Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in Florida
"There's lots more to do: stroll through Clearwater Beach, browse the different shops at Treasure Trove Mini Mall & Consignments, view the masterpieces at Stirlng Art Studios and Gallery, and explore the world behind art at The Ringling. To see photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Clearwater tour planner."
"Other good options are St. Pete Beach and Caladesi Island. Accessing St. Pete Beach involves finding a parking space, feeding a meter, and carrying all your gear to the beach. The payoff is sparkling clear water, and soft, white sand. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent, and playgrounds sit directly on the beach."
"Have breakfast at the Vinoy, then drive half an hour either to the lively St. Pete Beach or to the more isolated Fort De Soto Park. Have some fun in the sun before enjoying a sunset dinner at The Hurricane in St. Pete Beach. Stay the night at the Sirata Beach Resort."
"If you're vacationing in Tampa and are looking for a beach close by that offers powdery white sand for lounging, calm water for cooling off and shelters for picnics, then Davis Beach is for you. This is the closest beach to downtown Tampa and the locals' favorite tailgate spot. Davis offers ideal proximity to the airport for travelers who value efficiency."
"If you're vacationing in Tampa and are looking for a beach close-by that offers powdery white sand for lounging, calm water for cooling off and shelters for picnics, then Davis Beach is for you. This is the closest beach to downtown Tampa and the locals' favorite tailgate spot. Davis offers ideal proximity to the airport for travelers who value efficiency."
"If you like seafood and being by the water, customers say it doesn’t get much better than Circles Bar and Grill in Apollo Beach. This restaurant lies right on the Apollo Beach Marina and is Tampa’s premier Bayfront for all things good food and entertainment. It’s no wonder why this eatery is known as one of the best waterfront restaurants in Tampa bay."
"We went on this cruise for the Fourth of July and it was so amazing. Every single one of the staff members are just great, personable and made the whole ..."
"Located in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in all of Tampa—Hyde Park—this restaurant is not far from downtown Tampa. It offers Modern American cuisine in an upscale environment. If you are an adventurous foodie, then you’ll enjoy this local favorite. Try the sous vide lobster, oxtail poutine, cornmeal crusted fried quail or one of the artisanal cheese platters."
"Spend the morning fishing on the Skyway Bridge or shopping in Downtown St. Petersburg. While in Downtown, visit the Salvador Dalí Museum, intriguing both inside and out. Catch an evening baseball game with the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, with the required dinner of ballpark hot dogs and cold beers. Alternatively, enjoy seafood and waterfront views at 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House, within walking distance of The Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club, where you should stay for the night."
"Looming across the entrance to Tampa Bay is the four-mile-long Sunshine Skyway Bridge, connecting St. Petersburg to Manatee County on I-275. The bridge was built in the 1980s after the original bridge collapsed after being hit by a freighter during a storm. For a toll of only $1.50, it’s worth the ride to see this architectural wonder and get a high view of Tampa Bay."
"Zoe Vera and her daughter Emily Macias opened their brightly colored ice cream and sweets shop in May in Seminole Heights. Inspired by the frequent trips to get ice cream with her mother and grandmother, Beatriz Perez, Macias said she envisioned the business as a “happy place for people” to be with their friends and families. “I’ve always wanted to do something to make people happy,” she said."
"Each cupcake is made fresh and topped with edible mermaid tails. Sea Maids Creamery also has a delicious assortment of sweet treats, like ice cream, milkshakes, and brookies."