6 Things to do in Safety Harbor, Florida 

Downtown Safety Harbor 

This quaint downtown is highlighted by numerous pieces of artwork. Look down to see sidewalk murals, murals on buildings, and sculptures scattered throughout the shops, coffee shops, and restaurants. The spilling AC of their open doors on a summer evening stroll will beckon you inside to find unique items and dishes.  

Bassano Cheesecake is an unassuming corner bakery filled with every type of cheesecake you can imagine. The barista recommended the Key Lime Cheesecake when we visited and it was amazing! 

Whimzeyland 

Originally known as “The Bowling Ball House” this artist’s home is now the explosion of colors (and bowling balls) that is Whimzeyland today. Over two decades, Florida artists Todd Ramquist and Kiaralinda have added to the unique display with countless bottles, mosaics, bowling balls, and more all creating a display of recycled art.  The once beige-colored house has changed a lot over the last twenty years and the couple has expanded their display into neighboring homes.  

Why “The Bowling Ball House?”

The artists saw bowling balls used as yard decor and started lining flower beds with them because “they were cheap.” Friends and neighbors took notice and started bringing them their old balls too.  There are currently 900-1000 bowling balls on the property.  They even had one sent to them via the mail. Not in a box, just postmarked directly on the ball. 

The couple has since launched the SHAMC (Safety Harbor Art Center) offering art classes and inspiration for the community.

Admission is free, but donations are recommended. 

Trips with Sips: Breweries of Safety Harbor 

With several nearby communities hosting multiple craft breweries, Safety Harbor is no different. 

Crooked Thumb 

With live music on many evenings and Girl Scout cookie-inspired beer, this brewery is a must-try.  You will find ample brews on tap and a resident brewery cat will likely join you as you sip the beer on their spacious patio. 

Troubled Waters 

Located along Main Street in downtown Safety Harbor, this brewery has a robust offering of in-house brewed craft beers with a few guest taps. 

Sunrise over Tampa Bay 

While places to watch the sunrise or sunset in Tampa Bay are abundant the boardwalks behind the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa are a favorite. The boardwalks and trails will lead you all around the waterfront.  Be sure to spot the local pink spoonbills too.  

As with any place you visit be aware of your surroundings.  These boardwalks are rather dark. While we have always encountered nice people along the trails, you are hidden.  

Safety Harbor’s Parks 

The historic living oaks of the south dot the multiple parks in Safety Harbor. A great example is in Baranoff Park at the Safety Harbor Historic Site of the Baranoff Oak. Although its limbs are now supported with steel beams, the tree is still an impressive example of the southern legends. The Baranoff Oak was named for philanthropist Dr. Salem Baranoff. Dr. Baranoff was the former owner of the Safety Harbor Spa and a respected naturopath.  

Tocobaga Mounds at Phillipe Park 

While many of these mounds once existed in Tampa Bay, this is the largest remaining mound in the region. The mounds were constructed before the 1500s and discovered in the early 20th century. Made by alternating layers of shell and sand with a ramp believed to lead to the “town plaza.” The area was home to up to 2500 people.  

The Spanish described the Tocobaga people as tall, well muscled with tattoos to signify their place in society. Unfortunately, the Tocobbaga people died out likely due to European disease. It is believed that any remaining Tocobaga people merged with the Creek peoples in what is now the Florida peninsula during the 1700s.  

The mound was originally rectangular in shape, but the hurricane of 1848 washed away one-third of the structure. Odet Phillipe, who first homesteaded the area, used the mound to protect his family from the tidal surge. 

Sunrise at Safety Harbor Waterfront Park 

The city park, which is located on 13 acres of land, offers a great place for watching the sunrise and enjoying the outdoors. Just a block off downtown too so morning coffee is nearby.  

Historic Mineral Springs 

Discovered by Hernandez de Soto in 1539, the springs were thought to be the Fountain of Youth.  He named the springs Espiritu Santo Springs or the Springs of the Holy Spirit. 

In the 20th century, the waters were bottled and sold as a health treatment.  The spa was built over the springs later and in 1964 the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the springs a historical landmark. 

The full-service spa sprawls for 22 acres along the Tampa Bay waterfront and is sure to be a relaxing day or two. 

Safety Harbor Fun Facts

• Early in the 18th century, Safety Harbor was named.  Sailors called this area “safe harbor” during a time when pirates ruled the Gulf, as all pirate threats were gone.
• Formerly known as World Harbor and Green’s Springs.
• The area has been inhabited since the Stone Age. 
• In June 2008, a 6,000-year-old spearhead was recovered in Marshall Street Park. 
• Safety Harbor archaeological sites have yielded many items from the Tocobaga people.  The artifacts included copper, shells, stone, and pottery. 
• The Tocobaga were known for constructing ceremonial and communal burial mounds. Safety Harbor’s Phillipe Park has one that was preserved after most of them were destroyed in the early 19th century as a result of the expansion. 
• The first Spanish explorer known to be in the area was Pánfilo de Narváez in 1528.
• Hernandez de Soto came to the area in 1539 and discovered the Espiritu Santo Springs (Springs of the Holy Spirit) which he thought wears the Fountain of Youth. You can still visit the springs today at the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa. 
• The first to homestead the area was Oder Phillipe in 1823. The French nobleman is also credited with introducing grapefruit to Florida.