Here in Tampa Bay, we take “living where you vacation” pretty literally, and there’s no better place to spend the summer soaking up the sunshine than our own backyard!
We put together the ultimate Tampa Bay summer bucket list of everything you won’t want to miss out on. From beach days to summer cocktails, this list will never leave you without something to do!
Book a Totally Tiki Boat Tour
You’re in for a sweet ride with Totally Tiki Tours! For any visiting family or celebrations with friends, this will definitely WOW them. The waterfront views are unmatched, especially when you catch a sunset tour!
One of our favorite things about Totally Tiki Tours is that both of their locations can make stops along the way for your group to have a swim near shallow and sandbar areas – so bring your bathing suits!
Plan an epic 4th of July Weekend
Nothing beats 4th of July in Tampa Bay–especially when it’s over a 3–day weekend! From fireworks to outside activities, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. We recommend spending time along the Riverwalk or watching the fireworks at Armature Works. To plan your perfect 4th of July Weekend, check out our guide.
Sip on a Beer Flight at Keel Farms
What’s better than an ice cold beer in the hot summertime? An ice cold beer flight! Keel Farms is always tapping new and seasonal beers and ciders and you don’t have to settle on just one. We suggest adding our favorites, the Harvest Gose and the Elderberry Agrarian Cider, to your tasting flight. If beer or cider isn’t your thing, be sure to try their Keel and Curley wine!
Go for a Ride with Brandon Slingshot Rental
If you’re looking for something unique to do with friends, or planning your next beach day and need the best ride, Brandon Slingshot Rental is the perfect fix!
Ride in style with their open-air roadsters, sport vehicles, and more to cruise around Tampa Bay.
Summer Glow at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Whatever brings you to the Clearwater area, make sure you visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for their Summer Glow celebration! Extend your stay with their evening hours for more time to enjoy their live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and more. If you stop by on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, be sure to hop on a free boat tour!
Have a Boat Day with a Boat Day
Enjoy crystal clear waters, sightsee for dolphins, picnic on an island, shelling, snorkeling and more with A Boat Day!Â
Our experience on the Buccaneer FUNship was exactly that, FUN! Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or looking for a fun day with the family, A Boat Day’s Clearwater boat tours make for the perfect day.
Have a Beach Day with the Cabana Club
The Cabana Club offers beach cabana and umbrella rentals, plus everything you need for a perfect beach day. They also make for the most Instagram-worthy beach photos, so make sure to wear your favorite suit! Tap below to book yours today, and don’t forget your sunscreen!
Take a Trip to the St. Pete Pier
The St. Pete Pier is a Tampa Bay staple for both locals and visitors! It’s perfect for all ages, featuring a brand new play area, splashpad, and tons of food and drink options. There’s even a beach area if you’re in the mood to have sand between your toes. Don’t leave without catching the sunset on the rooftop at Pier Teaki for some amazing views!
Ride the Pirate Water Taxi Along the Riverwalk
One of our favorite ways to spend the day is taking The Pirate Water Taxi to explore the Riverwalk. With thirteen stops along the way, you won’t run out of things to do! A day pass will let you hop on and off all day long, so you can enjoy everything from Sparkman Wharf, and Armature Works to the Tampa Bay History Center and Water Street!
Tropic Like it's Hot at One of These Summer Inspired Spots
There’s no better way to enjoy the summer than with a summertime cocktail! We put together this list of our favorite cocktail spots with the best drinks and even better vibes. You’ll definitely want to snap a pic while you’re checking these places out!
Cool Off at an Ice Cream Spot
Beat the heat with some sweet treats? Yes please! We are lucky to have so many tasty ice cream spots in Tampa Bay to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re on a first date or out with the kiddos, visit one of these spots and add the rest to your list for future visits!
Go Bowling at Splitsville
Did you know that you can get a luxury bowling experience right in Channelside? Sparkman Wharf is home to Splitsville, a 10-pin bowling alley with a twist. In addition to bowling, Splitsville offers a gourmet food menu, cocktails galore, and tons of entertainment. There’s also tons of TV’s which makes it a great spot to catch a Tampa sports game!
Watch the Sunset from a Rooftop Bar
One of our favorite parts of living in Tampa Bay is the amazing sunset views. And what better way to catch a sunset than at a rooftop bar? We put together this list of all the best spots in Tampa Bay so you know exactly where to go! Sit back, relax, and sip on a refreshing cocktail while you watch the sun set. We know you’ll love it!
Get Competitive at TopGolf
You don’t have to endure the heat of a golf course in the summer to have a fun game of golf here in Tampa Bay. TopGolf lets you test out your skills and even offers food and drinks while you play! Bring your friends, family, or even make it a date night- it’s perfect for all ages.
Beat the Heat and Visit a Museum
Tampa Bay does get its fair share of summertime storms which is why we love visiting museums when we can’t be outside. The Tampa Bay History Center and American Victory Ship are two you can’t miss! The Glazer Children’s Museum is also super fun for kids. Take a look at our list for all the best museums nearby.
Unleash your Inner Child at Park & Rec Tampa
Youth has no age at Park and Rec Tampa! This isn’t your ordinary spot to grab a drink with friends – this is THE hangout spot to sip on fun drinks, play arcade games, even giant bucket pong!
We love keeping an eye out for their events and and weekly drink specials to enjoy after a long work day or on the weekends with your crew. Tap below for more details!
Turbo Tuesday
- $3 Corona Tallboys
- $6 Patron Margaritas
- $20 Cazadores
- Margarita Pitchers
- Sin Night – 50% off
- Service Industry
- Employees Tab with Proof of Current Employment | 9PM
Rewind Wednesday
- Karaoke
- $4 White and Green Tea Shots
- $5 White Claws
- $6 Absolut and Jameson
Recess Thursday
- Giant Bucket Pong Tournament *Win Prizes*
- $4 High Noons
- $5 White Tea Shots
- $6 Red Bull & Goose
- AYCD $20 Goose | Patron | Bacardi
Next Level Friday
- $8 Grey Goose | Patron | Bacardi
- $200 Bottles Grey Goose | Patron | Bacardi
- Book Now: VIP@parkrectpa.com
Level Up Saturday
- $8 Don Julio | Ketel One
- $200 Bottles Don Julio | Ketel One
Game Over Sunday
- $4 High Noons & White Tea Shots
- $10 Liquor Pitchers – Goose | Patron | Bacardi
Catch a Baseball Game
It’s no surprise that we love our sports here in Champa Bay, so you definitely can’t miss catching a Rays Game! We like to grab a drink at Ferg’s before heading over to Tropicana Field. BallPark & Rec is also a great place to grab food and drinks once you’re inside the stadium. To plan your perfect game day, tap below to check out our guide!
Attend a Concert
From Amalie Arena, Raymond James Stadium, and MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, there are so many great concert venues here in Tampa Bay. Keep your eyes peeled to see if your favorite artists are making a stop in the area! Click below to see a list of upcoming concerts in Tampa Bay!
Pro-tip: For a less expensive, no frills concert experience, you can grab a lawn ticket at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre!
Sit Back and Relax at a Beach Bar
You can’t spend a summer in Tampa Bay without hitting up a beach bar…or five! With must-visit spots including PCI or Caddy’s on the beach, make sure to stay for the sunset views because we promise you won’t want to miss them. For a full list of beach bars in Tampa Bay, read up on our guide below!
Play Shuffleboard at Shuffle
Test your skills this summer at Shuffle, Tampa’s first and only indoor Shuffleboard Bar. Shuffle features four indoor, regulation size, shuffleboard courts, a kitchen serving concession stand style food, a full service bar. They even have weekly live music and an outdoor stage!Â
Embrace the Wild Side
Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! Animal lovers, this is for you – we have so many fun places in Tampa Bay where you can get your animal fix. Just a few of our favorites are Busch Gardens, Zoo Tampa, and the Florida Aquarium! For more of our favorite animal attractions, check out the link below!
Take a Dip or Kayak at a Nearby Spring
One of the coolest (pun intended) parts about Tampa Bay is the Florida Natural Springs. It’s the perfect way to cool off on a scorching hot day in the chilly spring water. Rent a kayak to enjoy the crystal clear waters and keep an eye out because you might even have a run-in with a manatee!
Book a Staycation
Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! Animal lovers, this is for you- we have so many fun places in Tampa where you can get your animal fix. Just a few of our favorites are Busch Gardens, Zoo Tampa, and the Florida Aquarium! For a full list of our favorite animal attractions, check out the link below:
Hop Aboard the Yacht Starship
Hop aboard the Yacht Starship for an unforgettable cruise! Offering both brunch and dinner cruises, you can catch this cruise boarding from Sparkman Wharf. You’ll sail around Harbour and Davis islands for two hours, all while enjoying an amazing buffet spread and a DJ. Not to mention, there’s $10 bottomless mimosas at brunch and open bar at dinner. It’s also the perfect place to catch the sunset!
Rent a Boat/Take Your Boat to Beer Can Island
Locals know why we love this spot, there’s really no better place to spend a boat day than at beer can island! Anchor down off the island and enjoy the white sand beach. Don’t forget to bring food, drinks, and some beach games to enjoy the day!
Take a Day Trip
Spice up your summer with a change of scenery and take a day trip! There’s so many great places nearby that are definitely worth exploring. From museums to springs, even gardens, keep up with our list of day trips near Tampa for your future plans!
Visit a Local Market
No matter what part of Tampa Bay you live in, there’s almost always a market happening nearby! Pick up some fresh fruits, veggies, locally curated items, and (our favorite) baked goods! Tap below to find all the great markets that Tampa Bay has to offer.
Take Your Pup Out on the Town
If you’re like us and you don’t like going anywhere without your dog, don’t worry! There are so many dog-friendly places in Tampa Bay, so you can enjoy all the city has to offer with your furry friend alongside. We love going to Pups Pub on Tuesdays for trivia nights and Gingerbeard Coffee in the morning! Find our favorite dog-friendly spots below!
Locally curated guides
Here are some awesome guides, from us to you.
Kirsten Nye
Todd Grasley
10 Best Day Trips from Tampa Bay to Plan This Weekend
Madison Skipper