Best relatively unknown things to do in the Tampa area. (St. Petersburg: rentals, condos)

[soccerscotty21]

I'll be in your fine city at the end of April and first week of May with my wife. We are staying near Indian Rocks Beach area. Just looking for the locals scoop on fun things to do in the area. We don't like to party or drink or club or anything. Outdoor type stuff is more our jam. What are the best beaches that won't be packed that time of year, any secret places to go check out? Any tips or general info is appreciated. Thanks.

[BucFan]

Go to a Rays' game - dirt cheap. Spend time at one of the St Pete marina restaurants along Beach Dr NE for lunch/dinner beforehand. Maybe hit the Dali or Museum of Art. Walk along the marina.

[sportsterjohn]

If you are staying near the beaches, there are a few touristy things that are actually pretty fun. You can check out a dolphin seeing boat trip up the intercostal (leaves from behind the publix in St. Pete Beach. There are also twilight dinner cruises from Clearwater and S. Pasadina/ Gulfport. Also, a few places have day trips to Ergmont key which is a little island with a beach. Less crowded then the normal beaches. Also, some of the beaches have water sports equipment rentals and parasailing. Also paddleboarding which you may want to do on the bay if you never done it. As far as beaches, a lot of them will be crowded. My favorites are Pass a grill and st. pete beach but they will be crowded. You should have a few beach access spots near Indian rocks. If you go up or down gulf blvd, you will see signs for public beach access in between the hotels / condos. Too bad you don't club, there are a few very cool dive bars along the water.

[submart]

You will want to check out Dunedin and Tarpon Springs.

[NYmikef]

You could check out the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. it's pretty close and judging by the amount of people there when I went, it appears relatively unknown.

Right on the beach, free with free parking. Lots of cool birds, some being rehabbed:

https://www.seabirdsanctuary.com/

[tinalimey]

Fort De Soto
Sunken Gardens in St Pete
If you can head over to Tampa, spend a day walking along Riverwalk, and visit the Aquarium at Channelside
If you're runners, check out the Pinellas Trail that heads through a large section of the county
Downtown St Pete has a fun market on Saturday mornings

[BucFan]

Mainsail Art Festival | A Premier Cultural Event in St. Petersburg, Florida

[theurbanfiles]

Agree with what everyone else said. Also, road biking on Pinellas Trail and Courtney Campbell Causeway and Mountain Biking at Alafia River State Park. If you're willing to drive, Bok Tower Gardens is a serene place, and showcases some of Florida's terrain. On the way out that way, go to Parkesdale and get a fresh made Strawberry Shortcake, and stop at the Florida's Natural Orange Grove place. Oh, and Weeki Wachee Springs, tube along the natural spring river, watch the mermaid show etc. In Manatee County, check out DeSoto National Memorial where he landed, walk along the Bradenton Riverwalk, and go to Mixon's Fruit Farms, and Anna Maria (the beach over here is pretty quiet). You can also take a very brief stop at Madira Bickel, a 40 ft., 1,000 year old Native American Mound.

[Tominftl]

Rent a sailboat and do something different.