Within 5 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:
- Apollo Beach Bait and Tackle 813-296-7735 23′ Carolina Skiff delivered to E.G. Simmons Park
- Apollo Beach Boat Rentals 813-800-2628. Boats are delivered to E.G. Simmons Park
- Little Harbor Watersports 813-399-5240. Boats are picked up at Little Harbor Marina
Fishing Charters
True Lies Fishing Company
Brandon really knows how to get you on the fish. He specializes in inshore fishing for Snook, Trout and Redfish, but can get you on just about anything that is biting! He 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!
Old Florida Fishing Adventures
Captain Kevin Little is a very experienced Captain and is great with children, often explaining what he is doing and teaching fun facts about the fish you are catching. 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.
Other area charters
- Billy Nobles 813-299-5563 Offshore fishing
- Apollo Beach fishing charters 813-418-0225
- Aqua Therapy Charters 813-777-8374
- Fish This Inshore Charters 813-459-2521
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 |