Local Area Attractions Near Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday

Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA is known for being close to the best attractions on the Gulf Coast: Beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and fun places to bring the family!

Check out our "Preferred Partners".... incredible local businesses that take great care of our KOA campground guests!

Odyssey Boat Tour -  Dolphin Cruise and Shelling Adventure

Odyssey Boat Tour - Dolphin Cruise and Shelling Adventure

Experience Tarpon Springs' largest tour boat, where you'll enjoy thrilling dolphin sightings, shelling adventures on Anclote Key, and captivating bird watching. Benefit from a narrated tour led by a certified Florida Master Naturalist, who will provide insights into the region's rich natural beauty and wildlife.

Tell them that you are camping at the Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA to get your discounted tickets.

This is our favorite boat tour - you don't want to miss it!

776 Dodecanese Blvd

Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

727-934-0547

Website

Discover Tarpon Springs: Florida's Little Greece

Discover Tarpon Springs: Florida's Little Greece

Just a few minutes west of our campground is the historic coastal town of Tarpon Springs. It offers a cultural escape steeped in Greek heritage. Originally settled in the early 1900s by Greek sponge divers drawn to the natural bounty of the Anclote River, this vibrant town now boasts the largest Greek-American community in the U.S.

Located only 4 miles from the Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA.

Stroll along the Sponge Docks where the aroma of fresh Greek cuisine mingles with the sounds of bouzouki music, and immerse yourself in the rich traditions that still shape daily life here.

Dive into History: The Sponge Capital of the World
Sponging was the lifeblood of Tarpon Springs. In the late 1800s, sponge harvesters from Cuba, The Bahamas, and Key West would scour the waters of the Gulf using small boats and glass-bottomed buckets. The industry flourished with the arrival of Greek divers and innovative diving technology introduced by John Cocoris, a Greek entrepreneur who helped transform Tarpon Springs into the Sponge Capital of the World.

Today the Anclote River, along the sponge docks of Tarpon Springs, churns with possibilities for boat rides. St. Nicholas Boat Line continues the family tradition, going out daily for half-hour cruises with a demonstration of traditional Tarpon Springs sponge diving.

Visit the Spongeorama Sponge Factory and The Sponge Factory on Dodecanese Boulevard to watch free films that bring the sponge diving legacy to life. Explore the historic Sponge Exchange, originally built in 1908 for sponge storage and auctions. Today, it's a hub for boutique shopping and photo ops—including a replica of a great white shark!

Although a blight in the 1940s nearly ended the sponge industry, it rebounded in the 1980s. Today, Tarpon Springs once again reigns as a global sponge supplier.

100 Dodecanese Blvd

Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Website

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Come and visit one of the best tourist attractions in Florida. Enjoy exhibits, boat rides and guided tours, and hands-on animal care experiences.

Located only 17 miles from the Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick and injured marine animals, public education, conservation, and research.  Clearwater Marine Aquarium opened in 1972 at its current location on Clearwater beach in a former water treatment plant (the large pools being well-suited for rehabilitation operations). Numerous forms of marine life are permanent residents at the aquarium, all of which have serious injuries that prevent their return to the wild. The aquarium's best-known permanent resident was Winter, a bottle-nosed dolphin who was rescued in December 2005 after having her tail caught in a crab trap. Her injuries caused the loss of her tail, and the aquarium fitted her with a prosthetic tail which brought worldwide attention to the facility. With heavy hearts, CMA announced on November 11, 2021, that Winter the Dolphin passed away as animal care experts from around the country worked to treat her. You can still see Winter on film as she starred in the 2011 movie Dolphin Tale and the sequel, Dolphin Tale 2, shot partially on location at the aquarium!

249 Windward Passage

Clearwater, FL 33767

727-441-1790

Website

Innisbrook Golf Resort

Innisbrook Golf Resort

Home to the PGA tour's Valspar Championship!

Located less than one mile away from the Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Campground.

Innisbrook Golf resort is home to four outstanding courses, including the top-rated Copperhead course, home of the nationally televised PGA TOUR's Valspar Championship each March, and a favorite among some of the world's finest golf professionals. Designed by the innovative and imaginative architect Lawrence "Larry" Packard, our four courses feature unique layouts and scenery more reminiscent of the Carolina Sandhills and Georgia Foothills than the typical Florida terrain. 

A bucket list golf destination!

36750 US Highway 19N

Palm Harbor, FL 34684

727-942-2000

Website

Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon Island State Park

Located only 8 miles from the Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA.

Perfect for: Beach lovers, nature hikers, families, and pet owners 

A Gulf Coast Gem Worth Exploring
Looking for a serene beach day, scenic trails, or a chance to spot Florida wildlife? Honeymoon Island State Park delivers it all—just a short drive from your KOA base camp. With over four miles of pristine shoreline, this barrier island is a favorite for swimming, shell collecting, kayaking, and soaking up unforgettable sunsets.

What to Do There:

  • Relax on the Beach: Powdery white sand and clear Gulf waters.
  • Hit the Trails: Hike the Osprey Trail through rare slash pine forests.
  • Go Wildlife Watching: Look for eagles, ospreys, tortoises, and more.
  • Bring Your Pup: A designated dog beach makes this a pet-friendly outing.
  • Take the Ferry: Explore nearby Caladesi Island, another natural treasure.

Why Campers Love It
Honeymoon Island offers a perfect mix of activity and relaxation. It's close enough for a half-day adventure, yet so scenic you'll want to stay until sunset. Whether you're traveling with kids, pets, or just your camera, it's a must-visit spot for KOA guests exploring the area.

1 Causeway Blvd

Dunedin, FL 34698

Website

Local Area Recreation Near Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday

Horseback Riding Tours and Adventures Cypress Breeze Farm

Horseback Riding Tours and Adventures Cypress Breeze Farm

Located 18 miles from Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA

Cypress Breeze Farm, located in Pinellas Park, FL, offers a relaxed and scenic horseback riding experience through shaded trails, farms, and a peaceful horse park—just a stone's throw from urban areas Riders can choose from various guided trail rides suitable for all ability levels, including 45-minute to 1.5-hour sessions that let you unwind and enjoy Florida's lush flora.What people love:
Gentle, well-cared-for horses – Guests frequently note the calm disposition and excellent care of the horses, naming favorites like Apache, Stanley, Daisy, and Doobie
Knowledgeable guides – Reviewers praise the staff's friendliness, clear instructions, and accommodating nature, especially for first-time riders
Beautiful and unique scenery – The farm's trails traverse parts of Pinellas County that are “only accessible on horseback,” offering a special perspective on local nature
Family– and beginner-friendly – Many reviews highlight fun experiences with kids, birthday celebrations, and relaxed group outings
Standout features:
Interactive and educational – Guides engage in laid-back conversation, ready to answer questions and share insights about horse care and the environment
Positive impact – The farm rescues unwanted and injured horses, a point of pride for both staff and riders
Photo-friendly – Riders appreciate that guides often take photos during the ride and encourage bringing treats like apples to connect with the horses

Customer tips:
Rides are offered by appointment only, with small groups (up to six) for a more personalized experience
Bring horse treats like apples if you'd like to feed and bond with the horses
Even during light rain, rides may proceed after checking with guests—so it pays to confirm if weather pops up
Don't forget your camera—the rustic trails and photogenic horses make for great keepsakes

Cypress Breeze Farm offers thoughtful, well-paced horseback trail rides that appeal to both novices and seasoned riders. With well-maintained, friendly horses and staff committed to safety and education, each ride becomes a charming, memorable escape into Florida's quieter side. The reputation—reflected in a solid 4.4/5 rating across over 200 reviews—is built on a blend of caring animal programs, scenic settings, and welcoming, personalized service. If you're looking for a relaxed outdoor adventure that feels both authentic and inclusive, Cypress Breeze Farm is a charming option—perfect for family outings, celebrations, or your first horseback experience.

NOTE: All rides must be booked in advance.

6384 98th Ave N

Pinellas Park, FL 33782

727-290-7013

Website

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Located about 22 miles from our campground.

Looking for a family-friendly adventure during your stay? Just a short drive from our campground, ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the top-rated zoos in the country—and it's easy to see why! This vibrant, 56-acre zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals and offers a mix of exciting wildlife encounters, lush exhibits, and engaging rides. Whether you're traveling with kids or just love animals, ZooTampa makes for a memorable day trip.

What to See and Do:

Florida Wildlife: See native animals like manatees, black bears, panthers, and alligators. Don't miss the Manatee Critical Care Center, where rescued manatees are treated and rehabilitated before being released back into the wild!
Safari Africa & Asian Gardens: Come face to face with elephants, zebras, rhinos, and clouded leopards.
Primate World & Australasia: Watch orangutans swing overhead, walk among kangaroos, or even spot a koala snoozing in the trees.

Family Fun: ZooTampa isn't just about animals—it's packed with fun extras:

Expedition Africa Safari Ride
Roaring Springs (a splashy water flume ride!)
Children's carousel, mini train, and water play area

Why We Recommend It:
Shady, stroller-friendly paths
Great food options and picnic spots
Hands-on encounters like giraffe feeding and stingray touch pools
Educational experiences for all ages

Plan Your Visit: ZooTampa is open daily. It's the perfect mix of nature, learning, and fun for kids of all ages!

1101 W Sligh Ave

Tampa, FL 33604

813-935-8552

Website

Odyssey Cruises Dolphin Cruise

Odyssey Cruises Dolphin Cruise

Located about 5 miles from Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA

If you're looking to experience the natural beauty and marine life of Florida's Gulf Coast, the Dolphin Adventure & Island Cruise by Odyssey Cruises is the perfect family-friendly escape. Departing from the iconic Anclote State Preserve, this scenic cruise offers guests an unforgettable encounter with nature, sea life, and sun-soaked island serenity.

Cruise into the Wild Waters of the Gulf
As the boat glides across the crystal-clear waters, keep your eyes peeled for a host of local wildlife. Dolphins are the star of the show, often seen leaping and playing in the wake of the boat. But that's just the beginning. Along the way, you might also spot manatees, sea turtles, and a variety of vibrant fish species, all thriving in their natural habitat.The tour is more than just a dolphin-watching experience—it's a full immersion into the lush world of Florida's coastal ecosystems. The shoreline is teeming with tropical vegetation, and our knowledgeable guides will help you spot and identify native birds and marine life along the way.

Explore, Relax, and Discover
One of the highlights of the cruise is a stop at a pristine barrier island within the Anclote State Preserve.

Here, you'll have time to walk along the beach, collect unique seashells, or simply relax and take in the coastal beauty. For the more adventurous, there's even time for a refreshing swim in the gentle Gulf waters. Whether you're a local Floridian or a visitor looking to soak up the best of the coast, Odyssey's Dolphin Adventure & Island Cruise delivers a blend of excitement and relaxation that's perfect for all ages.

Make It a Day to Remember
With breathtaking views, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and hands-on island exploration, this cruise is more than just a tour—it's an adventure you'll never forget.

776 Dodecanese Blvd

Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

727-934-0547

Website