Top Things To Do In Tampa Bay This Fall
Fall is upon us which means Halloween and Thanksgiving are right around the corner. Today we are sharing our top 10 list of fall events and activities near Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg areas. Take time to have some fun and be sure to add these exciting events to your calendar. Come explore the beauty of Florida this fall!
The zoo is open again and will have their popular Halloween themed event running every Friday and Saturday in October. The event is also available the last Thursday in October if you can’t make it on the weekends. Come see the creatures of the night for family friendly fun at the Tampa zoo at Lowry Park. They recommend guests purchase tickets online for this event. This zoo is also one of the top 25 zoos in the U.S. according to TripAdvisor. If you’ve never been here, it is an amazing zoo to visit.
Haunted River Tours
Enjoy an entertaining water taxi ride in Tampa as the pirate hosts tell of spooky stories during your 45 minute tour down the Hillsborough river. Choose from Friday, Saturday, or Sunday nights in October (excluding Halloween night). River cruise departure times are 6:15, 7:15, 8:15, and 9:15. The water taxi will be at 50% capacity this year with masks and social distancing required. If you’re looking for something unique to experience in Tampa, this is a fun fall activity.
Fox Squirrel Corn Maze
If you can spare a 30 minute drive from Tampa to Plant City, Florida this place is worth it. All guests ages 5 and up are required to wear face masks this year. It is open on all weekends from October 10 to November 1. Along with the corn maze, guests get unlimited hay rides, and can play games like corn hole and badminton. Parking is free and they also have pumpkins for sale if you want to pick one out to decorate. This corn maze is always a fun fall activity that everyone can enjoy.
Street Food & Craft Beer Fest
This is a one day only event, so if you are in St. Petersburg on Friday, October 16, 2020 head over to get a taste from local food trucks. It is an annual event located at Albert Whitted Park. Something like this sounds like a fun fall date night. There will be 20 different food trucks, live music, beer, and games provided for children this year. This event is only from 6 to 11 pm so don’t miss out!
Pumpkin Patch Express
This is a 40 minute drive south of Tampa, but is also a fun fall event for all ages. You will take a train ride out to a pumpkin patch and also be able to have a hay ride, play games, and make crafts at no additional charge. This year the event will only allow 50% of the normal capacity. The dates are October 17, 18, 24, and 25.
Grand Prix Finale
This year, the St. Petersburg Grand Prix was postponed, so the dates of this event are now October 23 – 25, 2020. If you love Indy car racing, come to downtown St. Petersburg for an exhilarating event. The website above also has a link to buy tickets online. You may also buy tickets at the gate if the event doesn’t sell out.
Spinners Revolving Bistro
Make reservations at this restaurant and enjoy stunning 360 degree views of the beach during dinner. This is a romantic spot for couples and the menu offers a wide selection of wines and drinks. It is a wonderful place to dine if you are in St. Petersburg.
Sanding Ovations Sand Castle Competition
This free event is fun for all ages and is an especially family friendly activity. Hosted annually at Treasure Island, Florida (west of St. Petersburg) people from all over the world compete in a sand castle competition. These master artists not only build sand castles, but sand sculptures that are truly works of art. The dates this event is running is from November 18 – 22, 2020. Despite COVID-19, this event will still be happening so mask up and stay at an appropriate distance from everyone. There will be live music, food, and a children’s area where they can learn how to make their own sand sculptures and sand castles.
The Pearl Restaurant
While you’re on Treasure Island, be sure to stop by The Pearl restaurant. They always serve fresh fish and offer some delicious menu items. There are 24 different entrees to choose from including pastas, seafood, and meat dishes. The head chef is from Morocco and has some special Moroccan dishes you can try too. A reservation is highly recommended during COVID season, but they also have early dinner dine-in from 4 – 5:45 pm. They are open every day of the week except Sundays and Mondays.
Egmont Key State Park
Visit this gorgeous island at the mouth of Tampa Bay which has lots of wildlife, secluded beaches, historic sites, and even a lighthouse. There is no fee required, but it is only accessible by boat. It is open 8 am to sunset every day all year long and is a great spot to spend some alone time or experience a laid back, relaxing time with your loved ones. There are no stores there, so come prepared with your own food and water when you visit.
