Circles Waterfront Restaurant
About
Circles Waterfront Restaurant offers families a winning combination of delicious seafood dining and breathtaking Tampa Bay views in a welcoming atmosphere. Located right on the Apollo Beach waterfront, this upscale-casual restaurant features a kid-friendly menu alongside fine dining options, making it perfect for special family celebrations or weekend outings where parents want quality food without sacrificing comfort for the kids.
Highlights
- ✓Stunning Tampa Bay waterfront views with frequent dolphin and manatee sightings
- ✓Fresh seafood menu with kid-friendly options beyond typical chicken fingers
- ✓Outdoor waterfront patio dining perfect for families
- ✓Boat watching and marine life spotting keeps kids entertained
- ✓Relaxed upscale atmosphere that welcomes families
Pro Tips
- 1.Request outdoor waterfront seating for the best experience,kids can watch boats, dolphins, and manatees while waiting for food
- 2.Visit during weekday lunch hours (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM) for shorter waits and a more relaxed atmosphere than dinner rush
- 3.Bring binoculars for kids to spot marine life and birds,the restaurant overlooks prime manatee viewing areas
- 4.Order appetizers to share while kids enjoy the views; calamari and crab cakes are crowd-pleasers
- 5.After your meal, take a walk along the nearby Apollo Beach Nature Preserve boardwalk, just minutes away
Best Time to Visit
Weekday lunches (Tuesday-Thursday) offer the calmest experience with shorter waits and beautiful daylight bay views. Sunset dining (around 6-7 PM depending on season) is magical but expect crowds on weekends. Early dinner times (4-5 PM) balance good lighting with manageable crowds.
What to Know
Moderate pricing ($$) with kids' menu available. Reservations strongly recommended for dinner, especially weekends. Waterfront parking lot can fill quickly during peak times; arrive 10-15 minutes early. Outdoor seating is first-come during busy periods even with reservations.
Seasonal Notes
Winter months (November-March) offer the best manatee viewing opportunities right from your table. Summer evenings can be humid and buggy on the patio; request indoor seating near windows for views without mosquitoes. Sunset times vary dramatically by season,check sunset times if planning an evening visit for the views.
More Activities Near Apollo Beach
E.G. Simmons Conservation Park
E.G. Simmons Conservation Park is a waterfront gem offering families the perfect blend of beach fun and outdoor adventure on Tampa Bay. With its calm swimming beach, multiple playgrounds, fishing pier, and kayak launches, there's something to keep every family member entertained all day long. The park's camping facilities also make it an ideal spot for families wanting to extend their outdoor adventure into an overnight experience.
Bahama Bay Resort & Spa in Davenport by Vacasa
Bahama Bay Resort & Spa offers families a tropical vacation experience with resort amenities perfect for unwinding after theme park adventures. The property features pools, spa facilities, and comfortable accommodations in a relaxed setting that gives kids plenty of space to play while parents recharge.
Apollo Beach Garden Club & Community Forest Garden
The Apollo Beach Garden Club & Community Forest Garden offers hands-on learning experiences where kids can get their hands dirty while discovering how food grows from seed to harvest. This educational community space combines outdoor exploration with practical sustainability lessons, making it perfect for curious minds who love nature and want to understand where their food comes from.
Manatee Viewing Center
The Manatee Viewing Center offers families a magical opportunity to see gentle manatees up close in their natural habitat, completely free of charge! Located at a power plant in Apollo Beach, the warm water discharge attracts dozens of manatees during cooler months, and kids will be thrilled to spot these adorable 'sea cows' from elevated observation platforms while learning about marine conservation through hands-on exhibits.