Florida’s Hidden Gems Series
In this installation of the Travel with Rachie: Florida’s Hidden Gems Series, we will be exploring the small city of Safety Harbor.
Follow the series to learn all about the small and bustling communities throughout Florida that truly make this state unique. Each installation will cover a town with a lot of Florida life to offer.
Stay tuned for more!
About Safety Harbor
Safety Harbor is a small city located in the Tampa Bay. The city rests on the northwest tip of the bay. Within the city, the shopping, eating, and boozing revolves around Main Street. Walking down Main Street, you will find Safety Harbor restaurants, spas, cafes, attractions, all ending by the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa on the water.
Safety Harbor is known for its energetic, eclectic, and creatively inspired town. Throughout the city you will find art lining the walls or restaurants and buildings and an entire center dedicated to the art of the town.
The city is small but there is plenty to do, read below on how to spend the perfect day in Safety Harbor.
Start Your Day with Breakfast in Safety Harbor
Place to go: Daydreamers Cafe and Grill
Open for breakfast and lunch, Daydreamers is the perfect place to get into the Safety Harbor vibes. While waiting for your table you can explore the Safety Harbor Arts and Music Center – but more about that later!
Once you’re inside of Daydreamers you’ll see why this spot is a MUST among locals, it’s a vibrant little cafe, full of people laughing and chatting with mimosas in hand.
At Daydreamers make sure to get one of their delicious and unique mimosas to compliment your breakfast! The food is classic small town cafe cuisine with many gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options for all to enjoy.
You can feel the town come alive within Daydreamers.
Other breakfast options:
Morning Fun in Color
Place to go: Whimzeyland
Walk off your breakfast and mimosas at Whimzeyland. Walk up Main Street and turn north on 12th Avenue and you’ll find yourself in a land of color and wonder.
Whimzeyland is a house – a few others have followed suit – full of eclectic, colorful, vibrant, and creative decor.
Take stroll through these colorful houses, gaze at the decor, wonder about what it took to make a wall entirely out of ash trays, and just let it all sink in. There are few places in the world that houses would and could do this, enjoy it and take in the Safety Harbor scenery.
The main Whimzeyland house has items for sale so you can take a piece of the experience with you and help support the land.
While exploring Whimzeyland, make sure you explore the Safety Harbor Arts and Music Center also. The owners of Whimzeyland also founded the arts and music center. Support local businesses and artists and sign up for a tour for both of them!
If you decide to explore on a Sunday, you can also shop at Safety Harbor’s Market on Main. The market has vendors ranging from candles to food and dog collars and more. Just another great way to support local.
Lunch Out on the Town
Place to go: The Nona Slice House
After exploring Whimzeyland and taking all of the colorful photos you can, walk back towards the main strip and stop at The Nona Slice House – a staple eatery in the city.
Let the pizzeria take you back to the good ole days or transport you to a whole other world. The Nona is the first place you see when you enter downtown Safety Harbor, which is fitting since so many people have found a home within the restaurant. The pizza and team offers up amazing, cozy food with a friendly and loving atmosphere.
Nona’s has unique takes on classic pizzas and combinations you would never think of but keep you asking for more. And now, they even have vegan cheese and options for everyone.
Other great lunch spots include:
After Lunch Relaxation
Place to go: Safety Harbor Resort & Spa
Nona’s is known for filling people up on their delectable pizza’s that might make you want an afternoon nap, but we have a better option for you at the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa.
The resort is a perfect place to let your pizza coma take you over with stunning views of the bay, a mimosa in hand, and endless spa packages to relax with.
The Safety Harbor Resort & Spa is a staple of the city, the main street leads you right into the fountains of the resort standing before the water.
More places to go for the afternoon:
Dinner in Safety Harbor
Place to go: Gigglewaters
Get ready for a dinner experience to remember at Gigglewaters. The restaurant is a tattooed, punk covered, prohibition speakeasy style dining experience – with the most over the top burgers in the bay. While the restaurant itself has got people talking, Gigglewaters has won over the bay area with their 32 seat screening room.
Three times daily, Gigglewaters hosts the ultimate movie and dining experience – with movie inspired cocktails to top it all off.
This place is one of the best spots in the bay to go for a date night or just a night out with friends. They embody the atmosphere and spirit of a 1920s speakeasy where the fun is for all.
More hot dinner spots:
After Dinner Drinks on Main
Place to go: Troubled Waters Brewing
Troubled Waters is right across the street from Gigglewaters and ready to keep the party going with one of their craft beers.
The patrons and bartenders are friendly and always down for a conversation.
Finish the night strong and try all different types of beers.
More places for after dinner drinks:
Bonus tip, come out for drinks on the third Friday of every month for an extra exciting night of drinking and music on Main Street!
Bonus Hits
Safety Harbor is an adorable and picturesque city in the Tampa Bay, luckily, the area is no stranger to these hidden gems. Check out more places to explore in driving distance of this Florida Hidden Gem!
If you are an animal lover, make sure to visit the Humane Society of Pinellas. Only a short drive from Main Street, the humane society is full of animals waiting for their forever home… you may even find the perfect dining companion for all of those outdoor restaurants!
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