10 Things to Do in Apollo Beach That You Shouldn't Miss

February 18, 2018 Rosalyn Ihle

Apollo Beach is an unincorporated census-designated place in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. The population was 14,055 at the 2010 census, up from 7,444 at the 2000 census.
Restaurants in Apollo Beach

1. Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center

6990 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572-2241 +1 813-228-4289
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center

Visitors come to this warm water viewing center to see manatees, an endangered species of marine mammals. Open Nov 1 - April 15

Reviewed By joy l - Derby, United Kingdom

Based across the water from a power station, this viewing centre relies totally on the water being cold out in the ocean so that the manatees swim up the estuary to the discharge pump from the power station which pumps warm water into the estuary. The manatees are seeking the warmth alone. If the weather becomes warmer and the ocean warms then the manatees will swim away and you will see nothing.

We took a long drive out to this location and saw only one manatee that was quite a distance away.

The management team however has tried very hard to make this the very best activity that they can with free parking, free admission, restrooms, ice creams for purchase and a picnic area. The viewing platform has been well designed and built and it makes this a good school trip option.

The saving grace is most certainly the interactive sting ray tank where all visitors can touch the stingrays in their tank (their tail stings have been removed) and this in some way makes up for the lack of manatees.

2. Ruskin Family Drive-In

5011 U.S. Hwy 41 North, Ruskin, FL +1 813-645-1455
Excellent
75%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 96 reviews

Ruskin Family Drive-In

Reviewed By McChi

Can't compare it to other drive-in theaters as this is my first time in one, it was extremely pleasurable outing. You pay at the entry per person (not per car) then drive in to park at any designated spot. The little building to your right houses the restrooms (entry on the outside) and the snack bar. Their snacks are cheap and they serve hot food items like hamburgers and hotdogs as well. It seems it's the food that keeps them open, not the movie ticket. I understand from locals that this is one of the very first and now one of the very last drive-through's in the country.

3. Apollo Beach Nature Preserve

6760 Surfside Blvd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572-3038
Excellent
44%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 53 reviews

Apollo Beach Nature Preserve

Reviewed By Linda B - Batavia, Ohio

Visited w/ son & his family. Great kite flying area! This is not a swimming beach, however you can sun & fish from shore. Most people cleaning up after themselves and we love this place.

4. E. G. Simmons Regional Park

2401 19th Ave NW, Ruskin, FL 33570-3202 +1 813-671-7655
Excellent
47%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 115 reviews

E. G. Simmons Regional Park

Reviewed By DeelightfulTraveler - Saginaw, Michigan

We are snowbirds who spend a month or two here each year. The park is really nice, peaceful. There are areas for camping, fishing or day activities. Decent beach. Clean facilities.
The camping is "1st come, 1st placed." If you call ahead, they will say they are full. If you show up, they will find a place for you. One reviewer wrote that the camp area is noisey and rules are not enforced. I disagree with that assessment. I have camped all over the country. Simmons has the largest (most private) sites. There is a no alcohol rule, so no noisey late parties. Other campers tend to be helpful and respectful. Sure, there are problems with bugs and raccoons. You are camping. If you don't like that sort of thing, stay in a hotel. Finally, the fees are lower than other comprable state parks. About half of some of the private facilities.

5. Sun City Stables

4430 US 41 South, Hillsborough County, Sun City, FL 33586 +1 813-649-1126
Excellent
32%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
4%
Terrible
46%
Overall Ratings

3 based on 86 reviews

Sun City Stables

Reviewed By 325marines

EXPERIENCED HORSE RIDERS . BEGINNERS hold on. Rode with a group and the guide lead the way, the horse I rode tried ignoring commands and went off the path. Not your average horse ranch I am glad I got to ride I hope my money goes to the horses.

6. Tampa Fishing Academy

609 Flamingo Dr, Apollo Beach, FL 33572-2444
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 16 reviews

Tampa Fishing Academy

Capt. Shawn brings you 40 years of experience! He will instruct you in the how, where and why of catching fish while you learn the abc's of fishing. Your fishing experience will be successful, informative and fun. We're outfitted to help you have more than just a fish tale, you will have the pictures to prove your catch!!

Reviewed By Scott B

I have fished with Captain Shawn on multiple occasions and every time was a new awesome adventure. Not only will you catch fish but you will learn about proper fishing techniques and a history of the local area. Capt Shawn provides a whole fishing experience, you will show up at his house and he will greet you like family, then you will set off on your trip where he will tell you what kind of fish you will most likely encounter, after that you will spend your whole day catching fish, and at the end of the day he will clean and bag the fish however you want additionally he will give suggested cooking methods. Like I said before you will catch fish, one fishing trip I went on with him he warned us that there was a sideways tide and the fish weren't biting but we went out anyways. At the end of the day all the other charter boats were sailing by us with zero fish in their boats while Capt Shawn was cleaning our catch of grouper, redfish, blue fish, mackerel and trout. Furthermore, Capt Shawn is great with children, very respectful to Military active duty and veterans and if you have disabilities of injuries he will accommodate you as much as possible. If you are reading this review do yourself a favor and book a trip with Captain Shawn and catch some fish.

7. Escape Strategy

1312 Apollo Beach Blvd Ste B, Apollo Beach, FL 33572-3037 +1 813-773-7150
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 10 reviews

Escape Strategy

Here at Escape Strategy we offer real-life adventure games. Players solve a serious of puzzles, brain teasers, ect. using hidden clues and hints to escape room before time runs out. We are open Monday-Wednesday by appointment only. Must be a group of 4 or more.

Reviewed By ShelbyTheAdventurer - St. Pete Beach, Florida

I'm not going to lie, I have done ALL of their escape rooms. haha. I was so disappointed with the one in Ybor that I almost didn't try another one, but Escape Strategy is super fun. They have rooms for different levels so if you have kids and need an easy/no scary room, that one is good. But if you are like me and like some challenge, they definitely have that as well! They also have fun little puzzles in the waiting room while you are getting your group together and they have a SUPER cool old fashioned coke cooler where they keep old fashioned bottled sodas that you get free. It's a lot of fun. Will definitely be going back!

8. Hydro Harvest Farms

1101 E Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570-5003 +1 813-645-6574
Excellent
55%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Hydro Harvest Farms

We are a U-Pick garden and farm stand. We grow everything free of pesticides and use no GMO seeds. We grow everything using Hydroponic growing methods. We always have veggies that are in season and Strawberries too! We provide gardens for schools and backyards. Free events, hydroponic classes and the biggest Pumpkin Patch in the Tampa Bay area. Bring the kids, grandma and Rover and enjoy a fun time at the farm. P.S. Santa is in our Christmas Tree section every December.

Reviewed By Penny P

Although the strawberries weren't ready yet there was lot of other delicious food ready! The apples were perfectly ripe and the family shared a basket before we even left, so went back in and bought more! Very nice employee who was very helpful and good or prices.

9. A Peaceful Harbor Day Spa & Salon

901 Apollo Beach Blvd, (corner of Apollo Beach Blvd. & Bimini Ct.), Apollo Beach, FL 33572-2013 +1 813-645-3303
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 9 reviews

A Peaceful Harbor Day Spa & Salon

Reviewed By Sageycakes - Brooklyn, New York

My friends and I arrived in Florida from Pittsburgh, Philly and New York City. We were seeking a sunshine filled respite, however we were met with thunderstorms and showers. Once we arrived, we were informed that this was "hurricane season". So we had to come up with a solution to resolve our rainy day blues. We found A Peaceful Harbor Day Spa & Salon which willfully accommodated our requests for 4 massages on the same day (short notice). Upon our arrival we were greeted by Mr. Stitch, a therapeutic dog with a peaceful spirit and his owner (the owner of the salon). The owner's spirit was so open, peaceful, accepting and accommodating. She offered cocktails and checked on each of us often. My friends and I have been to many spas and this experience was such a surprise because we went on a whim. My pedicure was so nice. My massage therapist Susan Merrick, LMT was so highly skilled, attentive and professional. My friends concurred with their experiences. The prices for services are great. I would definitely return to A Peaceful Harbor Day Spa & Salon.

10. The Alley at Southshore

10221 Big Bend Rd, Riverview, FL 33578-7411 +1 813-672-8353
Excellent
45%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
12%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 16 reviews

The Alley at Southshore

In 2008, the Boje family built The Alley at SouthShore. “The Alley” is a 42,000 square foot state of the art entertainment center in Riverview, Florida about ten miles south of BCB. This time Bill’s two daughters and son in law joined in the partnership. Cary White and Debbie Boje are not part of regular on site management. Debbie is a successful tax attorney and Cary is a prominent employee of Wells Fargo Bank. The Alley is an ultra-modern, high tech entertainment center. It boast’s the best and finest of everything and is a truly “must see” if you're ever in the area.

Reviewed By Rhonda V - Parrish, Florida

We bowl in a Monday league and participate in color pin bowling once or twice a week. The people who work here care about their customers and treat us well all the time.

We make a practice of eating lunch in the cafe about once a week with several other bowlers from our groups. The food is excellent - even if it's sometimes a little slow - and the server keeps our drinks full. The portions are large. And if you don't want a real large serving, there are lunch specials that are very reasonably priced.

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