Visit Florida - Visit Florida 2026
CENTRAL WEST
2025-12-07 06:28:17
Cultural Hubs Meet Hidden Gems
Contrast the historic architecture and heritage flavors of Ybor City with the cosmopolitan culture of Tampa and St. Petersburg, where art will inspire your itinerary. Make time to escape to off-the-beaten-path preserves and beaches—including some accessible only by boat.
For a detailed state map, see pages 20-21.
ATTRACTIONS
Catch a MLB spring training game at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, which the Philadelphia Phillies have called home since 1947. Discover Crystal River Preserve, a truly productive and biologically diverse estuary, where freshwater from stunning spring-fed rivers mixes with the saltwater of the Gulf. Visit the reimagined Wild Oasis children’s area at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, where kids can play in splash zones, climbing structures, and an all-new rainforest exhibit. In Treasure Island, embark on a Pirate Adventure Cruise and wander the historic fishing village of John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk. Watch a legendary performance of fish-tailed mermaids at Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter before visiting the hands-on interactive touch exhibits.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Scan the QR code to discover places to stay in Central West Florida: VISITFLORIDA.com/places-to-stay
DINING
Slide out of your beach chair and stroll over to Badfins Food + Brew, where bold Mexican flavors and fresh seafood shine just steps from the sand on Clearwater Beach. Begin the day fortified with an espresso, sweet baked goods, and tasty toast concoctions at the trendy Grove Surf Café in Indian Rocks Beach. Enjoy a bright and breezy lunch at RumFish Grill in the heart of St. Petersburg, where a 33,500-gallon fish tank is the star of the dining room. Graze on Spanish garlic shrimp or freshly caught snapper at Tampeno Fish & Meat Market in Tampa. Explore the lofty warehouse vibes and innovative eateries of an indoor-outdoor food hall at Armature Works along the riverfront of downtown Tampa.
OUTDOORS
Venture to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Homosassa to see manatees graze on seagrass and tour areas that wolves, black bears, flamingos, and even a hippo call home. In Largo, tropical fruit gardens and native palms await at Florida Botanical Gardens, a lush oasis where nature puts on a show. Mountain bikers flock to the 20-plus miles of single-track trails and jumps— with steeps and slopes unusual in flat Florida—at Alafia River State Park in Lithia. Soar over the treetops and take in the breathtaking terrain of Tampa Bay’s Mobbly Bayou Wilderness by ziplining with Empower Adventures in Oldsmar. Pitch a tent or park your RV at Fort de Soto State Park in St. Petersburg, then fish the shoreline and spot hundreds of species of birds.
EVENTS
Unleash your inner buccaneer at Tampa’s legendary Gasparilla Pirate Festival, where bayfront parades and high seas revelry turn the city into a swashbuckling spectacle each January. Discover the heartbeat of St. Petersburg’s creative community at Mezzo Market, a monthly outdoor market of trendy makers and creators, October–May.
ARTS & CULTURE
Opt for loge box seating at The Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, a beautifully restored 1921 venue in downtown Clearwater, hosting performances from jazz and comedy to a classic rock concert series. Ignite your inner artist on a weekly Walking Mural Tour of the hip Central Arts District of St. Petersburg. Then head to The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art for a taste of American West spirit: bronze sculptures and contemporary Native American art converge to tell stories of heritage, frontier life, and wild nature. Tap into the inked tradition of tattooing as you admire walls lined with flash art, vintage memorabilia, and rare artifacts at Lucky Supply Tattoo Museum in Largo. Experience a taste of Greece right in Florida at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, where generations of sponge divers keep this rich cultural tradition alive.
Scan the QR code for a list of upcoming events: VISITFLORIDA.com/things-to-do/events
©Visit Florida. View All Articles.
CENTRAL WEST
https://digital.milespartnership.com/article/CENTRAL+WEST/5082388/858035/article.html