Things to do in Tampa Bay | FloridaRambler.com

Tampa Bay

An antique train trestle on the Little Manatee River is a good place for a lunch break. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)

Little Manatee River near Tampa: Great for kayakers, hikers & campers

By Bonnie Gross Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Trails, Cabins, Unique Lodging, Parks, Forests & Preserves, Southwest Florida, Tampa Bay

Just 45 minute from Tampa/St. Pete, the beautiful river, state park and region is a natural haven that can keep you busy exploring for days. There’s an outfitter to make trip-planning easy, plus it offers cabins and camping.

Lithia Springs: Camp at this cool, secluded park near Tampa

By Bob Rountree Camping in Florida, Florida's Springs, Tampa Bay

Tucked into a corner of Hillsborough County is a quiet, well-shaded campground that packs a lot of nature into a small 160-acre preserve along the Alafia River.

Florida State Fair, Tampa, Feb. 11-22, 2021

By Bob Rountree Festivals, Tampa Bay

TAMPA — The Florida State Fair marks its 114th year. Our annual guide includes campground and lodging links with a full menu of things to do nearby.

Florida Strawberry Festival: March 4-14, 2021

By Bob Rountree Festivals, Orlando/Central Florida, Tampa Bay

Reba, Neil McCoy, Patti LaBelle, Josh Turner, Lynyrd Skynyrd headline 2020 Florida Strawberry Festival

Honeymoon Island: A natural beach with comforts

By Bonnie Gross Beaches in Florida, Bike & Hike, Florida Birding, Tampa Bay

Honeymoon Island is an unusual combo: It’s accessible, with first-rate concessions, and yet it’s a big, natural beach where you can get away from people and see wildlife. And you have to love how it got its name.

Alafia River: Kayaking through tame rapids a half hour from Tampa

By Bonnie Gross Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Trails, Parks, Forests & Preserves, Southwest Florida, Tampa Bay

This cypress-lined Alafia river has an unusual feature for Florida: Rocky shoals that create fun rapids to kayak. It’s near hiking trails, springs and a very nice paddling trail at Little Manatee River State Park.

The Chaz: Springs & wildlife make this river a special kayak trail

By Bonnie Gross Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Trails, Tampa Bay

Kayaking the Chaz on the central Gulf Coast takes you over turquoise springs, down twisty creeks, and you might just see a manatee, otter or bald eagle. This is one of Florida’s premier kayaking rivers.

Gamble Mansion in Ellenton, Florida, near Sarasota

Gamble Mansion: Civil War history near Sarasota

By Bonnie Gross Historic Florida, Tampa Bay

The Gamble Mansion has white columns to rival Tara and was the site of a dramatic Civil War event. It’s the only antebellum mansion left in South Florida.

Pinellas Trail: Treasured bike trail from St. Pete north

By Bonnie Gross Bike & Hike, Tampa Bay

The Pinellas Trail is a long, well-marked paved bicycle trail that connects St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs along Florida’s Gulf coast. It was just extended five miles north, and this is the most scenic section of all.

Tarpon Springs: Visit dazzling island of Anclote Key on boat from Sponge Docks

By Bonnie Gross Beaches in Florida, Historic Florida, Tampa Bay

Tarpon Springs is best known for its Greek sponge docks. But a boat trip to Anclote Key, one of Florida’s most remote state parks, is even better. Anclote Key is a perfect island beach, perhaps more tantalizing because it’s not easy to visit.