​Travelers come from all over to enjoy the natural beauty and year-round sunshine on the coast of Ruskin, Florida. Famous for its pristine beaches, diverse culinary scene, theme parks and exhilarating things to do on land and sea, the Tampa Bay region truly has something for everyone. 

Thanks to Harborside Suites’ exceptional waterfront location, resort amenities and on-site marina, experiencing Tampa’s outdoor attractions has never been easier. Our friendly staff can arrange sunset cruises on Tampa Bay, sailing excursions, deep-sea fishing charters and guided tours by Jet Ski or kayak. Guests will also find an array of water sports gear for rent on our private beach. Choose from ocean kayaks, Jet Skis and more. 

For those who want to explore the surrounding area, a beautiful 18-hole golf course, two parks and a family-friendly manatee preserve are within 15 minutes of the resort. Downtown Tampa is also 30 minutes away by car.

Travelling with children? Harborside Suites at Little Harbor is less than 25 miles from the famous Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, Busch Gardens amusement park and the Glazer Children’s Museum.

To help with your planning, we’ve put together a list of our favorite Tampa Bay attractions and things to do.

manatee viewing center

​The Manatee Viewing Center has been one of the best places in the world to see manatees for more than 25 years. Since the building of the Tampa Electric Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach, Florida, people have been seeing manatees appear in the discharge canal of the power station. Here in this canal is where these splendid aquatic animals seek warm waters when Tampa Bay waters cool below about 68 degrees in the winter months of November through April.

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5.0 mi

ellenton outlet mall

Home to 130 designer and brand outlet stores for the whole family, Ellenton Premium Outlets is conveniently located off I-75 and US-301 in Ellenton, Florida within 25 miles of Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa and Bradenton and a stone throw away from the beautiful beaches of Anna Maria Island, LongBoat Key, Siesta Key and St. Pete Beach. This outdoor mall features covered walkways, lush, tropical landscaping and flowing water fountains. Ellenton Premium Outlets stores range from women's apparel and accessories to home furnishings to specialty items. Stores include Coach, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. Ellenton Premium Outlets is a perfect shopping stop for the area residents and visitors looking for a delightful wallet-friendly shopping experience any time of the year. The entire team at Ellenton Premium Outlets hopes to see you soon!

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15.0 mi

florida aquarium

The Florida Aquarium is located in downtown Tampa, FL and ranks among the leading aquariums in the United States. Fun things to see and do at the Florida Aquarium include the Explore A Shore outdoor water fun area, Wild Dolphin Ecotour, the Swim with the Fishes activity, and the Penguins exhibit. All in all, you'll be able to see more than 20,000 aquatic animals and plant forms from around the world.

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20 miles

tampa museum of art

The Tampa Museum of Art in Downtown Tampa, Florida offers a world-class collection specializing in 20th-century fine art and ancient Greek, Etruscan & Roman Antiquities. Housed in a spectacular new $33 million building by architect Stanley Saitowitz which was erected in 2006, the Tampa Museum of Art offers one of America's most spectacular art collections and spaces for viewing.

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20 miles

amelie arena

The Amelie Arena is one of Tampa's leading venues and boasts more than 670,000 square feet of top facilities. Proud home of the National Hockey League's Tampa Bay Lightning, the Amelie Arena hosts a stellar lineup of concerts, sports action and events, including the circus, ice shows and family-style programs. 

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20 miles

museum of science & industry

The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa, Florida offers over 400,000 square feet of interactive activities and hands-on learning opportunities revolving around science, an IMAX theater and a planetarium. The southeastern United States' largest center for science, the 450 exhibits include ways to learn about ecosystems, weather conditions, the human body and the planets and stars. 

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25 miles

lowry zoo

The Lowry Zoo in Tampa, Florida is a local gem that has been nationally recognized for its splendid facilities and programs. Named the #1 Zoo in the United States by readers of Parents Magazine, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is home a wondrous array of fascinating creatures on 56 sprawling acres.

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25 miles

busch gardens tampa bay

Busch Gardens Tampa offers an African safari experience filled with amusement park rides, roller coasters, entertainment, live stage shows and dining in Florida. You can see more than 3,000 animals at Busch Gardens Tampa and have a face-to-face encounter with orangutans at the Jungala exhibit or go roaring down the Kumba roller coaster. 

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25 miles

glazer children's museum

The Glazer Children's Museum features a wide array of interactive learning opportunities and hands-on ways to play and learn, designed especially for kids. Exhibits include Art Smart, Central Bank, Cruise Ship, Engineers Workshop, Fire House, Publix Super Market, Tug Boat Tots and Vet Clinic. Note: No adult will be admitted to the Glazer Children's Museum without a child present. 

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25 miles

salvador dali museum

The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida was built around the collection of A. Reynolds Morse and his wife Eleanor Reese, who assembled the world's largest private collection of Salvador Dali's work. Celebrating more than 25 years in Florida, the Salvador Dali Museum offers a rare look at the Surrealist master's art plus the work of other modern artists like Joan Miró and André Masson. 

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30 miles

additional nearby attractions

Tropicana Field (40 miles)
The Big Cat Rescue (40 miles)
Adventure Island (35 miles)
Ringling Museum of Art (30 miles)
Raymond James Stadium (25 miles)
Tampa Bay Amphitheater (25 miles)
Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (25 miles)
International Plaza (25 miles)

annual tampa events

Find out what’s on in Tampa Bay during your visit. From professional sports to food & wine events to boat shows and charity events, there are plenty of chances to get out and join our friendly Tampa locals at play.
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Tampa Bay Farmer’s Markets (every weekend)
Festival of Chocolate (January)
New York Yankees Spring Training (February - March)
Tampa Bay Rays Baseball (April – September)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Football (September – November)

nearby dining

​Sunset Grill & Hooks (on property)
The Fish House (2 miles) – Lunch and dinner, Thursday - Sunday
Ybor Grill (3 miles) – Lunch and dinner only, Cuban theme
Latitudes Apollo (6 miles) - Lunch and dinner
Circles Bar and Grill (8 miles) – Lunch and dinner, waterfront seating
Salty Shamrock (8 miles) – Lunch and dinner
Old Castle Restaurant (8 miles) - Lunch and dinner, German Theme
Applebees Neighborhood Grill (10 miles) – Lunch, dinner, happy hour, late night