Welcome to Ruskin

Resting on the Little Manatee River, Ruskin is just southeast of Tampa Bay.

Many residents enjoy Ruskin because it is set apart by its slower pace and rural surroundings.  The town was established in 1906 by Dr. George Miller who wanted to create a cooperative community in which families could live, work, and play.  Today, Ruskin has maintained its small town community lifestyle. Homes line the peaceful Little Manatee River and the inlets that pour into Ruskin offer a soothing place where residents can enjoy fishing from their own back yards.

On and Off Shore Fun

For those who love sunny, mild weather, Ruskin and the adjoining SouthShore communities offer abundant ways to spend your time.  Green and purple sea grapes grow along the shores of E.G. Simmons Park in Ruskin.  The park sits on the eastern shores of Tampa Bay and is a popular place to picnic, fish and bird watch. Kayaks and canoes can be launched from almost anywhere in the park and kayakers enjoy paddling through the mangrove waterways in and around E.G. Simmons. Guided fishing charters are another fun way to enhance a day on the water.  Get the bait, tackle, saltwater fishing license, and fishing tips at Snooky Bear Inshore Charters.   Snooky Bear takes you into the waters of Ruskin and Apollo Beach where you can fish for snook, redfish, trout, cobia, tarpon and more.  Along the inlets of Ruskin on Shell Point, you can find an enjoyable night spot for live music, boating and outdoor pool tables.  With such beautiful year round weather you'll find many days ideal for golf.  The Golf Club at Cypress Creek is spread over 600 acres of scenic and protected areas.  This eighteen-hole course features multi-tiered tees, undulated greens, numerous bunkers and lakes. The Ruskin Drive-In Theater offers a fun, unique way to experience the movies.  Escape for a night, right in town at the Southern Comfort Bed and Breakfast.  It's easy to relax in this quaint décor with gourmet breakfasts and warm southern hospitality.  The Inn at Little Harbor offers a waterfront retreat on the undiscovered island of Bahia Beach.  Here you can bask in the sunshine on a private white sandy beach, unwind at a luxury town home, play a game of tennis at the courts and plenty more.    

The community gets together in the sunshine on the first weekend of every November for SouthShore's largest community event, the Ruskin Seafood Festival held at E.G. Simmons Park.  Folks feast on Seafood and enjoy live music on the main stage, exhibits on the area's unique environment and wildlife.  The Festival also includes a boat show & boat rides with manatee & dolphin sightings, rides and games for kids and of course, The Ruskin Arts Festival.  This is a special feature within the main festival, showcasing artists and fine crafts. 

We encourage you to take a visit to Ruskin, the southernmost community of SouthShore, and enjoy the slow paced days and outdoor recreation that make Ruskin a place you just might want to call home.