Oldsmar

 At “the top of the bay”, Oldsmar is located between Lake Tarpon and the north shore of Tampa Bay in central Florida. This area seamlessly blends small-town “Old Florida” southern charm with convenient access to all that large cities have to offer.

 

With a population near 14,000, Oldsmar strives to achieve a close-knit community feel for its residents. The downtown area is lined with locally owned shops, boutiques, and restaurants where you'll receive a warm welcome and personalized service. And, with such close proximity to major urban centers like Tampa (16 miles) and St. Petersburg (24 miles), residents can make the short drive to top-rated restaurants, museums, exhibits, concerts, entertainment, shopping, culture, sporting events, hospitals, airports, and more.  America’s best beaches aren’t too far of a drive either with Clearwater Beach just 16 miles and Honeymoon Island State Park just 10 miles away.

 

Nature enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that Oldsmar has more parks per square mile than any other city in Florida. The Oldsmar Trail runs through nine of the city’s parks. Bicentennial Park and Sheffield Park have large areas for outdoor activities including basketball courts, dog parks, fishing areas, fitness equipment, pickleball courts, and tennis courts.  Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve and Beach Park spans 396 acres with nature trails that meander through lush greenery, waterways for kayaking, picnic shelters to reserve, and a stretch of shoreline where you can relax while taking in views of the bayou. Harbor Palms Nature Park is renowned for its scenic trails, fishing piers, floating dock, and convenient workout stations. Along the canal that links Lake Tarpon to Old Tampa Bay, you'll discover Sheffield Park, a recreational hub featuring a disc golf course, a kayak launch, tennis courts, and a bike path.

 

If you're a treasure hunter or simply love the thrill of discovering unique items, the Oldsmar Flea Market will be a frequent weekend destination. Weekends also find Oldsmar families at the nearby entertainment and sports venues such as the Oldsmar Sports Complex where you’ll find soccer fields, baseball fields, a playground, and picnic areas, or the Tampa Bay Skating Academy where figure skaters and hockey players enjoy a premier facility with fantastic coaches and teams. For those looking for an adrenaline rush and an unforgettable adventure, Empower Adventures offers an exhilarating ziplining experience where you can soar through the treetops and experience the thrill as you navigate the zipline course.  A unique facility that brings visitors from neighboring areas is the BMX track that offers tracks for families and beginners looking to get into the high-energy sport, as well as more difficult courses for experienced riders.

 

Oldsmar also hosts a variety of annual events. Oktoberfest, a town favorite, is a lively celebration featuring an authentic Munich-style tent, live entertainment, and a mouthwatering selection of traditional German food and beer. It's considered one of the best Oktoberfest events in the state.

 

Prepare for an incredible night of fun on the water at the Oldsmar Days and Nights Festival presented by Arnold Amusements. This festival holds the title of the town’s longest-running event for over 62 years.  Starting in March, this event offers an array of exciting festivities and a parade. With over 60 food and arts and craft vendors, there will be plenty of booths to visit while enjoying the fantastic live rock music. This carnival is not only a celebration of classic cars and classic rock, but it's also a true representation of the spirit of Classic Florida. This incredible event offers well maintained carnival rides, ensuring safety and entertainment for the entire family.

 

Oldsmar is home to a fantastic community called East Lake Woodlands where you can become a member of the East Lake Woodlands Country Club. Other notable residential neighborhoods in Oldsmar are Forest Lakes, Estuary at Mobbly Bay, Deerpath, Meadows, and Laurel Oaks.

 

Oldsmar has many restaurants with different flavors from different origins. If you're craving ramen or pho, head to The Wooden Ladle where you can enjoy large servings made with fresh ingredients that you can personalize to your liking. For sushi lovers, Aki Sushi attracts a loyal local following. If you're in the mood for Thai cuisine, Pacific Thai offers an extensive menu. For a tantalizing taste of Punjabi cuisine from India, Desi Tadka Indian Cuisine is the place to be, where you can savor dishes like Channa masala accompanied by warm naan bread. For a unique twist on tacos, Shaker & Peel offers inventive creations like hibiscus-infused tortillas and volcano shrimp tacos along with delectable shareable dishes like Kung Pao cauliflower. Their beverage menu shines with craft cocktails infused with fresh botanicals. If you're in the mood for fresh seafood in a trendy ambiance, Salt Rock Tavern is a great choice. As the sportier sister property of the beloved Salt Rock Grill in Indian Shores, this establishment offers options such as fresh-caught grouper, juicy burgers, flavorful flatbreads, and a variety of small plates. For a taste of Caribbean-inspired cuisine, head over to Rumba Island Bar & Grille to relish dishes like jerk chicken sandwiches and coconut shrimp while soaking up the fun island vibe. Don't forget to explore their excellent selection of tiki drinks. And if you're looking for a true tiki experience, Jack Willie's Tiki Bar is the place to go.

 

Oldsmar residents also enjoy access to two very easy to navigate international airports ensuring convenient travel for both domestic and international travels. The Tampa International Airport is just 11 miles away and the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport is 12 miles away.

 

Oldsmar should definitely be on your short list of cities on Florida's Gulf Coast where you can find small-town southern comforts with nearby big-city conveniences.