Apollo Beach, located in Hillsborough County, Florida along the Canaveral National Seashore, is a pristine beach that provides the best of natural beauty, plenty of sunshine, and endless avenues to walk and relax. The area is famous for its prime residential location (one of the best places to live in Florida), and a variety of parks and activities, like skating, hiking, fishing, and exploring natural conservation. Some beaches have a relaxed dress code and are quite popular for that reason. There are plenty of activities you can indulge in - go hiking or kayaking, watch aquatic life, grab an ice cream or refreshing draft beer at an Irish pub, walk your dog, or get a spa treatment and relax your body and mind. Or you could just sit back, watch time go by, and get a tan. Apollo Beach offers plenty of options to enjoy sunny Florida, and there are also a number of Airbnbs and other vacation rentals in the nearby city of Tampa. For more information, keep reading for a list of amazing things to do in Apollo Beach, Florida.
1. Treat your children to a fun-filled splash session at Lakeside Park
Lakeside Park in Apollo Beach is a mixed-use community offering a plethora of activities. The residential community encourages children to stay outside and play. The lakeside area with a splash pad is the perfect place to relax and for kids to splash around and enjoy themselves. The water play area has zero-depth water, making it safe for toddlers as well. It features fun water activities and spray areas as well. There are also two playgrounds which are also used as the live music and community gatherings.
Lakeside Park
Address: 7205 Parkshore Dr, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, USA
Website: Lakeside Park
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
2. Shop for quirky souvenirs and memorabilia at the charming South Shore Boutique
A pretty embroidery and monogramming store located on South US Highway 41, South Shore Boutique is an ideal place to get your souvenir shopping done. And while you are at it, spend some time to appreciate their elegant, personalized pieces created with artistic brilliance of Shelly Molter and a wide range of apparels, home goods, home decor, bags, and ornaments. They assure the highest quality in well-built styles to last through the wear and tear of daily use. So be rest assured and stop over here for the best gifts and souvenir shopping in Tampa! You can also attend one of their fun events such as fairy hair parties and sip and shop sessions.
South Shore Boutique
Address: 6126 N US Highway 41, Apollo Beach, FL 33572-1806
Website: South Shore Boutique
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
3. Have a thrilling skate session at Apollo Beach Skate Park
A sprawling 11,000 square feet (1,021 square meters) park, Apollo Beach Skate Park is a great place for some family fun. This unique three-pointed star shaped park opened in 2012. The elevated center and points are perfect for skaters, allowing them the maintain a steady flow while skating. It is a well-managed and safe place for local kids to gather and spend some time together while also learning to skate through their skateboarding classes. Pick up a new skill while on vacation!
Apollo Beach Skate Park
Address: 664 Golf and Sea Blvd. Apollo Beach, FL 33572
Website: Apollo Skate Park
Opening hours: Mon - 12pm - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 9pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free entry
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4. Sample the town's best burgers at Ricky's Apollo Beach
Apollo Beach’s hidden gem, Ricky’s is an informal bar and restaurant that serves all the expected American staples. They offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and coffee. The owner, Rick Tuberosa, and the managers are known for their excellent service with a warm personal touch. In fact, in 2018, they were awarded the “best burgers in Apollo Beach.” They have kid-friendly, comfortable interiors. Be sure to try their burgers, freshly made pizza, finger-licking delicious wings, and a variety of grills.
Ricky's Apollo Beach
Address: 6520 N U.S. Hwy 41, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, United States
Website: Ricky’s Apollo Beach
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri: 11am - 2am; Sat: 8am - 2am; Sun: 8am - 12am
5. Sweeten your vacation with decadent desserts at Kimi's Ice Cream and Coffees
Visit Kimi’s for the best desserts at the beach and beat the Florida heat. Choose from over 43 flavors of gourmet homemade ice cream made everyday and with over 25 sauces toppings. Create your own personalized dessert masterpiece or go with classics like a banana split or hot fudge sundae. Also check out the Cuban Roast Coffee Menu for the highest quality coffee, espresso, and tea in Florida. Stop in and try a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a perfectly made Caramel Macchiato and Affogato. The shop offers takeout, outdoor and indoor seating, wheelchair accessibility, and plenty of parking.
Kimi's Ice Cream and Sweets
Address: 143 Harbor Village Ln, Apollo Beach, FL 33572-3426
Website: Kimi’s Ice Cream and Sweets
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4:30pm - 9:30pm; Fri: 4:30pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 9:30pm
6. Relish draft beer and hearty American food with the locals at Latitudes Apollo
This is a charming sports restaurant with live evening music and vibrant, buzzing atmosphere where you can get a real seaside feel. This is the place where locals head for a mug of refreshing draft bee, so you must take some time out to grab a beer and pair it with some of their delicious fried appetizers. Other must-try dishes are BBQ Chicken Bacon Sandwich, Steak Wedge Salad, Beef Burritos, Mediterranean Chicken Wrap, Manhattan Filet, Tuscan Shrimp Tortellini, and Chicken Hibachi Bowl. Apart from a great selection of draft beer, they also have a host of mocktails, cocktails, shots, and frozen drinks to choose from.
Latitudes Apollo
Address: 131 Harbor Village Ln Apollo Beach, Florida
Website: Latitudes Apollo
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
7. Test your golfing skills at the challenging Robert Trent Jones golf course
Robert Trent Jones is the world’s most prolific golf designer, with over 350 courses to his credit. At Apollo Beach Golf Club, you can try out some of this famous designer’s golf tracks. Pack your clubs and rough it up at this popular golf course with challenging layouts, wonderful beach vistas, interesting water birds, a club house, and elaborate practice areas. The staff will make sure you have a memorable time. There is also a small coffee shop with fresh baked goods. The practice areas include a driving range, plus putting and chipping areas. A second putting practice area is also available near the club house.
Apollo Beach Golf Club
Address: 801 Golf and Sea Blvd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572-2741
Website: Apollo Beach Golf Club
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
Price: From 25 USD
8. Tag along your dog for a fun day out at Apollo Beach Dog Park
Apollo Beach is truly a city of parks and beaches! And, there is one for dog lovers as well. At Apollo Beach Dog Park there are two separate access areas, one for small and the other for large dogs. There is everything a dog owner might need here, including water fountains, dog washes, doggy mitt receptacles, dog shelters, and hitching posts. With sections for adults, picnic tables, play areas, and walking tracks this is great place where the entire family, including canines, can spend time together. If you are travelling with a dog, or simply love canines, and you’re thinking of what to do in Apollo Beach on your next visit, this park is a must!
Apollo Beach Dog Park
Address: 664 Golf and Sea Blvd. Apollo Beach, FL 33572
Website: Apollo Beach Dog Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Soak in the beach vibes and admire nature at the scenic Apollo Beach Preserve
This beautiful beach preserve at the north end of Surfside Boulevard is ideal for manatee spotting with good views of Tampa and St. Petersburg skyline. A dog-friendly beach, you can do kayaking and fishing here, but swimming is not allowed. The shallow waters provide a good opportunity to watch crabs, sting rays, and other aquatic life from close. There are two pavilions with minimal facilities, and on the whole, it is ideal for spending some quiet time in the relatively crowded Apollo Beach area.
Apollo Beach Preserve
Address: 6760 Surfside Blvd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, USA
Website: Apollo Beach Preserve
Opening hours: Sunrise - sunset (daily)
10. Experience the social life at the buzzing Landing Club & Café
The Waterset Landing Club and Café is located at the entrance to the Waterset Community. It is the social heart of the community and is always buzzing with activities and a friendly atmosphere. You can get a coffee made to your specifications by the barista here, while you chat with a community specialist to learn more about the place. If you visit in the evening, you can sip a glass of wine or a cocktail by the pool. Want to sweat some toxins out? There also a gym here. It is a really great place to chill for a while, and read a book, strike up conversations, and relish a hearty meal.
Landing Club & Café
Address: 7012 Sail View Ln, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, United States
Website: Landing Club & Café
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8am - 6pm; Fri: 8am - 8pm; Sat: 8am - 6pm ; Sun: 11am - 6pm
11. Feel the rush of fishing with the popular Tampa Fishing Academy
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
For centuries people have compared fishing to a meditative pursuit. Captain Shawn’s forty years of experience as a fishing guide is evident from the sterling reviews provided by his trainees. At his academy, you’ll learn the basics of fish catching with plenty of fun and laughter. You will learn how to fish successfully through instructions and tips on how to cast a net as well as practical classes on fishing charters. Captain Shawn takes his groups to a variety of different spots so that they can catch different fishes such as mangrove snappers, mackerel, flounder, speckled trout, and dog fish. You will get those perfect Instagram pictures with your catch!
Tampa Fishing Academy
Address: 609 Flamingo Dr, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, USA
Website: Tampa Fishing Academy
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 425 USD - 4 hours; 625 USD - 6 hours; 825 USD - 8 hours (Prices are based on 1-2 persons, 50 USD for each additional person; license, bait, tackle and fish cleaning are all included.)
12. Savor delightful seafood by the water at the romantic Circles Waterfront Restaurant
One of the most popular Apollo Beach activities is, of course, eating. If you’re looking for some gastronomic adventure, Circles Waterfront Restaurant is among the highest rated restaurants in Apollo Beach. On of its biggest draws is the perfect marina and Tampa Bay views! It offers scenic outdoor waterfront seating as well as indoor seating options, first-rate service, large portions, and some really great seafood. They pride themselves on using only the freshest ingredients. You must try their soups (some prepared using over fifty ingredients!), signature cocktails, and classic cod, calamari, and shrimp preparations.
Circles Waterfront Restaurant
Address: 1212 Apollo Beach Blvd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, USA
Website: Circles Waterfront Restaurant
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11.30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11.30am - 10pm
13. Indulge in a relaxing spa session at A Peaceful Harbor Day Spa and Salon
Indulge in relaxing massage therapy at A Peaceful Harbor Day Spa and Salon at Apollo Beach. Clean and comfortable treatment rooms, personal care and attention by the experienced stylists and estheticians, and warm and friendly service are some of the reasons this spa is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Deep tissue massage, Rose Gold and Pumpkin facial, waxing, and couple massages are some of the attractive services offered here at affordable prices.
A Peaceful Harbor Day Spa and Salon
Address: 901 Apollo Beach Blvd, (corner of Apollo Beach Blvd. & Bimini Ct.), Apollo Beach, FL 33572-2013
Website: A Peaceful Harbor Day Spa & Salon
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: From 45 USD
14. Enjoy traditional Irish food and catch a game at the welcoming Salty Shamrock
Located in the heart of Apollo Beach, Salty Shamrock is an authentic Irish tavern famous for local seafood, Traditional Irish fare and its upbeat atmosphere. It where locals head to after a long day at work. Weekends are buzzing with local musical acts and special events. Frequented by local clubs and groups, you’ll often find something interesting happening here. They offer a great selection of beers, classics like fish and chips and seafood chowder, as well as some Irish favorites like Traditional Bangers and Mash and Classic Shepherd’s Pie. For some delicious finger food, order their Bavarian Pretzel. Plus, it is the best place to catch a game with three screens and the most enthusiastic crowd!
Salty Shamrock
Address: 6186 N U.S. Hwy 41, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, USA
Website: Salty Shamrock
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 12am; Fri - Sun: 11am - 12am
15. Kayak through gorgeous mangrove forests with Suncoast Youth Conservation Center
This kayaking tour will take you through the gorgeous mangrove forest on Florida’s Gulf Coast. As it is conducted in affiliation with Florida Aquarium, you will be assured of well informed and competent naturalist guides you will help you to paddle through the waters. You will see the Newman Branch restoration located near the Manatee Viewing Center. And, get to see wildlife up close such as manatees, stingrays, and local birds. In addition, you will learn about Florida Aquarium’s conservation programs, visit a nature observation tower offering a bird’s eye view of the mangrove forest, explore and understand the wetlands habitat, and enjoy a picnic lunch by the shoreline in Apollo Beach.
Suncoast Youth Conservation Center
Address: 6650 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, USA
Website: Suncoast Youth Conservation Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Approximately 89 USD
A great vacation awaits at Apollo Beach
Yes, this humble town in Florida is home to some of the most alluring places, interesting parks, and sumptuous culinary experiences. Even the most seasoned of travelers will find themselves charmed by this peaceful town by the beach.
Furthermore, there are plenty of places to go near Apollo Beach, which you can enjoy if you’re thinking of widening your vacation scope. Find out for yourself, and let your heart be soothed and refreshed by this delightful beach town.