Things to Do in Tampa Florida
No matter the occasion or season, Tampa offers something for every taste – dancing the night away or just watching a game are both options available to visitors to Tampa.
Witness lively fish, colorful coral reefs and unique penguins at the Florida Aquarium or embark on an exhilarating wild dolphin cruise around Tampa Bay.
Shoppers will find everything from haute couture to bargains at International Plaza and Bay Street, before heading over to a theater for a movie or show.
The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is one of Tampa’s must-do attractions for families. Explore habitats spanning the globe from mangrove forests to coral reefs; come face to face with sea creatures like sharks and eels; interact with ring-tailed lemurs and geckos; enjoy interactive experiences fun yet educational for visitors of all ages; don’t forget about special events like black-tie Pavilion events, Pride & Passion Neon Jungle events, and CITY fashion shows on its schedule!
After spending a long day enjoying the heat, visit Tampa’s largest water park for some relief – Adventure Island is located across from Busch Gardens and features rides like Vanish Point and Caribbean Corkscrew for thrill-seekers, while those seeking something mellower may prefer Solar Vortex (America’s only dual tail-spin waterslide) or Rambling Bayou with waterfalls as their destination.
If you want to explore a side of Tampa that few tourists know about, head over to Ybor City; it is a National Historic Landmark District and the heart of its Latino community. This working-class area is filled with cigar shops, restaurants and bars such as Cigar City Brewing’s popular ales and lagers; additionally you can play disc golf or volleyball at Cypress Point Park nearby before enjoying a scenic Riverwalk walk!
The Tampa Theatre
Tampa’s historic downtown theatre is one of the top attractions in town. Open since 1926 and designated a National Historic Landmark, this movie palace hosts over 600 films, shows and events each year! Boasting Mediterranean courtyard seating with old world statues and gargoyles for an unparalleled cinematic experience!
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts is one of the top attractions in Tampa Florida. Situated along Hillsborough River, this cultural center hosts performances by Broadway stars, opera singers, touring comedians and touring comedians – providing you with an ideal spot for an enjoyable night out in Tampa!
Are you looking for an exciting way to experience Tampa? Look no further! Take a cruise on the Tampa Bay Fun Boat for an unforgettable sunset viewing and city sightseeing. Plus, all proceeds benefit USF’s botanical garden while having an enjoyable ride! Plus! All proceeds support an important cause while having a fantastic time!
Snapchatting pictures may be great fun, but for an unforgettable art experience you need to visit the Tampa Museum of Art. This gallery houses more than 5,000 works for your viewing and appreciation; including paintings, photographs and textiles that will blow your mind!
Interested in art? The University of South Florida boasts an incredible gallery with paintings and sculptures to help satisfy your artistic cravings. This museum provides the perfect opportunity for those curious about its history as well as family-friendly activities to keep everyone occupied!
Ballast Point Park
Tampa’s waterfront park is an overlooked gem, boasting spectacular views and many recreational amenities. Sunbathers, dog walkers and runners often flock to this beachfront playground; additionally there are playgrounds, splash pads and picnic areas onsite as well as an amazing pier to watch boats sail by; don’t forget the restaurant located at its end where delicious meals or snacks await!
Manatees enjoy relaxing in the warm waters of Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station canal, making frequent appearances. Although you could see one anytime from November through mid-April, your chances will increase significantly!
The former Tampa Bay Hotel now stands as a National Historic Landmark, transporting you back in time with its exhibits, programs, events, and beautiful art collection. It’s sure to take you on an amazing trip through history!
Cigar City Brewery offers up a taste of Florida craft beer. One of the most acclaimed in Florida, their taproom offers ales, lagers and other beers on tap to satisfy your thirst for locally produced suds.
Are you searching for a unique way to spend the day? Visit the Tampa Manatee Viewing Center, an affordable attraction near a power plant that provides visitors with free viewings of manatees in Tampa. It’s one of the best ways to see these fascinating marine mammals!
Ybor City is at the core of Tampa, boasting its rich history and culture. Here you can stroll the streets, admire its architecture, learn about cigar production and enjoy its lively atmosphere. Ybor is filled with shops, restaurants and bars and offers endless ways to relax or get active – there is even the occasional concert!
The Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is a 2.4-mile path along Hillsborough River that offers incredible views of Tampa’s city skyline and major attractions, while offering opportunities for fun and exercise – from early morning joggers getting their steps in before their day begins, to families using playgrounds and splash pads with children, yoga classes or just sitting back and taking in its shimmering waters beneath an idyllic Florida sky.
Visit the Tampa Museum of Art or Fort Brooke Park for a cultural treat, both of which feature regular local events as well as one of southeastern United States’ largest collections of Roman and Greek antiquities. Additionally, Riverwalk features Heroes Plaza as a memorial honoring veterans, police, firefighters, and first responders who have fallen while fulfilling their duties in Tampa.
Families and couples alike can take pleasure in enjoying an idyllic boat ride along Tampa Riverwalk or over Sunshine Skyway Bridge, taking in all the sights. Nighttime boat rides provide even more impressive sights when the city comes alive with illuminations.
For something a bit more exhilarating, take advantage of Tampa Riverwalk’s Zipline or Sky Trail Ropes Course. And when it’s time for lunch or refreshments, head over to Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City for an Original Cuban Sandwich before enjoying drinks on Sparkman Wharf patio.
Experience Tampa like a local with a trip to the Henry B. Plant Museum, a National Historic Landmark that gives an insider view into Tampa’s tourism industry from turn-of-the-century Tampa. Don’t miss this unique attraction that will have you feeling like one!
Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve
Visit Tampa Bay’s largest nature preserve to witness gators, egrets and other exotic wildlife grazing and resting in their natural environments. It’s also popular among birdwatchers and hikers. After your explorations are done you can stop at one of many restaurants or beer gardens nearby for refreshments!
Ybor City was first settled by Latino cigar factory workers in the early 1900s and now boasts a cultural center, art galleries, restaurants and shops. Perfect for walking tours and shopping – don’t miss a performance at historic Tampa Theatre which is considered a national landmark and features stunning architecture!
Visit the Tampa Museum of Art for some extra culture. It features floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of sunlight for easy browsing of art exhibits and also hosts multiple events every year. If traveling with children, check out Glazer Children’s Museum which features interactive activities.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is another must-visit family attraction in Tampa. This zoological park features native Florida animal habitats as well as species from Australia, Asia and Africa. There’s even an aquarium equipped with manatee pools for rehabilitation at this zoo!
Visit Tampa Theater for some upscale fun. It features stunning architecture that blends Greek Revival and Italian Renaissance styles. In addition to movies, guests can experience live orchestra performances or special events at its balcony seats.
