Things to Do in Palm Harbor

Located along the aquamarine shoreline of Clearwater Beach, Makin Waves supplies the ingredients for fun seaside jaunts, providing everything from beach balls to boat rentals. Beachgoers can relax in Makin Waves' reclining blue beach chairs beneath the shade of umbrellas or set out on a rental jet ski in search of dolphins or tricksters wearing fake shark fins. The shop's Australian suntan products fend off sunrays, and floating rafts allows up to six friends to relax atop deep-blue waters. Visitors may explore land and sea in a variety of other rental vehicles, such as banana boats, bicycles, and naval warships.

Whether renting a buccaneer deck boat, manning a fishing boat, or taking a kayak out for a spin, customers utilize the Belle Harbour Marina's extensive fleet to explore Anclote River, close to Tarpon Springs' Sponge Docks. Boaters can follow boating area charts or cut their own path, careening across the surface of the water as they look out for manatees, dolphins, and notes in a bottle they regret sending. They can also rent a stereo and drop anchor to lie out on Anclote Key's sand bars and islands, or they can rent tackle and ice boxes to search for the flats' sea trout, redfish, and snook.

Andrea Whiting, Arbordale Riding Academy's head instructor, draws upon 14 years of professional experience to teach budding equestrian all-stars. Andrea has served as a board member of the Tampa Horse Show Association and a member of the United States Equestrian Federation, a group known for supporting quality care and voting rights for prettier ponies. On the academy grounds, Andrea's students hop atop one of the outfit's carefully maintained horses to receive an introduction to the skills required for competition. Students can learn how to ride in the english style of saddle seat during lessons, and summer camps are also available. One of Andrea's most accomplished students won a National Championship title with the help of her tutelage, and two other horses and three riders who studied under her earned top ten World Championship ribbons.

Arbordale also offers full boarding facilities for steeds, providing all the bedding, grain, and blanketing their tired haunches require. Horses and their owners exercise on 15 acres with various turnout options, and take advantage of the facility’s large outdoor arena, jumps, and full tack room.

The India International Film Festival (IFF) of Tampa Bay selects a small sampling of more than 1,000 films produced in India each year to demonstrate that the most prolific film industry in the world is more than just masala musicals. Like the culture from which they spring, the films speak in a lush polyglossia of English, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Nepali, Kashmiri—but the common language of humanity unites them all, whether the subject is Down syndrome, terrorism, patriotism, or simply losing yourself to spiritual bliss. Opening-night ceremonies and filmmaker Q&As round out the schedule of events, offering a more immersive movie experience than watching the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 3-D.

Bodies glide through flashing lights and foggy atmosphere as music pours out of speakers, setting a scene reminiscent of a club—except it's a roller rink. Town & Country Skateworld is the brainchild of three local families who joined forces to give youth a safe place to socialize with other kids interested in starting venture-capital funds. The facilities encompass roller skating, laser tag, an arcade, and two bounce houses.

To keep families fueled, the snack bar's crew dispenses comestibles such as pizza and nachos. In addition to entertaining throngs of visitors during regular hours, Town & Country Skateworld's staff hosts celebrations ranging from birthday parties to corporate events.

Since opening its doors in 1988, Snappers Grill & Comedy Club has entertained guests with events including standup comedy shows, live music performances, karaoke nights, and poker tournaments. A variety of comedic performers, including Dustin Diamond, have paced across the showroom stage, telling jokes that stirred eruptions of laughter and applause. The club also hosts live music performances and offers seating for patrons looking to munch on the menu's burgers, wraps, and sandwiches.

Guests may also hang out on Snappers' patio, where a DJ spins live music every Friday and Saturday night and locals explore new ranges of their falsetto during Tuesday karaoke.