Tampa is an ideal locale for domestic travelers and residents seeking beautiful beaches, great weather and a tropical city vibe. It is home to one of the busiest cruise ports in the Sunshine State and a nationally ranked airport, and enjoys drivable proximity to Orlando, Sarasota and an array of popular Florida destinations.

Now is a perfect time to start planning your next adventure, and discover all the fun things to do in Tampa and in the nearby Florida vacation spots.

TAMPA FLORIDA CRUISE PORTS

Port Tampa Bay, also known as the Port of Tampa, is the largest port in the state of Florida. Located in the bustling downtown Channel District, Port Tampa Bay is one of the premier Florida cruise ports and ranks among the nation’s most popular departure ports for western Caribbean cruises.

Tampa currently homeports vessels from three cruise lines, offering a variety of 4, 5, 6 and 14-day itineraries. In 2020, Port Tampa Bay will homeport vessels for up to six cruise lines, including:

• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Royal Caribbean International
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• MSC Cruises

When you’re ready to embark on your next sea voyage, you’ll find Port Tampa Bay less than ten miles from your future home at Marina Pointe.

TAKE FLIGHT AT NEARBY TAMPA AIRPORTS

Located just up the road from Marina Pointe and the Westshore Marina District, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is ranked among the nation’s best medium-sized airports and hosted a record 22.2 million guests in 2019. This airport is often praised by local and national press for its innovative design, efficient service, positive on-site experiences and even its signature “Spirit of Flight” cocktail.   

The popular Tampa airport is served by more than 20 major air carrier airlines and four regional airlines, which allow visitors to fly into and out of Tampa to 93 nonstop destinations.

Tampa airport’s premier airlines include:

• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Delta Airlines
• JetBlue
• Silver Airways
• Southwest Airlines
• United

If you’re landing in TPA, you can easily rent a car and venture out to the Gulf beaches of St. Pete and Clearwater, the white-sand isles and cultural hub of Sarasota, and even the theme parks and attractions of Orlando. If you’re flying out of TPA, carriers such as Silver Airways, Southwest and American Airlines will swiftly transport you to coastal Florida destinations such as Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Key West and Pensacola.

TAMPA’S ULTIMATE IN-TOWN, ON-THE-WATER LIFESTYLE

Marina Pointe’s luxury waterfront condominiums from the mid-$700,000s are now available in the heart of the Westshore Marina District, where residents can walk to shops, dine on the water and enjoy a state-of-the-art marina and boat slips on their doorstep. Contact us today to schedule your private presentation.

Take your boat or kayak out to Caladesi Island State Park, one of the last untouched islands along Florida’s Gulf Coast. As one of the more secluded beaches in Florida, Caladesi Island is accessible primarily by water and is a wonderful, lesser-known destination for those seeking unique things to do in Tampa.

Marina Pointe’s luxury towers and townhomes place residents a convenient boating excursion from this pristine park, which was once known simply as “Paradise.”

EXPLORE CALADESI ISLAND FLORIDA

Caladesi Island State Park can be reached by private boat at any time or a public ferry, which departs from nearby Honeymoon Island every half hour. Determined visitors can hike 2.5 miles to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach too.

Discover a wide array of aquatic activities and outdoor recreation at this breathtaking beach near Tampa.

Boating

Dock your boat or yacht at Caladesi Island’s 108-slip bayside marina. When the weather is calm, boaters can even anchor offshore and soak in the sunshine and sea breezes.

Fishing

Designated areas surrounding Caladesi Island State Park are perfect for fishing, although a license may be required. These areas include the north end pass and the Dunedin pass – you can also cast a line from your boat.

Hiking

There are three miles of nature trails for visitors to explore. Stroll along the pristine white sand beaches and watch birds chase fish through the surf, or hike to the 19^th century Scharrer Homestead ruins through the island’s interior.

This tranquil Caladesi Island homestead was established by Henry Scharrer in 1892, when the island was still called “Hog Island,” and he and his family lived there until 1934. The stone ruins of the foundations and chimney are all that remain of his historic home.

Paddling

Rent a canoe or kayak near Caladesi Island State Park’s marina and café and explore the island’s paddling trail. Wind through the shaded mangrove forests, glide over shallow sea grass flats, or paddle all the way to the Scharrer homestead.

On the trail, you’ll spot local birds such as blue herons, great egrets and osprey, along with Gulf fish such as mullet, snook and red drum. Lucky paddlers may even spy dolphins, manatees, bald eagles or soft pink roseate spoonbills.

Swimming

Beach lovers will enjoy sunbathing, shelling and swimming in the crystal clear waters surrounding Caladesi Island Florida.

CALADESI ISLAND CAMPING

Visitors looking to spend a night under the stars at Caladesi Island State Park can enjoy the overnight “camping boat” experience. This unique Florida State Parks camping experience centers around the island’s marina, which has floating decks outfitted with 30-amp electric service and water hookups. A covered pavilion and grill provide the perfect setting for al fresco breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

A snack bar and gift shop is also located in the marina, and three sites are ADA accessible.

Reservations can be made in advance at ReserveAmerica or on a first-come, first serve in the Caladesi Island marina. In-person reservations must be made before sundown.

TAMPA ULTIMATE IN-TOWN, ON-THE-WATER LIFESTYLE

Marina Pointe’s luxury waterfront condominiums from the mid-$700,000s are now available in the heart of the Westshore Marina District, where residents can walk to shops, dine on the water and enjoy a state-of-the-art marina and boat slips on their doorstep. Contact us today to schedule your private presentation.