Must See Destinations

Relax by the Ocean in Apollo Beach, Florida

Ocean in Apollo Beach

Relax by the Ocean in Apollo Beach, Florida

At long last, it’s time for your vacation at Apollo Beach, Florida! You’ve been waiting for the day you can set foot on the sandy shores of the Florida coast and now you’re ready to enjoy as many fun activities as possible.

You’re so excited in fact, that you don’t know where to start. How can you make the most of your time in this beautiful area of the state?

Have no fear! In this post, we’ll provide you with some ideas for things to do in Apollo Beach, Florida, allowing you to maximize your fun. We’ll also provide suggestions for places to stay during your vacation, in case you haven’t figured out your overnight accommodations yet.

Let’s get to it, then!

Things to Do near Apollo Beach, Florida

Apollo Beach, Florida isn’t quite as popular a Florida destination as nearby Tampa or St. Petersburg, which means it provides a great getaway for anyone looking to escape the crowds and get closer to nature. Below are a few opportunities to do just that.

Relax at the Apollo Beach Nature Preserve

Ocean in Apollo Beach
Relax at the Apollo Beach Nature Preserve

The Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is a 63-acre preserve that provides an incredible opportunity to enjoy the local flora and fauna of the year. Located close by to Tampa, you can get your fill of nature and then head back to the city for dinner.

Plan to wear comfortable shoes during your visit to the Apollo Beach Nature Preserve, as this area provides an abundance of walking opportunities. Enjoy a hike on the preserve’s trails, including two acres of sandy beach, or head to the 37-foot tall observation tower to get an almost-birds-eye-view of the ecosystems that surround you.

Unfortunately, swimming isn’t allowed at the beach; however, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the ocean! Bring your fishing poles and fish from the shore, or plan for a picnic by the beach where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the area.

Visit the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center

Ocean in Apollo Beach
Visit the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center

Another awesome thing to do in Apollo Beach, Florida is taking a visit to the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center. Florida Manatees migrate to Apollo Beach’s warm waters. The power company itself actually heats these waters as a by-product of its energy production!

Migration season takes place during late fall and winter, so the center is open from November 1 to April 15 from 10AM to 5PM. When the center is open, enjoy perusing the boardwalks that provide an excellent view of these gentle giants. During your stay, you also won’t want to miss a visit to the education center to learn more about manatees.


After you’ve had your fill of watching the manatees swim through the water, head out to the habitat trail, which winds through salt marsh and coastal habitat. This trail is eight-tenths of a mile long and includes another incredible destination halfway along the trail: an observation tower with views of the surrounding area, including the estuary and, on clear days, even Tampa Bay!

You’ll likely have worked up an appetite after all this adventure. Fortunately, you can head to the Southshore Cafe to grab a bite to eat before heading on to your next fun activity. You can find the Manatee Viewing Center at:

6990 Dickman Road

Apollo Beach, FL 33572

Get Back to Nature at E.G. Simmons Regional Park

Ocean in Apollo Beach
Get Back to Nature at E.G. Simmons Regional Park

The E.G. Simmons Regional Park is yet another great place to visit while vacationing in Apollo Beach, Florida. This park is located south of Apollo Beach and features 200 acres of mangrove swamp. As such, it is an incredible place to visit if you’re a birdwatcher who is excited about seeing rare and native avian species.

Ocean in Apollo Beach
E.G. Simmons Regional Park

In addition to birdwatching, you can rent kayaks on site ($25 for up to four hours per kayak), walk the beach, or fish off the pier. And if you just don’t want to leave, you can even camp at one of the park’s 110 campsites!

To cost to enter the park is $2 per vehicle and it’s open from 8AM to 6PM in the winter and 8AM to 7PM in the summer. You can find the E.G. Simmons Regional Park located at the address below:

2401 19th Avenue NW

Ruskin, FL 33570

Places to Stay Near Apollo Beach, Florida

As we mentioned earlier, Apollo Beach, Florida isn’t as popular a tourist destination as other cities in the area, which means there aren’t as many hotels. That’s not to say, however, that you can’t still find an awesome place to stay.

In particular, the Riverbend Retreat provides serene accommodations and is located right on the Alafia River. This retreat is just north of Apollo Beach, close to Tampa, and located on a 4-acre property with beautiful landscaping. During your stay, you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The hotel also has a private beach, putting green, and pool.

Ocean in Apollo Beach
Riverbend Retreat

Of course, if this doesn’t suit your fancy, you can also check out Airbnb and VRBO for additional accommodations.

Wrap-Up

Now that you know what fun things you can enjoy in Apollo Beach, Florida, we hope you’re even more excited about your vacation! Whether you spend all day at the Apollo Beach Nature Preserve or visit with the manatees, you’re going to have a wonderful time making your vacation dreams a reality.