11 Best Things to Do in Palm Harbor, Florida

By VacationIdea Staff on December 2, 2022 - Updated

Cheryl Casey/stock.adobe.com

Located north of St. Petersburg in Pinellas County, Palm Harbor is an ideal destination for a relaxing coastal vacation. You will never be far from wonderful beaches lapped by the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to all kinds of exciting water sports you can also enjoy scenic cruises and sport-fishing charters. Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club offers excellent golfing facilities and there are numerous opportunities for walking, hiking, cycling and wildlife watching. You can learn about the old days in Palm Harbor at the quaint Palm Harbor Museum and downtown offers a large variety of shopping and dining venues.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.John Chestnut Sr. Park

Named to honor a forward-thinking Pinellas County Commissioner, the John Chestnut Sr. Park is a wonderful outdoor recreational area for all ages. The park attracts wildlife enthusiasts who have the opportunity to spot a variety of Florida wildlife including alligators, raccoons, waterfowl, tortoises and much more. There are three scenic nature trails to explore, including an elevated boardwalk which leads to an observation tower overlooking Tarpon Lake. You can go canoeing along a landlocked water way, surrounded by the best of Florida’s natural beauty or launch you boat to explore Lake Tarpon. Children can have fun in the two playgrounds and everyone can enjoy a shady picnic at one of 13 picnic shelters.

2200 East John Chestnut Sr. Park, 2200 East Lake Rd, Palm Harbor, FL 34685, Phone: 727-582-2100

2.Salamander Spa at Innisbrook

Nurture yourself with an afternoon of healing, balance, and wellness at the Salamander Spa at Innisbrook. Care for clients shines through with their one-on-one services ensuring every guest is provided for with the utmost attention. Experience innovative treatments and holistic healing techniques by their seasoned massage therapists as you avail of their wide range of massage packages. In addition to massage and body treatments, the spa also offers facials, waxing, hair and makeup, mani-pedis, and even gentlemen and maternity services. Round out your wellness experience at their 4,800 square foot fitness center with state-of-the-art workout equipment, fitness classes, saunas, outdoor whirlpools, and pools. The Salamander Spa is open weekly from Tuesdays to Saturdays.

36750 U.S. Highway 19 North, Palm Harbor, Florida 34684, Phone: 888-794-8627

3.Palm Harbor Museum, Palm Harbor, Florida

To get a glimpse of everyday life in Palm Harbor in the early 1900’s, all you need to do is visit the quaint Palm Harbor Museum. The Museum is housed in an historical family home which was built between 1914 and 1919. The historic building is of interest due to its unusual construction methods, utilizing reinforced concrete foundations and concrete blocks which were cast on site and made to resemble chiseled stone blocks. The building housed a family of 6 and many of their original furnishings and fittings have been preserved. The museum is operated by the Palm Harbor Historical Society and regular temporary exhibitions are held.

2043 Curlew Rd, Palm Harbor, FL 34683, Phone: 727-724-3054

4.East Lake Cafe, Palm Harbor, Florida

East Lake Café has been synonymous with great food and excellent service for more than 18 years. The café is family run and they take pride in offering all customers a premium dining experience. Open for breakfast, lunch and brunch, East Lake Café is the place to go for a delicious all-day breakfast menu – specialties include a variety of innovative Benedicts, alongside omelets, wraps, grills and sandwiches. At lunchtime you can feast on gourmet burgers served on artisan buns, signature salads, specialty sandwiches, wraps, platters and more. On Saturday and Sunday you can enjoy a relaxing brunch on the beautiful outdoor terrace.

East Lake Café, 3430 East Lake Business Rd, Suites 3 and 4, Palm Harbor, FL 34685, Phone: 727-772-0707

5.Wall Springs Park

Previously used by the community as a natural bath and spa area, the popular Wall Springs Park is a place to unwind and reconnect with nature. The 210-acre park is home to a historical, natural spring along with several activities for visitors. Walk along their boardwalk and several nature trails including the adjacent Pinellas Trail as you take in the beautiful surroundings. For even more magnificent views, climb their 35-foot observation tower where you can get panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. The park is rich in wildlife as well with freely roaming animals such as rabbits, raccoons, reptiles, and several species of birds. Families can easily spend the day in the park with plenty of amenities including picnic shelters, grills, restrooms, elevated observation decks, a butterfly garden, and even a playground.

3725 De Soto Boulevard, Palm Harbor, Florida 34683, Phone: 727-943-4653

6.Stilt House Brewery

Just steps away from the vibrant and historic Downtown Palm Harbor, Stilt House Brewery serves up a wide selection of unique and high quality craft beers. The brewery prides itself in producing over 30 distinct flavors of beer for every taste, style, and occasion. Made from only the finest ingredients and guided by Master Brewer Sean Greelish, many regard their beer to be the best in the Tampa area. Visit the brewery any day of the week and sample their taps ranging from light lagers to dark stouts along with their selection of wine and ciders. Some of their popular beers include the smooth and sweet American Amber, the malted chocolate Milk Stout, and the refreshing Citrus Wheat Ale.

625 Us-19 ATL, Palm Harbor, Florida 34683, Phone: 727-270-7373

7.Mind Trapped Escape Room

Get ready for a thrillingly fun experience at Mind Trapped Escape Room as you flex your critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills at the same time. With several rooms suitable for all ages, anyone from escape room enthusiasts to novice players can race against time in any of the professionally designed rooms. Mind Trapped offers four rooms of varying difficulty, all with its own creative and thought-provoking mystery to be solved. Rooms can be played in groups of two to eight. Whether for an impromptu activity with family, a team-building event amongst colleagues, or a birthday party with friends, these rooms will surely make for a memorable experience.

34254 US Highway 19 North, Palm Harbor, Florida 34684, Phone: 727-754-5705

8.Lansbrook Golf Club

Play on some of the best greens in Tampa Bay when you visit the Lansbrook Golf Club. Nestled amongst the beautiful cypress trees of Florida’s popular wetlands, the 18-hole golf course offers excellent course conditions no matter the time of year. Matched together with the course’s champion dwarf bermuda grass greens and excellent design by renowned architect Ron Garl, it’s no surprise that Lansbrook Golf Club has become a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike. Even professional athletes such as Larry Bird and Reggie Jackson have been seen favoring the course. PGA professional instruction is offered at the club, along with a well-stocked golf shop to provide all your needs. Delicious food and drinks are only steps away at the club’s Pizzeria & Grille.

4605 Village Center Drive, Palm Harbor, Florida 34685, Phone: 727-784-7333

9.Ozona Blue Grilling Co

Enjoy the best of waterfront dining at the Ozone Blue Grilling Co, where their fine dining menu perfectly matches with their relaxed atmosphere. Breathe in the fresh air and take in the amazing scenery of St. Joseph’s Sound while being served by their professional and attentive staff. Their signature dishes and cocktails may be enjoyed indoors or outdoors where they have a terrace with live music. Ozone Blue Grilling Co offers a wide selection of dishes to choose from for every course such as fresh oysters and salads for appetizers, as well as burgers, tacos, steaks, and seafood plates for main entrees. A kid’s menu is also available for families dining with little ones.

125 Orange Street, Palm Harbor, Florida, Phone: 727-789-4540

10.Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, Palm Harbor, FL

Run entirely by caring volunteers, the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary offers a permanent home to over 100 animals which were in need of sanctuary. The center cares from animals from a variety of backgrounds – some were domestic pets who outgrew their welcome, some come from laboratories and some were stars of the film industry. What they all have in common is a need for love and a permanent home where they can live as naturally as possible. When you come and visit the non-profit sanctuary, you can rest assured that your donation will be utilized to continue the good work of the sanctuary. Just a few of the animals you can meet include orangutans, chimpanzees, monkeys, reptiles and exotic birds.

Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, 4600 Alternate Highway 19, Palm Harbor, FL 34683, Phone: 727-943-5897

11.Palm Harbor Library

Established in 1970’s to provide a much needed service for local families living in Palm Harbor, the Palm Harbor Library is a great place to spend some time on a rainy day. The library offers various resources for adults and children and visitors in need of some vacation reading material can request a temporary library card. If you are visiting with children you will find that the library offers a varied selection of children’s activities for all ages. Little visitors will enjoy Story Time and the Maker Space, where children are encouraged to get hands-on and make something special to take home.

2330 Nebraska Ave, Palm Harbor, FL 34683, Phone: 727-784-3332