Within 5 miles

Within 30 miles

E.G. Simmons Park

E.G. Simmons Park is a county operated park open daily at 8am. There are plenty of things to do and see at this waterfront park on Tampa Bay. It is only a 10 minute drive from Sunset Cove. Kayaking, fishing, bird watching, a large public boat ramp, picnic areas, beach and playground are the highlights of what is offered here. We always spend a day at Simmons Park when we are at Sunset Cove Apollo Beach! We can usually find dolphin, manatees or both when Kayaking in Simmons Park!

location:2401 19th Ave. NW, Ruskin, FL
hours:8am-6pm fall/winter
8am-7pm spring/summer
fees:$2 per car, $5 for boat launch
kayak rental:$20 for 4 hours (well worth it!)

Apollo Beach Nature Preserve

Only 7 minutes from Sunset Cove Apollo Beach, the Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is a Dog friendly 2 acre sandy beach and walking area. It is a great spot for fishing and birdwatching and catching sunsets out on the Bay. It has a nice viewing tower and public restrooms. Please note there is no swimming at the preserve due to rip tides.

Apollo Beach Nature Preserve
Address:6760 Surfside Blvd, Apollo Beach, Florida
Hours:7am-sunset

TECO Manatee Viewing Center

The TECO Manatee viewing center is open from November 1st through April 15th. It is only 8 minutes away from Sunset Cove Apollo Beach. It is a great place to see Manatees and plenty of the fish, sharks and rays that inhabit the Tampa Bay area. Best of all it is free!

There is much more than just the Manatee viewing center and canal walk. You can pet a ray in the touch tank, walk among the Mangroves, and land being restored to it’s natural habitat, and see a great view from the Observation tower.

TECO Manatee Viewing Center
address:6990 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, Florida
Hours:10am-5pm
Open Season:November 1 through April 15

Boating

Sunset Cove Apollo Beach has its own private dock with a boat lift. The lift is rated for 10,000lbs and can fit boats up to 25′ in length (without a tower). So make sure to bring your boat with you if you have one! If you did not bring a boat but still want to get on the water, there are a few boat rental options in the area:

Fishing Charters

True Lies Fishing Company

Captain Branden McCorkle really knows how to get you on the fish. Born and raised local to Apollo Beach, he specializes in inshore fishing for Snook, Trout and Redfish, but can get you on just about anything that is biting! We go out with Branden every time we stay at Sunset Cove. He is great with children and families, making sure everyone enjoys the trip. Branden will pick you up in Little Harbor and when you get back to the dock with your catch, he will clean and filet it for you!

Salty Scales Fishing Charters

Captain Joshua Taylor is a very experienced Captain and has been fishing Tampa Bay for years. Offering, half, 3/4 and full day trips., At the end of your trip, he will clean and filet your catch as well. He will meet you at the boat ramp at E.G. Simmons Park for your trip.

Florida Fishing Guide

Captain Bo Hogan works to match the experience to the customer, tailoring your trip to your experience level and interest. Whether you are taking a family trip fishing for the first time, targeting the flats or going for your personal biggest fish, he will get you out on the water and make it a good day.

Ruskin Family Drive In

About 8 minutes from Sunset Cove Apollo Beach is The Ruskin Family Drive In Theatre. It is one of the last remaining drive in movie theaters in Florida, entertaining families since 1952. They have a huge 2,000sq ft screen to enjoy the movie! Open Wednesday through Sunday evenings, they show 2 movies each night. The pricing is very reasonable at $7 per person and $2 for children under 7. Check their website for the movies and start times each week.

Address:5011 North US Route 41, Ruskin, Florida
movie times:varies by season, check website