🌴10 Activities to Experience in Tampa Bay Before the Summer Heat Sets In🌞

Vincent Saladino of Tampa walks Chuchi, a goldendoodle, with Jon Masiello of Bradenton along the Tampa Riverwalk in 2023. [ ANGELICA EDWARDS | Times ]

Make the most of these outdoor activities this spring before it becomes too hot to do anything.

We're currently enjoying the delightful phase of spring, where chilly moments still surprise us and the sun occasionally blazes intensely. Yet, overall, the weather remains splendid. Days invite water adventures while mornings and evenings offer a comfortable ambiance for various activities. However, as Floridians, we're mindful that this blissful interlude won't endure forever. Summer approaches swiftly, bringing with it the stifling heat and blazing sun. Here are 10 activities to savor in Tampa Bay before the heat becomes too oppressive for anything else.

Go pick some blueberries: Following the early spring strawberry harvest, it's now the time for blueberries to take the spotlight. Numerous farms dot the landscape around Tampa Bay, primarily in Hernando County and eastern Hillsborough County, welcoming guests to pluck their own blueberries. Keel & Curley Farm (5202 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City) stands out as a favorite destination for picking, boasting expansive outdoor seating and a winery. Their blueberry season officially commences today, on March 30. For a more serene picking experience, Bob’s Berries (11501 Winn Road, Riverview) offers appointments only, ensuring a relaxed ambiance. Additionally, Upicktopia (19125 Phillips Road, No. 6952, Masaryktown) welcomes blueberry enthusiasts from April 1 to May 10 for their harvest season.

An audience enjoys American Stage presents "Ragtime - The Musical" as its American Stage in the Park production at Demens Landing Park on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 in St. Petersburg. [ LUIS SANTANA | Times ]

See a musical in the park: The cherished St. Petersburg tradition of American Stage in the Park is making its return to Demens Landing Park on April 3, treating audiences to a captivating musical experience in an outdoor setting. There's nothing quite like enjoying a show beneath the stars. This year, the production features "Beauty and the Beast," inspired by the beloved 1991 Disney animated film.

Go hiking: Is it considered hiking when you traverse predominantly level terrain? In Florida, absolutely! With numerous nature trails scattered around Tampa Bay, you can immerse yourself in the outdoors before the scorching temperatures of June arrive. Here's a compilation of 15 trails in Tampa Bay waiting to be explored.

Spend the day outside in South Tampa: This district boasts upscale shopping and dining options, yet it also features numerous spots to relax by the stunning waterfront. In this article, we present a variety of suggestions, including enjoying the bench swings with a view of the Tampa skyline at Ballast Point Park, unwinding on the sandy expanses of Picnic Island, or taking a stroll or jog along the iconic Bayshore Boulevard. When the weather is pleasant, this area becomes the ultimate destination.

A woman uses an umbrella to shield from the sun at the Florida Botanical Gardens, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 in Largo. [ MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times ]

Explore mid Pinellas County: Visit Pinewood Cultural Park in Largo, offering a blend of outdoor attractions: the Florida Botanical Gardens, Heritage Village, and the Gallery at Creative Pinellas. Here, you can explore nature, delve into history, and admire contemporary art, all without spending a dime. If you're accompanied by children, make sure to also visit Largo Central Park, where they can enjoy an expansive playground featuring not only traditional slides and swings but also a delightful assortment of miniature houses and climbing structures. Additionally, every first weekend of the month, the Largo Central Railroad offers little ones a scenic ride around the park.

Take to the water on a kayak: From Little Manatee River Park to Coffee Pot Bayou, there's an abundance of opportunities to venture out onto the water. One of the easiest ways to do this is with a personal watercraft such as a kayak, and Gabrielle Calise has an ingenious suggestion: an affordable inflatable kayak. Discover her adventures in detail here. Her favorite destinations for kayaking include Lassing Park, a tranquil location with calm waters offering picturesque views of downtown St. Petersburg's skyline, and Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, a pristine nature reserve nestled between Oldsmar and Tampa, renowned for its frequent sightings of bottlenose dolphins.

Explore the Tampa Riverwalk: While we adore the pedestrian-friendly Tampa Riverwalk, one downside is the intense sun exposure during the stroll. It's advisable to visit now before the heat becomes truly intolerable. Start your outing by grabbing a snack at Armature Works, then proceed southward along the Riverwalk towards Water Works Park, the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, and the expansive Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. For further suggestions on exploring downtown Tampa, check out our additional ideas here.

The beach in Pass-a-Grille. [ DIRK SHADD | Times ]

Plan a beach day:

It's pretty straightforward, but here's a gentle nudge: Optimal beach time is after the spring break frenzy settles down but before summer kicks into high gear. We've got you covered with plenty of helpful tips for planning the ultimate beach day. Whether you're exploring the Pinellas County beach guide featuring 10 distinct beaches or perusing our list of 25 waterfront dining spots, we've got all the advice you need.

Take a bike ride along the Pinellas Trail: The Pinellas Trail stretches all the way from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs, yet certain sections offer more excitement than others. Exploring the Dunedin segment of the trail while biking presents numerous opportunities for enjoyable detours. If you need wheels, kick off your journey at Kafe Racer, situated at the intersection of Skinner Boulevard and Douglas Avenue. Here, you can choose from a variety of bike models to rent, including hybrids, road bikes, electric bikes, and beach cruisers. When hunger strikes, take a break at one of Dunedin's breweries or restaurants. Many of these establishments, such as Olde Bay Cafe, Hog Island Fish Camp, and Woodwright Brewing Company, boast charming outdoor spaces perfect for a relaxing pit stop.

Manatees swim together on their backs at the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach. [ MARTHA ASENCIO-RHINE | Times ]

Go see the manatees: You have just a few weeks left to catch a glimpse of manatees near the Tampa Electric Company’s Big Bend Station in southern Hillsborough County. Every year, hundreds of manatees are drawn to the warm waters adjacent to the power plant. Take advantage of the free Manatee Viewing Center, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until April 15th, located at 6990 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach.

tampabay.com | Tampa Bay Times | By Michelle Stark, Times staff

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