Things To Do
in Citrus Park
Citrus Park, Florida is a suburban community northwest of Tampa known for family-friendly neighborhoods, shopping centers, and easy access to Tampa Bay. The area blends residential developments with parks, golf courses, and a mix of national and local businesses. Many residents commute to Tampa, but Citrus Park has its own growing retail and dining scene, including the Citrus Park Mall area and nearby Westshore and Carrollwood amenities.
The community is convenient for exploring Gulf Coast beaches, regional trails, and larger cultural attractions in the Tampa Bay metro area.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk at Citrus Park's beautiful parks. Enjoy the morning dew on the grass as you stroll through the lush landscapes and vibrant gardens. Stop by the playgrounds to watch children play and enjoy the sounds of nature waking up around you.
After a morning in the parks, head to a local café for a delicious lunch featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Spend the afternoon exploring the nature trails, where you can spot local wildlife and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings. Don't forget to take a few moments to relax by the lakeside, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
As the sun sets, gather for a community picnic at one of the parks, where you can meet friendly locals. Enjoy the warm evening air while indulging in homemade dishes and sharing stories. Cap off the evening by watching the stars twinkle above as you relax with your new friends.
Begin your day with a visit to the Citrus Park Art Gallery, where you can admire local artists' work and learn about the area's cultural heritage. Participate in a morning art workshop to unleash your creativity and express yourself through painting or pottery. Enjoy a light breakfast at the gallery café, surrounded by inspiring artwork.
After your artistic morning, take a short trip to the Citrus Park Historical Museum to delve deeper into the town's rich history. Explore the exhibits that showcase the evolution of Citrus Park and its community. Spend some time chatting with the local historians, who can share fascinating stories and anecdotes about the area.
In the evening, attend a community theater performance that highlights local talent and stories. The intimate setting allows you to engage with the performers and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. After the show, join fellow audience members for a discussion over dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕️Cappuccino / Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚕Taxi / Rideshare short trip | $8-20 |
| 🚌Monthly public transit pass | $70-100 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $90-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Convenient suburban location with easy access to Tampa and Gulf beaches
- Family-friendly amenities, parks, and good shopping options
- Mild winters and many outdoor recreation opportunities
- Growing selection of restaurants and services
- Hot, humid summers with frequent afternoon storms
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions immediately within Citrus Park — many require driving into Tampa
- Traffic can be heavy during rush hours on major corridors
- Hurricane risk during season
Places to Visit in Citrus Park
Visit one of these nice places.
Long paved trail with marsh and coastal views ideal for sunrise/sunset shots, wildlife photography, and scenic landscapes.
Old-growth cypress, river vistas, and hiking trails that offer dramatic nature photos, especially near rapids and river bends.
Neighborhood parks around Citrus Park provide pleasant sunset views, family scenes, and community photography opportunities.
Short drive into Tampa gets you skyline views, bridges, and marina scenes that are great for evening and dusk photography.
Food in Citrus Park
Citrus Park Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh Gulf fish served fried or blackened on a bun — look for it at local seafood restaurants and casual waterfront spots in the Tampa metro area.
Must-Try!
A Tampa staple with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on pressed Cuban bread; commonly available at delis and Cuban cafés.
A seasonal Gulf specialty available in Tampa restaurants during crab season (typically mid-October to mid-May) — often pricey but iconic.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal farmers' markets in nearby communities (weekends) sell fresh produce, local honey, baked goods, and prepared foods — great for sampling local citrus and snacks.
Look for rotating food truck gatherings and small stands around shopping plazas and parks offering tacos, BBQ, and fusion street eats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People in Citrus Park are generally casual and friendly. A polite greeting and simple manners go a long way—say please and thank you, and be courteous in shops and parks.
Respect personal space and drive courteously; suburban Florida culture values punctuality for appointments and reservations.
Follow park rules: do not feed wildlife, pack out trash, and respect signage for habitats and protected areas.
Safety
Tipping in Citrus Park
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is expected in the U.S.: typically 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for casual services (valet, bellhop), and 10–15% for taxis if not included. Round up for quick service and tip delivery drivers, especially during bad weather.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. Carry some cash for small purchases, farmers markets, or places that are cash-preferred. ATMs are widely available in stores and banks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid, and storm-prone: expect daily highs in the 80s–90s°F (around 27–35°C), frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and high humidity. Stay hydrated, plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, and be aware of lightning during storm season.
Warm and gradually drying with comfortable temperatures and fewer storms as hurricane season wanes; good time for outdoor recreation and festivals.
Mild and pleasant with daytime highs typically in the 60s–70s°F (15–25°C) and cooler nights — great for outdoor activities; rare cold snaps can bring temperatures near freezing.
Warm, blossoming, and increasingly humid as the season progresses; spring is popular for outdoor events and the start of tourist season.
Citrus Park at Night
Hiking in Citrus Park
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Established state park with trails through hardwood hammocks, river views, picnic areas, and opportunities to see wildlife like gopher tortoises and wading birds.
A long multi-use trail tracing wetlands and coastal marshes — excellent for walking, running, cycling, and birdwatching.
A large preserve a short drive away with boardwalks, hiking trails, and interpretive centers showcasing Florida’s natural ecosystems.
Neighborhood park with short hiking trails and a boardwalk through wetlands — family-friendly and good for quick nature outings.
Airports
How to reach Citrus Park by plane.
Primary airport serving the region, about 20–30 minutes from Citrus Park depending on traffic; offers domestic and international flights and good ground transport options.
Secondary regional airport across the bay with a mix of domestic flights and budget carriers; typically 30–50 minutes away by car depending on route and traffic.
Located to the south, useful for access to Sarasota and southern Gulf beaches; roughly an hour’s drive depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Citrus Park has many families with school-age children attracted to suburban housing, parks, and family amenities.
A significant portion of residents commute to jobs in Tampa and surrounding business districts.
Florida’s appeal for retirees is present here as well, with some older adults and 55+ communities in the region.
The Tampa Bay area has a sizable and growing Hispanic population contributing cultural, culinary, and business influences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is hugely popular; nearby Tampa is home to the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and college football also draws local interest.
The Tampa Bay Rays (MLB) are a major draw in the region and spring training practices are common in the area.
The Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) have strong local support and host games and events in the Tampa metro area.
Boating, fishing, and beach activities are very popular thanks to proximity to the Gulf and local waterways.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Citrus Park.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafes, many chain restaurants, and some local bistros — look for salads, veggie burgers, grain bowls, and customizable plates.
Vegan-friendly choices are growing but more limited in suburban neighborhoods; for broader options, visit Tampa where dedicated vegan restaurants and menus are more common.
Most mainstream restaurants offer gluten-free menu items; always alert staff to cross-contamination concerns and consider places that explicitly label GF dishes.
Because seafood is common in the region, notify servers about allergies and ask about shared fryers or preparation surfaces.