Destination Tampa Bay Locations

Worth the Visit: Safety Harbor

 In spite of its close proximity to the major cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor has a unique small town atmosphere that makes it an ideal Destination on Tampa Bay. Enjoy a stroll along scenic Bayshore Boulevard or visit the pier and marina to experience some breathtaking views. You may prefer a walking tour down the brick-lined Main Street, where you can enjoy a variety of boutique shopping and restaurants. Nationally recognized Syd Entel Galleries can be found on Main Street in celebration of the city’s dedication to art and to life.
At the waterfront end of Main Street, you will find the famous Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. Many visitors enjoy walking out on the pier at the far end of Safety Harbor Marina to see the egrets and blue herons and an occasional pelican fishing in the calm waters. Destination Tampa Bay’s Safety Harbor also provides an ideal opportunity to go kayaking or canoeing. There is a public boat ramp, and rental kayaks are available year-round from the marina. If you are lucky, you may even spot a manatee just off the pier where they gather to enjoy the warm springs.

The Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce, located in the city’s oldest building on Main Street, has a pamphlet with information on a variety of self-guided Walking Tours. Be sure to stop by the chamber to inquire about one of the many events that happen regularly in downtown Safety Harbor, such as the monthly Third Friday.
Whatever you are looking for, you are likely to find it in Safety Harbor. It’s a great Destination Tampa Bay location!

Worth the Visit: Clearwater

You will enjoy one of the finest beaches on the Gulf of Mexico when you make your Tampa Bay destination beautiful Clearwater Beach. The 2.5 miles of white sandy beach and crystal blue water combined with a variety of hotels, condos and luxury resorts and a vast array of restaurants and shops, make Clearwater Beach one of Florida’s top tourist vacation spots.
Just minutes away is Clearwater, home of Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Winter the Dolphin. Clearwater is known for its many outdoor concerts and festivals year-round at waterfront Coachman Park and is home to many fine restaurants and exciting nightlife.

Clearwater and its beaches offer something for everyone, from families looking for fun and adventure to a romantic weekend getaway. Some big annual events include the four-day Clearwater Jazz Holiday each fall featuring top-name regional and national entertainers at Coachman Park, and the 10-day Sun N’ Fun Festival each spring. The colorful spectacle of offshore powerboats comes to Clearwater Beach each October in the Bright House Clearwater Super Boat Championship.

The Cleveland Street District in the heart of downtown is the perfect place to take a stroll and visit the various restaurants, shops and a farmer’s market every Wednesday from October through May. This is also where you can catch a live concert or classic film at the historic Capitol Theatre.

Be sure to enjoy the new Beach Walk and hop aboard the Jolley Trolley for a fun and economical way to get around. And don’t miss Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach, where sunsets are a special occasion every day!

Worth the Visit: Oldsmar

Located on the northern tip of Old Tampa Bay, Oldsmar is a rapidly growing and thriving community with a rich history, beautiful neighborhoods, abundant parks and preserves and much to offer visitors.

As a Destination on Tampa Bay, Oldsmar is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. A variety of parks are located directly on the water with small boat launches, floating docks, piers and natural beaches for boaters and fishermen. R.E. Olds Park offers anglers a long fishing pier that is a locals’ favorite.

Within minutes of Oldsmar there is much to do and see.  John Chestnut Sr. Park on the shores of Lake Tarpon and Upper Tampa Bay Park offer picnicking opportunities along with hiking, biking and canoe trails and a glimpse of “Old Florida” with pine flats, hardwood hammocks and mangrove forests. Bicyclers, walkers and skaters will want to experience the Upper Tampa Bay Trail, an 8-mile stretch of paved trail that meanders along waterways and through open and wooded settings. Golfers will appreciate a variety of courses nearby and live horse racing can be enjoyed December through April at beautiful Tampa Bay Downs.

Along Oldsmar’s main corridor, Hillsborough Avenue/Tampa Road, one can find an array of restaurants, shops, hotels and businesses. And in the new Town Center, a blend of attractive residential and commercial real estate has created an upscale ambiance.  With big city amenities and small town charm, Oldsmar offers something for everyone. It’s a great Destination Tampa Bay location.

Worth the Visit: Dunedin

The charming city of Dunedin, located just north of Clearwater, offers visitors a unique destination near Tampa Bay filled with art galleries, gift shops and boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs. Known for its Scottish heritage, Dunedin’s quaint Main Street is a stroller’s paradise, as are the surrounding neighborhoods where numerous historic homes line the streets.

A visit to the Dunedin Historical Society Museum located in the historic Railroad Depot on Main Street is a must for a first-time visitor. Check out the interesting artifacts and photographs dating back to the turn of the century when the citrus industry was king. Or take a walking tour of the downtown area, where you’re sure to admire several murals on city buildings and other public art.
The arts are alive and well in Dunedin, where a large community of artists resides from theater performers to painters, sculptors, glass blowers, potters and photographers. Every second Friday, join a Wine/Art Walk as nearly 30 galleries, shops and restaurants stay open late, offering special tastings, discounts and giveaways. Numerous fine arts and crafts festivals are held throughout the year and many outstanding exhibits and classes can be found at the Dunedin Fine Arts Center.

There is much to do in Dunedin for outdoor enthusiasts, too. Runners, walkers and bicyclists will enjoy the wide, paved Pinellas Trail which runs right through downtown and continues north toTarpon Springs or south all the way to St. Petersburg. World renowned beaches are here, too, including the top-rated Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island State Park. Rent kayaks along the Dunedin Causeway or just kick back and relax on the beach. Popular outdoor festivals draw thousands annually such as the Highland Games and Military Tatoo each April, the Celtic Festival in November, and the Mardi Gras celebration every February.

Finally, a wide variety of dining options abound, as a matter of fact people drive from miles around to visit Dunedin’s unique restaurants. Enjoy everything from fine dining and eclectic cuisine, to ethnic eateries, street cafes, pubs and coffee shops, and everything in between. You’re certain to find that any visit to Dunedin will make you want to return for more!