Hidden Gems in Safety Harbor
Tucked away on Old Tampa Bay, is the enchanting village of Safety Harbor. There are many hidden gems in Safety Harbor, here are just a few for you to explore.
Hidden Gems in Safety Harbor
In the 1500’s Hernando de Soto landed on this shore and discovered the fresh mineral spring waters used by the native Americans for over 10,000 years. There are many hidden gems in Safety Harbor that will delight you, relax you, and enchant you. Let’s explore.
Safety Harbor Resort & Spa
Probably the focal point of Safety Harbor is the sprawling resort and spa that sits directly on the mineral springs and Tampa Bay. This resort offers more than meets the eye with it’s wellness spa, Sunday Brunch, classic elegance, and luxurious amenities. Whether you choose to book a room at the Resort or are just stopping by for a Spa treatment, you will feel relaxed from the moment you step onto the property.
Hubs and I have enjoyed delicious holiday brunches and meals with friends at the resort. Back when I had the custom cake shop, this was a regular place for my wedding cake deliveries. The resort is an amazing wedding venue!
Book your couple’s massages or other spa treatments, spend the day by the pool, or make this your home port for your vacation to the Tampa Bay area.
Philippe Park
This is the oldest park in Pinellas County and boasts 92 acres of lush foliage and majestic scenery. Pack your picnic or pick up “PubSubs” and enjoy one of the 8 picnic shelters. The kids will enjoy time on one of the 2 vast playgrounds. This park is listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks because of the Tocobaga Temple Mound.
This park can easily be enjoyed for a full day, or, spend a few hours relaxing and watching the birds and squirrels. The park also features a boat ramp (fee), water fountains, and restroom facilities. Come check out this beautiful hidden gem in Safety Harbor.
Kadampa Meditation Center
If you’re looking for your inner zen, take a class at the Kadampa Meditation Center. Classes for kids, and adults, and Mahamudra’s weekly oral instructions are offered, along with classes for beginners on the weekends. Om.
Whimzeyland
Hidden off the beaten path of Main Street, you’ll find a local landmark that has been 20+ years in the making. Whimzeyland features a large collection of fun, whimsical, and interesting items that virtually cover the entire corner lot.
Walk through and look at all there is to see, I bet you can’t see it all! They offer a few art pieces for sale to help support their project and a QR code to scan for donations.
Read more from the “Hidden Gems” Series:
Hidden Gems in St. Petersburg
Hidden Gens in Crystal River
The NONA Slice House
Look, I love a good pizza and had no idea how great this pizza was until we had one when our family came to visit. I’m telling you, it was so delicious! The atmosphere, with the red and white checkered tablecloths, the smell of pizza baking in the air, and the friendly staff made this a favorite place of mine.
The NONA Slice House offers 3 types of pizzas, Detroit Style, Old World Style, and New York Style. We were in no hurry, so we waited a bit extra for the Detroit Style, Death by Pepperoni. Don’t miss out!
Third Friday Street Celebration
Organized by the Safety Harbor Chamber, every third Friday, Main Street comes alive with live music, food and shopping vendors, and lots of visitors. It’s become one of the premier street celebrations in the area, and, with good reason. Strolling down Main Street at night is fun and if you go hungry, that’s your fault! This is a very dog-friendly community, too.
Memorial Pier
Jutting a pretty good way out into Tampa Bay, I couldn’t find the actual length, is the Memorial Pier. I took a nice stroll out to the end where fishermen were relaxing with their poles and lines cast. The large area at the end of the pier has benches and a nice shelter for some amazing shade!
Do yourself a favor and take a stroll to the end. The Tampa skyline can be seen across the bay, the marina boats are clanking in the marina nearby, and the sea breezes are delightful.
Main Street
I’d be remiss if I didn’t include Main Street in my list of hidden gems in Safety Harbor. Stretchging from the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, on the waterfront, all the way to approximately 10th Avenue. Downtown Safety Harbor is filled with boutique shops, great places to dine, and bars to get refreshed.
You will also find a few art galleries and collectives that have the ultimate gifts to take home to your friends and family. Nothing says, “Thanks for feeding the cat” more than a one-of-a-kind piece of art from your trip!
Be sure to stop at the Chamber of Commerce at 2nd Avenue, for maps, information on area attractions, and other helpful information.
Breakin’ It Down: Hidden Gems in Safety Harbor
There are many things to do during your visit to the Tampa Bay area. The hidden gems in Safety Harbor make for a relaxing day that will remind you why Tampa Bay, as a whole, is our hidden gem of paradise.