Things To Do in Tampa Bay - On or Near the Water
Our spectacular watersides make living in or visiting the Tampa Bay area special.
This page lists things you can do, some for free and some for a fee that allow you see and enjoy our waterfront.
For other ideas, see our boat accessible restaurants page.

Free or Cheap           Waterfront

BayWalk BayWalk is an entertainment facility in Downtown St. Petersburg featuring some of the area's best dining, shopping and entertainment. Every weekend there is something fun going on at BayWalk including seasonal special events and weekly live entertainment. Baywalk is within walking distance to the St. Pete Pier. On the corner of 2nd Avenue North and 2nd Street North in St Petersburg, FL (727) 895-9277

Caladesi Beach In Pinellas County Florida Is #1 On Dr. Beach\'s List Of America\'s Best Beaches We here at www.caladesibeach.com already knew in our hearts and from experience that “Caladesi Island State Park” was the best beach in America. But special thanks to the world famous “America’s Top Best Beaches List” and to Stephen P. Leatherman PHD better known as “Dr. Beach” for letting the world know! Located in Dunedin/Clearwater Beach, Florida it has the distinction of ranking on Dr. Beach’s list in the top six since 1997 and made the #2 spot last year. The winner of last year’s top honor went to “Fort De Soto Park” also in Pinellas County. Having two beaches in the Tampa Bay community win #1 in the span of a few years is an unprecedented honor, and proof that the Gulf Coast is at it’s most beautiful in Tampa Bay. , FL

Caladesi Island State Park From 3 miles of nature trail and a 108-slip marina (with overnight docking available) to the 4th best natural beach in the Nation, Caladesi Island has something for everyone. In addition to fishing and shelling the island has picnic pavilions available for rental, bathhouses, and a park concession. Driving Directions Caladesi Island is accessible only by boat or Ferry. Hourly Ferries leave from Honeymoon Island State Park. See the Park service website for ferry hours, prices, and driving directions to Honeymoon Island. By Boat From channel marker #14, just west of the Dunedin Causeway Bridge, take an approximate 212 degree heading on your compass for approximately 1 mile. Follow the channel markers into the Caladesi Island State Park Marina. Fees: See the park service website for current park entrance fees. Dunedin, FL

Channelside Imax Movies, Restaurants, Bars, Seaport Tours and Shops all along the waterfront in Downtown Tampa. Channelside Drive Tampa, FL

Jacks Boat Rentals At John's Pass Boardwalk. Powerboats, Deck Boats, Waverunners, Sailing and Fishing Charters. Call for Reservations. 145 Johns Pass Boardwalk Boardwalk Place Madeira Beach, FL 33708 (727) 392-6912

Shell Key Preserve Visit Shell Key Preserve, a undeveloped barrier island near Fort Desoto Park in Pinellas County. The island is only accessible by boat. (hyperlink requires Adobe Acrobat to view). For more informatio about Shell Key Preserve call (727) 453-6900. Groups of 50 or more require a permit.

Sunsets at Pier 60 A nightly festival featuring artists, musicians, and more. From 2 hours before to 2 hours after sunset. Clearwater Beach. (727) 449-1036 (ongoing).

TECO Manatee Viewing Center Open December through March - For twenty years, visitors of all ages have enjoyed the Manatee Viewing Center, an ecological gem tucked among the mangroves beside the discharge canal of Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station.

The Florida Aquarium Over 10,000 aquatic plants and animals from Florida and beyond. Various activities including outside area for kids, catamaran tours, diving and dining. Within walking distance to the Channnelside restaurants and shops. 701 Channelside Drive Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 273-4000

The Pier Offers dining, fishing, shopping, and an aquarium. 800 Second Avenue NE St Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 821-6443

Tour the SS American Victory SELF GUIDED RESTORATION TOURS The ship's popular Self-Guided Restoration Tours allow visitors to view first hand the on-going work to restore this 60-year old icon of America's merchant maritime might. If you haven't visited in a while, do so soon! Discounts available for seniors, veterans, active duty military and groups of 10 or more. BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS OF THE AMERICAN VICTORY Docent-guided Behind the Scenes Tours get you into some out of the way areas of the ship not open to regular visitors. Call the ship at (813)228-8766 for more information. 705 Channelside Drive Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 228-8766