Last Updated At: 22-Mar-2024
Are you planning a trip to the Sunshine State? If you are, do check out the tourist spots near Tampa. The Lightning Capital of the World rests along the Gulf Coast of Florida and is deemed popular for beautiful beaches and nature reserves around its periphery.
Yes, the spots within the city are indeed a delight to visit. However, the spots around the city are worth your time as well. And you don’t have to worry about the time. Most of them are a two-hour drive away. Not only can you revitalise your mind, but you can also bask in the sun at some of the best places around Tampa.
Tampa is a city famous for numerous things, such as Florida’s largest port, the longest sidewalk, the most haunted sites, a gigantic ship museum, and much more. However, this is not it. If you step outside, there are several remarkable things to do near Tampa. Let’s read ahead and find out what they are!
If you are up for a serene spot outside the hustle and bustle of the city, Silver Springs State Park is the spot-on match. The glass-bottom boat is the most fascinating thing about Silver Springs State Park. You can book a glass-bottom boat tour and witness the beauty of underwater wildlife and wilderness from the bottom of the boat.
There can be a crowd on the boat. You can avoid it by booking a special kayak tour for a better experience. The 4000-acre park is the home to the Silver River, which has over 30 springs in the upper part of the river. To calm your mind, you can take the trails. The 2.3-mile Spring Trail takes you through the open and lush green pine forest and oak hammock. If this is not enough, you can take the Swamp Trail, Creek Trail, etc., to find peace outside the city.
If you are not a beach person, then the Hillsborough River State Park is one of the best Weekend getaways close to Tampa. The best thing about the park is that it is the closest spot near Tampa. With four natural hiking trails, the park offers its visitors enough greenery to trigger the Dopamine level in your body.
The calming river of the park refreshes your senses as soon as you gaze at it. If you like water activities, the park provides you the facility to kayak, canoe, or fish. You may also spot some iconic Florida alligators near the river. Make sure you mind your distance from them. The trails measure a total of seven miles and have a lot of natural habitats and wildlife. So, do pack your binoculars to observe them. The outdoor swimming pool and camping facilities are another plus for the visitors.
When discussing tourist spots near Tampa, how can we forget The Clearwater Aquarium? This mesmerising underwater world offers an exotic journey among various species of marine animals. It’s a rehab tourist destination for different aquatic creatures that were rescued and provided expert care and help. The very foundation of this aquarium was laid to educate the locals about marine life.
Located just north of Clearwater Memorial Causeway, Florida, it offers over 15 animal habitats and guest experience areas. This Life Rescue Center houses a dolphin legacy tributing an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin named Winter. You can take a boat tour that teaches the visitors about the local wild dolphin population.
Caladesi Island Park is worth every effort if you are ready to cover some extra miles to witness an unforeseen magical spot. But the catch is that the island state park is only accessible by passenger ferry or other boats. This area is located on the northern tip of Clearwater Beach. It showcases extensive flora, including enormous oaks, pine trees, tropical mangroves, and palms. You can go to places to visit near Tampa, but still, Caladesi’s beauty is unmatchable.
Your to-do list of things to do near Tampa shall be ticked in one go here. It has it all: amenities, concession stands, kayaking, hiking, paddling, swimming, and whatnot. When in Caladesi, you are flooded with adventurous options. The list is endless - from grabbing a spot for a picnic and overnight boat camping to visiting the Great Florida Birding Trail and Historic Scharrer Homestead.
If you want to give your partner a surprise on the weekend, pack a blanket and lunch and take them to Bok Tower Gardens. Ranking among the top Tampa nearby attractions, Bok Tower Gardens are filled with breathtaking and blooming seasonal plants. Spread across an area of 200 acres, you can easily find azaleas in the spring season and magnolias in the summer.
Though the blooming plants, lush greenery, and winding walkways of the gardens make it lucrative, the primary attraction of the park is the Singing Tower. The 150-foot-tall towers emit beautiful music that can take your senses on a melodious journey. Unfortunately, the inside of the tower is not accessible, but it has 60 bells and a playing cabin. A musician sits in the cabin to guide these bells to produce enjoyable melodies. The gardens have an outdoor kitchen where you can satisfy your tummy.
Read More : Places To Visit In Tampa
Another gem in the hit list of Tampa neighbouring destinations is Sarasota. It’s a booming art and culture hub with some relaxing vibes and scenic coastal beauty. The zestful cultural scenes aided by arts and humanities are inspiring and thriving to look at in this county. Yes, you can call it a classic business and tourist centre point, which is a great getaway if you are looking for tourist spots near Tampa.
From enjoying paddling eco-tour in Sarasota to circus thrills and pristine beaches, Sarasota lacks nowhere to satisfy your wanderer cravings. Other valuable attractions to explore here are the Classic Car Museum, Crowley Museum, Historic Spanish Point, Selby Gardens, etc.