Ruskin, Florida is a hidden gem in Hillsborough County, of the Tampa Bay area. This small town is full of history and charm, and its residents are friendly and welcoming. You can explore the local shops and restaurants, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, or enjoy one of the many annual events.
The town is named after John Ruskin, an English author and art critic. Although it is a small town, there are a few things to do while visiting.
You can check out the local history at the Ruskin History Center, visit the James E. Grey Preserve, or take a walk on the beautiful Riverwalk.
Ruskin, Florida is a small town with a lot of heart. One of the best things about Ruskin is that the people are friendly and welcoming, and there’s always something to do.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the local shops and restaurants, or take a nature hike, Ruskin is the perfect place to visit.
And don’t forget to try the famous Stone Crab Claws!
What Big City is Ruskin Florida Near?
Ruskin is located in Central Florida, on the Gulf Coast near Tampa Bay. There is a large city complex near the city, as well as smaller towns. The best time to visit Ruskin is during the spring, summer, and fall, and the city enjoys mild winters and warm summers.
You can also book flights to larger cities nearby, or take a road trip.
Ruskin was a small town until the early 1970s, and the economy was dominated by agriculture. By the time of the census in 1975, the area’s population had risen to around 17,000 people, many of them suburbanites.
Though Ruskin is close to Tampa, the town embraces its small-town feel, hosting a farmer’s market and an annual Tomato and Heritage Festival.
There are also plenty of opportunities to meet your neighbors and make yourself a part of the community. In addition to its beautiful beaches, it also has several parks and museums.
If you’re traveling with your children, consider visiting Hydro Harvest Farms, a family-owned business located in Ruskin.
This attraction is an exciting destination for families, and you can pick your own fruit and vegetables to take home or enjoy in the nearby countryside.
Is Ruskin Considered Tampa?
Ruskin is a town in Central Florida along the Gulf Coast, just a short drive from Tampa Bay. It is a large city with many amenities and an appealing climate.
Although Ruskin is located close to Tampa, its small-town atmosphere helps residents feel at home. The community has family-owned restaurants and a laid-back, nature-inspired setting.
The town is also bordered by the Little Manatee River, which provides great waterside dining opportunities.
You can also go fishing or boating at the nearby wildlife sanctuary, Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve and see animals in their natural habitat.
The town is also close to major highways, including I-75 and U.S. 41, making it easy to get around Tampa.
If you’re planning to visit Ruskin, you will be in for a treat, as the town boasts many natural attractions such as Simmons Park, which offers breathtaking views of Tampa Bay.
The Ruskin Family Drive-In Theater is also located in the town and offers nostalgic outdoor movie screenings.
The Ruskin area is also home to numerous cultural pursuits, and take your pick of a museum of fine arts, including:
- Salvador Dali Museum
- The Art Museum
- The Museum of Science & Industry
Is Ruskin Florida Up and Coming?
Ruskin is only 24 miles from Tampa, Florida. With its proximity to the ocean and the Little Manatee River, the town is a prime spot for fishing.
Many charter companies offer half-day and full-day trips to local waters for the entire family. For those with their own boat, the local marina and boat launches are ideal for casting off.
If you don’t own your own vessel, Ruskin offers a wide range of fishing options.
As of July 2022, regarding the real estate market, there are 791 homes for sale in Ruskin. This is up nearly 57% from July 20,22. Among these, 68 houses were sold in August 2022.
According to realtor.com, listing agents, in August 2022, the median listing home price in Ruskin, FL was $399.9K, trending up 25% year-over-year however still lower than the United States average.
If you have children, you might be looking for a home that’s close to daycare centers.
There are several childcare options in Ruskin and you may also want to look at the school districts and nearby parks.
The average household size is 3.3, and the population of Ruskin is around 70 percent owner-occupied. Its booming tomato culture brought a thriving community to the city. The town had a canning factory, community hall, and modern schoolhouse.
Is Ruskin, FL a Good Place to Live?
Whether you want to raise a family or start a business, Ruskin, FL offers a wide range of opportunities and benefits. Although it is a tropical city, its climate is fairly temperate.
If you’re a “snowbird”, the best months to live in Ruskin include December and January, while the coldest months are July and August.
Living in Ruskin, Florida
1. Riverbend West
The homes in Riverbend West offer spacious floor plans, spacious interiors, and contemporary details at a reasonable price.
They come with features like open concept living, private owner’s suites, flexible-use rooms, and a front porch or covered lanai. Moreover, these homes come with modern appliances, full hookups and a dining room, and designer countertops.
The community features a pool, playground, and community dog park. It is also located near Tampa Bay and I-75.
Its convenient location provides easy access to nearby attractions. It is also home to several churches. The area is a wonderful place for families as it provides a variety of amenities.
Residents can also choose to enjoy a quiet evening around a fire pit overlooking a lake.
The community has a good population density, with a median household size of 3.3 people. It is also close to Tampa, where you can find world-class shopping, fine dining, and entertainment options.
Another city in the vicinity is Bradenton, which is just 20 miles away. The city has a Riverwalk and a Village of the Arts, as well as a number of breweries and beer gardens.
If you want to spend a night out, try out the local favorite spots.
2. Sun City Center
The 55+ community of Sun City Center is a self-contained village with over 11,000 residents.
It features resort-style amenities and an active lifestyle with more than 200 clubs and organizations. Located near Tampa and the Gulf of Mexico, it is ideal for retirees and active adults who love the coastal lifestyle.
It is conveniently located near many tourist attractions in the area.
Nearby attractions include Little Manatee River State Park, which is approximately 10 miles away.
Sun City Center is situated about 30 minutes south of Tampa, making it convenient for those working in the area to travel to Tampa and other nearby destinations.
Several grocery stores are within 10 minute drive.
Other attractions include:
- Apollo Beach
- Bradenton Beach,
- and Siesta Key, all within an hour’s drive.
The retail development in Sun City Center has attracted visitors from outside the area.
The community has been building new homes to meet the demand. But despite its growing population, the area still remains a peaceful and safe community.
The only problem is traffic, which can be a major concern for older people.
Things to Do Near Ruskin Florida
1. Freedom Boat Club
If you love boating, Ruskin, FL is a great place to live. The community offers the Freedom Boat Club, which lets members bring any type of boat they own. There are several places where you can cast off, such as a marina or the boat ramp.
The area also has great outdoor areas, including Simmons Park with its beautiful views of Tampa Bay.
Whether you’re a boat enthusiast or simply love the ocean, Ruskin, FL has something for everyone.
There are two white sand beaches right on-site, a recreation area including a heated outdoor pool area and fitness centers, and two deep-water marinas.
The area is also home to a manatee viewing center.
2. Busch Gardens Tampa
Busch Gardens Tampa is one of the top attractions in Ruskin, Florida. The park is home to more than 12,000 animals and features rides, shows, and exhibits.
You can explore the park’s many gardens, take a safari ride, or cool off in the water park. Busch Gardens Tampa is a great place to spend a day while vacationing in Ruskin, Florida.
Visiting Busch Gardens Tampa from Ruskin, Florida is an experience you will never forget. The park is home to some of the most amazing rides and attractions in the country, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:
- Purchase your tickets in advance. This will save you time and money, and you won’t have to worry about sold-out days.
- Arrive early. The lines can get long, so it’s best to beat the crowd and get on the rides while they are still relatively empty.
- Don’t forget to pack sunscreen! Florida summers can be brutally hot, so make sure you protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Drink plenty of water.
3. Camping in Ruskin, Florida
If you’re looking for great camping sites near Ruskin, Florida, look no further!
Here are three great options that will give you the perfect mix of nature and comfort.
- Lone Pine RV Park
Lone Pine RV Park in Florida has a wide selection of camping amenities for the RV traveler.
Whether you want to unplug and relax in the shade of a tree or engage in a variety of outdoor activities, this park will fit the bill. Located 11 miles from Everglades National Park, this park features 108 single-family campsites and one group site.
Its amenities include fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Some sites have electric service, but not all. Water-fill locations are also available at the campground.
This location is great for long-term stays. Pets are welcome at the park, but there are rules to follow.
- Hawaiian Isles
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Hawaiian Isles RV Resort is a great place to stay while visiting the area.
It is pet-friendly and offers WiFi, water, sewer, electricity, laundry facilities, and more. You can also enjoy outdoor swimming, shuffleboard, and other recreational activities. The resort is open year-round.
The resort has a large pool and many amenities, making it a great place to stay while on vacation.
Although RV sites are fair-sized, they are scattered around tiny homes that make up most of the park’s layout.
- Manatee RV Park
Manatee RV Park is an excellent place to stay when visiting Florida. It is pet-friendly and offers all the amenities you would expect from a full-service RV Park, such as water, electricity, and laundry facilities.
The park offers recreational activities such as golfing, shuffleboard, and swimming. Guests of the park can also reserve a boat slip.
Compared to hotels in Florida, RV parks are cheaper. Most state parks and lower-end RV parks offer sites for less than $50 per night.
This makes them a great option for people on a budget.
Plus, you can stay in these parks for weeks or months at a time. Compare that to staying in a hotel room, which can easily cost a hundred or more per night.
And if you’re on a tight budget, you may want to stay in one of Florida’s RV parks that offer private beach access.
4. Horseback Riding in Ruskin, Florida
Ruskin, Florida is an idyllic city located on the west coast just outside of Tampa. It is known for its great beaches, nature parks, and wildlife.
You can also enjoy hiking and deep sea fishing while you’re in town.
There are also a number of parks and museums in the area, so you’ll be able to find the perfect place to spend your free time.
If you are new to horseback riding, you can learn more about the sport at a facility such as Sun City Stables, where guided and unguided trail rides are available.
You can also take a private lesson from the owner of the stables if you’d like.
If you’re traveling with children, you can also take them for a petting zoo ride or go off-site for adventure rides.
5. Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field, located in St. Petersburg, Florida, is home to many exciting events that travelers can enjoy. From concerts and sporting events to festivals and fairs, there is something for everyone at Tropicana Field.
The Tampa Bay Rays baseball team calls Tropicana Field home, and there is nothing like watching a game in person.
The stadium offers a great view of the playing field, as well as a variety of concessions and activities for fans to enjoy.
If you’re looking for an exciting way to spend an afternoon or evening while traveling from Ruskin, Florida, Tropicana Field is the perfect place to be.
In addition to baseball games, Tropicana Field also hosts a variety of other sporting events.
In fact, there are many great events that you can enjoy while traveling from Ruskin, Florida.
6. Bahia Beach Nature Preserve in Ruskin, FL
Bahia Beach Nature Preserve in Ruskin, FL is a great place for a day of family fun. This nature preserve is nestled along the Little Manatee River watershed.
It features guided nature tours for the whole family. Visitors can learn about Florida’s ecosystem, as well as view wildlife and plants. The nature preserve also features historical fishing cabins and a Paleo Preserve Fossil Museum.
This nature preserve is about three miles long and is perfect for bird watching. It has a thriving wetland that encourages native species to thrive. The preserve also has a rugged beach.
It is located at 2513 W Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570.
The community provides a small-town feel, and its residents are friendly and welcoming to newcomers. Residents are able to pursue hobbies and interests and meet new people to form meaningful relationships. And, if you’re interested in retirement living,
Ruskin is the place for you.
It offers affordable living, plentiful amenities, and a vibrant community.
Ruskin is located in Hillsborough County. It is an excellent place to experience Florida’s nature parks and beaches. The area is also home to several museums and parks.
You can enjoy hiking, swimming, and diving. And, of course, if you’re looking for a day of family fun, Ruskin has plenty to offer!
Ruskin is a small town, which means you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of fresh food. Local favorites include the Ybor Grille, which serves Cuban-inspired food. You’ll also find Sunset Grill and Beach Bar and The Fish House.
Shell Point Marina is a great place to watch fishermen. It also has no entrance fee. The Marina is located at 3340 W Shell Point Rd in Ruskin. The area is also home to several nature preserves, including Bahia Beach Nature Preserve.
The town is located near many beautiful beaches.
Nearby attractions include Apollo Beach and Beer Can Island. Ruskin is also close to many golf courses. If you love the outdoors, you’ll be sure to enjoy these great attractions.
You can even get in a little exercise, run, or play some golf if you’d like.
Ruskin Florida Beaches
If you want to visit Ruskin Florida’s beaches, you may want to drive a bit. This small city is located near several popular Florida beaches, including:
- St. Pete Beach
- Treasure Island
- and Clearwater Beach
It is also close to the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. The nearby Busch Garden Theme Park offers a variety of fun activities.
Another option for a beach in Ruskin is Shell Point Marina, which is a working dock between St. Petersburg and Tampa.
The area is home to many recreational activities, including watching fishermen. While it may not be as scenic as some of Florida beaches, it’s free and is a great place to spend a day with family or friends.
If you’re planning a family vacation, Ruskin has plenty of parks and beaches. There’s also Simmons Park, which offers gorgeous views of Tampa Bay.
Treasure Island Beach is another option.
The beach is lined with palm trees and white sand. The area also offers fishing opportunities. There are many activities to enjoy, including summer and winter camps and arts and crafts classes.
Depending on the time of year, you may even want to try out a new hobby!
Ruskin’s Drive-in Movie
If you are looking for a family-friendly attraction while on your Florida vacation, try a drive-in movie at Ruskin’s Family Drive-In. Bring your dog, too!
The Ruskin Family Drive-In has been around since 1952, and it still thrives today with its family-friendly environment. While some people may consider this uncool, this historic drive-in theater is still a treasure trove for kids and families.
Kids can even play touch football or tag before the show starts.
In addition to the drive-in movie experience, families can get some cheap food and drinks. The Ruskin Family Drive-In Theater has a snack bar and serves chili and pulled pork sandwiches to guests.
Open year-round, the Ruskin Drive-In Theatre offers a great family activity.
Ruskin Inn
Ruskin’s Inn and Suites is a popular hotel choice for a Florida vacation. They offer comfortable, resort-style accommodations near several popular tourist attractions. Many of them offer free breakfast and WiFi.
Other amenities include laundry facilities and concierge services. These hotels are also known for their affordable prices.
Ruskin’s Inn is within a 40-minute drive of St. Petersburg and Little Manatee River State Park. It is located about 40 minutes from Tampa International Airport, which offers direct flights to destinations throughout North America and Europe.
In conclusion
Ruskin is definitely a place worth visiting!
The small-town feel and the friendly people are just a few of the things that make it so special.
Ruskin is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a place with history, character, and charm.
With its many shops and restaurants, there’s something for everyone in Ruskin.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway,a fun-filled adventure, looking to explore the area’s history or just enjoying some good food, be sure to add Ruskin to your Florida travel itinerary.
