13 Fun Things to Do in Safety Harbor, Florida
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If you’re on the hunt for things to do in Safety Harbor, get ready for a lovely day of small-town charm with plenty of fun! This little gem is packed with unique spots to explore, from its picturesque parks to its vibrant art scene. You’ll find colorful streets, cool boutiques, and plenty of places to kick back and relax.
Whether you’re strolling through its vibrant downtown or taking in the scenic views along the waterfront, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained in this hidden gem of the Tampa Bay area! It’s the perfect day trip from Tampa (or even a weekend getaway) if you’re looking for something fun to do in Tampa Bay!
Fun Things to Do in Safety Harbor
1. Check out Safety Harbor Main Street
Safety Harbor’s Main Street is a picture-perfect mix of charming shops, cozy cafes, and quirky galleries. With bistro-style seating lining the sidewalks, you can’t help but feel the laid-back vibe as people wander through, soaking in the fresh air.
As Remi and I strolled down the street, I couldn’t help but turn to him and say, “This feels like something out of a movie.” It’s that kind of quaint, wholesome charm that makes this little town so special.
2. Stroll the Safety Harbor Pier
Take a short walk off Main Street and you’ll find yourself at the Safety Harbor Pier! You may notice the beautiful views of Tampa in the distance. It’s a peaceful spot for a walk, but if you’re into fishing, you’re in luck—this is a popular spot to cast a line!
Keep your eyes peeled, and you might even catch a glimpse of a manatee cruising by in the waters.
3. See Butterflies at Folly Farms Nature Preserve
If you’re looking for peaceful things to do in Safety Harbor, don’t miss the Folly Farms Nature Preserve. This 9.95-acre gem has tranquil walking trails that wind through native and butterfly gardens.
Keep an eye out for hidden gems like a charming gazebo or Gnomeo, one of the preserve’s quirky features! Whether you’re after a quiet escape or a perfect photo opportunity, Folly Farms is a must-see spot in this beautiful town.
4. Visit Phillippe Park
While we’re on a nature kick, you won’t want to miss the town’s beautiful parks. Philippe Park is my favorite, offering the perfect backdrop for a peaceful stroll, a relaxing picnic, or simply soaking in the sunset
With its lush greenery and scenic views, it’s a great place to reconnect with nature and unwind. It’s one of those places that feels like a hidden gem right in the heart of Safety Harbor!
5. Kayak with Tocobaca Tours
Tocobaga Tours offers guided kayak tours for an exciting and serene way to explore Safety Harbor’s natural beauty. Glide past mangroves or spot local wildlife while getting a unique perspective of the town’s waterways.
If you prefer to explore on your own, they have a variety of rental options, including single and double kayaks, sea kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. You can choose from flexible rental periods ranging from 1 hour to a full day, giving you the freedom to enjoy the water at your own pace.
6. Brewery Hop
If you’re exploring downtown Safety Harbor, a brewery hop to Crooked Thumb and Troubled Waters Brewing is a must! Troubled Waters, right on Main Street, is known for fun brews like the Sour Patch Kid Berliner, while Crooked Thumb offers a spacious tasting room and a beer garden.
Don’t miss their Strawberry Shakedown—a fruity but subtle treat. Both breweries are just a short walk from each other, making it easy to enjoy a few rounds of unique beers.
Related read: Best Breweries in St. Pete, Fun Breweries in Clearwater, Breweries in Tampa, and Best Breweries in Dunedin
7. Experience Some Local Eats
Downtown Safety Harbor has plenty of fantastic restaurants to enjoy! Try Bar Fly for a fun lunch with tacos, sandwiches, and their famous bloody marys in a colorful, laid-back atmosphere.
Whistle Stop offers open-air seating and often has live music—don’t miss their milkshakes! For a more elevated experience, Water Oak Grill serves seafood, steaks, and crafted cocktails.
And if you want one of the best Cuban sandwiches in Tampa Bay, head to The Brinehouse!
8. Experience Safety Harbor’s Market on Main
Experience the lively community spirit of Safety Harbor at the Market on Main! This market is held every Sunday and is packed with local treasures like handcrafted goods, delicious food vendors, and unique finds for all ages.
Beyond shopping, it’s a place to connect—offering free yoga, face painting for kids, arts and crafts, and live music that fills the air with good vibes!
Related read: Check out the best restaurants in Clearwater Beach, downtown St. Pete, Channelside, and Dunedin.
9. See a Movie at Gigglewaters
Gigglewaters gives total speakeasy vibes with a fun menu full of craft cocktails and delicious bites. The best part is they show classic movies like Cry Baby, Dirty Dancing, and The Sandlot in an intimate screening room.
Their new Cinema Supper Club (held twice monthly) takes it up a notch by pairing food and drinks inspired by iconic moments in the films they are showing. It’s a unique way to enjoy a night out with great food, drinks, and nostalgia!
So not only is Gigglewaters one of the best things to do in Safety Harbor, but it’s also one of my top date ideas in Tampa Bay!
10. Do a Ghost Tour
Uncover Safety Harbor’s mysterious side on a ghost tour guided by a real medium! This unique experience is one of the top things to do in Safety Harbor, offering a thrilling dive into the town’s past and paranormal lore.
Walk through historic streets as spine-tingling tales of hauntings and local legends unfold, with the medium adding an extra supernatural touch.
👻Experience Safety Harbor’s Ghost Walk👻
Click herе to book11. Whimzeyland
Just a little walk from Main Street, you will find Whimzeyland. You may be asking yourself, “What on earth is Whimzeyland?” I asked myself the same thing. Bright colors, tiled mosaics, junk art animals, and over 800 painted bowling balls all come together to create Whimzeyland.
Whimzeyland is actually also known as “The Bowling Ball House.” It’s home to two artists who began the transformation of an ordinary home in 1985. When shopping at a local flea market they saw a sign that said “10 free bowling balls per person.”
After calling some friends they ended up having 60 bowling balls, and in doing art show travels they’ve also had other artists create bowling ball art for their collection… and well yeah, the rest is history.
Outside of the home they also have a gazebo where they sometimes have small performances, shows, and events. You can also schedule a 90-minute tour of Whimzeyland, Safety Harbor Art and Music Center, and a couple of other places you may not have known were a component of Whimzeyland!
12. Safety Harbor Art and Music Center (SHAMc)
Decorated just as magically as Whimzeyland, SHAMc is another must-see spot in Safety Harbor. Here you can experience workshops, classes, open mic nights, and music events!
13. Grab a Local Cup of Coffee
If you’re after a charming, cozy spot for coffee or a light meal, HavenHouse Eatery & Coffee Shop should be on your list! The decor is adorable, and the second-level open-air seating gives you a serene view of the area. Their coffee options, like the deliciously light birthday latte, pair perfectly with treats like the Caprese sandwich.
I appreciated that they offer a variety of organic, nitrate-free, and nutrient-rich options, making it easy to make healthy choices while still enjoying a treat.
Where to Stay in Safety Harbor
As I mentioned, Safety Harbor is quaint. So there aren’t too many options for places to stay, so make sure to book in advance. Candlewood Suites offers suites with kitchenettes, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and is close to all of the downtown Safety Harbor action.
🏨Check out accomodation options here
Click herе to searchIf you are traveling with more than one person, there are some adorable cottage-style homes available for rent. These homes usually offer more space and privacy compared to hotel rooms and are equipped with amenities like a full kitchen, living room, and backyard. Here are my top 3 selections:
- Genny’s Dock with Truman’s Suite— 4 bed, 5 bathroom home. Includes a hot tub and private pool.
- Tampa Bay Area Cottage with Gas Grill and Fire Pit—2-bedroom pet-friendly vacation home.
- Schooner’s Retreat & Sea Dog Cottage— one or two-bedroom option in a bright, clean rental.
Which of these Safety Harbor activities are you checking out first?!
How fun is this quirky, charming little gem in Florida? Safety Harbor truly has something for everyone—from delicious eateries to outdoor adventures and unique shops. I hope this guide helps you discover some new favorites and maybe even a few hidden gems along the way! If I missed one of your go-to spots, let me know—I’d love to check it out!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Florida blog posts:
Best things to do in downtown St. Pete
How have I never been here? Feel like I’ve hit every adorable town in Florida. One more to add!
Gigglewaters sounds like so much fun. I love that you can eat and be entertained at the same time!
Such a nice place for a day trip . Next time I’m in Florida , I would love to visit Whimzeyland. There’s so many different things to see in the collection. Thanks for the great guide on where to eat and what to do.
I’ve never been to Safety Harbor but it looks like an awesome place to explore! I love our photos + it’d be fun to check out the food + Whimzeyland!
What a gorgeous place! I especially love the colorful houses and rustic bars. You captured them beautifully.
I’ve never heard of Safety Harbor before. Is it near Miami?
No, it’s near Tampa!