Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Safety Harbor, FL

  • Published 2022/11/15

The historic city of Safety Harbor is situated near the coasts of Tampa Bay in Florida.

Stories have it that the name “Safety Harbor” was derived from the time when Florida was surrounded by notorious pirates.

Now, Safety Harbor is home to numerous attractions that continue to charm visitors every year.

You can find natural wonders, unique museums, recreational spots, and many fun activities all throughout the year.

The city’s main street also offers numerous shops, restaurants, and hang-out spots that you can visit.

If you want to know more about this fascinating city, check out the 20 best things to do in Safety Harbor, Florida.

Gaze at the Sceneries in Safety Harbor Marina Park and Fishing Pier

Sunset view at Safety Harbor Marina Park and Fishing Pier.

MJ6606 / Shutterstock.com

The Safety Harbor Marina Park and Fishing Pier are some of the favorite destinations among residents and visitors.

The marina park and fishing pier provide plenty of activities for everyone, but the main activity here is fishing.

If you’re not a fan of fishing, you can still enjoy the breathtaking scenery from Tampa Bay around the park.

You can also have a picnic on one of the benches in the park or jog along the park’s trails.

If you’re lucky enough, you can catch a glimpse of the dolphins and manatees playing from the pier.

The sunsets are also amazing in the fishing pier, so don’t miss this marvelous view and head on to Safety Harbor Marina Park and Fishing Pier.

Visit the Safety Harbor Museum & Cultural Center

The Safety Harbor Museum & Cultural Center is the place to visit if you want to learn more about the city’s interesting history.

Safety Harbor Museum & Cultural Center provides an avenue for the residents and visitors to be well-informed about the past of Safety Harbor.

Through educational programs and activities, the Safety Harbor Museum & Cultural Center promotes the arts and shares the story of Safety Harbor.

There are also exhibits and displays of artifacts and documents that serve as proof of the city’s wonderful history.

You can view the permanent exhibits in the museum, including Paleo Florida, Odet Philippe, Tocobaga Indians, and the Early Safety Harbor.

If you’re visiting a new place, make sure to stop by the local museum to get to know the stories behind the land that you’re standing on.

Chug a Glass of Beer in Crooked Thumb Brewery

You deserve to chill with a glass of beer after spending a day visiting all the fun places in Safety Harbor, and we have the perfect place for you!

Located along 10th Avenue in Safety Harbor, you can find this quaint pub that serves award-winning beers.

The Crooked Thumb Brewery features a tasting room in a warehouse-like setting, freshly crafted beers, live musical performances, and food trucks.

Every week, the tasting room produces uniquely crafted beers.

You can also admire the historic designs of the warehouse, which were retained to instill the rustic charm of the building.

If you want to feel the fresh air outside, you can opt to sit in the garden area of the brewery, where you can find picnic tables and yard games.

Marvel at the Unique Artworks in Whimzey Bowling Ball House

Unique and eccentric – these are the words to describe Whimzey Bowling Ball House in Safety Harbor.

You can find creative artwork in every corner of the house, which is not the usual kind of artwork that you can find in other museums.

People will call it strange, but the Whimzey Bowling Ball House is a reflection of the imagination of the owners and their efforts to put up an interesting destination for visitors to enjoy.

Whimzey Bowling Ball House features its colorful walls painted with murals, vibrant tile works, unique sculptures, and more than 800 bowling balls displayed on the house’s racks.

In Whimzey Bowling Ball House, you will find something unusual no matter where you set your eyes.

Watch the Sunset in Safety Harbor Park Nature Boardwalk

Located in the heart of the Safety Harbor, the Safety Harbor Park Nature Boardwalk is an attraction that offers panoramic views and a relaxing atmosphere.

You can enjoy a nice afternoon walking on this 2,500-foot boardwalk while gazing at the beauty of nature.

Birdwatching is also a fun activity to do in Safety Harbor Park Nature Boardwalk since there are lots of birds that live around the area.

At the end of the boardwalk, you will be rewarded with a wonderful view of the lake and the fresh breeze of the wind.

You can bring your favorite book and find a spot where you can sit down and read while being one with nature.

Eat, Drink, and Watch in Gigglewaters

On the main street of Safety Harbor, you will find a one-of-a-kind social club and screening room where you can watch your favorite movies while drinking and eating.

Back in the days, alcoholic drinks were referred to as “Giggle water,” and this is where the name of the restaurant and screening room was inspired from.

Gigglewaters provides entertainment like no other; you can watch classic films while filling your stomach with delicious meals provided by the restaurant.

You can have a bar, a movie theater, and a restaurant in one place, so you won’t have to find separate places just to drink, eat, and watch films.

Gigglewaters will give you a unique experience with food, drinks, and classic movies in one spot.

Leisurely Stroll around the Philippe Park

Sign explaining the history of Philippe Park.

Linda White Wolf / Shutterstock.com

Originally acquired in 1948, Philippe Park is considered the oldest park you can find in Pinella County.

Philippe Park got its name from Count Odet Philippe, who paved the way for the citrus culture in Florida.

This 122-acre park is surrounded by huge Oak trees that provide shade to the area, making it a perfect place for relaxation.

People walking their dogs at Philippe Park.

Linda White Wolf / Shutterstock.com

Philippe Park also features several picnic spots where you can hang out with your friends or bond with your family.

You can also enjoy a scenic view of Old Tampa Bay with its beautiful shoreline and watch the sunset with someone special.

The park also provides opportunities for fishing and boating and can be a playground for children to enjoy.

Philippe Park is a place where recreation and nature preservation collides, so you can enjoy doing activities while immersing yourself in a natural environment.

Stairs at Philippe Park.

Linda White Wolf / Shutterstock.com

Explore the Historic City with Tocobaga Tours

The Tocobaga Tours is your partner if you want to explore the natural wonders of Safety Harbor or if you want to have a fun day on the water while riding a kayak.

Since 2002, the Tocobaga Tours has been providing service to the community of Safety Harbor and introducing them to the beauty of the historic city.

Tocobaga Tours offers guided tours around the city, highlighting the wonders of nature and the alluring landmarks in Safety Harbor.

In the ecotours, you can have the opportunity to do some birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and picture taking to keep the memories alive.

You can also rent kayaks and paddleboards and just float on the waters of Tampa Bay.

So, if you want to have that adventure of a lifetime, you can call the Tocobaga Tours, and they will guide you all throughout your journey.

See the Beautiful Butterflies in Folly Farms Nature Preserve

Many people constantly look for ways to stay active in a fun way.

If you’re one of those people, you can head on to Folly Farms Nature Preserve and see what is in store for you.

The Folly Farms Nature Preserve is conveniently located one mile away from the downtown of Safety Harbor.

If you roam around the nature preserve, you will find a beautiful butterfly garden filled with colorful flowers and mesmerizing butterflies.

In addition to the butterfly garden, some of the attractions that you can also see in Folly Farms Nature Preserve include walking trails, a gazebo, a playground, and a community orchard.

Folly Farms Nature Preserve is open at any time of the year, so be sure to visit and explore this hidden gem in Safety Harbor.

Fill Your Empty Stomach in Bar Fly Saltwater Grill

Craving some seafood in Safety Harbor? If so, then visit the Bar Fly Saltwater Grill.

Bar Fly Saltwater Grill offers an extensive menu, from lunch to snacks to dinner and drinks.

If you want to enjoy the beautiful sceneries of the city, you can choose to dine in the outdoor space of the restaurant.

Bar Fly Saltwater Grill also serves as a place where you can catch up with your long-time pals and have a chit-chat while munching on some delectable food.

With great service, mouthwatering foods, and high-quality drinks, you will definitely have a good time at Bar Fly Saltwater Grill.

Have a Relaxing Weekend in Safety Harbor Resort and Spa

The Safety Harbor Resort and Spa is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway after a stressful week.

The resort and spa offer luxurious facilities to pamper its guests and provide the best services to its patrons.

Aside from the great service that the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa provides, you can also enjoy the wonderful vistas featuring the glistening waters of Tampa Bay.

You can try the resort’s state-of-the-art facilities, such as a swimming pool, a spa, and a fitness center that you can access during your stay.

If you get bored in the resort, you can also roam around the area to find unique stores and entertainment centers.

You won’t regret staying in Safety Harbor Resort and Spa because of the countless activities you can try and the amazing scenery surrounding the hotel.

Meet Talented Artists in Safety Harbor Music and Art Center

A mannequin dressed up at Safety Harbor Music and Art Center.

caleb kurtz / Shutterstock.com

Safety Harbor Music and Art Center is a non-profit organization that promotes and cultivates all facets of arts.

Whether it’s visual, performing, or musical arts, the Safety Harbor Music and Art Center provides a fertile ground for artists to grow and develop.

The Safety Harbor Music and Art Center is where writers, singers, dancers, and any kind of performer gather and showcase their talents.

An antique frame at Safety Harbor Music and Art Center.

caleb kurtz / Shutterstock.com

You can watch at the open night mic where writers and poets recite their works or attend a music event and jam along with the musicians of Safety Harbor.

If you’re more inclined to the arts, you can enroll yourself in art classes and workshops to learn the basics of the arts.

Overall, Safety Harbor Music and Art Center is a cool place to spend the night with a date or with your friends.

A mannequin with decorations at Safety Harbor Music and Art Center.

caleb kurtz / Shutterstock.com

Catch a Fish with Captain Ethan’s Fly Fishing Charters

Since Safety Harbor is a place endowed with several bodies of water, fishing has become a popular activity for the locals and a fun experience for the tourists.

Fret not if you’re a beginner without knowledge about fishing, as Captain Ethan has your back.

Captain Ethan’s Fly Fishing Charters provides services that focus on Fly Fishing on the bays of Tampa.

The Fishing Charter will guide and teach you how to properly catch a fish; with the captain’s knowledge and expertise, it is guaranteed that you will catch something.

You don’t have to bring anything on this fishing tour.

All you have to do is enjoy, have fun, and trust Captain Ethan’s Fly Fishing Charters.

Look for Ghosts in Silent Slayer Ghost Tours and Paranormal Investigations

The Silent Slayer Ghost Tours and Paranormal Investigations will take you out on a haunting tour around the city.

The tours include a walking tour in the city’s downtown area, where you can listen to spine-chilling tales that include true crime stories, paranormal sightings, and unsolved murder cases.

You can also enjoy a comfortable ride while the team searches for ghost sightings; there are several stopovers in the city where you might get a creepy vibe.

Other tours include a haunted hotel stay, a mystery tour, private investigations, and a private group tour.

Design Your Own Pottery in Practically Pikasso

From the name itself, you can have an idea about what Practically Pikasso is all about.

Practically Pikasso is one of the many unique attractions in Safety Harbor, featuring a “Paint Your Own Pottery” activity where you can design your own pottery.

You can unleash your creativity and fuel your imagination while creating your very own artwork in Practically Pikasso.

You can go alone or with your friends and have fun playing and combining colors while sharing stories that will make you smile.

Snacks and drinks are allowed inside the art studio, so you can bring your own if you want to eat while painting.

Practically Pikasso is a fun activity for a date or a bonding activity for friends and family.

Take Snaps with the Old Baranoff Oak Tree

Stunning view of the Old Baranoff Oak Tree

Jim Schwabel / Shutterstock.com

Located at Baranoff Park is the world-famous Baranoff Oak Tree.

This majestic specimen is a local landmark.

The city pays tribute to the late Dr. Salem Baranoff, who founded the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa by naming this magnificent specimen.

The city has preserved the tree, included in the Live Oak Society of the Louisiana Garden Club Federation’s historical inventory of live oaks in 1934.

Travelers from all over the world come to admire the gorgeous evergreen and snap photographs.

This tree has provided shade for residents for decades.

The trunk of the Baranoff Live Oak measures about 20 feet in circumference and weighs around 800 tons.

According to experts, the estimated age of this masterpiece ranges from 200 to 300 years old.

Check out the Displays at Syd Entel Galleries and Susan Benjamin Glass

Syd Entel and Susan Benjamin carry a 35-year-old family heritage of delivering world-class fine art to Tampa Bay.

The pink building housing the Syd Entel Galleries and Susan Benjamin Glass is 5,500 square feet in the heart of Safety Harbor’s downtown.

It features works by the leading American glass artists working today and those of internationally renowned artists.

Glass, paintings, ceramics, and sculpture are a few mediums represented here.

Explore the galleries, or feel free to bring home a piece of art for your home!

Explore the City on a Golf Cart with Tours in the Harbor

Tours in the Harbor offers guided tours of Safety Harbor on golf carts that can seat up to eight people.

Everyone may enjoy the city’s ambiance and learn about its rich history.

Hop on tour, and its enthusiastic guides will show you all the city’s best-kept secrets and exciting places.

You’ll learn about the area’s history and enjoy tasty treats at several stops.

The tour lasts for around two hours and involves traveling on a golf cart with up to seven other people, stopping four times, and doing some light walking between each stop.

The cost of the tour covers your entrance to the museum, three samples of local cuisine, a bottle of water, and a gift bag filled with coupons and freebies from area companies.

Peruse the Stores at Safety Harbor’s Market on Main

You may find various locally made goods, food sellers, fresh fruit juice, pickled goods, and more at the weekly Sunday Safety Harbor Market on Main.

It features different options whenever you go to the market because the selection shifts weekly.

Arrive early for breakfast, or stay late for lunch and live music on the gazebo lawn.

After you’ve finished at the market, take a stroll through charming downtown Safety Harbor.

You may expect to learn more about the participating merchants on the event website as time passes.

It also hosts charity events, hands-on art workshops, musical performances, and educational seminars about Florida agriculture at various times during the year.

Bring Home Wellness Products from Bailey’s Naturals Herbal Apothecary

Are you interested in health and well-being through natural means?

Before you go, swing into Bailey’s Naturals Herbal Apothecary to pick up some necessities.

It’s like finding a healthy and peaceful haven in a chaotic desert.

There is no gimmickry or hyperbole, simply high-quality herbal remedies and vitamins at fair prices.

It has been in business for over 20 years, and its top priority is always the satisfaction of its customers.

Its shelves feature a wide variety of the finest medicinal herbs, vitamins, and natural goods money can buy.

There are also reasonably priced all-natural cosmetics and toiletries available.

Owner Julie Brannon, D.PSc also makes the renowned Mom’s Healing Salve, a topical herb with extraordinary healing powers derived from all-natural ingredients.

Final Thoughts

The city of Safety Harbor is the ideal place for you if you want to experience the small-town charm and the big city vibes in one place.

Safety Harbor is a great location for people who need to get away from all the drama and stress of city life.

From its world-class entertainment to its stunning natural wonders, you will never feel the slightest regret visiting this historic city in Florida.

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