Winter is a great time to get outside for activities around Tampa 

Winter is a great time to get outdoors for activities all over the Tampa Bay area. While our friends in the North are bundled up inside, we’re able to explore everything west-central Florida has to offer.

Here are four ideas for you as you plan your Tampa-area outdoor adventures. 

1.     Meet a manatee.

As a story on the VisitTampaBay website notes: “The hefty herbivores spend most of the spring and summer lounging about offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. But sure, as the changing of the seasons, as soon as the days get shorter, and the water temperatures begin to drop into the 70s -- (that's cold for Florida) -- the manatees make tracks upstream to springs and power plant outfalls where they'll stay toasty for the winter.”

There’s a manatee viewing center at the TECO Big Bend power plant in Apollo Beach, and you can also visit Lowry Park Zoo or just keep your eyes peeled as you walk along the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa.

2.     Take an inshore fishing trip.

You might not know that there are a number of fishing charters, like Poseidon Charters, that offer trips for a few hours or a half day to fish close to shore.

There are many advantages in taking an inshore trip. You don’t have to commit an entire day to the activity (which can be good for kids’ shorter attention spans). You don’t have to spend a ton of time getting to your guide’s fishing spot. And you can still have a great fishing day even though you didn’t go offshore.

3.     Buying a CityPass can save you money on a number of attractions.

If you are planning on visiting a number of attractions, consider buying a CityPass, which can save you money on tickets to such attractions as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Tropics Boat Tours.

4.     The Hillsborough River State Park offers a more natural getaway.

There is a wide range of activities at the park, from hiking and camping to canoeing and wildlife viewing. If you want to paddle in a kayak or canoe, you will want to work through the park’s concessionaire, FloVibz Adventure Tours.

One of the many great things about living in a William Ryan Homes community is its proximity to so many things to do around the Tampa Bay area.

William Ryan Homes has nine new-home communities in the area. Whether a homebuyer is looking in Spring Hill, Lakeland, Parrish, Palmetto, South Tampa or Zephyrhills, we’ve got you covered with a wide variety of floor plans and amenities.

Schedule an appointment to see a model home

To schedule an appointment to tour model homes, contact Maxine at 813-773-2989 or email her at mstull@wmryan.com. She can quickly schedule your visit and answer other questions you may have about William Ryan Homes.