Not everyone has the luxury to be a snowbird full time. But you can certainly escape the winter this season by taking a trip down to Florida. Of course, when you think of Tampa you typically think of soaking in the summer sun while laying by the beach. While you can certainly do that, the winters surprisingly can get down into the forties and fifties in the Bay Area.
This means you’ll want to find some other types of fun to partake in if the weather doesn’t permit a day at the beach. We’ve put together a fun list of activities to check out, whether traveling alone or visiting with the family.
Visit One of The Local Breweries
Did you know that there are more than 75 different breweries in the Tampa Bay area? If you want to have a unique experience trying out a few of them, Brew Bus is a great way to go about it. This company offers a bus tour around the city for $22 to explore up to seven or eight different local breweries.
This way, you won’t have to drive and can enjoy trying out some of the best beers of the bay! Sorry, no kiddos under the age of 21 are allowed on this bus ride. It certainly isn’t that kind of magic school bus!
Check Out a Local Shooting Range
As we said, this list is a mix of activities that are great for the family as well as the solo traveler. Well, you might be surprised that local shooting ranges in Florida allow children at least ten years of age to shoot on the range when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
If you are looking for a way to beat the rain and work on your aim, visit one of Tampa Bay’s local shooting ranges, such as Shooters World or Adventures Archery. Don’t be mistaken by the name! They also offer lessons and workshops to learn a bit more about your handgun, being safe, and cleaning your pistol.
Paddleboard Down Bayshore
There is nothing quite like experiencing a Florida sunrise and sunset. Actually, there is something better. You can step up your sunrise view by renting a paddleboard or kayak to do a cruise around the bay. We suggest heading along Bayshore Avenue as it’s a breathtaking area to set sail. You might even get lucky and see a few dolphins or manatees along your journey!
Join In On Gasparilla
Winter in Florida also means you could have a chance to experience the historical and iconic Gasparilla parades in Tampa Bay. Every January, people from all over the country, and even the world come to the city to remember when the pirates invaded Tampa Bay. There is a reenactment of the pirate ships shooting canons along the water and a big parade.
Visit Cuba Without a Passport in Ybor
One very unique city to the Tampa area is the Cuban city of Ybor. People who come to visit this amazing city will learn quite quickly the heavy influence of Cuban culture. From delicious restaurants to smoking hand-rolled cigars, you can get a taste of Cuba in all the best ways.
But the most unique aspect of Ybor is not the cigars, the dancing, or even the roosters that roam the city. One thing that makes this city so special is that you can make a trip to Cuba without a passport.
In Tampa’s historic Latin Quarter lies José Martí Park, a portion that is still owned by the people of Cuba. It’s dedicated to José Martí, a poet, journalist, and leader of Cuba’s revolution against the Spanish rule in the 1880s.
Tampa Bay has so much to offer, from the beaches of St. Petersburg to the pirate ships along the bay. It’s the perfect family or solo getaway for anyone looking to escape the brutal northern winters. Don’t be afraid to ask a local when looking for fun activities to try. You’ll be surprised what you discover!
