A coastal Florida town overflowing with outdoor recreation
Sitting along the east side of Tampa Bay, Apollo Beach is a laid-back coastal town attracting permanent residents, tourists and snowbirds. About 18 miles south of Tampa, the Hillsborough County community is known for its scenic views and outdoor amenities, boasting miles of deep-water canals. “We sometimes joke and say it’s like a permanent vacation out here,” says Whitney Lohr, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Florida Living Group and longtime resident. “It’s just a haven for waterfront living.” Beyond waterfront activities, Apollo Beach is surrounded by nature preserves and hiking trails. And with a major thoroughfare running through town, residents can reach popular Tampa Bay area attractions. “It’s centrally located and provides easy access to Interstate 75, so you can hop on and go east to Orlando, west to Tampa, or Riverview and Brandon,” says Julia Hernandez, a Realtor with REAL BROKER, LLC.
Apollo Beach took shape in the 1930s when the Dickman family, who owned the land, wanted to turn the 4,000-acre mangrove area into a waterfront tourist community. It saw a series of developers and name changes before becoming Apollo Beach in the late 1950s, after the Greek God of the Sun. Major residential development began around that time. Today, Apollo Beach has grown to 35,000 people, and despite residential and industrial growth, it maintains its small-town charm. “One of the best things about the area is how community-oriented it is,” says Lohr. “You’ll see people you know at the local mom-and-pop small businesses.” TECO Energy, the town’s major employer, owns the town's Big Bend Power Station, providing power to the Tampa Bay area. Because of Apollo Beach’s size, many residents commute to Tampa and other parts of the county for work. Hillsborough County Public Schools and HCA Florida South Shore Hospital are other major employers. MacDill Air Force Base, about 29 miles away, is a top county employer.
Many enjoy waterfront residences in Apollo Beach.
The skatepark at Apollo Beach Park is appreciated by many!
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Fun on the canals and hanging with manatees
Boating, fishing and beachcombing are year-round activities. The town has 55 miles of deep-water canals leading to Tampa Bay, with multiple public marinas and fishing piers. Nature and conservation areas also surround the community. The waterfront Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is a favorite for hiking and fishing. Its 35-foot observation tower provides panoramic views of Tampa Bay. While it does have a sandy beach, no swimming is allowed to protect the area. The Manatee Viewing Center, across from the preserve, is the town’s most popular attraction. It's next to the Big Bend Power Station, and the warm, clean water from the plant attracts hundreds of manatees from April to November. The spot is a designated manatee sanctuary with a boardwalk for viewing them, along with an education center and cownose rays touch tank. The 1,400-acre Wolf Creek Branch Nature Preserve is also within the community, offering miles of hiking trails along its natural mangrove shoreline. Florida Aquarium Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center is at the heart of town and is a conservation campus with research centers, animal habitats and exhibits. The facility also has stingray feeding experiences and visits with endangered African penguins. SouthShore Sportsplex is directly south of the aquarium and features four multisport athletic fields. It has one of the largest synthetic turf fields in the nation. E.G. Simmons Regional Park borders the town’s southern edge and includes boat ramps, kayak rentals, swimming areas and playgrounds. Bahia Beach is the closest public sandy beach, about 8 miles south. Pine Key Island sits 2 miles west of Apollo Beach. Accessible by boat, it's known for boat parties, beach camping and swimming.
Many embark on kayaks along the water in Apollo Beach to enjoy the day.
A visit to Apollo Beach almost isn't complete without a stop at the Manatee Viewing Center.
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Waterfront mansions and quaint cottages
Houses in Apollo Beach are positioned snuggly together in established and modern communities, with the canals weaving between them. Many homes on the water have long private boat docks. The town offers various architectural styles, from Mediterranean-inspired mansions to beach bungalows and midcentury ranchers. The median single-family price is $514,000, 13% higher than Tampa and 20% higher than the national average. “The houses and lots are much bigger out here than in Tampa,” says Lohr. Andalucia is a gated canal-front community with single-family houses and villas ranging from $500,000 to $2 million. Covington Park offers single-family dwellings averaging in the mid-$300,000s and is near parks, schools and shopping. MiraBay is a waterfront community offering modern townhouses and single-family homes near the Wolf Branch Creek Nature Preserve. Prices range from the low-$400,000s for a three-bedroom to $2 million for a six-bedroom estate. Many homes here sit on over a quarter acre of land. Southshore Falls is a 55-plus community with houses and villas starting in the high-$200,000s. It includes an amenity center, sports courts and trails.
Neighborhoods of large costal style homes are being seen in Apollo Beach.
This charming bungalow style home is like many you can find in Apollo Beach.
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A melting pop of cuisines and an old-school drive-in theater
Most shops and restaurants are clustered along Highway 41. Apollo Beach’s diverse population is reflected in its cuisine. It ranges from Korean to Cuban, Haitian and Latin American restaurants, all primarily locally owned. Waterfront seafood eateries like Circles Waterfront Restaurant, which has a waterside tiki bar, are also prevalent. Strip malls are sprinkled across the highway, and Apollo Beach Plaza is its biggest. Brandon Mall is the closest major shopping outlet, 16 miles north. Locals have Salty Shamrock Irish Pub for a night out, but nightlife is limited. Many head to Downtown Tampa for entertainment. “A lot of the appeal is that it isn’t overly developed or full of fast-food restaurants and chains,” says Lohr. “But it’s also growing, and those big box stores will be coming soon.” Less than 5 miles south, the Ruskin Family Drive-In Theater has been an area favorite for catching flicks year-round since 1952.
The grouper Po' Boy is a can't miss at Finn's Dockside in Apollo Beach.
The Ruskin Drive-In near Apollo Beach has been in business since 1952.
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School choice in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County Public Schools serves the area and has a B-plus Niche rating. Catering to over 224,000 students, it’s the seventh-largest district in the nation. “Hillsborough County offers School Choice, which residents enjoy because you can apply for schools outside your zoned area during certain periods of the year,” Hernandez says.
Teenagers can attend the public East Bay High School near Apollo Beach.
Eisenhower Middle School is one of the choices for kids in Apollo Beach.
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A subtropical climate with low crime but prone to hurricanes
Apollo Beach experiences a humid, subtropical climate with mild winters. Its proximity to the coast makes it vulnerable to hurricane and flooding damage. Hillsborough County releases an annual Disaster Preparedness Guide with emergency shelter locations, best practices and other resources. The HCFL Alert pings residents with emergency updates during an event, and the bus system takes passengers to shelters. According to a 2023 report from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the crime rate has decreased by 8% compared to 2022. In 2020, the county’s overall crime rate was 42% lower than Florida's rate. December to March is peak tourism season, and traffic congestion is heightened during these months.
Eighteen miles from Tampa
U.S. Highway 41 runs along the town’s eastern edge and provides access to Interstate 275 to the south. Big Bend Road cuts through its northern edge, linking to I-75 to the east. Tampa is about 18 miles away, Tampa International Airport is approximately 24 miles northwest, and St. Petersburg is about a 38-mile drive. Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority provides public transportation, with bus routes along Highway 41.
Written By
Amy David
Photography Contributed By
Raif Fluker
Video By
Kyle Keyes
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Apollo Beach, FL sell after 83 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Apollo Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $495,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Inquire within for a seller purchased interest rate buy-down using our preferred lender.Custom touches for an elevated life. Located within the exclusive waterfront community of MiraBay, where comfortable coastal living and modern design come together in one of Apollo Beach’s most desirable neighborhoods.From the moment you step inside, soaring ceilings, open living spaces, and
Welcome to 192 Port Royal Lane in Apollo Beach, located in the desirable Caribbean Isles community. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a spacious and comfortable layout with 1,329 sq. ft. of living space, sitting on a large lot at the end of a cul-de-sac. When you arrive, you will appreciate the extra space, quiet setting, and relaxed Florida lifestyle this home offers. Inside, the home features
Unmatched WATERFRONT Paradise – Luxurious 5-Bedroom, 7-Bath Pool Home in the gated Community of Symphony Isles. Welcome to your dream waterfront oasis! This stunning, grand home redefines luxurious living with five spacious bedrooms, seven spa-inspired bathrooms, and all the bells and whistles you could desire including high impressive ceilings, and lots of natural light. This home is ideal for
No waiting for new construction! This one year new Roseland model offers over 4,200 square feet of beautifully designed living space perfectly positioned on a premium 1⁄4-acre corner lot in Waterset! Pulte is sold out of this model in Waterset, creating a rare opportunity to own one of the community's most desirable homes on one of the most desirable lots.This stunning residence has been
Virtually Staged. Short Sale. Imagine coming home to a beautifully maintained home where the thoughtful details make everyday life just a little easier. Located in the desirable Belmont community, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home combines smart design, energy-efficient construction, generous living space, and the kind of features that make a house feel like home.From the moment you arrive,
Incredible Waterfront 4-Bed, 3-Bath Pool Home in Apollo Beach!Welcome to your Florida paradise in the private, gated Treviso community of Apollo Beach. This stunning waterfront residence is designed for the ultimate coastal lifestyle. From the moment you step inside, you'll be greeted by sweeping views of your custom pool, relaxing hot tub, and private boat dock — all perfectly set
Inquire within for a seller purchased interest rate buy-down using our preferred lender.Custom touches for an elevated life. Located within the exclusive waterfront community of MiraBay, where comfortable coastal living and modern design come together in one of Apollo Beach’s most desirable neighborhoods.From the moment you step inside, soaring ceilings, open living spaces, and
Welcome to 192 Port Royal Lane in Apollo Beach, located in the desirable Caribbean Isles community. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a spacious and comfortable layout with 1,329 sq. ft. of living space, sitting on a large lot at the end of a cul-de-sac. When you arrive, you will appreciate the extra space, quiet setting, and relaxed Florida lifestyle this home offers. Inside, the home features
Former Parade of Homes Award-Winning David Weekley Model Home with Private Pool in Waterset!Welcome to this former David Weekley Parade of Homes Award-Winning Rivergate Model, located in the highly sought-after Waterset community of Apollo Beach. This one-of-a-kind home offers 4 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, a 3-car garage, a private screened pool, and a spacious upstairs loft with a full
Welcome to this beautifully designed, modern residence located in the award-winning, master-planned community of Waterset in Apollo Beach, Florida. Built in 2023, this meticulously maintained single-story home blends contemporary design, an expansive open-concept floor plan, and vibrant resort-style neighborhood living. Situated on a professionally landscaped homesite, the exterior showcases
Virtually Staged. Welcome to this beautifully updated condo in the waterfront community of Anchor Point, where you can keep your boat on their available boat slips and sail down the Tampa Bay! Updates include brand-new plumbing, impact windows, kitchen, bathrooms, paint, light fixtures, ceilings, carpet, and more. As you enter the home, you are greeted by a proper foyer and a downstairs half
Virtually Staged. There’s something special about ending the day with a Florida sunset over the water—and from this MiraBay lagoon home, that view is right in your own backyard. As the sun goes down, the sky reflects across the lagoon, creating a beautiful backdrop for evenings on the screened lanai and a setting that truly captures what waterfront living in Apollo Beach is all about.This
Virtually Staged. Nearly 2,900 square feet, five bedrooms’ worth of flexibility, a first-floor primary suite, an oversized upstairs loft, and a backyard with room for a pool — all in a home built in 2022, with the roof, HVAC, and major systems dating to the same era. This Apollo Beach home gives you space where it counts and newness where it pays off; in today’s Florida insurance market, newer
Great Value! Seller compensation offered of 1 year paid association dues!The waterfront community of Anchor Point has a lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom fully furnished turn key townhouse style condo unit for sale. This is the perfect unit to call home, use as a second home or as an investment for monthly rental. The unit has been updated with easy care wood look ceramic plank tile throughout the
Virtually Staged. Welcome to this stunning 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom BayBreeze home in the highly sought-after MiraBay community, where luxury, comfort, and low-maintenance living come together. From the moment you enter, you'll be impressed by the soaring 12-foot ceilings, rich wood flooring accented with custom tile medallions, plantation shutters throughout, elegant crown molding, and an expansive
Nestled within the dynamic master-planned district of The Yard at Waterset in Apollo Beach, Florida, The Citizen at Waterset, a brand new luxury apartment community, serves as the focal point of an engaging live, work, and play lifestyle. This thoughtfully designed haven seamlessly unites the necessities of modern living with the excitement of coastal life. Residents are invited to indulge in a
Luxury Waterfront Living in Premier 55+ Community – Apollo Beach Experience refine coastal living in this fully remodeled 2-bedroom, 2-bath waterfront condo located in one of Apollo Beach's most desirable 55+ communities. Designed for comfort, style and effortless living, this residence offers a rare opportunity for an extended luxury stay in a serene setting. Every detail has been thoughtfully
Lovely townhouse style condo unit in Anchor Point. All ages welcome. 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, fully furnished and turn key. Steps to the community pool.
Enjoy TWO MONTHS FREE! The Parian Luxury Apartments offers one, two, and three bedroom apartments in Riverview, FL with convenient access to the city's main roads, including I-75, US Highway 301, and Big Bend Road. Our upscale apartment homes feature modern interiors paired with resort-inspired amenities, including a relaxing pool, co-working lounges, fitness center, entertainment spaces,
Luxury waterfront condo! Welcome to waterfront lifestyle in 55+ community! Located in the heart of popular Apollo Beach, FL, it's all about location location location! Updated 2 bedroom 2 bath second floor unit with fabulous views!. Open floor plan with enclosed porch looking out over the water. Upgrades include total replacement of kitchen and master bath vanity with high quality custom
END UNIT TOWNHOUSE. Gated community off 301. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Close to 2000 Square Feet. 3-bedroom 2.5 bath with attached 1 car garage. Elegant fixtures throughout. Granite counters and stainless-steel appliances. Built in desk makes a great work at home area. Plenty of storage inside townhouse. Loft area upstairs. Washer and Dryer included. Screened in lanai. Access to community
A brighter tomorrow is waiting for you at The Easton. With spaces that draw inspiration from the warm Florida sunshine and a neighborhood surrounded by endless possibilities, our residences are a fresh experience for modern living in Tampa. Welcoming yet distinct. Lively yet relaxing. Our homes are a distinguished blend of energetic design, mindful amenities and connected community. Make each day
Welcome to this former David Weekley Parade of Homes Award-Winning Rivergate Model, located in the highly sought-after Waterset community of Apollo Beach. This one-of-a-kind home offers 4 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, a 3-car garage, a private screened pool, and a spacious upstairs loft with a full bath and flex room, perfect for a home office, media room, gym, or guest retreat.Designed
Swim, fish, play, explore. Then come home every day to a space where relaxation, energy and luxury are nested together. Live in the current at Ridley at Waterset. Here, it’s not one or the other. This is everything you need—to rejuvenate, reenergize, socialize and focus—right at home. Explore our studio, one, two and three bedrooms today and experience life in the flow at Ridley at Waterset. Now
Welcome to 5327 Wishing Arch Drive, located in the gated waterfront community of Mirabay! This spacioushome features the popular Sanibel floorplan from Park Square Homes. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, plus a dedicatedhome office/flex room and spacious upstairs loft. You are greeted with 23-ft high ceilings as you enter thefoyer. Wide-plank ceramic tile flooring is throughout the main floor.
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