The Tampa Bay Area is a paradise for animal lovers! See wildlife from Florida and around the world at the zoos, aquariums, and sanctuaries near your Plumlee Gulf Beach Realty vacation rental in Indian Rocks Beach. Whether you’re hoping to spot rescued sea turtles, go behind the scenes on an eco-tour, or watch dolphins play, there’s an unforgettable experience waiting for every member of the family. Here’s a roundup of the best Tampa Bay zoos and aquariums just a short drive from your Indian Rocks Beach rental:
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary
Located close to Plumlee Gulf Beach Realty, the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary is a must-visit for animal lovers. Visit the sanctuary in Indian Shores and learn about its mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native birds. The birds that are permanently disabled and unable to be released live at the sanctuary and can be seen along the 1.5-acre grounds. Meet the birds, visit the new Environmental Education Center, and enjoy presentations like pelican hand-feeding.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Similar to the sanctuary in Indian Shores, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing local marine life. Head inside the aquarium and see the rescued animals that live at the CMA full-time, like dolphins, sea turtles, otters, sharks, and reptiles. They also offer animal care experiences, where you can go behind the scenes and learn how the staff interacts, feeds, and keeps the resident animals happy. And if you want to see local wildlife in their natural habitat, sign up for one of their eco-boat tours. Plumlee sells tickets!
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens combines fun amusement park rides and animal experiences in one destination. See over 200 species of animals from around the world at the zoo. One of the most popular animal experiences in the park is the Serengeti Safari, an open-air vehicle tour that takes you through 65 acres of the Serengeti Plains. Get up close to several African wildlife species and hand-feed giraffes. Plumlee sells tickets!
DK Farms and Gardens
If you are visiting with kids and looking for a local petting zoo, head to DK Farms and Gardens in Largo. Pet and hand-feed all sorts of animals like donkeys, pigs, goats, rabbits, and Shetland ponies.
McGough Nature Park
Also located in Largo, McGough Nature Park is a wonderful place to experience Florida’s natural beauty and see local wildlife. Observe an abundant aquatic turtle population on the Turtle Deck and see insects in the Butterfly Garden. Head inside to the Nature Center to see birds of prey, such as eagles and owls.
ZooTampa
ZooTampa is the largest zoo in the Tampa Bay Area, spanning 63 acres and housing over 1,300 animals. Explore the zoo and discover animals from Florida and around the world, including those from Asia, Australia, and Africa. Kids can also enjoy rides, splash pads, and playgrounds throughout the zoo. Elevate your day with one of the Animal Experiences, like a behind-the-scenes tour of the Manatee Critical Care Center, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing local manatees.
The Florida Aquarium
Rated among the best aquariums in the country, The Florida Aquarium is a delight for visitors of all ages. Don’t miss the largest habitat in the aquarium–Coral Reef, featuring 500,000 gallons of water, home to sand tiger sharks, sea turtles, and gigantic stingrays. Touch jellyfish in the Moon Bay Habitat, see native wildlife from the Wetlands of Florida, and spot seahorses in Reef Secrets. Embark on a wild dolphin cruise in Tampa Bay with an experienced naturalist and witness wildlife in their natural habitat.
Vacation Rentals in Tampa Bay’s Beach Towns
Discover fun for the whole family at the zoos and aquariums in the Tampa Bay Area. Purchase tickets to several of these attractions directly from Plumlee. If you are interested in seeing wildlife in their natural habitats, you can sign up for one of the eco tours nearby.
Stay close to everything Tampa Bay has to offer with Plumlee Gulf Beach Realty. Book one of our vacation rentals in Indian Rocks Beach or Indian Shores today. If you need assistance finding the right property, please get in touch with us at 866-921-1166.
