Oldsmar
Nestled at the juncture of Old Tampa Bay and Lake Tarpon, Oldsmar is full of pleasant surprises. The city has more park space per mile than anywhere else in the Sunshine State, so outdoor fun abounds here. A globe-spanning dining scene flourishes in Oldsmar, too, so be prepared to be delighted by the offerings.
Small Town, Big Fun
Check out our Oldsmar community video to get the scoop on local adventures, pretty parks and places to eat.
Things to Do
There’s nothing like the feeling of freedom you’ll get while soaring over treetops in a thrilling zipline experience with Empower Adventures Tampa Bay. It’s the ultimate bonding activity, whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends or family. Take in stunning vistas and truly live life in the moment, as you test your balance and endurance on five ziplines, four aerial obstacles and a 200-foot suspension bridge. Find it all at Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve, a peaceful park that also offers trails, lookout towers, an education center and a dog park.
See All Things to Do in OldsmarParks & Nature
If you’re craving a little sand between your toes but don’t want to get too much sun, opt for a unique beach experience at Mobbly Beach Park. This laid-back setting on Old Tampa Bay offers plenty of sand and shade, as well as picnic shelters and fitness equipment. Explore other lovely places by way of the Oldsmar Trail, which winds through nine city parks, including R.E. Olds Park and Veterans Memorial Park on the water. Check out pretty Harbor Palms Nature Park for its trails, fishing piers, floating dock and workout stations. Skirting the canal that connects Lake Tarpon to Old Tampa Bay, Sheffield Park offers a fun disc golf course, a kayak launch, tennis courts and a bike path.
Events
Oldsmar has some great events! The town's Oktoberfest, offering authentic German food and beer, live entertainment and a Munich-style tent, is known as one of the best in Florida. Oldsmar's longest-running festival is Oldsmar Days, featuring a bevy of classic cars, live rock 'n' roll, a carnival and parade.
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Where to Eat & Drink
Tummy rumbling? Good news: there are tons of great dining options here in Oldsmar. If ramen and pho are what you and your crew crave, head to The Wooden Ladle for hearty helpings of the stuff, loaded with fresh ingredients you can customize to your liking. Or grab a roll at Aki Sushi, an unassuming spot in a Tampa Road strip mall that has a dedicated local following. In the mood for Thai? Pacific Thai has an extensive menu of favorites such as Panang curry (washed down with a cold Singha, of course) as well as a sushi menu. If you really want to spice it up, opt for channa masala served with warm naan bread at Desi Tadka Indian Cuisine, which specializes in dishes from the Punjab region of India.
If tacos are calling, Shaker & Peel’s menu reimagines tacos with items like hibiscus-infused tortillas and volcano shrimp tacos as well as great shareables such as Kung Pao cauliflower. As the name suggests, craft cocktails infused with fresh botanicals dominate the beverage menu here.
For fresh catches in a hip setting, head to Salt Rock Tavern, the sportier sister property of beloved Salt Rock Grill in Indian Shores. On the menu, you’ll find fresh-caught grouper, burgers, flatbreads and a host of small plates. With more than 35 craft brews on tap, this sports bar is a great spot to catch a game.
You’ll find fresh, Caribbean-inspired fare (think jerk chicken sandwiches and coconut shrimp), a fun island vibe and a great tiki drink menu at Rumba Island Bar & Grille. And speaking of all things tiki, the thatched roof over Jack Willie’s Tiki Bar will keep you shaded for hours of fun along with great food and drink. Expect lots of locally inspired bar fare (from grouper bites to ‘gator sausage) as well as some stellar cocktails, including the Big Bamboo, their signature drink.
Places to Stay
Most of the accommodations in this largely residential area are familiar names featuring all the amenities you expect. Your options include Courtyard by Marriott Tampa/Oldsmar, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn and several others.