Things to do in Odessa

Odessa, Florida, is a place where you can spend a morning on the water and an afternoon on the golf course.

Odessa, Florida, is a place where you can spend a morning on the water and an afternoon on the golf course. The town’s activity scene leans heavily toward outdoor recreation and casual dining, with a handful of local farms and specialty shops rounding things out. It’s not a packed tourist destination, but there’s enough here to fill a weekend.

Lake Rogers Park is the standout outdoor spot, with boating, fishing, hiking, and primitive camping across 272 acres of woods and two lakes—a good choice for families and dog owners. Golfers have two clubs to choose from: The Eagles Golf Club and Silver Dollar Golf Club. When it comes to food, the options are mostly familiar chains, but a few local spots add character. Three Brothers New York Pizza serves NYC-style pies, The Hungry Greek dishes out traditional Greek plates, and WOB Bar & Kitchen brings a huge beer list and tavern food. For something sweet, Bahama Buck's and Andy's Frozen Custard both hit the spot.

Frequently asked questions about Odessa

What outdoor activities are available in Odessa, Florida?

Lake Rogers Park is the main destination, with boating, fishing, hiking, and primitive camping on 272 acres. The park is dog-friendly and good for children. You can also walk or bike on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail, which has a trailhead in Odessa. Several nurseries and farms, like Christine's Tropical & Exotic Plants and Laurel Oaks Nursery & Tree Farm, are places to explore local plant life.

Where can families go in Odessa?

Families have several options. Lake Rogers Park is great for outdoor time, and Starkey Ranch District Park is another dog-friendly park that's good for kids. For a farm experience, Old McMicky's Farm is a local choice. Suncoast Gymnastics Academy has classes for children, and Bahama Buck's is a fun stop for shaved ice desserts.

What are the best places to get dessert in Odessa?

Bahama Buck's specializes in shaved ice and smoothies with an island vibe, and it has outdoor seating. Andy's Frozen Custard serves sundaes, concretes, and more, with a drive-thru for convenience. Culver's also has frozen custard alongside its burgers.

Are there any local restaurants in Odessa, or is it all chains?

While many national chains are present, there are a few local spots worth seeking out. Three Brothers New York Pizza serves NYC-style pies and pasta, and The Hungry Greek has traditional Greek dishes in a casual setting. WOB Bar & Kitchen features over 500 beers and tavern food. Vallarta's Mexican Restaurant is another local option for Mexican fare.

What can golfers do in Odessa?

Odessa has two golf clubs. The Eagles Golf Club is a members' club with two 18-hole lake and forest courses, plus a clubhouse restaurant. Silver Dollar Golf Club is another local option, and there's also a Silver Dollar Shooters Club for shooting sports.

Things to do in Odessa