Many of the patients at the Bonati Spine Institute travel into the Tampa Bay area from both near and far. No matter if you’re coming from another state or simply the other coast of Florida, it is important that you and your travel companions have somewhere to take it easy before and after the procedure.
If you’re coming in early or taking a longer stay in the area, there is plenty for you and your travel companions to do close by the Bonati Institute and in the greater Tampa Bay area.
Clearwater Beach
There are many beaches to choose from in the Tampa Bay area, but Clearwater is one of the top. In 2013, Clearwater was voted “Best Beach Town in Florida.” While the beach is sure to take up most of your time, there are also plenty of recreational activities, like parasailing and paddle boarding, to choose from as well as more than a dozen restaurants.
Florida Aquarium
The 250,000-square-foot aquarium has various exhibits and daily shows as well as a dolphin cruise that gets you up-close-and-personal with Florida’s gulf coast dolphins. The Florida Aquarium is open every day from 9:30 a.m. through 5 p.m. and is only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. There is plenty to see and do at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa.
Zoo Tampa
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern US, with over 1 million visitors annually. The Zoo originated in the 1930’s as a municipal department with a small number of Florida native species. ZooTampa has grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic animal exhibits in a lush, tropical garden setting. The Zoo offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won accolades as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos. Zoo Tampa is open daily from 9:30am through 5:00pm and is only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The Zoo will have extended hours for Seasonal Events and closing hours will vary for Creatures of the Night and Christmas in the Wild.
Busch Gardens
For the thrill seekers, Busch Gardens has dozens of roller coasters, rides, animal attractions and shows to keep you busy. The popular theme park is open 365 days a year; park hours are updated each week. Check out the park’s special events, such as its Food & Wine Festival and Jack Hanna weekend, for even more fun.
Tarpon Springs
Home to the historic “Sponge Docks,” Tarpon Springs could be considered Florida’s Little Greece. The area boasts a number of Greek restaurants and bakeries, unique Greek souvenirs, and the infamous sea sponge docks. The sea sponge industry was established in Tarpon Springs more than 120 years ago and now, visitors can enjoy a number of attractions that will explain this history.
SunWest Park
SunWest Park is located directly in Hudson and features a variety of amenities. There is an aqua park, which is an inflatable park right on the water that kids can enjoy. Although it does cost money to use it on weekdays, the aqua park is free on Saturdays and Sundays. Paddleboards and kayaks are also available for rent, swimming areas are open daily and volleyball nets are available on a first come, first serve basis. SunWest Park is a great option for family fun.
Strong Tower Vineyard and Winery
For those seeking out some adults-only fun, the Strong Tower Vineyard is open Wednesday through Sundays. They offer a number of events, including the occasional yoga session, painting party, wine tastings, festivals and evening events featuring good food. The vineyard produces a variety of wines to please every palate.
American Air Balloon Ride
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, consider taking flight with American Balloons. Located in Land O’Lakes, Florida, just 35 minutes from Hudson, you can go on a thrilling hot air balloon ride that goes over the North Tampa, Wesley Chapel area.
Weeki Wachee Springs
Located just 20 minutes away from Hudson, Florida, Weeki Wachee is well-known for its springs, manatees and mermaids. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park has a number of attractions, including animal shows, a river boat cruise, and a mermaid show featuring real-life swimmers wearing custom-made mermaid tails. Other activities around the Weeki Wachee River include bird watching fishing, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife viewing and so much more. There are also coastal swamps, a wildlife refuge and nature preserves around Weeki Wachee.
The Bonati Spine Institute in Hudson, FL and the surrounding area is home to many beautiful and natural attractions. If you decide to spend time in the area before or after your procedure, be sure to speak with your Bonati spine surgeon about what you can and cannot do. If you have not yet spoken to a Bonati patient advocate about whether or not you are a candidate for the Bonati Spine Procedures, please call us at 855-267-0482 or complete this online form and we will be happy to help you.