When you live in a place as remarkable as Palm Harbor, Florida, you just naturally find it hard to sit still. There’s just so many things to do! Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or a memorable experience—or all three—you don’t have to go far, especially if you’re fortunate enough to be a resident of St. Mark Village.
Palm Harbor, Florida: your gateway to good times!
Just 22 miles from St. Petersburg and 24 miles from Tampa, you’ll find yourself in Palm Harbor, Florida, where it’s hard to beat for recreation, entertainment, natural beauty, culture, celebrations, and more. In fact, Palm Harbor, Florida is ranked as one of Florida’s best places to live.
Related: Palm Harbor: The Tampa Bay Town That’s Great for Seniors
Residents of St. Mark Village will tell you how easy it is to quickly be on a beautiful beach, strolling through quaint shops, enjoying concerts and art festivals, exploring local history and more. But that’s not all.
Within a short drive of Palm Harbor there are all kinds of possibilities for just about anything on your list. That’s good to know when friends or family drop by, particularly grandchildren who are eager for something new to do. Here’s a few suggestions to help you be the “hero” when it comes to helping everyone have a good time.
Beaches near Tampa
Palm Harbor’s Secret Beaches
Can a beach really be completely secret? Probably not, but we still have some great suggestions for a few beaches near Tampa that are a bit off the beaten path.
- Anclote Key is three miles off Tarpon Springs, accessible by private boat or by ferries departing the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. Relax, bird-watch, and drink in the peace of a pristine scene. Be sure to bring your own water and snacks and be prepared to pack out your trash as well.
- Just south of Clearwater Beach, Sand Key Park offers a relaxing vibe with plenty of gorgeous white sand. Cabanas are available for rent, and there is also a dog park, playgrounds, and bathrooms.
- Sunset Beach, part of Treasure Island, features a three-mile stretch of beach favored by locals for amazing sunsets. It also offers what is described as a “Key West” vibe, with great choices for food and drink close by and is high on the list for favorite beaches near Tampa.
Related: Palm Harbor Parks – And Why Connecting with Nature Benefits Seniors
Springs near Tampa
Many don’t realize there are several natural springs near Tampa. (Fun fact: there are almost 1,000 springs in the state of Florida.) Good to know when the temperature keeps climbing and you are looking for new ways to get outdoors and still have a chance to stay cool.
- Springs near Tampa include Three Sisters, about two hours from Tampa Bay; Werner-Boyce Salt Springs; Warm Mineral Springs; and Manatee Springs State Park, known for sparkling blue, natural-spring fed, crystal clear water. You can actually swim with the manatees if you choose or rent a canoe or paddleboard. These are just a few of the springs near Tampa, all offering a unique and refreshing way to relax and let the world float by.
Related: Sunshine and Seniors: Why Getting Outdoors Matters
Relaxation away from the beach
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. Venture to the nearby town of Tarpon Springs and immerse yourself in Greek culture at the Sponge Docks. Tarpon Springs is known for celebrating its sponge-diving heritage with food, festivals and events. Wander along the waterfront, browse quaint shops filled with sponge-related souvenirs, and indulge in authentic Greek cuisine at local restaurants.
Adventure day trips from Palm Harbor, Florida
- Weeki Watchee Springs State Park. What’s an adventure day trip near Tampa without mermaids? Just drop in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and experience live mermaids—and that’s just the start You can swim in the beautiful water at Buccaneer Bay, paddle along the Week Wachi River, go on a boat cruise, do a little kayaking, and learn about Florida wildlife. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is one of Florida’s most unique family destinations.
- Dinosaur World in Plant City Florida. If you happen to have a grandchild who collects models of dinosaurs, you know how excited they would be if they could see a life-sized specimen. You can give them the chance by taking them to Dinosaur World.
Located between Orlando and Tampa in Plant City, Florida. Dinosaur World Florida is Central Florida’s only outdoor museum dedicated to the giants of years past. Here, you can walk amidst approximately 200 dinosaurs in a unique, natural lush garden setting with Interactive exhibits that your grandchildren will love. They also can dig for fossils and take some home.
Related: Spending Quality Time with Family While in Senior Living
Day trips offering memorable experiences
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium. A day trip the whole family will enjoy and talk about for years to come. Visiting the Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers rare opportunities to get up close and personal with marine life, including rescued dolphins, sea turtles, otters, and other marine animals. Take a covered boat tour around Clearwater Bay (a sunset tour is also available), help a marine biologist gather food for sea turtles, or get a photo with a rare rough-toothed dolphin.
- The American Victory Ship and Museum. Recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, the American Victory Ship and Museum offers the rare opportunity to view rare artifacts, uniforms, medals, documents, photographs and more. The cavernous three-level cargo holds a radio and gyro rooms, hospital, galley, weaponry, steering stations, flying bridge, signal equipment, wheelhouse, cabins, lifeboats, and engine.
Built in 1945, the SS American Victory voyaged around the world delivering crucial cargo during World War II, as well as the Korean and Vietnam wars. The ship remains one of only four operational World War II merchant steamships in the U.S. You will find the ship in the Water Street District, directly behind The Florida Aquarium.
Palm Harbor, Florida, is a treasure. Just ask the residents of St. Mark Village.
Every day, they are enjoying all types of adventures, because they are no longer tied to worries of home maintenance or a to-do list. Come see what life can be like: simple, carefree living has never been so much fun! And, you have a plan for the future, with a full continuum of care guaranteeing seamless access to future care options.
Take our Lifestyle Quiz to help discover what matters most to you in senior living or contact us. We’d love to hear from you and tell you more about our community, offering seamless access to future health care options.
