Tampa Bay has more to offer than meets the eye. Beyond the typical tourist spots, there’s a world of quirky, offbeat attractions waiting for you to explore. From mermaids to sponge docks and giant shoes, the area around Tampa is packed with unique surprises. Whether you’re a local seeking a weekend adventure or a visitor searching for something unusual, these hidden gems belong on your Florida bucket list.
Weeki Wachee Springs, Home of Real Mermaids
Yes, you read that right. Weeki Wachee, just about an hour north of Tampa, is home to live mermaid shows. Since 1947, this tiny town has hosted underwater performances by women dressed as mermaids in an actual spring.
The Weeki Wachee mermaids perform in a submerged theater built into the side of the spring. They dance, flip, and smile while battling the current, all while breathing through hidden air hoses. It’s kitschy, it’s fun, and it’s surprisingly impressive. Audiences can watch through large windows, creating the feeling of peering into an underwater world. Visitors young and old alike are captivated by the mermaids’ graceful underwater ballet and playful antics.
Besides the mermaids, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park also offers kayaking, swimming, and manatee sightings. The crystal-clear spring water stays a refreshing 72 degrees year-round. You can paddle through lush, scenic waterways or relax on sandy beaches nearby. It’s perfect for cooling off after a long day of exploring, making Weeki Wachee a must-visit for a truly unique Florida experience.
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, A Greek Getaway
Just 40 minutes northwest of Tampa, Tarpon Springs feels like stepping into a Mediterranean village. The city is known for its rich Greek heritage and its historic sponge industry. Originally settled by Greek sponge divers in the early 1900s, the area quickly became famous for its unique industry and vibrant cultural traditions.
At the Sponge Docks, you’ll find sponge boats, Greek bakeries, seafood restaurants, and shops selling every type of natural sponge imaginable. You can even take a sponge diving boat tour and watch divers in old-school suits bring sponges up from the sea floor. Visitors can also explore local museums showcasing the history of sponge diving and Greek immigration to Florida.
Don’t leave without trying the baklava ice cream or snapping a photo of the huge sponges stacked on the docks. Tarpon Springs is one of those places that’s quirky, authentic, and full of charm, offering a genuinely unforgettable Florida experience.
Dinosaur World in Plant City
About 40 minutes east of Tampa, Plant City is mostly known for its strawberries. But it also hides a prehistoric surprise: Dinosaur World.
This outdoor attraction features over 200 life-sized dinosaur statues scattered through natural trails. It’s family-friendly and surprisingly peaceful. The lack of animatronics or loud music gives it a chill vibe, even if you’re walking beside a T-Rex. Visitors can stroll at their own pace, reading informational plaques about each species, making it educational and entertaining.
Kids can dig for fossils, play in the dino-themed playground, and even attend paleontology shows. There’s also a museum showcasing authentic dinosaur fossils and skeletons, enhancing the immersive experience. For adults, it’s a fun throwback to the days when dinosaurs ruled the earth and roadside attractions ruled Florida, perfect for photos and memories.
Solomon’s Castle in Ona
Head about two hours southeast of Tampa to the rural community of Ona, and you’ll stumble upon one of Florida’s strangest hidden treasures: Solomon’s Castle.
Artist Howard Solomon built this mirrored fortress entirely from recycled materials. The exterior is covered in aluminum printing plates, giving it a shining, surreal appearance. Visitors often describe it as walking into a real-life fairytale, making it a must-see for those who love the whimsical and unusual.
Inside, you’ll find hundreds of sculptures, quirky furniture pieces, and puns galore. Each creation has its own story, adding layers of charm and humor to your visit. There’s even a pirate ship named the SS “Aluminum,” docked in a man-made moat, adding to the quirky atmosphere.
Guided tours are offered, sharing entertaining stories behind each art piece and Solomon’s creative vision. There’s also a cozy café on-site serving delicious sandwiches, homemade desserts, and refreshments. Solomon’s Castle is artsy, eccentric, and unforgettable—a truly unique attraction hidden in the heart of Florida.
The Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach
Not everything weird is man-made. Sometimes nature does all the work. The Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach is a perfect example.
This TECO-run sanctuary lets you see manatees in their natural environment, especially during the winter months. When Tampa Bay waters cool, the manatees head to the warm discharge canal from the power plant. It’s not unusual to spot dozens of these gentle giants gracefully gliding through the water, offering incredible photo opportunities.
There are viewing platforms, nature trails, and educational exhibits, all free of charge. Visitors can also learn about conservation efforts and the importance of protecting Florida’s unique wildlife. It’s a peaceful, feel-good experience that reminds you how cool Florida wildlife really is, providing a memorable outing for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
The Tampa Theatre, A Movie Palace From Another Time
Located right in downtown Tampa, the Tampa Theatre is a stunningly unique experience. Built in 1926, it looks more like an old-world castle than a movie theater.
Inside, you’ll find intricate ceilings, twinkling stars, and Mediterranean-style architecture. It’s more than a place to watch movies, it’s an experience in itself. The theater still houses its original Mighty Wurlitzer organ, used during silent film screenings, adding to its charm and authenticity. It’s easy to feel transported to another era as soon as you step through the doors.
They host classic films, indie screenings, and even ghost tours. If you’ve never been, add it to your list. It’s one of the coolest (and most unusual) buildings in the city, with a reputation for being both beautiful and slightly haunted, making visits even more intriguing.
Honorable Mentions, Even More Weird Florida Fun
- The Big Cat Rescue in Citrus Park: Home to lions, tigers, and some serious internet fame.
- The Linger Lodge in Bradenton: A taxidermy-filled restaurant with a “you have to see it to believe it” atmosphere.
- Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales: Not weird, but the 205-foot singing tower in the middle of nowhere is definitely unexpected.
Step Off the Beaten Path in Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay has plenty of well-known attractions, but the area also hides some incredible gems offering quirky fun and memorable adventures. From mermaids at Weeki Wachee to dinosaurs in Plant City, these unique attractions show a different side of Florida’s charm. Stepping off the beaten path can turn a typical weekend into an unforgettable experience.
So, whether you’re watching sponge divers in Tarpon Springs or marveling at Solomon’s Castle, these unusual spots blend history, culture, and creativity. Next time you’re planning an outing, explore Tampa’s hidden treasures. You might find your new favorite spot in the most unexpected place.
You must be logged in to post a comment.