Locals - Don't Miss These Off the Beaten Path Things to do in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is a beautiful and diverse region of Florida, known for its stunning beaches, exciting theme parks, and vibrant culture. However, if you're looking for something a little different to do during your visit to the area, or if you are local looking for a date night alternative there are also plenty of unusual and offbeat activities to discover. Here are some of the most unusual things to do in the Tampa Bay area:

1. Visit the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) - https://www.mosi.org/
   The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa is a fascinating museum that explores the worlds of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) in a fun and interactive way. MOSI features over 100 hands-on exhibits, including a high-wire bike, a 3D printer lab, and a hurricane simulator. The museum also has a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and a ropes course.
2. Check out the Dali Museum - https://thedali.org/
   The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg is a must-visit destination for fans of the surrealist artist Salvador Dali. The museum houses the largest collection of Dali's works outside of Europe, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. The building itself is also a work of art, with a unique design that evokes Dali's famous melting clocks.
3. Explore the Sunken Gardens - https://www.stpete.org/attractions/sunken_gardens.php
   The Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg is a hidden gem of a botanical garden, filled with over 50,000 tropical plants and flowers. The garden was established in 1903 and features winding paths, hidden alcoves, and even a flamingo pond. One of the most unusual features of the garden is the "wedding lawn," where couples can get married surrounded by the lush greenery.
4. Take a ghost tour - https://ghostparties.com/
   If you're interested in the paranormal, Tampa Bay has several ghost tours that will take you to some of the most haunted locations in the area. Ghost Parties offers a variety of tours, including a haunted pub crawl and a "ghost hunt" at the historic Cuban Club in Ybor City.
5. Visit the Skyspace - https://tampamuseum.org/art/exhibitions/james-turrell-skyspace/
   The James Turrell Skyspace at the Tampa Museum of Art is a unique installation that uses light and space to create a meditative experience. The Skyspace is a concrete chamber with an aperture in the ceiling that allows visitors to view the sky. The chamber is illuminated by a changing series of LED lights that create a hypnotic effect.
6. Play shuffleboard at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club - https://stpeteshuffle.com/
   The St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club is the largest shuffleboard club in the world and a beloved local institution. The club offers free public shuffleboard on Friday evenings, as well as league play and tournaments. The club also has a bar, a library, and a museum that explores the history of shuffleboard.
7. Explore the Chihuly Collection in St. Petersburg.https://moreanartscenter.org/chihuly/  If you're a fan of glass art, the Chihuly Collection in St. Petersburg is another must-see attraction. The museum is dedicated to the works of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, and its collection includes some of his most iconic works, including his famous chandeliers and glass flowers. Visitors can also watch live glassblowing demonstrations in the museum's hot shop.  
8. Take a trip to the Myakka River State Park in Sarasota. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/myakka-river-state-park If you're looking for a unique outdoor experience, the Myakka River State Park in Sarasota is a great option. It is one of Florida's largest and oldest state parks and is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, deer, and wild turkeys. Visitors can explore the park's wetlands on an airboat tour, take a hike on one of the park's many trails, or even go on a horseback ride.
9. Located in Tarpon Springs, the Sponge Docks are a popular destination for tourists who want to learn more about the city's Greek heritage and the sponge industry. Visitors can take a boat tour to see how sponges are harvested or explore the many shops and restaurants that line the waterfront. The Sponge Docks also host a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the annual Greek Festival. For more information on the Sponge Docks and upcoming events, visit https://spongedocks.net

The Tampa Bay area has plenty of unusual and offbeat activities to discover, from exploring surreal art to playing shuffleboard. So if you're looking for something a little different to do during your visit to the area, be sure to check out these unique and fascinating destinations.