10 things to do in Tampa Bay before it’s too hot to go outside
We’re in the sweet spot of spring, when the occasional pop of cold lingers and sometimes the sun feels very hot, but for the most part, the weather is perfect. The days are warm enough for water activities, and the mornings and evenings are temperate enough for everything else. But us Floridians know it won’t last forever. Summer is right around the corner, and with it the immobilizing heat and scorching sun. Here are 10 things to do around Tampa Bay before it’s too hot to do anything.
Go pick some blueberries: After the strawberry season of early spring, it’s time for this other berry to shine. There are many farms around Tampa Bay, mostly in Hernando County and east Hillsborough County, that allow guests to come and pick their own blueberries. Keel & Curley Farm (5202 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City) is a popular spot for picking, a farm and winery with lots of lovely outdoor seating. Their blueberry season kicks off today, March 30. Bob’s Berries (11501 Winn Road, Riverview) offers picking by appointment only, which can actually be a nice, relaxed way to pick. And Upicktopia’s (19125 Phillips Road, No. 6952, Masaryktown) blueberry harvest runs April 1 through May 10.
See a musical in the park: Annual St. Petersburg tradition American Stage in the Park returns to Demens Landing Park on April 3, bringing a full-blown musical to an outdoor setting. It’s always a lovely time, seeing a show under the stars. This year’s production is “Beauty and the Beast,” based on the 1991 Disney animated film.
Go hiking: Is it still hiking if you’re walking along mostly flat surfaces? In Florida, it is! We have lots of nature trails around Tampa Bay if you want to spend some time connecting with nature before cursing its June temperatures. Here’s a list of 15 Tampa Bay trails to explore.
Spend the day outside in South Tampa: This area is home to swanky shopping and dining, but there are also several places to hang out along the gorgeous waterfront. We offer plenty of ideas in this story, from the bench swings overlooking the Tampa skyline at Ballast Point Park to the sandy stretches at Picnic Island to a walk or run along the iconic Bayshore Boulevard. When the weather is nice, it’s the place to be.
Explore mid Pinellas County: Head to Largo’s Pinewood Cultural Park, a trifecta of outdoor entertainment: the Florida Botanical Gardens, Heritage Village and the Gallery at Creative Pinellas, where you can see nature, history and contemporary art, all for free. If you’ve got kids in tow, stop at Largo Central Park too, and let them roam the impressive playground, which in addition to the typical slides and swings boasts a collection of little houses and climbing structures. Every first weekend of the month, the Largo Central Railroad there takes little ones on a ride around the park.
Take to the water on a kayak: From Little Manatee River Park to Coffee Pot Bayou, there are tons of places to get out on the water. One of the most accessible ways to do so is in a personal vessel like a kayak, and Gabrielle Calise has an even better idea: an affordable inflatable kayak. Read all about her adventures here. Her top spots for taking it out include Lassing Park, a quiet spot with gentle waters that has pretty views of downtown St. Pete’s skyline, and Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, a nature preserve between Oldsmar and Tampa that’s a great place to see bottlenose dolphins.
Explore the Tampa Riverwalk: We love the pedestrian-friendly Tampa Riverwalk, but one thing we do not love is how sunny the stroll can get. It’s best to go now before it’s truly unbearable. Grab a snack at Armature Works, then head south on the Riverwalk toward Water Works Park, to the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts and the sprawling Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. We’ve got more ideas for navigating downtown Tampa here.
Plan a beach day: This one’s a no-brainer, but just in case you need a reminder: The best time to hit the shore is after the spring break crowds have dispersed and before it’s fully summer. We have tons of great advice about how to plan the perfect beach day, from this Pinellas County beach guide that offer ideas for 10 different beaches, to this list of 25 places to eat near the water.
Take a bike ride along the Pinellas Trail: The Pinellas Trail extends from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs, but some parts of it are more exciting than others. Biking near the Dunedin portion of the trail offers plenty of opportunities to hop off and have some fun. Need a ride? Start at Kafe Racer at the corner of Skinner Boulevard and Douglas Avenue, where you can reserve several different models of bikes: hybrids, road bikes, electric bikes and beach cruisers. Stop at one of Dunedin’s breweries or restaurants when you need nourishment, many of them like Olde Bay Cafe, Hog Island Fish Camp and Woodwright Brewing Company home to lovely outdoor spaces.
Go see the manatees: There are only a couple more weeks to see if you can spot manatees at Tampa Electric Company’s Big Bend Station in southern Hillsborough County. The warm waters next to the power plant draw hundreds of manatees each year. There’s a free Manatee Viewing Center that’s open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day through April 15 at 6990 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach.
