Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Safety Harbor, Florida

Next to Clearwater, located on the serene shores of Tampa Bay, Safety Harbor is a small town brimming with character.

This charming Main Street, embedded with community gardens, distinct outsider art, and yoga sessions at the weekly market, contributes to the nurturing and progressive ethos of the town.

Tourism has deep historical roots in Safety Harbor. The area’s natural springs were named by the Spanish in the 16th century, and the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa has been a prominent presence since the roaring twenties.

One can observe dolphins and manatees in the waters, kayak through mangroves, watch MLB’s Phillies during their preseason, and delve into local Native American history that spans thousands of years.

1. Philippe Park

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Situated north of downtown Safety Harbor, this beautiful public park includes the scenic Philippe Point. This location is the final resting place of the area’s first non-native settler, Odet Philippe (1787-1869), although the specific burial site remains unidentified.

Philippe is celebrated for introducing grapefruit to Florida. In addition, Philippe Park features a stunning array of moss-draped live oaks and magnificent bayfront views, along with fascinating Native American history.

The park is home to the Safety Harbor Site, a complex built by the Tocobaga people from 900 CE to 1700 CE. The most notable feature is the temple mound, which stands 20 feet high and spans 150 feet in diameter, recognized as the largest remaining Native American mound in the Tampa Bay area.

This remnant of pre-Colonial history is truly mesmerizing. There are stone steps to ascend the mound, along with informational signs that provide insights into the site and the Tocobaga people.

2. Main Street Safety Harbor

The city’s Main Street embodies all the essential elements that define a thriving small-town commercial district in the contemporary era. This compact strip offers an inviting atmosphere, fully walkable areas, green spaces, and a vibrant mosaic of local businesses.

During my visit, it was evident that downtown was flourishing while maintaining its charming essence. Amid the palms and stately live oaks, one can find galleries, specialty shops, and an impressive array of international dining options.

The culinary offerings include Southern cuisine, Greek dishes, seafood, sandwiches, BBQ, Tex Mex, New American, Modern French, as well as traditional pub fare. Additionally, there is a market held every Sunday, which I will discuss further below, along with various vendors present every third Friday.

3. BayCare Ballpark

The spring training facility for MLB’s Philadelphia Phillies is located just a few minutes away in Clearwater. The Phillies have maintained a presence in this city since 1947, marking the second-longest affiliation between a major league team and its spring training venue.

The current ballpark, established in the early 2000s, accommodates 8,500 spectators. Features of the park include a 360° main concourse, modern scoreboard, a children’s play area, and a tiki hut pavilion in left field.

If you are keen to witness major league stars preparing for the upcoming season, your best opportunity is to visit between late February and late March.

Later in the year, the venue hosts the Clearwater Threshers, a team competing in the minor Florida State League. My suggestion is to visit on a Saturday, as an impressive fireworks display takes place after the game.

4. Safety Harbor Waterfront Park

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One aspect I particularly appreciate about Safety Harbor is the extensive public access to the bayfront. At the east end of Main Street, behind the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, lies a captivating open space adjacent to the water.

Safety Harbor Waterfront Park serves as an excellent location to witness the breathtaking sunrise views over Tampa Bay.

Being in close proximity to downtown, the park also serves as a natural venue for significant city events. The most prominent of these events occurs in February, known as Art and Seafood on the Waterfront.

On the southern side, a lengthy fishing pier extends into the bay. To the north, there is a stretch of boardwalk equipped with interpretive signs designed to help identify local wildlife.

5. Safety Harbor Museum

Source: Safety Harbor Museum and Cultural Center / Facebook

A few steps from the waterfront lies this engaging local history museum. Established in 1965, it operates in collaboration with the local historical society and the recreation department of the city.

In my assessment, what makes the Safety Harbor Museum a valuable destination is its comprehensive displays showcasing the Tocobaga Native Americans and the subsequent pioneer life in the region.

The permanent collection provides a captivating journey through millions of years of history, featuring fossils, Native American arrowheads, and intriguing exhibits detailing the tourism industry.

Interestingly, the museum is situated on revered Tocobaga land. In 2003, a box containing human remains was discovered at its entrance.

Upon confirming that these remains were hundreds of years old and of Native American origin, they were respectfully reinterred on the grounds in a formal ceremony held in 2007.

6. Horsepower for Kids and Animal Sanctuary

Source: HorsePower for Kids & Animal Sanctuary / Facebook

This petting farm, located a short distance from town, is well worth the short drive. Horsepower for Kids provides an excellent environment for children to interact closely with horses.

In addition to horse riding opportunities, the sanctuary houses a variety of other animals, including guinea pigs, foxes, wolves, various reptiles, and birds.

The facility is home to more than 200 different animal species, all of which have been rescued and live in a safe and nurturing setting, cared for by dedicated staff and enthusiastic visitors.

During my visit with children, activities included pony rides, animal petting, a delightful playground, a mock Western town, and a treehouse. Advanced reservations can be made for horseback riding, camps, parties, and educational trips.

7. Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail

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Currently, a comprehensive network of multi-use trails is being established throughout Pinellas County. Safety Harbor is connected by an uninterrupted stretch of the Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail.

Commencing at a trailhead on Tampa Bay, the route proceeds south along the waterfront, then veers west through a scenic series of parks along Alligator Creek.

Utilizing primarily public parks, easements, and rights-of-way, the trail aims to eventually link Clearwater Beach with Tampa Bay and connect to other popular routes, such as the Pinellas Trail.

For the present, it serves as a convenient and secure means of traversing Safety Harbor without the need for a vehicle. For instance, one might use the trail to travel from downtown to Ruth Eckerd Hall or BayCare Ballpark.

8. Safety Harbor’s Market on Main

The sense of community in the city is exceptionally evident on Sundays when this weekly market is active. The Market on Main operates between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm and features nearly 50 vendors.

Within the generous shade of the live oaks, visitors can peruse seasonal produce, various pickled products, salsas, flowers, fresh bread, marmalade, pet treats, prepared foods, and a wide assortment of handmade items ranging from sunglasses to artwork.

During my visit, I found this experience to be far beyond a typical farmers’ market. There were yoga classes, live musical performances, pony rides, and what appeared to be a children’s drawing class taking place at the gazebo in John Wilson Park.

9. Folly Farms Nature Preserve

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Located in the western region of Safety Harbor, a ten-acre former horse farm has been converted into a nature preserve. The property was acquired by a local couple in the 2000s and subsequently donated to the city in 2014.

Folly Farms Nature Preserve offers a variety of amenities, including a butterfly garden, playground, community orchard, nature trails, and sway bench swings.

The park hosts numerous community events throughout the year, with the most notable being Harbor Holiday Lights in December, featuring a market, live music, and seasonal delights like hot cocoa.

10. Upper Tampa Bay Park

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Situated just around the bay, this 596-acre park on the Double Branch Peninsula is a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. Designated for conservation since 1982, Upper Tampa Bay Park features diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, marshlands, and pine flatwoods.

Numerous nature trails invite exploration, all boasting well-maintained boardwalks. What sets this park apart is its rich wildlife presence. Common sightings include dolphins, otters, manatees, gopher tortoises, and a wide variety of butterflies.

I highly recommend renting a kayak from the entrance station to leisurely navigate the mangroves.

11. Ruth Eckerd Hall

The premier performing arts venue in the Tampa Bay area is located in Clearwater, less than five minutes from downtown Safety Harbor.

Inaugurated in 1983, this concert hall regularly hosts the Florida Orchestra and presents over 200 performances annually. The roster of veteran recording artists is remarkable, making it easier to mention who has not performed here.

For context, when I penned this article, legendary artists including Ringo Starr, Sammy Hagar, Paul Anka, and Kenny Loggins were on the schedule.

Looking back, recent performers have included Bob Dylan, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross, Alice Cooper, Ed Sheeran, and Van Morrison.

12. Whimzeyland

Source: Whimzeyland / Facebook

With a penchant for outdoor artistry, I was captivated by this unconventional installation. Whimzeyland can be described as a transformed residence, converted into an artistic marvel by Todd Ramquist and Kiaralinda.

The couple relocated to this property on Third Street in 1985 and gradually turned a conventional house into a striking work of art.

The project began with the acquisition of a substantial quantity of free bowling balls from a local flea market, which were subsequently adorned with paint and displayed, eventually earning the nickname Bowling Ball House.

As time progressed, folk artists from various locations began visiting, bringing painted bowling balls as gifts. Presently, the installation comprises over 80 bowling balls, and the vibrant colors and textures create an ambiance reminiscent of year-round Mardi Gras.

13. Crooked Thumb Brewery

Source: Crooked Thumb Brewery / Facebook

For craft beer enthusiasts, Crooked Thumb Brewery, established in 2015, is an exciting destination. Nestled within a repurposed mid-century warehouse, this brewery operates a 15-barrel brewing system with up to 20 beers available on tap at any given time.

Only a couple of blocks from Main Street, the bar and seating area offer a clear view of the production area, complemented by a cozy shaded beer garden. As a fan of maltier beers, I found the Harbor Lager (Amber) particularly enjoyable.

The brewery hosts a diverse range of events, from trivia nights to live music performances. Although there is no kitchen on-site, local food trucks frequent the area on weekends, providing an array of dining options.

14. Cliff Stephens Park

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Located southeast of Safety Harbor, the Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail weaves through this passive park situated alongside Alligator Creek.

Covering nearly 50 acres, Cliff Stephens Park is characterized by a beautiful, serpentine lake. This suburban oasis never ceases to astound with its rich natural scenery. While strolling along the shore, visitors might encounter ibises, turtles, peacocks, and occasional alligators.

The park is renowned for its disc golf course, which is considered one of the finest in Pinellas County. Established in 1986, it features 24 holes along with concrete tees.

One piece of advice: exercise caution when retrieving discs from the water due to the presence of alligators.

15. Tampa Bay Downs

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For horse racing enthusiasts, Tampa Bay Downs offers thrills from late November until early May.

This track, the only thoroughbred racing facility on Florida’s Gulf Coast, has a storied history dating back to 1926, having added a poker room and simulcast racing in the early 2000s.

Several graded stakes races are held throughout the season, with the highlight being the Grade II Hillsborough Stakes in March, featuring a purse exceeding $200,000.

Additionally, the year-round poker room hosts 25 tables. It is equipped with numerous amenities, including flat-screen televisions for viewing events and options for table-side massages.

Complementing all of this is a state-of-the-art golf practice facility that includes 40 hitting stations, a full-size putting green, and two chipping greens.