Nestled within the Tampa Bay area in the southern region of Hillsborough County, a beach neighborhood called SouthShore thrives. SouthShore includes Apollo Beach, Ruskin, and Sun City Center. The neighborhood located along 1-75 between Tampa and Bradenton is steadily growing in population, local businesses, and community-centered events. This travel destination offers a variety of things to do from going to the beach to manatee watching. Below are three notable things to do in SouthShore, including an exciting expected destination.

TECO Manatee Viewing Center

If watching manatees in their natural habitat is on your travel bucket list, you must visit the TECO Manatee Viewing Center. This state and federally mandated manatee sanctuary will leave travelers in awe of these gentle sea giants. The sanctuary's mission is to educate visitors about the Florida manatee as well as its habitat through visual displays, engaging exhibits, and more. TECO Manatee Viewing Center wants visitors of all ages to learn about the manatee's life cycle and the accompanying challenges the gentle giants face. The viewing center is open between November to April every year, so make sure you plan your trip for SouthShore things to do accordingly. 

Apollo Beach

Located 20 miles south of Tampa in the SouthShore neighborhood, a quiet and less-known but beautiful beach is situated. Locals know this beach for its tranquility because of the low traffic. While laying on the white sand beach might be your greatest appeal, Apollo Beach offers a range of activities such as boat rentals, noteworthy restaurants, a park and recreation center, racquet and fitness center, a nature preserve, and an annual two-day manatee festival of the arts in March. Apollo Beach has something for anyone and it's a destination you don't want to skip when you visit SouthShore.

SouthShore Regional Library

This library doesn't only offer books for research and leisure. SouthShore Regional Library hosts online events and classes for its community designed for kids, teens, and adults. The adult classes range from how to improve your presence on LinkedIn to how to create your own enchanted garden at home. The classes designed for teens involve topics about group summer readings and the classes for kids mainly involve arts and crafts.  If you're looking for intellectual stimulation and you're yearning to get out of the sunshine, this library will greatly accommodate. 

SouthShore Commons

This soon to be premier shopping, dining, hotel, and entertainment center promises to be the perfect place to satisfy all your social urges while on vacation. SouthShore Commons is projected to be known as the focal point of the community, and it'll be perfect for any community gathering. The master plan shows there will be ample retail space and around 250 hotel rooms. You'll want to keep this shopping, dining, and entertainment center on your radar when you're planning a trip to SouthShore in the future.

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Cover Photo Courtesy of Dominic Sansotta Via Unsplash.com