My husband has a 4 day weekend starting tommorrow and I am looking to find exciting things to do in the tampa area. We were thinking the beach and maybe the park on friday and monday, but I am not sure where the best beaches in the area are. Any other sugestions would be helpful. I dont know the area well and dont know where I could find fun things to do. Zoo's, parks, anything then just sitting home and watching tv would be great! Thanks, T.
There is always Bush Gardens, There is also a Dinosaur Park off of I-4 near Plant City. Look up Tampa in your browser and you should find some sites that tell you about places to visit. Then there is Map Quest where you can get a detailed map and instructions on how to get there. I always went to St. Pete Beach but that was years ago. I now have a pool and avoid the traffic in Tampa like the plague,lol. Have a great week end.
If you really want a fun day trip, go to Caladesi Island.
http://www.floridastateparks.org/CaladesiIsland/
It is a beautiful natural barrier island with miles of beach (just voted #1 beach in US) and a trail system through the coastal forest to explore. It is totally undeveloped except for a marina and concession so to get there you have to take a 15 min ferry ride from adjacent Honeymoon Island (your son will love this). You can rent a cabana or shade umbrella from the concession to get in some nap time, and get burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, etc. for lunch. It is located off the coast of Dunedin, so a bit of a hike from Valrico, but totally worth it.
Have fun!
My kids love the Lowry Park Zoo so I would definitely recommend that if you haven't been there. It will be hot but just prepare for that and bring your son's bathing suit so he can splash in the fountains. I second the first post about Siesta Key beach. We prefer that beach over any other, totally worth the drive. I have friends that like Holmes Beach (near Anna Maria Island) but I think it seems just as far to get there as to Siesta Key and is not as nice. Hope you have a fun weekend!
Lowry Park Zoo is a nice place to go. I like Lido Beach in Sarasota the best myself. Or Vero Beach on the East Coast.
You might like Dinosaur World in Plant City. My girls enjoyed the one in Michigan when they were little. If you go online to AAA you will find lots of spots to go to.
Have Fun!
I highly recommend the North end of Siesta Key near Sarasota. It takes about the same amount of time to get to as Clearwater and St Pete, it is easier to get to and the parking is so much easier and right now it doesn't cost. The sand is so pristine and you can find sand dollars and the sunsets are so very wonderful.
Hope that you enjoy your weekend.
I'm sure everyone will tell you this...but head to the Lowry Park Zoo!! It is the most amazing zoo and has a carosel ($1) and little waterplay area (bring bathing suit and water shoes), you can feed the lorikeets and there is a place to touch the stingrays. Very clean and easy to see all the animals.
Have fun!
I would suggest Fort Desoto Park @ Beach...That's my favorte beach in the area and camping spot. It's the last exit before you hit the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in St. Pete. on I275. The Lowery Park Zoo is always fun... My husband and I have a year pass and go with our 2 1/2 year old every chance we get. There's also blueberry u-pick um's in and around Plant City.... The Keel and Kurly Winery has u-pick um's in addition to wine tasting for the parents...
Have fun with whatever your plans are...
