The Gulf Coast region is a nature lover’s paradise. You could spend your entire visit exploring our wild secrets. Kayak through mangrove tunnels at the Weedon Island Preserve, sunbathe on the sugar-white sands of Siesta Key or Clearwater Beach (consistently ranked among the top beaches in America) or get up close (but not too close!) with an alligator in Tampa’s hardwood swamp. Our beautiful, sunny climate is a great attraction, too, making us one of the nation’s most desirable vacation destinations.
Head to the popular St. Pete Beach for a day of fun in the sun — whether that means renting a jet ski, floating in the tranquil waters of the Gulf or exploring the local surf shops and beachfront restaurants, which always buzz with activity. Before you leave, take a selfie in front of the Don Cesar, a historic hotel that looks like a giant pink sandcastle rising from the beach.
Stay ‘til sunset at Pier 60 and watch for the fabled “green flash” among the revelers: fire-eaters, artisans, magicians and dancers. Not into crowds? Visit in the early morning to enjoy the iconic stretch of wide, white sand and serene water.
Make sure you visit Siesta Key, a barrier island ranked #1 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 list of Best U.S. Beaches. Sprawl on the white quartz sand, snorkel in the clear water or challenge your friends to a match at the volleyball and tennis courts. Compared to Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach, Siesta Key’s vibe is more secluded and laid-back.
Don’t leave Tampa Bay without seeing Fort De Soto, a 1,136-acre park that’s actually five interconnected islands. You’ll get a pristine view of the palm hammocks, hardwoods and mangroves native to Florida. Besides swimming at North Shore Beach, you can also hike, bike, rent a kayak or explore the historic fort.
For an unforgettable aquatic experience, paddle down Weedon Island Preserve’s four-mile kayak and canoe trail, which takes you through mangroves and seagrass flats. If you’re new to kayaking, you can rent equipment at the preserve and sign up for a lesson from experts. Birders will appreciate Weedon Island’s snowy egrets, tricolored herons and roseate spoonbills.
Get a taste of real Florida at the 240-acre Lettuce Lake Park, which features a 3,500-foot boardwalk through hardwood swamp forest. If you’re up for a climb, be sure to check out the observation tower overlooking the Hillsborough River: the panoramic view is worth photographing. You can also canoe, hike or picnic at the park.
Hike, bike or canoe at the 37,000-acre Myakka River State Park, teeming with Florida wildlife like bright blue darner dragonflies, sandhill cranes and, yes, our famous alligators. As you explore the wetlands, pinelands and hammocks, you’ll feel transported to old, unspoiled Florida.
Crystal River is a day trip (90 minutes) from Tampa, but it’s worth the drive because it’s known as the manatee capital of the world. Snorkel with these gentle giants, who flock to the freshwater spring in droves during the winter months.
Clearwater Beach is hands down one of my favorite spots. The white sand and clear water always bring me so much joy. It’s the perfect place to just chill, walk around, or watch the sunset!
—Deekshita
St. Petersburg has a wide range of options to choose from for spending a day outdoors. We have the beach as well as wildlife preservations—my personal favorite is Weedon Island.
—Hunter
Sit on the seawall of North Shore Park at sunset or board one of our ubiquitous dolphin cruises.
Visit the manatee sanctuary at the Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach or venture further out to swim with them at Crystal River.
Along with Lettuce Lake and Myakka River, you’re likely to glimpse gators from the Sawgrass Lake nature boardwalk in St. Petersburg.
Stop by Sunken Gardens for the famous flock (or keep an eye out for lawn ornaments: plastic flamingos are a Florida classic).
If you’ve ever attempted a sandcastle, you’ll be blown away by Tampa Bay’s annual sand sculpting festivals. Head to Sarasota for the Siesta Key Crystal Classic or Treasure Island for the Sanding Ovation Master’s Cup, where you’ll discover masterpieces built from (you guessed it) sand. Competing artists create everything from true castles (which don’t resemble anything you’ve ever made at the beach) to larger-than-life mythological heroes. Come for the mind-bending art, stay for the live music, sand-sculpting lessons and food. Both events are usually held in the fall.
