Whether you’re new to the Tampa Bay area, or if it feels like you’ve been here since Jose Gaspar and his brutal band of buccaneers were terrorizing Florida’s Gulf Coast, it’s a well-known fact that once spring has sprung, Tampa Bay is a veritable treasure trove of outdoor activities. The beautiful weather and widely-varied cultural diversity of the area make the perfect combination for adventure.

The challenge lies not in finding something to do but rather in narrowing down your choices. And while it would be decidedly simpler to present the top 50 activities to take advantage of in Tampa Bay this spring, we have researched all the Bay Area has to offer and whittled down the list for you. Join us in exploring (in no particular order) the top 5 can’t miss outdoor opportunities that await you this spring in the Tampa Bay area.

1. Baseball (that’s not in a dome)

While supply chain issues may still have us facing shortages of some things, so long as the MLB reaches a new collective bargaining agreement, baseball in the Tampa area will most definitely not be one of those things! As of now, the start of spring training has been delayed until March 5th but baseball fans are hopeful for a resolution prior to that date.

So grab your favorite baseball cap and sunscreen, and get ready to hit the ballpark! There are six teams that hold their spring training camps within about an hour of Tampa: the New York Yankees (in Tampa), the Philadelphia Phillies (in Clearwater), the Toronto Blue Jays (in Dunedin), the Detroit Tigers (in Lakeland), the Pittsburgh Pirates (in Bradenton), and the Baltimore Orioles (in Sarasota). Major league spring training runs through the end of March, and then the minor league action picks up and carries on through the end of summer. There is plenty of time to take in a game… or three.

Even if baseball is not your thing, each of the stadiums has a wide variety of food and drinks to enjoy while you soak up some Florida sunshine. Some fields even offer other activities, such as play areas and special exhibits to take in during the game. Be sure to check their websites for special events like post-game concerts or fireworks. (And while you’re on their site, familiarize yourself with their COVID-19 protocols, which can vary by park).

2. The Florida Strawberry Festival

Running March 3rd – 13th, the Florida Strawberry Festival has something for everyone. In addition to the obvious stars of the show (the strawberries), there are a number of concerts as well. Some are surprised to find that this fruit festival in the rural fields of Plant City can draw some bigger names including: The Beach Boys, Boyz II Men, Sammy Hagar & The Circle, Tesla, Nelly, Cole Swindell, The Bellamy Brothers, and many others. (Just note that these concerts require the purchase of separate tickets in addition to the admission fee.)

The entertainment at the Florida Strawberry Festival doesn’t stop at the concert stage. Included with your admission you can enjoy front row seats to jaw-dropping eating contests, a great variety of live performances in the Publix Showcase and Entenmann’s Strawberry tents, and some impressive livestock shows.

While you’re there, check out the Neighborhood Village, which showcases award-winning items that have been handcrafted by locals. Things like: decorated cakes, baked goods, preserved foods, quilts, toys, jewelry, home décor, and so much more are on display with the added benefit of air-conditioned comfort. There are rides and attractions for kids of all ages (including those adults who are kids at heart) and of course, strawberries galore! We’re talking strawberry-brisket tacos, strawberry pizza, strawberry jam, strawberry crepes, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry dole whip, strawberry lemonade…strawberry everything! But whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the world-famous strawberry shortcake, or you’ll have to live with that regret until next year!

Discounted admission (available at many local Publix stores) starts at $4 for children ages 6-12 and $8 for individuals 13 and up; children under 5 are free. Regular admission is $5 for children ages 6-12 and $8 for individuals 13 and up, with free admission for children under 5.

3. Footloose The Musical

Ok, we know what you’re thinking (and yes, you did forget to pick up your dry-cleaning, but that’s not what this is about). You’re probably also thinking “Hey! Isn’t this supposed to be a list of OUTDOOR activities?” And yes, you are absolutely correct; this is a list of outdoor activities. Footloose The Musical is this year’s Theater In The Park feature presented by American Stage.

The show runs select nights April 6th – May 8th, OUTSIDE at Demens Landing Park in downtown St. Petersburg. Tickets start at $21 for general admission blanket seating but there are two special “pay what you can” preview shows on April 6th and 7th. There is also an opening night gala on the 8th, a Pets in the Park night on April 17th, and a Pride Plus night on the 24th. You’ve been working so hard; it’s time to cut loose and see this show while you can!

4. Reggae Rise Up

If you’re looking to soak up the sun as well as some good vibes, look no further than Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg on March 18th - 20th for the Reggae Rise Up Music Festival. Rebelution, Soja, Steel Pulse, Slightly Stoopid, Iration, Shaggy, and many other phenomenal reggae artists will be spreading the love with their performances. In addition to the music, there are also a number of yoga and meditation sessions, as well as some visual artists and food/craft vendors that will have you feelin’ irie for sure! Tickets are available online.

5. Local Farmer’s Markets

Tampa Bay is home to more farmer’s markets than we can count. Each of them offers a unique variety of vendors and goods that are sure to please even the most persnickety of perusers.

Two of our favorites are:

Fresh Market in Hyde Park Village the first Sunday of every month from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, and the Saturday Morning Market which is open from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (on Saturdays, as you probably already guessed) in downtown St. Petersburg.

We suggest checking out as many of these amazing markets as you possibly can during the spring months, before the weather has us suggesting the top 5 air-conditioned activities in the Tampa area.

A Bonus Activity in Tampa Bay

I know we said we narrowed it down to five activities, but this one was too good to keep to ourselves. Just think of this as a sort of abbreviated baker’s dozen and enjoy this bonus activity:

6. Goat Yoga at Dancing Goat Farm

We apologize in advance to all the Tom Brady fans, but this isn’t yoga with that GOAT; we mean yoga with a bunch of kids (actually, they’re probably more like full-grown adult goats but that’s not nearly as punny).

On Sunday, March 10th and April 17th, The Dancing Goat Farm is offering goat yoga with Dr. Tanya Gold. There will be two 45-minute sessions each day at 8:30, and 9:30 am (weather permitting). And while there is no previous yoga (or goat) experience required, reservations are a must. The cost is $20 per person, and a limited number of tickets are available through Eventbrite.

Of course, one of our absolute favorite outdoor activities in the Tampa Bay area will always be enjoying time with our friends and loved ones in our own backyards. Let our team at My Tampa Agent help you find the perfect place for you to do the same. Contact us at Anthony@MyTampaAgent.com for your Tampa Bay real estate needs