When you’re searching for fun day trips near Siesta Key to enjoy on your next vacation, visiting an electric company is probably nowhere on your itinerary. But you might be surprised to find that it should be! Just an hour away in the city of Tampa, the Tampa Electric Center holds an incredible Manatee Viewing Center, perfect for getting up close and personal to some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures.
Trust us, you’ll definitely want to plan a visit here during your stay in one of our Siesta Key rentals!
How It Started
The Manatee Viewing Center traces its history back to 1986 when the Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach was delivering electricity to the local community. People started noticing that there were quite a few manatees in the discharge canal of the power station, where saltwater flowed from Tampa Bay into the Unit and back out into the Bay. The discharge canal was much warmer than Tampa Bay in certain months of the year. The staff decided to turn the manatees’ haven into an official Manatee Viewing Center, and the rest is history!
Manatee Viewing Center
The Manatee Viewing Center has, of course, an amazing place to stop and get face-to-face with the local manatees. You’ll also find an incredible environmental education building with colorful displays and interactive exhibits. You’ll not only learn about manatees and their habitats (you can see actual manatee bones!), but you’ll also get to know a bit about how Big Bend Power Station provides electricity efficiently and responsibly. Outside, you’ll even find beautiful butterfly gardens and a habitat loop trail.
Stop and See the Rays
While you’re here, be sure to head to the ground floor to touch the rays! These beautiful creatures will swim right up to you and let you gently graze your hand across their smooth backs for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The dedicated staff in this portion of the property will teach you everything you might want to know about the rays and their habitats as well.
Plan Your Trip
When you’re planning your trip to one of the best family friendly activities near Siesta Key, feel free to bring your camera to capture all the memories! You’ll also want to bring sunscreen, and it’s recommended to wear closed-toed shoes. It’s absolutely free to park and visit this attraction, perfect for families on a budget. The Manatee Viewing Center will be open for the season as of November 1, 2021; they will be open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
To get from Siesta Key to Tampa Electric, almost your entire journey will take place on I-75 N. You’ll stay on this road for about 50 miles before exiting onto FL-618, then taking exit 13 for US-301, which will take you up to Tampa Electric! It’s just an hour’s drive away from Siesta Key, so with such a short trip, there’s truly no excuse to skip this attraction.
Stay With Horizon’s West
Once you’ve spent a long day exploring the Manatee Viewing Center and all the other fun things to do near Siesta Key, you’ll be ready to relax with your loved ones and get some much-needed rest. Our vacation rentals in Siesta Key are perfect for that! Whether you’re planning a summer getaway or a quick weekend escape in a comforting “home away from home,” we’ve got exactly the property for you. Contact us today to learn more!
