15 Best Things to Do in Seminole (FL)

Located in Pinellas County along Florida’s central Gulf Coast, the land that’s now part of Seminole was originally settled by non-Native Americans in the 1840s.

The City of Seminole was officially incorporated in 1970, and for much of its existence, was noted for the historic water tower that was a much-loved feature of its skyline. Sadly, the tower was removed by the city council a few years ago.

But the good news is that Seminole’s convenient location gives visitors easy access to many of the state’s most popular historical, natural, and popular attractions – and the weather is nearly perfect for much of the year too.

Below are 15 things to do in and around Seminole, Florida.

1. Pinewood Cultural Park

For those visiting Seminole for the first time, Pinewood Cultural Park would be a great first stop, because it’s comprised of multiple attractions located on one sprawling site.

The Heritage Village portion of the park includes more than 20 acres of historic buildings and grounds, giving guests an interesting insight into the area’s history and the lives of the people who lived there when it was rugged, dangerous, and largely undeveloped.

Also located on the grounds of the Pinewood Cultural Park are the Florida Botanical Gardens, which include a variety of cultivated and uncultivated areas connected by well-marked trails.

2. Walsingham Park

Seminole certainly isn’t lacking in parks, and Walsingham Park near the city center is one of the largest and most popular.

Comprised of more than 350 acres, the park’s centerpiece is Walsingham Lake, which offers outdoorsy visitors a variety of recreation options that are capable of filling an entire day.

The park features miles of multi-use trails that lead through a variety of natural habitats; there are shaded seating areas, playgrounds, and fitness stations along the way.

Fishing is another popular activity, and there’s a boat ramp as well, but the use of gasoline engines is restricted on the lake.

3. Rapp Brewing Company

For many weary vacationers, nothing caps a day in the warm Florida sun better than a cold beer.

Located on Endeavor way in Seminole, Rapp Brewing Company is one of the few microbreweries in the area, and they typically have over 40 beers available to tempt even the most finicky taste buds.

Though food isn’t served on-site, there are often food trucks in the lot. For those who’d like to sample a variety of beers without downing pint after pint, starting with an eight-selection flight is the way to go.

Don’t forget to ask locals and staff for travel tips while you’re hanging out.

4. Lake Seminole Park

Pinellas County’s Lake Seminole is one of the area’s most popular destinations for hikers, bikers, fishermen, and kayakers – and not surprisingly, it tends to draw large crowds, especially on the weekends.

Previous guests have noted that even during peak times, there’s ample parking, and that the park was large enough that it was possible to find a spot away from the masses.

The park’s labyrinth of trails include water fountains and shaded areas, and it’s common to see lots of Florida wildlife – especially in the morning and afternoon.

Lake Seminole Park is free to visit and includes both natural and developed areas.

5. Seminole Lake Country Club

Seminole Lake Country Club was designed and built in the ‘60s and features 18 holes that most golfers find both challenging, scenic, and enjoyable.

Due to fluctuations in supply and demand, the club features real-time pricing, which means during non-peak days, the greens fees can drop significantly. Conversely, on the weekends during the cooler months, they can rise noticeably.

For those who’d like to make a day of it, package options that include meals and practice balls at the range are available as well.

The restaurant is noted for its tasty fare, and there are a number of tennis courts too.

6. Seminole Lanes

During the dog days of summer, the weather in Florida can be downright oppressive, making outside activities unpleasant. For those who find themselves in Seminole when the temperature and humidity are rising, there’s no better place to spend a few hours than Seminole Lanes.

Seminole Lanes features a hearty air-conditioning system and gobs of funky, multi-colored bowling shoes in every conceivable size. It’s open until at least midnight every night of the week, and later on the weekends.

There is a bar and restaurant on-site, and they host several leagues for bowlers of most skill levels.

7. The Dali Museum

Salvador Dali Museum, St Petersburg — Salvador Dali Museum

Salvador Dali is most known for his long handlebar mustache and the dreamy oil paintings that displayed rigid items like clocks as if they were liquid.

Dali’s works have been described as fantastical and surreal, and The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg is home to one of the world’s largest collections of the artist’s works.

Dali also made drawings and sculptures, and the museum’s collection includes hundreds of individual works that span the entirety of his career.

Admission to the museum is relatively inexpensive. It’s one of those places that usually far exceeds visitor’s expectations, and it’s just a short drive from Seminole.

8. Mahaffey Theater

St. Petersburg’s Mahaffey Theater is part of the Duke Energy Center for the Arts and has recently undergone a significant renovation.

The theater traces its history back to the mid-‘60s and now features seating for more than 2,000 visitors.

From Broadway-style shows and classical drama to comedy, dance, and contemporary music, the theater features a full year-round schedule catering to those with a variety of interests and artistic preferences.

The theater is a perfectly romantic date night option and is near to many nice restaurants and bars that are perfect for a pre-show meal or a post-show cocktail.

9. Sunken Gardens

Hidden amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown St. Petersburg, Sunken Gardens are a perfect escape destination for those in need of a little time away from mobs of tourists.

The gardens are more than 100 years old and home to thousands of plants, trees, and flowers of both native and exotic species.

Each distinct garden has its own theme, and they’re connected by trails that include informative signs, so guests know where they’re going and what they’re seeing.

Guided tours are available, and the staff offer informative and fun programs and events throughout the year as well.

10. The Florida Holocaust Museum

Florida has one of the largest Jewish populations in the country and is home to several Holocaust memorials and museums.

Located on 5th Street in St. Petersburg, the Florida Holocaust Museum was the brainchild of a local philanthropist intent on erecting a memorial to the millions who lost their lives in Holocaust.

The museum includes a vast library and some permanent exhibits containing documents, photographs, and first-hand accounts of those who both perished and survived the concentration camps. In an area known primarily for its sun, sand, and surf, it’s a markedly poignant attraction.

11. The Morean Arts Center

Florida is a national art hotspot and is particularly well-known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries, that feature works with many international influences.

The Morean Arts Center is located on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg and features works by famous national and international artists, as well as lesser-known local and regional ones.

The center includes a children’s interactive center and a glass studio and workshop, where visitors can watch craftsmen and women blowing molten glass into a variety of unique forms.

The best way to keep up to date with what’s going on at the center is to check their website periodically.

12. Sand Key Park

Clearwater’s Sand Key Park may just have the most stunning views of any park you’ll ever visit.

Located at the end of a long barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and Clearwater Harbor, Sand Key Park features the area’s most amazing beaches and some amenities to keep visitors pleasantly occupied.

The park has been open to the public since 1984 and includes rentable beach houses, a dog park, and playground for the little ones.

There’s ample on-site parking, and the cost of admission is very reasonable; it’s about a half-hour drive each way from Seminole.

13. St. Petersburg Saturday Farmers Market

With temperate year-round weather, tons of sun, and abundant rain, it’s no wonder that Florida is one of the country’s most productive agricultural areas; the state may have more farmers markets per capita than any other.

The St. Petersburg Saturday Farmers Market has been going strong for nearly two decades. In addition to fresh, seasonal produce, it offers live entertainment, arts and crafts, health and body products, and tasty prepared food items like honey, cheese, and salsa.

The market is open from October to May, features nearly 200 vendors, and is held at Al Lang Field Park near the downtown area.

14. Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Though you might not know it from its name, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is much more than just another fish-filled tourist trap.

Though it features an impressive array of marine animals, the Aquarium is also a rescue and rehabilitation center. It’s home to a famous dolphin named Winter, who sports a prosthetic tail and has had more than a few star movie roles over the years.

Most visitors take the Clearwater Ferry to the aquarium; since it’s so close to the ever-popular Clearwater Beach, many decide to depart in the morning, make a day of it, and return in the afternoon.

15. Downtown Clearwater

Downtown Clearwater is hip and artsy and has undergone an impressive revitalization in recent years.

The Cleveland Street District offers guests stunning views of the marina and harbor, and is the downtown area’s epicenter of live entertainment, events, and all-around fun.

The area features a variety of dining and retail establishments, and for art-minded visitors, there’s an Art Walk that takes place the third Friday of each month.

If you join the art walk, grab a free map and have the places you explore sign off that you stopped by; at the end of the evening, each completed map is entered into a raffle and the winters get some pretty cool prizes.