Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Palm Harbor, FL

  • Published 2022/11/28

Palm Harbor is renowned for having a world-class golf course resort.

However, there is more to this small census-designated community in Pinellas County, Florida.

Palm Harbor has built a reputation throughout the Sunshine State as a perfect destination for quality rest and recreation.

It’s home to numerous mineral spring resorts, parks, and beaches.

At the same time, it has a rich history which you can glimpse in its museums.

Like most beachside cities in Florida, Palm Harbor offers you warm tropical vibes and instantly sets you into vacation mode.

Whether you’re visiting Palm Harbor for leisure or outdoor adventure, you should have a fabulous time there.

Check out the best things to do in Palm Harbor, Florida, for your travel reference.

Stroll through the Scenic Boardwalk of John Chesnut Sr. Park

Boardwalk trail at John Chesnut Sr. Park

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The John Chesnut Sr. Park along E. Lake Road S. is a secluded natural attraction that features the local flora and fauna of Pinellas County.

Since it’s one of Palm Harbor’s best-kept secrets, uncover its beauty by visiting it with your friends or family.

Many nature enthusiasts spend time at this park for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and picnicking.

It features the unspoiled natural beauty of the area.

At the same time, you can spot local wildlife, like alligators, deer, birds, and armadillos, roaming freely at the park.

Bench overlooking the waters at John Chesnut Sr. Park

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One of the park’s most scenic areas is its wooden boardwalk, which offers you a 360-degree view of the densely forested area.

Of course, the John Chesnut Sr. Park has plenty more to explore since it spans over 255 acres.

Don’t forget to add this park to your itinerary.

Observation tower at John Chesnut Sr. Park

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Tee Up at the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club

Since Palm Harbor is known in Florida as a top-notch golfing destination, check out the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club.

You can visit this world-class golf course and resort along US Highway 19 N.

Nestled on a 900-acre lush landscape of Tampa Bay, this course is an idyllic destination for some top-notch golf sessions.

Its golf course, called the Copperhead Course, has 18 holes in a par 71 set spanning over 7,340 yards from the tee area.

It’s a renowned golf course since it hosted the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship held every March.

To complement the world-class golf course, the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club has gorgeous condo-style lodging overlooking the stunning landscape of the entire property.

Overall, it’s your go-to place if you fancy a five-star golf course and resort vacation while visiting Palm Harbor.

Catch the Beautiful Sunset at Pop Stansell Park

Pop Stansell Park is an excellent place to chill and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.

You can visit this park along Florida Avenue.

Besides its quiet and relaxing atmosphere, many locals and visitors love to take a break at this place.

The park was named after Henry “Pop” Stansell, who founded Palm Harbor’s pioneering truck service after moving with his family from Georgia in 1925.

They named this park after him to pay tribute to his contribution to Palm Harbor.

Pop Stansell Park is a highly-recommended spot in Palm Harbor for its stunning sunset every afternoon, which you can see from the park’s pier area.

Learn to Paddle with Simply Kayaking

Simply Kayaking is an all-inclusive guided kayaking eco-tour company based along Florida Avenue.

A few of the best activities to enjoy in Palm Harbor involve water activities, specifically kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.

Enjoy the water with Simply Kayaking and join one of its exciting and fulfilling kayaking lessons.

Once you’ve learned the kayaking fundamentals, you can head out and explore Palm Harbor’s famous beaches and springs with their guided kayaking tours.

Their guided kayaking tours take you to the best places for water activities in Pinellas County.

Roam the Palm Harbor Museum

Exterior of the Palm Harbor Museum

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Upon arriving at Palm Harbor, your first stop should be the Palm Harbor Museum.

You can visit this museum, established in 1998 along Curlew Road.

Explore some of this museum’s most significant historical artifacts detailing Palm Harbor and Pinellas County’s history.

Before it became a museum, this place served as the old Hartley House, owned by a prominent local, James Hartley, in the late 1800s.

Browsing the Palm Harbor Museum’s permanent exhibits offers a fascinating backstory of this community, which makes you more appreciative of its existence.

Hike the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is a famous hiking trail that stretches 50 miles through various communities across Pinellas County.

One of the trail’s entrances is Palm Harbor’s Wall Springs Park.

This multi-purpose trail is your go-to destination if you’re yearning for some outdoor adventure.

The entire trail features excellently paved, primarily flat pathways that take you to various locations in Pinellas County.

Along the way, you’ll come across various attractions such as parks, local shops, restaurants, and natural areas, making your hike through this trail satisfying.

Don’t forget to bring your hiking boots and gear because you’ll likely find yourself traversing the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail.

Grab a Pint at de Bine Brewing

Treat yourself to some top-notch craft beers after a tiring but fulfilling outdoor exploration in Palm Harbor.

Palm Harbor is home to numerous breweries that produce craft beer flavors regularly enjoyed by locals.

Check out de Bine Brewing along Florida Avenue to start your craft beer-tasting adventure.

This brewery is renowned for its flavorful German Hefeweizen, regularly produced at its 9,000-square-foot brewery.

It has a tasting room that provides you with its famous craft beer and live entertainment.

So, don’t forget to drop by de Bine Brewing in Palm Harbor for some much-needed time off.

Solve the Mysteries of the Mind Trapped Escape Room

For an exciting activity with your friends, head to the Mind Trapped Escape Room along US Highway 19 N.

This famous attraction mainly features escape rooms that have entertained Palm Harbor’s locals and visitors for many years.

Its escape rooms can be enjoyed by everyone of all ages, making it a perfect family activity.

Like most top-notch escape rooms, expect various themed escape rooms, each with unique puzzles and problems you must solve before time runs out.

Check out Mind Trapped Escape Room for some one-of-a-kind activity with your friends or family.

Explore the Wall Springs Park

The waters of Wall Springs Park

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Wall Springs Park is a famous destination in Pinellas County.

You can visit this park along De Soto Boulevard and explore its once-famous healing mineral springs.

This park is known throughout this region of Florida for its mineral-enriched waters, which many people believe contain therapeutic benefits.

Unfortunately, its mineral springs don’t exist today.

Daytime view of Wall Springs Park

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Despite that, Wall Springs Park remains a popular outdoor destination.

It has scenic natural areas, which you can explore through its hiking trails.

Exploring this park offers you a leisurely nature walk that leads you to various features, such as the 35-foot observation tower that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico from a distance.

At the same time, it has various wildlife roaming through the area, like what you see at the John Chesnut Sr. Park.

Make a Swing at the Lansbrook Golf Club

Head to Lansbrook Golf Club if you’re itching for more golfing while visiting Palm Harbor.

You can visit this golf course along Village Center Drive.

This golf course opened in 1975 and featured an 18-hole championship course that spans 6,846 yards from its back tees with a par of 72.

Renowned course architect Lane Marshall designed this golf course; the legendary Ron Garl further upgraded it.

The result of these two gentlemen’s designs features a challenging but fun course to play in a natural setting.

In addition, Lansbrook Golf Club has been included in one of the Top 12 PGA Tour venues in its past editions.

With that in mind, don’t forget to drop by this famous Palm Harbor golf course.

Meet the Friendly Apes at the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary

Palm Harbor isn’t just home to alligators and other Florida wildlife.

It’s also home to over 130 primates, which you can find at the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary along US-19 Highway.

Since it opened in 1954, this sanctuary has saved hundreds of animals, particularly primates, from neglect and abuse.

While visiting this sanctuary, you can meet various primates, such as chimpanzees, orangutans, and monkeys.

At the same time, it’s also home to dozens of bird species.

The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary is your go-to place for some unique activity, especially if you’re a huge animal lover.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Just outside Palm Harbor are charming cities and towns offering unique attractions you mustn’t miss.

So, here are the nearby attractions in Palm Harbor that are worth checking out.

Fall in Love with the Honeymoon Island State Park

Beach at Honeymoon Island State Park

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Honeymoon Island State Park is known throughout Florida as a top-notch vacation destination, especially for couples.

You and your special someone can visit this state park nine minutes west of Palm Harbor in Dunedin, Florida.

The state park serves as a barrier island across St. Joseph Sound, which overlooks Palm Harbor from a distance.

The park spans over 385 acres, four miles of white sand beach, and crystal clear waters.

A trail at Honeymoon Island State Park

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It’s a must-visit place, especially if you want to spend time with your partner or special someone, because of its serene atmosphere and romantic scenery.

Besides the gorgeous beach, the Honeymoon Island State Park is also home to one of the few remaining virgin slash pine forests.

At the same time, it has a nature center where you can join various outdoor activities.

Aerial view of Honeymoon Island State Park

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Get Wet at the Tarpon Springs Splash Park

Tarpon Springs Splash Park is an idyllic location for quality activities with friends or family.

You can visit this massive splash park 11 minutes north of Palm Harbor in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

This attraction is the best place to cool down, especially during the hot summer days.

Kids are guaranteed to enjoy this park’s amenities, especially its massive pools, splash pads, spray features, and plenty more.

Spend the day at the Tarpon Springs Splash Park for an excellent swimming experience.

Wander the Celebration Station

The Celebration Station is a massive amusement park in Clearwater, Florida, 12 minutes south of Palm Harbor.

This amusement park features your favorite rides, such as bumper cars, boats, carousels, and a go-kart racing course.

At the same time, it has a huge arcade and a mini-golf course, which you and your family can enjoy.

There are plenty of attractions inside Celebration Station.

You and your family will likely spend your entire day enjoying them all.

Treat Yourself to Mouthwatering Food at Molly Goodheads

Last on your list is Molly Goodheads, a stone’s throw away from Palm Harbor.

This restaurant, housed in a 170-year-old Cracker-style house, is in Ozona, Florida, four minutes from Palm Harbor.

This restaurant mainly serves fresh seafood caught from the Gulf of Mexico.

One of the restaurant’s specialties is its grouper sandwich, fresh oysters, shrimp plates, tuna, and mahi-mahi, cooked and prepared in various ways.

At the same time, its menu offers a wide array of salads, entrees, and sandwiches prepared fresh in its kitchen.

Molly Goodheads remained one of Pinellas County’s best places to eat for many years, a recommended restaurant before returning home.

Final Thoughts

Palm Harbor is unique among other attractions in Florida.

Despite its size, it’s home to some gorgeous and unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else.

Its laid-back vibes and gorgeous parks instantly captivate your mind and body to unwind.

For a curated itinerary, don’t forget to pin this post about the best things to do in Palm Harbor, Florida.

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