Must-Try Outdoor Activities in Tampa Bay

Go Ziplining

Test out your adventurous side at one of these adventure parks! Enjoy the tall views, beautiful nature, and exhilarating rides across the Tampa Bay area. If you’re around Oldsmar, check out Empower Adventures any day of the week. Take in the beauty of nature at the TreeUmph or Adventure Course in Bradenton. Don’t forget about  Treehoppers Aerial Adventure Park in Dade City which will have you feeling on top of the world.

Have a Picnic

Grab your besties or date and head out for an evening picnic at the beach or park! If you’re looking to make your picnic totally Instagrammable, you’re going to love all of the unique picnic services Tampa Bay has to offer. These dreamy set-ups often include backdrops, charcuterie board add-ons, and so much more.

Enjoy the Zoo

Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! If you want to spend a day out in the wild, visit ZooTampa at Lowry Park. ZooTampa is fun for the entire family with the wide variety of animals to check out. You can even pay for a day and return unlimited times until the end of the year!

Grab a Bite at a Food Hall

Grab your friends and check out a food hall near you! With dozen of choices, there is something for everyone. Sparkman Wharf and Armature Works are the most popular fun things to do outside in Tampa Bay with their variety of food stalls that serve sushi, Mediterranean, ice cream, Italian, and more!

Pro-Tip: Stop by on the weekends for live music!

Take a Walk or Ride a Bike

Make plans to bike the Bay with our ultimate bike trail guide! Whether you are looking to get some exercise or just go for a relaxing ride, there are lots of scenic trails for you to check out. Don’t have a bike? Coast Bikes are available in Tampa and St. Pete for rent!

Take a Dip in a Nearby Spring

Adventure off into the outdoors and cool off in a nearby natural sping. These beautiful springs are perfect for kayaking or canoeing. On your adventure, you might even encounter some wildlife!

Pro-Tip: Don’t forget to bring your camera (in a waterproof case, of course!).

Do a Wall Crawl

Put on your cute outfits, grab your cameras, and go on a wall crawl with your friends. All across our city, local artists are brightening up our walls and showing off their talent. Before heading out on your wall crawl, check out our list of the Best Instagrammable Spots and Murals in Tampa Bay.

Hit the Seas (or River!)

With no shortage of water, exploring from the seas or river is one of the best fun things to do outside in Tampa Bay. Don’t worry if you’re not a boat owner, Tampa Bay has tons of rentals. From kayaks to pirates, there is a water activity for everyone. Wear your SPF!

Visit a U-Pick Farm

If you love fresh produce or flowers, visit a u-pick farm for a fun afternoon with the whole family. Depending on the season, there are lots of farms across Tampa Bay that offer berries, citrus, or flowers for you to pick.

Bar Hop Along the Riverwalk

The Tampa Riverwalk is the ultimate outdoor attraction, located in downtown Tampa. Whether you’re enjoying the views of the Hillsborough River or strolling through the LED-lighted walkway at night, there is no shortage of spots to grab a drink along the Riverwalk. You can even bring your own, as long as it’s in an official Riverwalk cup!

Pro-Tip: If you’re in the mood for some drinks with friends, we recommend stopping by Remedy!

Catch a Sunset

There’s something so special about a sunset in Tampa Bay, there’s no filter needed! Regardless of what side of the bridge you’re on, we’ve found the perfect spots to catch golden hour. Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag us on Instagram!

Explore the Sunken Gardens

Explore one of the oldest roadside attractions in the country, the Sunken Gardens. This tropical oasis is located in Downtown St. Pete and is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. If you need a change in scenery, definitely check it out!

Enjoy Dinner at a Waterfront Restaurant

Nothing beats good food and a good view! Whether you are looking for the perfect date night or girls day out, head to one of our favorite waterfront restaurants in Tampa Bay.

Have a Beach Day

Many of our Tampa Bay beaches are nationally ranked – and for good reason! Soaking up the sun at the beach is one of the best things to do outside in Tampa Bay. Don’t forget to pack your sunnies, sunscreen, and snacks!

Go Horseback Riding at the Beach

You may have been horseback riding before, but have you ever been horseback riding at the beach? Cypress Breeze Farm offers this unique experience in St. Pete Beach.

Explore Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

Welcome to Tarpon Springs, otherwise known as Sponge Capital of the World! The Sponge Docks have some of the finest sponges, best Greek restaurants, markets, and bakeries in the country. Tarpon Springs has much to offer in the area with sightseeing, sponge tours, and more fun things to do outside.

Visit the St. Pete Pier

Enjoy waterfront views, within walking distance from downtown at the St. Pete Pier! The St. Pete Pier has a splash pad, restaurants, bars, and more to enjoy outdoors with friends and family. To find out everything you need to know before visiting, check out our Guide to the St. Pete Pier.

Go Fishing

Grab your fishing rod, some bait and tackle, and head to one of the best fishing spots in Tampa Bay! Make sure to venture out and enjoy the time on the water, like Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach or the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier. Don’t forget to tag us when you catch a big one!

Shop a Local MarketShop a Local Market

Most weekends in Tampa Bay, there are markets that host dozens of local makers and vendors. Vendors vary from art to clothes to yummy treats and more fun things to do outside. This is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors and shop local.

Have a Daycation

You know you’re from Tampa Bay when you say “we live where you vacation.”! Enjoy the waterfront pools and beachfront views at some of Tampa Bay’s finest hotels for the day with Resort Pass. Resort Pass makes exploring all the local hotels and resorts easier than ever. Some participating hotels include the Epicurean in South Tampa and the Hyatt Regency in Clearwater.

Go to a Rooftop Bar

Cheers! For fun things to do outside, take in the views of the city or water from one of the many rooftop bars in Tampa Bay. Whether you find yourself in Tampa, St. Pete, or Sarasota, there is no shortage of rooftop bars. How many have you visited from our list?

Visit a Beach Bar

Here in Tampa Bay, summer is all year long! Kick back and enjoy a tropical cocktail at one of the many beach bars in Tampa Bay, which could be your best things to do outside. Some great ones include Caddy’s and Postcard Inn on St. Pete Beach!