champions Tampa Lightning Hockey Team, and the Rays (formerly Devil Rays) Baseball team that made it to the play offs last year. Depending on the time of year, you can catch one of these excellent teams playing in one of our very comfortable and modern venues.

(8) Salvador Dali Museum

Visit The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg where you can see the famous works of Salvador Dali, a truly unique and interesting artist. His work can be incredibly mind-boggling.

(9) Downtown Dunedin

While you may feel like you are in Greece in Tarpon Springs, you will feel like you have been transported to Scotland when visiting famous downtown Dunedin. Home to great restaurants, breweries, and Scottish culture (don’t be surprised to hear bagpipes playing), you will surely enjoy your visit to this locally known landmark city.

(10) Fort De Soto Park

Located at southern tip of St. Petersburg, Fort De Soto Park is home to an award winning beach and historic Civil War landmarks. The historic relics you will find at Fort De Soto were used to defend Tampa Bay from the Union Forces. You can also enjoy some great fishing at Fort De Soto Park.

No matter what you decide to do, you will surely have a good time when visiting Tampa Bay. There is truly something for everybody!

**Fellow native @stephaniedobies contributed to this blog post.