theScene
Museums, parks, Gulf beaches, memorable golf, and days on the water. Choose an activity and neighborhood to build your day.
EXPLORE BY NEIGHBORHOOD
Choose your hotel or the area around your rental, or switch to map view below. Find a plan that fits both your home base and your scene.
Explore the whole bay, or choose a home base above.
Area matches use curated neighborhoods and beach towns. They are not walking-distance or drive-time estimates. Google Maps links help you check the route from your exact address.
Find the right setting: a dedicated cocktail lounge, a sunset beach bar, or a wine-led evening.
Each stay has a specific editorial reason to be here. Compare total prices, room details, and booking terms directly. For a rental, choose its neighborhood above.
St. Petersburg · North St. Pete
North St. Pete
A historic botanical garden for a slower outing among tropical greenery and flowers. Pair it with a North St. Pete food stop.
Check the garden’s admission and weather notices. The operator suggests allowing roughly 1.5–2 hours for a visit.
St. Petersburg · Downtown St. Pete & Beach Drive
Beach Drive
Make an art collection and the current exhibitions the center of a downtown museum day, with Beach Drive dining afterward.
Review current exhibitions, opening days, and ticket information directly with the museum.
St. Petersburg · Downtown St. Pete & Beach Drive
150 Central Ave.
Explore art of the American West and wildlife in a downtown museum. A cultural stop to pair with Central Avenue dining.
Check the current exhibitions and use the museum’s parking guide to plan your arrival.
St. Petersburg · Downtown St. Pete & Beach Drive
Central Arts District
A glass-art collection that adds another dimension to a St. Pete museum outing. Pair it with the Morean’s glass studio if the day’s program fits.
Confirm current ticket inclusions and glass demonstration times before planning both stops.
St. Petersburg · South St. Pete
South St. Pete
A nature outing south of downtown for trails and local habitats. Choose it when a quieter outdoor afternoon fits the plan.
Check current visitor access, trail conditions, and preserve programs before visiting.
St. Petersburg · North St. Pete
1800 Weedon Dr. NE
Explore boardwalks, trails, and coastal habitat on Tampa Bay’s northern St. Pete shoreline. Paddling is another option when current access allows.
Review the county’s park updates and paddling trail status. Some routes can be closed; don’t assume all trails are accessible.
Tampa · Downtown & Riverwalk
Downtown waterfront
Use the waterfront as your route through downtown. The city’s Riverwalk guide connects parks, museums, and nearby attractions.
Choose one stretch and a museum or park stop to shape your outing.
Tampa · Downtown & Riverwalk
600 N. Ashley Dr.
An open waterfront lawn with water features and a playground. Pair a park break with the neighboring museum district.
Look at the city’s event calendar before choosing a quiet picnic day.
Tampa · West Tampa
1001 N. Boulevard
A riverfront park included in the city’s Riverwalk guide, with a splash pad for an outdoor family stop.
Check the city’s splash-pad schedule; water-feature hours vary by season.
Tampa · Tampa Heights
1710 N. Highland Ave.
A waterfront park and splash-pad stop along the Riverwalk. An outdoor option for a family outing.
Use the city’s current splash-pad schedule to plan around seasonal hours.
Tampa · Downtown & Riverwalk
120 W. Gasparilla Plaza
An art stop beside Curtis Hixon Park. Check current exhibitions to choose what you want to see, then add a waterfront walk.
The museum lists pay-as-you-will admission on Thursday evenings; confirm current details.
Tampa · Water Street & Channel District
801 Water St.
Explore the region’s history and the Touchton Map Library at this Riverwalk museum. Columbia Cafe is another stop in the building.
Check the museum’s talks, tours, and admission-pass programs.
Tampa · Downtown & Riverwalk
110 W. Gasparilla Plaza
Hands-on play and learning for children and families. A museum option when the day calls for an indoor activity.
Check the play calendar and visitor information for age guidance and ticket details.
Tampa · Water Street & Channel District
Channel District
Explore aquatic habitats, including Florida wetlands and coral reefs. A family outing with exhibits and optional experiences.
Use the official site for tickets, parking, accessibility, and experience availability.
St. Petersburg · Downtown St. Pete & Beach Drive
Downtown St. Petersburg
Build an art-focused St. Pete day around the museum dedicated to Salvador Dalí. See the official site for current exhibitions.
Review timed-entry availability and visitor guidance before setting out.
St. Petersburg · Downtown St. Pete & Beach Drive
Downtown waterfront
A waterfront destination for a walk, public spaces, and a change of perspective on the city. Browse the Pier’s official guide to plan stops.
Check the official calendar, parking information, and individual attraction details.
St. Petersburg · Downtown St. Pete & Beach Drive
St. Petersburg · seasonal location
A market outing for browsing local vendors and food.
Check the market’s current date and seasonal location; don’t assume a year-round address.
Clearwater Beach · Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach
Make beach time and a waterfront stroll the anchor of a Clearwater stay.
Check current access, parking, and conditions before heading out. Beach conditions can change.
Clearwater Beach · Sand Key
Sand Key
A beach and nature outing just south of Clearwater Pass.
Check current access, parking, and conditions before heading out. Beach conditions can change.
St. Pete Beach · St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach
Build a day around the sand, then choose a nearby dinner or beach bar.
Check current access, parking, and conditions before heading out. Beach conditions can change.
St. Pete Beach · Pass-a-Grille
Pass-a-Grille
Explore the southern beach neighborhood and pair it with a casual cafe stop.
Check current access, parking, and conditions before heading out. Beach conditions can change.
Treasure Island · Treasure Island & Sunset Beach
Treasure Island & Sunset Beach
A broad beach outing with nearby casual bars and resort stays.
Check current access, parking, and conditions before heading out. Beach conditions can change.
Madeira Beach · Madeira Beach & John’s Pass
Madeira Beach & John’s Pass
Browse waterfront shops and restaurants beside Madeira Beach.
Check current access, parking, and conditions before heading out. Beach conditions can change.
Indian Rocks Beach · Indian Rocks Beach
Indian Rocks Beach
A quieter beach outing with public accesses and neighborhood dining.
Check current access, parking, and conditions before heading out. Beach conditions can change.
Indian Shores · Indian Shores
Indian Shores
Visit a nonprofit sanctuary caring for injured seabirds.
Check current access, parking, and conditions before heading out. Beach conditions can change.
Tierra Verde · Tierra Verde & Fort De Soto
Tierra Verde & Fort De Soto
Plan a nature-focused beach day with the historic fort and coastal park setting.
Check current access, parking, and conditions before heading out. Beach conditions can change.
Tampa · Ybor City
Ybor City
Explore the neighborhood’s history at the museum in a former bakery building.
Check the venue’s current hours and menu or visitor information before going.
Palm Harbor · Palm Harbor & Innisbrook
36750 U.S. Highway 19 N.
A visitor-accessible resort golf destination anchored by the PGA Tour’s Copperhead course. Build an overnight stay around golf and Packard’s.
Golf is for overnight resort guests and members. Visitors must book a resort stay to play; confirm your package, course access, and tee times.
Dunedin · Downtown Dunedin & Islands
1 Causeway Blvd.
Make room for a beach-and-nature day outside downtown Dunedin, with shoreline walks, birdwatching, and the Osprey Trail.
October 10 update: North, Oasis, and Picnic Area parking lots are temporarily closed due to flooding. Check the park’s alerts before visiting.
Dunedin · Downtown Dunedin & Islands
Offshore from Dunedin
A quieter island beach outing with nature trails and mangrove paddling. Plan the transport as part of the experience.
Reach the park by boat or the ferry from Honeymoon Island. Check weather, ferry service, and current marina restrictions; overnight slips are unavailable.
Safety Harbor · Safety Harbor
2525 Philippe Pkwy.
Shady oaks, water views, and the historic Tocobaga temple mound make this a worthwhile slower afternoon on Old Tampa Bay.
Check facility alerts: the main playground is closed and some restrooms are under repair. Plan around shoreline walks and picnic time.
Wesley Chapel · Wesley Chapel & Saddlebrook
5700 Saddlebrook Way
A golf getaway with 27 holes across three interchangeable nine-hole layouts, instruction, and a Rees Jones practice range. Choose it for a stay built around the game.
Reserve through the resort’s tee-time booking link and confirm current course availability.
Brooksville · Brooksville & Cabot Citrus Farms
17590 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
A destination golf trip on the Nature Coast: Karoo, Roost, inventive short courses, and cottages for a golf-first stay. This is a regional getaway beyond Tampa Bay.
Public day guests can book up to six months ahead. Check maintenance closures; resort guests arrange golf with their stay.
Bowling Green · Streamsong & Central Florida
1000 Streamsong Drive
A golf-first regional getaway with Red, Blue, and Black courses, the Chain short course, and a modern resort lodge. Make it a dedicated golf trip.
Public day-guest golf has a 30-day booking window through May 31, 2027. Confirm maintenance closures and your chosen course.
Lutz · Lutz & TPC Tampa Bay
5300 West Lutz Lake Fern Road
A public-access championship round north of Tampa with substantial practice facilities and an on-site grill. A day of golf without a private-club membership.
Daily-fee public golf. Reserve a tee time; practice-facility and shop hours are separate from course access.
Dunedin · North Dunedin & Donald Ross golf
1050 Palm Boulevard
A restored Donald Ross municipal course and former home of the PGA of America. A distinctive public golf day to pair with dinner in Dunedin.
Open to the public, daily from 7 am until dark. Book a tee time and allow for the full round before sunset.
Tampa · Tampa Heights
310 W 7th Avenue, Suite 5404
Rent a paddleboard or kayak for a Hillsborough River outing beside Armature Works, or choose a class or sunset paddle.
Reserve your rental or event. Weather and the available equipment determine whether your preferred outing can run.
Tierra Verde · Tierra Verde & Fort De Soto
1 Collany Road
A guided clear-kayak outing through Shell Key’s mangroves and shallow coastal water, with daytime, sunset, and glow-tour options.
Reservations required. Confirm your launch point, tide, weather, age, and kayak weight restrictions.
Madeira Beach · Madeira Beach & John’s Pass
170 John’s Pass Boardwalk
A shaded, narrated 90-minute wildlife cruise through John’s Pass and Boca Ciega Bay. Pair the trip with a village lunch.
Reserve ahead and arrive one hour before your booked departure. Weather and passenger minimums can change trips.
Tierra Verde · Tierra Verde & Fort De Soto
Fort De Soto Boat Ramp
A boat-access island day with Egmont Key’s lighthouse, fort ruins, and beach time. Allow four hours for the ferry outing.
Book the ferry and verify the boarding point. Snorkeling is separate and depends on conditions; confirm the current departure calendar.
Try another city, area, or category, or reset the filters to explore the whole bay.
Last editorial update: October 11, 2026. Check venues for current menus, hours, tickets, and closures.