We had so much fun finding our first list of odd things-to-do near Tampa. Now, we’ve continued scouring the area and found seven more odd attractions and sights.

Sure, the Tampa Bay area has beaches, theme parks, trails, sports arenas, malls, etc. Sometimes, however, you need to look just a little deeper to find something you never realized was there.

Here are seven odd things-to-do around the area that you may or may not have known about. If you did know, let us know about your experience. Keep an eye out for the next list!

• 1. Croc Encounters

  Yes, Tampa hosts ZooTampa, the Florida Aquarium, and Busch Gardens. Here’s a place you may not have known about. Croc Encounters sits off of SR 301 a little north of I-4. It’s a place you can have contact with some of Florida’s scaled residents.

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  A post shared by Croc Encounters (@crocencounters)

• 2. Golden Spirit Alpaca Ranch

  Brenda and Frank Crum have run Golden Spirit Alpaca Ranch since 2006. According to their website, they have around 150 alpaca on 75 acres.

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• 3. McKay Bay Park

  Located off 34th Street in Tampa, McKay Bay Park was developed as a national avian sanctuary. It’s located at the northeasternmost part of Tampa Bay. Groups such as the Audobon Society have been monitoring the birds that have made this a wintering location for many wintering bird species. The city of Tampa purchased the land in the 1980’s and turned it into a park featuring boardwalks and viewing towers.

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  A post shared by Tampa Bay Local Guide (@tampabaylocalguide)

• 4. Suncoast Primate Sanctuary

  It’s not a zoo. It’s the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary. This is a place where primates can live out their lives. It’s located in Palm Harbor. In fact, after his acting days, Cheetah from Johnny Weissmuller’s “Tarzan” lived here until he turned 80. According to the BBC, he joined the sanctuary around 1960.

  https://www.instagram.com/p/BeCKR6rB8sQ/
  https://www.instagram.com/p/Be_A7iIhYqw/

• 5. Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center

  The manatees love the warm waters of the Big Bend Power Station. Travel to Apollo Beach where you can visit the viewing center, particularly in the winter. These wild, gentle sea cows are safe in the sanctuary provided by Tampa Electric.

  It's a beautiful day to enjoy the Tidal Walk! pic.twitter.com/ztiJkk620B

  — Manatee Viewing Ctr. (@TECOmvc) December 1, 2021

  At Tampa Electric, the health and well-being of our customers, employees and communities is our top priority. Beginning 5 p.m. Friday, the Manatee Viewing Center will be closed until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. #teco #florida #manatee pic.twitter.com/7nr3HrBWJl

  — Manatee Viewing Ctr. (@TECOmvc) March 13, 2020

• 6. The Official Ybor City Ghost Tour

  The Official Ybor City Ghost Tour is considered one of the top haunted tours in the country. This isn’t just a Halloween event. Haunts are here year-round. The 90-minute tour will introduce you to some spine-tingling residents of Ybor City.

  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cfwp8euO-GM/

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  A post shared by Official Ghost Tour of Ybor (@yborcityghosttour)

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  A post shared by Official Ghost Tour of Ybor (@yborcityghosttour)

• 7. Wat Mongkolratanaram Thai Temple

  Get that camera ready and take some pictures of this uniquely Thai. Also, it’s not just a beautiful Thai Buddhist temple, but it features a drive-thru Sunday market. And bring your appetite, Wat Mongkolratanaram is known for some of the most amazing Asian dishes you’ll find outside of the Far East.

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  A post shared by Alexi Schreier - St Petersburg, FL Real Estate Agent (@alexirealtor)

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