Philippe Park in Safety Harbor is a popular spot to enjoy our beautiful weather.
Safety Harbor
Moss-draped oaks line the brick streets of this charming small town, where creative cuisine is plentiful and a landmark resort crowns the main thoroughfare. Safety Harbor has been a welcome respite for people for centuries, including the Tocobaga tribe, whose temple mound sits on the Old Tampa Bay waterfront, to the 20th-century sun-seekers seeking rejuvenation in the natural springs here, to modern-day visitors seeking good food, craft beer and a warm welcome.
Check Out Charming Safety Harbor
Discover the picturesque town of Safety Harbor – where you can start your day with a spectacular sunrise, pamper yourself at the historic Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, and stroll through scenic parks and a bustling Main Street.
Things to Do
Whether you’re in town for a spa weekend or for an afternoon of boutiquing and craft-beer tasting, Safety Harbor has good things in store, and plenty of green space to relax and reconnect with nature. The city’s eastern edge sits along the Old Tampa Bay, which includes a popular fishing pier.
The fresh, cool springs that flow out of the ground here were once believed to be Hernando de Soto’s magical Fountain of Youth. The site of the springs is now home to the famous Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, founded in 1925 and a U.S. Historic Landmark, a Florida Heritage Landmark and a member of the Historic Hotels of America. Here, there’s an entire subterranean floor (where the springs are located) dedicated to spa services – and you don’t have to be a guest at the resort to plan a day of pampering and wellness.
The relaxation continues with Safety Harbor’s strollable Main Street, where you can pop into shops and galleries for locally crafted products. Or, pick up something to-go at a family-owned shop or cafe and enjoy a picnic at a local park.
Where to Eat
Safety Harbor’s emerging culinary scene boasts locally-owned (and run) restaurants with unique flavors and unforgettable experiences. Stroll along the historic Main Street and you’ll discover some seriously delicious food. Tides Seafood Market and Provisions has become one of the areas premier seafood destinations, winning multiple awards, including “Best Grouper Sandwich” and “Best Poke Bowl.” Gather at Water Oak Grill where fresh seafood and mouthwatering steaks showcase local ingredients and flavors.
Looking for a taste of the islands? Marker 39 Floribbean Cuisine brings a modern twist to Florida favorites with Caribbean, Cuban, and Latin American inspiration. Everything is fresh and made from scratch at The Brinehouse. True to their name, they specialize in brined meats as well as pressed sandwiches, seafood and unique sides. Known for its casual “Old Florida” vibe and outdoor atmosphere, Whistle Stop Grill & Bar is family-owned and a longtime favorite hangout for locals and visitors alike.
If you’re looking for a truly unique dining experience, look no further than Gigglewaters Social Club & Screening Room. Step back in time to the 1920s and eat in a classic dining room or the 32-seat movie theater. Indulge in elevated comfort food as you enjoy a classic movie paired with a specialty cocktail. This award-winning restaurant has earned many accolades, including “Best Craft Cocktail Bar” in the Best of St. Pete-Clearwater awards.
Parks & Nature
With its majestic oaks, Philippe Park is one of the city's most beloved parks. More than just a pretty spot, however, the park is also a historical site named after Count Odet Philippe, a colorful character who settled here in the 1840s. Philippe was the first to cultivate citrus in what is now the St. Pete-Clearwater area. In much earlier times, the present-day park was a Native American settlement, and visitors can see ancient ceremonial mounds on the grounds today.
If you’d like to explore another local park, meander on the trails of Folly Farms Nature Preserve, where you’ll find well-maintained paths as well as a butterfly garden, native wildflower garden and community garden. Or visit Baranoff Park near the Safety Harbor library to relax on a park bench and see the enormous “Baranoff oak” - the largest living oak tree in St. Pete/Clearwater.
More Outdoor Activities
If you have ‘tweens or teenagers in tow, head to Ian Tillman Skatepark at Safety Harbor City Park to ride the ramps and rails. Or rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore local waters with Tocobaga Tours.
The Arts
Art lovers will want to delve into the city’s many cultural offerings at Safety Harbor Museum & Cultural Center, where you can create your own masterpiece at one of the classes or workshops they offer (tip: they have a great video about Safety Harbor’s history, too). The Safety Harbor Art and Music Center is a great place to find musical performances and art workshops (look for the pink elephant sculpture). There is also the Syd Entel Galleries, bringing the Best of Fine Art and Hand Blown Glass to the Tampa Bay area with a 5500 square foot gallery located on Main Street in charming downtown Safety Harbor.
For just a few dollars, you can take in the sights (as well as local insights) on a walking art or history tour of the city.
Sponsored Content
"Art at the World's Most Wondrous Building in the Universe" is what you'll find at Safety Harbor Art & Music Center, along with concerts, events and workshops.
The Safety Harbor Galleria is a great place to pick up fun and colorful mementos of your visit to this charming, small town.
Best Brews
Check out the super-cool Crooked Thumb Brewery in Safety Harbor, housed in a warehouse that was previously an auto body and paint shop. The indoor space is rustic and industrial, while the outdoor beer garden offers plenty of shaded seating.
Best Brews
Check out the super-cool Crooked Thumb Brewery in Safety Harbor, housed in a warehouse that was previously an auto body and paint shop. The indoor space is rustic and industrial, while the outdoor beer garden offers plenty of shaded seating.
Drinking & Fishing
Safety Harbor's Bar Fly is a casual combination of bar, seafood restaurant and shop. Order a toasted coconut mojito and swap fishing tales with the locals.
Drinking & Fishing
Safety Harbor's Bar Fly is a casual combination of bar, seafood restaurant and shop. Order a toasted coconut mojito and swap fishing tales with the locals.
Speakeasy-Style
Take a trip back to the Prohibition era at Gigglewaters Social Club & Screening Room in Safety Harbor. This speakeasy-style bar and restaurant also offers a one-screen classic movie theater.
Speakeasy-Style
Take a trip back to the Prohibition era at Gigglewaters Social Club & Screening Room in Safety Harbor. This speakeasy-style bar and restaurant also offers a one-screen classic movie theater.
Places to Stay
While Safety Harbor offers several lodging options, none are more popular than the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, which is just steps from the action on Main Street. Situated on 22 acres on the west shore of Old Tampa Bay, the resort was built on the site of natural mineral springs that were long thought to restore youth and vitality. Today, three swimming pools and a renovated 50,000-square-foot spa and fitness center add to the appeal.
For more casual accommodation options, check into “Old Florida” style Safety Harbor Motel, which sits right off Main Street, or Mar Bay Motel & Suites, a vintage spot dating back to 1942 that’s been family run for three decades.