SOUTHSHORE

Venture out to the southern reaches of Hillsborough County, where Tampa Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico. Here, active adventurers hit the water, stalk big fish and live to tell about it over a fresh seafood dinner at sunset.

Must-See

Drive over the soaring Sunshine Skyway Bridge and feast your eyes on spectacular vistas, glimpse lumbering manatees at the TECO Manatee Viewing Center and mosey through its award-winning butterfly gardens, then have a no-mess, no-fuss picnic with your family as offered by Dakin Dairy Farms. You bring the blanket; Dakin serves the delicious farm-fresh meal at wallet-friendly prices.

By Day

Find deeply discounted designerbrand merchandise spread over 130 stores at the shoppers' mecca, Ellenton Premium Outlets. Or grab a rod, charter a boat with Fishing Charters Tampa--which picks up at Resort & Club at Little Harbor near Southshore--and hook a tarpon, trout, pompano or snook in Tampa Bay. Another amazing outdoor escape, Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge is reachable only by boat. Visitors head to the island to explore military ruins and to spot spectacular birds and turtles.

By Night

Many area boat tours offer sunset and dinner cruises that float along the scenic waters of Southshore. If you prefer to dine on land and finish with a drink at a tiki bar, join locals and visitors for some American- Caribbean fare and beachside views at Sunset Grill in Ruskin's Island-themed Resort & Club at Little Harbor.