Little Harbor Guide: Get to Know This Florida Destination

Situated in Tampa Bay sits a quaint resort town where visitors come to escape busy cities and relax. Its location also makes it an ideal vacation spot for families, groups, gatherings and friends trips. In addition, the city attracts a diverse population of residents during winter months, a.k.a. snowbirds. To learn more about this vibrant area, read this Little Harbor guide and plan a trip soon.

Little Harbor Guide: Visitor Info, Activities and Vacation Inspiration

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Photo: iTrip Vacations® Orlando

Where Is Little Harbor?

Little Harbor is located in the city of Ruskin, Florida. This small town sits on Tampa Bay near Little Manatee River south of downtown Tampa and across the bay from St. Petersburg.

Little Harbor Guide to Getting Here

Those who want to vacation in Little Harbor can fly into a nearby airport and drive, or drive directly to the destination. Airports near Little Harbor include Sarasota-Bradenton, Tampa, Orlando and St. Petersburg. From there, rent a car and drive into Ruskin.

Estimated driving distances:
Tampa = 35 minutes
Orlando = 1.75 hours
Sarasota-Bradenton = 50 minutes
St. Petersburg = 40 minutes

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Things to Do

Little Harbor and Ruskin appeal to adventure seekers and beach lovers. Little Harbor Beach Resort and Marina features 124 acres with deep-water marinas and boat slips. However, the main attraction is the half-mile beach. At Little Harbor Beach, visitors enjoy boating, watching sunsets, sunbathing, swimming and fishing.

Those who prefer to explore the back waters should visit Little Manatee River State Park and Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve. Popular outdoor activities at the parks include sailing, kayaking, dolphin tours and bird-watching. Guests also enjoy the quiet environment, which provides an escape from busy life.

Other Attractions and Activities

In addition to outdoor recreation, Ruskin Family Drive-in plays classic movies and new releases, and opens year-round. Other fun activities include attending festivals, playing volleyball, and enjoying a round of golf with friends and family.

Some guests prefer to plan day-trips to nearby cities. If that sounds like a good idea, here is a small sample of where to go and what to see.

Bradenton: Robinson Nature Preserve, Bradenton Riverwalk, Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, LECOM Park, IMG Academy

Sarasota: The Ringling, More Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, St. Armands Circle, Ca d’Zan, Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary

St. Petersburg: The Dali Museum, Sunken Gardens, Downtown St. Pete, Imagine Museum, Fort De Soto Park, Morean Arts Center

Tampa: Busch Gardens Tampa, The Florida Aquarium, Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park, Adventure Island, Museum of Science and Industry

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Where to Eat in Little Harbor

Those staying in Little Harbor don’t have to travel far to get good food. Little Harbor Resort has a restaurant, or try dining options scattered throughout the area. More than a dozen restaurants keep visitors satisfied and serve both regional and international cuisine. Guests have access to fresh seafood, Mexican, steak, German bites, Cuban, breakfast and comfort food.

Plan a relaxing trip and book a Little Harbor vacation rental. For more adventure, find things to do in Orlando.