Things to do in the Tampa, Clearwater Beach area? About This Page:

[Mulan2]

Can anyone suggest what there is to do for 1 or 2 days in that area? We'll be in Orlando most of the time but would like to drive over and spend a day, stay overnight and drive back late afternoon the next day. Besides Busch Gardens, what else is recommended for 3 famlies with kids ages 5 to 13? Staying overnight in Clearwater Beach seems to be the most enticing so far. We would like the kids to get in some beach time also if possible.
Thanks for any suggestions.

[Mulan2]

Sorry, I think I posted this in the wrong forum(?)
Forgot to mention that we will be visiting the first week of July if that helps.

[CRCrazy]

I'd definitely spend some time at the beach - the beaches in that area are beautiful. I spent a little time at Fort De Soto park last year - it's a beautiful stretch of beach - we found loads of seashells and sand dollars there.

Since it's summer - you could always catch a Devil Rays game if they are in town.

[lfredsbo]

I will second the beach idea!!!

If you go about an hour south of Tampa- in sarasota - there is Siesta key beach - it was on the travel channels top 10 beaches of FL - and we visited there one day last August - and it was beautiful!!!!! The sand is known for being white - and it was nice and cool - not like here is New England where the sand gets so hot you can barely walk on it - and the water was incredible!!! Again, not like here is NE where you can usually only stay for a short time regardless of how hot it is! And DD thought it was best that we could relax on tube floats in the water all day - again something they won't allow here in NE!!!

sorry to go on - but can you tell we LOVED it!!!

[LeapDayBaby]

How about the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa? My DGM & DGF live about a half hour outside Tampa and have visited Lowry Park many times. They highly recommend it! Also, if you have a membership at your local zoo, you may get discounted or free admission to Lowry Park under their reciprocity program. Just bring your "home" zoo's member ID!

Hope this helps! Good luck deciding!

- Laurie

[fy r' fly]

Is the water too cold to swim in December?

[Narnia]

We went to this really neat place. They have saved sea turtles and dolphins. They also do a trip out in a boat so that you can see what really is in the water. the use crab traps, trawling the water. They stop at a smal island so you can shell a bit. It was quite neat and hope to do it again next year.Amputee dolphin | Gets fake tail | Bionic sea creature | The Sun |HomePage|News|Weird

[Sue M.]

We are doing that in Aug, Before we go to Orlando, I booked one night at a beachfront hotel in St. Petersburg Beach. I plan on just playing lizard on the beach!! And floating around on a tube

[ladyt]

We just stayed at the Clearwater Best Western Sea Wake. Anywhere around there has beautiful beaches. We rented a Jet Ski from the Holiday Inn down the street and had a blast. They are expensive, but if you go before noon, they usually give you a discount. Also, there is a pirate cruise and a dolphin excursion. You are guaranteed to see dolphins or you get another trip free. They also have the world's biggest speed boat. Looked fun! Traffic on the causeway is worst in the morning (everyone going to the beach) and around 5:00 (everyone leaving the beach). If you have any questions, let me know!

[scmiller777]

I would highly recommend Lowry Park Zoo. It was one of the best zoos that I have been too. It has been several years ago but we really had a good time. From what I remember the admission wasn't very high at the time. We were able to see all of the animals all day. The way the zoo is laid out it is like natural habitats (no cages with a few exceptions). There are some natural springs in Tampa but I can't remember the name of the park. It is a state park I think but not really sure. You can swim in the springs (they are very cold). They have finished it similar to a pool. The beaches at Clearwater are really nice too. We usually stay at the Alden Resort. No matter where you go you will find tons of things to do.

[Sue M.]

Don't think anyone mentioned Busch Gardens in Tampa? We went in 2005 & loved it. It has something for everyone. Big thrill rides, small tame ones, a tube river ride like WDW, Actually there were 2 water rides I think. African savanah like AK that you can take a overhead tram ride over or jeep, shows, exibits, s show similar to Flights Of Wonder in AK, etc. Not to mention free beer tasting for the adults! It is owned by Anheiser Busch!!!