Where Do You Want To Explore?

There’s something for everyone in West Central Florida: award-winning beaches and natural springs; the thrills and spills of theme parks; amazing adventures; world-class museums and galleries; a thriving nightlife; tempting shopping venues; and so much more. By Susan B. Barnes

Crystal River/ Citrus County

Begin your day feeling wonder again. Swim with manatees in the amazing springs of Crystal River’s Kings Bay. Take the trolley to the Three Sisters Springs boardwalk. It’s like a national park in a single acre. At the Kings Bay waterfront, dine on seafood fresh from the Gulf of Mexico. Afterward, explore the shops of Heritage Village in downtown Crystal River. Later, take a sunset cruise or enjoy the show from Fort Island Gulf Beach. For dinner, reserve a table at Vintage on 5th, winner of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence many years running.

Dunedin

Cycle to Honeymoon Island, Florida’s most visited state park, to swim, fish and snorkel in the warm Gulf waters. Or pack a picnic and ferry over to Caladesi to hike, paddle or bask on award-winning beaches. After lunch return to historical downtown Dunedin to shop and stroll through waterfront parks. Sample craft beers at the Dunedin Brewery. Admire the sunset and dine on fresh seafood at the Olde Bay Cafe. During spring training, cheer for the Toronto Blue Jays at the Florida Auto Exchange Stadium.

St. Pete/ Clearwater

Watch sunrise at North Shore Park in St. Pete. Grab breakfast at a St. Pete indie coffee house. Walk to the Dalí Museum to view the artist’s largest collection of works outside of Spain. Lunch at Urban Comfort before heading to Clearwater Beach to soak up the sun and splash in the warm Gulf waters. Stroll along Pier 60. Sip a tropical cocktail at Tommy’s Tiki Bar at the Hilton Clearwater Beach. For dinner with a view, the outdoor patio at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill ends a perfect day.

Tampa Bay

Savor fresh guava turnovers and Cuban coffee at La Segunda Bakery in Ybor City before exploring Tampa’s eclectic Latin Quarter, one of Florida’s two historical districts. Visit José Martí Park, the only piece of American soil owned by the people of Cuba. Enjoy paella and sangria at Columbia Restaurant, Florida’s oldest dining establishment. Ride the TECO Historic Streetcar Line to the Tampa Riverwalk and nearby museums and attractions. Order cocktails at Franklin Manor, followed by a sunset dinner at Ulele and a nightcap at Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club.

Your West Central Florida Experts

Citrus County Visitors Bureau: DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com

City of Dunedin: dunedingov.com

Hernando County Tourism Bureau: floridasadventurecoast.com

Pasco County Tourism: visitpasco.net

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater: visitstpeteclearwater.com

Visit Tampa Bay: visittampabay.com

Ybor City Chamber of Commerce: ybor.org

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