You don’t have to spend a fortune to get the most out of Tampa, there are a plethora of free activities available in the city that you can enjoy. While Tampa might be densely populated, compared to other cities in the state, you’re never too far from an oasis amid the city’s hustle and bustle. From lush parks to beaches and morning markets, we have shortlisted five free activities and programs that you should add to your itinerary when you visit Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail
This former railway track, stretching from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs, is an ideal trail for anyone looking to get an insider look at Tampa. With a pathway that connects county parks, residential neighborhoods, and coastal areas, you can truly get a taste of what it is like to be a local. One of the many highlights includes the Cross Bayou Bridge, which spans a quarter of a mile and hangs over the Boca Ciega Bay. When you reach further north in Dunedin, you get to enjoy a variety of shops and restaurants, where you can spend your lunch break.
Tampa Riverwalk
Next on our list is the Tampa Riverwalk. This walkway is popular with bikers, brisk walkers, and joggers looking to get in their daily exercise while enjoying the city skyline. In addition, the scenic walkway is perfect for a stroll to slow things down with your date after a fun night out. The Tampa Riverwalk plays host self-guided public art exhibition tours, sightseeing tours, monthly concerts, and the famed Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, which boasts large green pastures, perfect for a late afternoon picnic.
Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum
Considered a tropical paradise by Tampa residents and tourists looking for a short city retreat, this small waterfront park comprises red-brick pathways with public benches included along the way as conversation corners. Dog owners, couples on dates, and flora enthusiasts are frequent visitors.
Beaches
A visit to Tampa is never complete without visiting Florida’s hotspot for beaches. While it might be a metropolitan city, it is in close proximity to some of the world’s best beaches, such as St Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, and Fort De Soto Park, which spans across the Western Gulf Coast. One of our recommendations includes visiting Madeira Beach, which hosts an annual Seafood Festival that attracts 130,000 visitors annually. If you’re looking for somewhere a little calmer, Anna Maria Island is known for its sugar-white sands and clear, shimmering turquoise waters.
Weekend Morning Markets
There’s nothing more local than visiting the weekend morning market in Tampa, where you get to bask in the city’s vibrant spirit, interacting with local farmers and businesses. This includes the Seminole Heights Sunday Market, which runs throughout most of the year. The market offers fresh herbs, produce, plants, baked goods, ready-to-eat meals and handcrafts.
Affordable and Comfortable Living in Tampa
At Discovery Village at Westchase, we are committed to providing your loved ones with the best experience during their golden years. Whether you’re choosing assisted living or memory care, we are committing to delivering the very best lifestyle option that suits your needs and requirements without compromising on their quality of care. In addition, we take pride in having a strong and committed team of service professionals, dedicated to caring for your loved ones. We look forward to welcoming them into the new, tranquil humble abode they can call home.
To learn more about the living options available in Discovery Village At Westchase, please feel free to contact us or schedule a tour with us today!
