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10 Things to Do on the West Coast of Florida


The West Coast of Florida is a gem like none other. We are in the midst of so many great cities, attractions, and beaches. Our RE/MAX office is located in Madeira Beach, which is surrounded by Saint Petersburg, Clearwater, and Tampa Bay. Whether you are vacationing, looking to move, or already live here - here are 10 things to do on the West Coast of Florida, that we hope you check out and love as much as we do!


  • The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is dedicated to helping rescue sick and hurt animals. Their staff and volunteers work each day to Rescue, Rehab, and Release the animals they care for with the most effective care. The aquarium opened in 1972 and was the filming site of the popular movie “Dolphin Tale” - Winter and Hope, two dolphins who starred in the film live at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Winter lost her tail from being tangled in a crab trap and the team at Clearwater Marine Aquarium worked with the Hanger Clinic to develop a prosthetic tail which allowed Winter to make a full recovery.

  • Explore, Learn, and Kiss an Alligator! The Alligator Attraction Wildlife Learning Center was founded in 2011 and is the home for pet surrenders and orphaned wildlife that can not be returned safely to the wild. The facility is home to a little over 180 animals including alligators, lizards, pigs, skunks, guinea pigs, rabbits, snakes, sloths, fish and more!


  • The “Pass” - as locals refer to it, was created by a hurricane on September 27, 1848. A pirate, John Levique, made the first passage through the newly created pass - hence the name Johns Pass. Located at the waterfront at Johns Pass, this fishing village is Pinella's County’s #1 tourist attraction. Over one hundred merchants inhabit the village with unique retail shopping, a variety of restaurants, the local fishing fleet, dolphin watching, boat rentals, parasailing, and jet skiing.


  • Busch Gardens is a 335 acre African-themed animal theme park located in Tampa and is a family friendly attraction. Their large collection of roller coasters makes it Florida’s thrill ride leader. They have world class shows for entertainment for all ages, animal habitats that are home to more than 200 species of animals - making it one of the largest zoos in North America.

  • The Salvador Dali Museum is an art museum in Saint Petersburg dedicated to the words of Salvador Dali. It is the largest collection of his work in the United States.

  • The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary is home to over 100 animals including chimpanzees, orangutans, moneys, reptiles, tropical birds, and more! The sanctuary takes in the animals who no longer are cared for as a personal pet, from the film industry and laboratories. It is run entirely by volunteers and relies on the community and local businesses.

  • Take a relaxing 90 minute tour around the Johns Pass and Boca Ciega Bay area on a Hawaiian style Tiki Hut with you and 5 of your friends! From bachelorette and bachelor parties, corporate meetings, birthday parties, weddings, and date nights. Bring your own food, beer, and drinks!

  • Step aboard the 2 - level, 46 foot U.S Coast Guard Royal Conquest Pirate Ship at John’s Pass for a family friendly adventure! Festive music, dance parties, face paintings, limbo, water gun battles, treasure hunt, dolphin watching, pirate stories and more! Party like it's 1666!

  • Tampa Bay’s Riverwalk is to help enhance the quality of life and build a stronger sense of community downtown. This has a beautiful waterfront, with five museums, seven parks, and many hotels, restaurants, shopping, playgrounds and outdoor gathering places!

  • The new Saint Pete Pier is transformed to cater to everyone. With a benoist exhibit, the bending arc sculpture, discovery center and wet classroom, fishing dock, bioswale picnic area, the marketplace with street vendors, the pier plaza, splashpad and lawn area, the beach area, and numerous restaurants and bars with rooftop access! You could spend a whole day here as an individual, a date day/night, or with the whole family.


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