Things to do nearDavis Islands
Davis Islands is a residential enclave in Tampa, Florida, celebrated for its Mediterranean Revival architecture, seaplane base, and relaxed bayfront atmosphere.
Davis Islands owes its existence to developer D.P. Davis, who in the 1920s dredged two small spoil islands from Tampa Bay and transformed them into one of Florida's most ambitious real estate projects. The Mediterranean Revival buildings he commissioned still line the streets today, giving the neighborhood a cohesive architectural character rare in modern Florida cities.
Visitors come for the waterfront parks, the quiet marina, and the unhurried pace that contrasts sharply with downtown Tampa just minutes away. The public seaplane basin at Peter O. Knight Airport is a genuine curiosity, one of the few active urban seaplane bases in the American Southeast. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular along the calmer shorelines, and the island's bike rentals make it easy to cover the full loop without a car.
The nearby Tampa Riverwalk connects the broader waterfront to the city's dining and cultural venues, making Davis Islands a natural starting point for a longer day of exploration. The village strip offers a handful of casual restaurants and coffee spots favored by residents, giving the island a genuinely local feel. Davis Islands is the kind of place that earns repeat visits precisely because it asks nothing of you except to slow down and look around.
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Chance of rainTips for visiting Davis Islands
Visit the seaplane basin at Peter O. Knight Airport in the early morning to watch small aircraft and seaplanes take off over the water.
Bring a bike or rent one nearby — the flat, shaded streets of Davis Islands are ideal for a leisurely loop around the island.
Head to the Davis Islands Dog Beach in the late afternoon, a rare off-leash waterfront spot popular with locals and their pets.
Try dinner at one of the casual restaurants along the village strip, where the crowd is neighborhood-friendly and the pace is unhurried.
Park near the public boat ramp and watch the parade of vessels heading out toward Tampa Bay, especially on weekend mornings.
Top tours & experiences near Davis Islands
Private 44' Catamaran Yacht Charter in Tampa
Cruise Tampa Bay in comfort with spacious lounges and a smooth twin-hull ride
Tampa Helicopter Tour Over Downtown & Ybor City
See Downtown Tampa from above on a 15-minute helicopter flight
Full-Day 22' Deck Boat Rental in St. Petersburg
Explore Tampa Bay your way, from island stops to waterfront restaurants
Sunset Catamaran Charter in Tampa
Private power-catamaran cruising with roomy lounges and bay views
50-Minute Tampa Bay Helicopter Tour
See Tampa Bay by helicopter, with optional doors-off views
Full-Day 22' Pontoon Boat Rental in St. Petersburg
Explore Tampa Bay your way, from island stops to waterfront restaurants
Tampa 44' Power Catamaran Charter
Design your own Tampa Bay escape aboard a spacious private catamaran
Fly a 20-Minute Romantic Helicopter Tour in Tampa
Private 20-minute romantic helicopter flight with champagne, roses, and music
Full-Day Tampa Bay Boat Rental in St. Petersburg
Take the helm for a day of island stops, waterfront dining, or fishing
8-10 Minute Tampa Skyline Helicopter Tour
See Tampa’s skyline from above on a quick 8–10 minute helicopter flight