When you’re planning a family vacation to Florida, you might envision hitting the local beaches or visiting Orlando for a week at Disney World. But there are so many other places worth visiting on your next trip.
Tampa Bay offers a wide range of history, culture, food, and entertainment that is as much fun for the family as it would be on a solo getaway. If you’re looking for a different kind of Florida vacation, check out these unique activities to pursue when you visit Tampa Bay.
Paddle Board on Bayshore
If you’re a fan of water sports, you’ll absolutely want to give paddle boarding a try along Bayshore. This 4.5-mile stretch is a breathtaking vista, especially during the cotton-candy-colored sunsets. Head out to the open water for a relaxing experience. You may even spot dolphins or manatees while you’re out there.
Yoga with Chickens
Why take a regular old yoga class when you could do yoga with chickens? Ybor City is widely known for its Cuban culture as well as its large population of chickens and roosters. Hotel Haya is a boutique hotel that offers various classes throughout the week for the public and their guests to enjoy.
The best part is that chicken yoga is absolutely free! This microsanctuary rehabilitates and cares for the local birds. They suggest a donation, but it’s not required. The donation goes to a local nonprofit.
St. Pete Farmer’s Market
If you’re the type that likes to live like the locals when you’re on vacation, you’ll definitely want to visit the St. Petersburg Farmer’s Market. It’s 28 acres of local vendors that sell everything you could possibly desire. Throughout the market there’s a wide range of food trucks and live entertainment the entire family will love. It’s close to downtown and the waterfront, which is the perfect place for a picnic lunch.
Davis Island Dog Beach
Are you bringing your furry friend on your vacation with you? Tampa is incredibly dog-friendly and offers a wide range of activities for you and your pooch to enjoy. One of the best spots in the area is the Davis Island Dog Beach. It’s completely fenced in, so you don’t have to worry about your dog running off, and gives every pup a chance to cool off from the Florida sun.
The beach is located right next to Peter O. Knight Airport, where you can watch small planes and helicopters fly above you, which adds to the ambiance.
First Friday
Depending on what time of the month you visit the area, you might have the chance to experience First Friday in St. Petersburg. Downtown’s Central Avenue is blocked off from traffic for the city to enjoy live entertainment and local beverage vendors. Dance to jazz music over at Ruby Elixir’s or pop over to The Oyster Bar for some delicious oysters.
Watch the Sunset on the Beach
No Florida vacation would be complete without watching the sunset on the beach. Tampa is close to several beaches, including Siesta Key, Anna Maria Island, St. Pete Beach, and many more. You can always find a special place to seclude yourself and enjoy a relaxing evening by the ocean.
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, head over to Treasure Island on Sunday just before sunset to join a drum circle experience like no other. People gather to play music and dance as the sun goes down.
It’s truly a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else. Or you can head over to Clearwater Beach to walk along the pier with street performers and local vendors who sell jewelry and art you can take home as a souvenir.
No matter what type of vacation you’re looking for, there’s always something fun to do for people of all ages in Tampa. Give it a shot and see what you’ve been missing.