Here in the hip, urban heart of Florida’s Gulf coast, you can take a break without breaking your active, healthy routines. Especially as the humidity drops in the autumn, now’s the time for outdoor activities – including dining al fresco by the sparkling water. There’s no reason to fall behind on your miles or your diet when you unlock Tampa Bay. Here’s how to have a healthy and active holiday in Tampa Bay.
Go Running
Get the most out of your morning run as you pile up the miles and learn something new at the same time. Go! Running Tours are 7 km and 10 km and take in some of Tampa Bay’s most scenic neighborhoods. Or strike out on your own at sunrise for beautiful views along scenic Bayshore Boulevard or in the evening as the lights come up along the Tampa Riverwalk.
Hit the Water
Urban Kai Stand Up Paddleboarding gets you up close with Tampa Bay’s varied marine life through this rapidly growing outdoor sport. Launching from the Tampa Riverwalk near Armature Works, Urban Kai’s two-hour tour provides instruction, exploration, and a work-out all in one. If sitting down is more your thing, Tampa Bay Water Bikes, located on the waterfront near Tampa Convention Center offers its unique rides along with pedal-powered kayaks to explore the waterfront. A few minutes from downtown’s glass towers, you can explore ancient cypress forests with a Canoe Escape journey down the Hillsborough River.
Make Waves
The City of Tampa maintains a large collection of public pools, many set up for lap swimmers. This being Florida, they’re available pretty much year-round. Non-residents need to buy a city rec card for $30 and a lap pass.
Bike
Got a smartphone and a credit card? Take Tampa Bay on two wheels with Coast Bike Share, which lets you rent a sturdy, urban bike to explore more than 100 miles of bike trails, on-street lanes, Bayshore Boulevard, and the Tampa Riverwalk. You can also put your mettle to the pedal for a two-wheeled tour of downtown and surrounding neighborhoods with Tampa Bay Bike Tours. Move through the region’s urban heart on pedal power.
Yoga
Keep up with your practice during Sunday evening free public yoga sessions and a view of the downtown skyline in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
Eat Healthy
From freshly picked fruit in the winter to year-round seafood, healthy eating is as close as the nearest menu in Tampa Bay. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options are also readily available in most restaurants. A few places to consider: Oxford Exchange (breakfast), Zukku Sushi at Armature Works (lunch), Fresh Kitchen (dinner).
Indulge
You are on vacation, after all. So, tap into an IPA, Red, or Trippel in Florida’s hub for craft brewing. Tempt your sweet tooth with the captivating confections at Bern’s Steak House’s famous Harry Waugh Dessert Room. (You can work it off later).
Tampa Bay if full of fun for the entire family. ANd that fun doesn’t need to take you too far off course. Wishing you a healthy and active holiday in Tampa Bay.