21 bucket list activities to do in Tampa Bay before summer is over

Go for a swim in a 7-acre pool

31885 Overpass Rd., Wesley Chapel, (813) 527-0775
Epperson Lagoon is a seven-acre man-made lagoon in Wesley Chapel. Equipped with an obstacle course, swim-up bar, beach area, big screen TV viewing and clear water, Epperson Lagoon is one of a kind. An adult day pass starts at $24.99 with kayak and paddleboard rentals starting at $10.
Photos via Epperson Lagoon Facebook

Make a reservation at the Florida Aquarium

701 Channelside Dr., Tampa, (813) 273-4000
The Florida Aquarium is a 250,000 square-foot aquarium located in the heart of Tampa Bay. The layout takes visitors from fresh-water springs to the Gulf of Mexico. Exhibits include a simulated beach, simulated wetlands and a 500,000-gallon coral reef. The aquarium's coronavirus procedure includes limited capacity, reservations and more.
Photos via Florida Aquarium/Facebook

Take a roadtrip to one Florida’s nearby beach towns

For those who want to get away—but not too far away from the beach—there are plenty of oceanside road trip destinations in and around the Tampa Bay area.
Photos via Visit NSBFL website

Explore the Dalí Museum

1 Dali Blvd., Saint Petersburg, (727) 823-3767
The Dalí Museum houses rare, surrealist paintings and sculptures from world renowned artist Salvador Dalí. Upon reopening the museum implemented many safety precautions including mandatory face masks, temperature checks and touch-free payments. Adult tickets are available for $25 and must be purchased online.
Photos via Salvador Dali Museum/Facebook

Make an RSVP for a float down Weeki Wachee

6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, (352) 592-5656
You can visit one of Florida’s oldest roadside attractions at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Swim in the freshwater cave system or relax on land to do some wildlife watching.
Photos via State Parks website

Go beach camping

Nothing beats bonfires, ocean sunsets and pitching a tent in the sand. Few weekend road trips rival beach camping, and some of the best spots are within a short drive from Tampa Bay. Before you plan your overnight camping trip, make sure to call ahead or check the park’s website for information on its public safety rules and restrictions.
Photos via Visit St. Pete/Clearwater/Facebook

Sleep in a beach van, or any other over Tampa Bay’s glamping spots

"Glamping" is the practice of camping in style, often including amenities like running water, electricity, air conditioning and the occasional furnishings. There are many spots perfect for the practice of luxury camping within driving distance of Tampa Bay. Before booking your stay at one of these "glampsites" be sure to check their website for hours, pricing, availability and social distancing regulations.
Photos via Glamping website

Go stand-up paddle boarding through downtown Tampa

13090 Gandy Blvd., St. Petersburg, (813) 598-1634 and 310 W. 7th Ave no. 5404, Tampa, 813) 598-1634
Urban Kai's paddle board tour takes you around the Tampa or Gandy area for a bit more of a physically demanding day on the water. Paddle board classes, events and adventure tours can be scheduled online. There are two locations including one right next to Armature Works in Tampa Heights.
Photos via Urban Kai website

Go meet some seriously large gators at Circle B Bar Reserve

4399 Winter Lake Rd., Lakeland
A former cattle ranch, Circle B Bar Reserve offers multiple trails and bike paths you can take to get away from the city and delve into some nature appreciation. And you can do some massive alligator spotting while you’re there.
Photos via Circle B Bar Reserve/Facebook

Find the perfect place to paddle in Tampa Bay

Kayaking is arguably the best social distancing activity, and with local parks and natural areas beginning to open back up to the public, there's never been a better time to get out and float. Here are a few of the better Tampa Bay spots to drop a 'yak.
Photos via Ted Sperling Park website

Go for a new hike, at a new spot

You may as well get out and enjoy the weather while you can. Here you'll find a few simple hikes within driving distance of Tampa Bay. Ranging from easy strolls to more advanced all day hikes, there's a trail on this list for any level of hiking experience.
Photos via Google Maps

If you choose to eat out, find a new socially distant patio

When you get tired of take-out but still don't want to dine in a crowded restaurant, there are plenty of eateries in the Tampa Bay area with very, very open outdoor seating. Here are a few local spots where you can eat and sit far, far away from others. It's advisable to call ahead to check on COVID-19 rules and restrictions.
Photos via The Getaway/Facebook

Eat some of Tampa Bay’s most iconic food

Whether you just moved to Tampa Bay, or you're generations deep, here are a few local staples you should get to know. From burgers to fish to pizza to ice cream and everything in between, ditch the chains for these iconic Tampa Bay eats.
Photos via Bodega/Facebook

Find a secluded spot at Fort DeSoto Park

3500 Pinellas Bayway S., St. Petersburg, (727) 582-2267
Fort De Soto is the largest park in Pinellas County and is made up of five islands. With three miles of waterfront, there are many options for guests wishing to get in the cool water. The 1,136-acre park has 238 site family campgrounds , two piers, floating docks for boat access, canoe and kayak rentals, a 6.8-mile recreational trail, pavilions with grills and of course, a historic fort. When on the premises, guests must social distance in an effort to halt the spread of coronavirus.
Photos via Visit St. Pete/Clearwater website

See a drive-in movie at Funlan

2302 East Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, (813) 237-0886
At the Funlan Drive In, you can watch a movie under the stars (and from the comfort of your own car) every night of the week. Tickets are $7 per person, $2 for kids 5-11 and free for 4 and under.
Photos via Swap Shop Tampa/Facebook

Visit some of the area’s quirky roadside attractions

You know it, we know it: Florida is weird. Anyone wanting to embrace the state's long history of roadside attractions and oddities has plenty of nearby relics to visit. Here are 20 very Florida roadside attractions in and around the Tampa Bay area.
Photos via KiraLinda.com

Explore the area’s city parks and trails

Though Tampa Bay is a large metro area, we still have plenty of opportunities for social distancing while also fostering your physical and mental health. Many of these hikes are minutes from downtown areas, and just off public transportation routes, just be sure to check the websites listed here for hours and safety procedures, as rules fluctuate to keep up with local mandates.
Photos via Eagle Lake Park/Facebook

Head to the springs

Florida has many gorgeous natural springs within driving distance of Tampa Bay. Click on the link above for a comprehensive list of 20 nearby springs including Weeki Wachee, Blue Springs and Wekiwa Springs.
Photos via State Park website

Check out the Tampa Bay History Center

801 Water St., Tampa, (813) 228-0097
For a good time in the air conditioning, the Tampa Bay Historic Center includes exhibits that cover native inhabitants, Spanish conquistadors and other figures that shaped the area. After a $2 reduction in price, adult tickets are now $12.95. Tickets must be purchased online to guarantee safe indoor practices of social distancing. In addition, masks are required for entry and sanitizing stations can be found throughout the history center.
Photos via Tampa Bay History Center/Facebook

Get lost in the Tampa Museum of Art

120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, (813) 274-8130
The Tampa Museum of Art houses a diverse set of modern and contemporary work from artists around the world. Currently, masks are required for patrons to gain entry in accordance with local mandates. While online tickets are not required, the museum recommends buying tickets in advance to avoid being turned away due to capacity constraints.
Photos via Tampa Museum of Art/Facebook