Welcome to the vibrant city of Tampa Florida, where culture and attractions abound under the Florida sun. From bustling downtown streets to scenic parks, Tampa offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler. Get ready to embark on a journey through this thriving metropolis and discover the hidden gems that make Tampa a must-visit destination.
Explore Tampa’s vibrant culture and attractions, including Downtown Tampa, the Riverwalk, Franklin Street and MacDill Air Force Base.
Enjoy family-friendly activities such as theme parks, outdoor adventures and unique culinary experiences.
Accommodations range from luxurious to budget friendly options for all visitors to enjoy.
Where history and modern attractions converge to create a lively atmosphere, Downtown Tampa serves as the heart of the city. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Tampa’s Riverwalk, the charm of historic Franklin Street, and the significance of MacDill Air Force Base as you explore the downtown area.
Connecting various attractions and eateries, Tampa’s Riverwalk displays a picturesque 2.6-mile path along the waterfront. As you stroll along the river, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the city skyline and the shimmering waters of Hillsborough River.
Discover the Florida Aquarium, Curtis Hixon Park, Glazer Children’s Museum, and more, all while enjoying the outdoors and the vibrant atmosphere of Tampa’s Riverwalk.
Nestled in the heart of Tampa, Franklin Street invites you to step back in time as you wander along this historic route. This charming thoroughfare offers a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options, including the iconic Tampa Theatre and the Sacred Heart Church.
With its rich history and lively atmosphere, Franklin Street is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the authentic spirit of Tampa.
MacDill Air Force Base, home to the United States Central Command and Special Operations Command, plays a crucial role in Tampa’s local economy. Established in 1939, the base contributes to over 105,200 direct and indirect jobs in the area and has a total economic impact exceeding $3.5 billion annually.
Experience the military heritage of Tampa and the strong bond between the city and its service members through a visit to MacDill Air Force Base.
Exploration awaits beyond the city center, as North Tampa hosts a plethora of attractions. From the thrilling rides of Busch Gardens to the natural beauty of Hillsborough County Parks and the diverse shopping districts along Florida Avenue, North Tampa offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.
Offering excitement for the whole family, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay reigns as a popular theme park. With adrenaline-pumping roller coasters like Iron Gwazi and Sheikra, as well as incredible animal encounters, this park provides a unique blend of thrills and educational experiences.
Discover the wild side of Tampa as you explore the expansive park and its many attractions on the west coast.
Visitors find a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy in the Hillsborough County Parks. From the tranquil boardwalks of Lettuce Lake Conservation Park to the hiking trails of Edward Medard Conservation Park, these picturesque parks provide a perfect escape from the bustling city.
Discover the natural beauty of Tampa as you explore the parks and immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
Head to the districts along Florida Avenue in Tampa for a unique shopping experience. From Hyde Park Village to International Plaza & Bay Street, you’ll find a diverse array of shops, boutiques, and markets to explore.
Discover hidden treasures and one-of-a-kind items as you support local businesses in these vibrant shopping districts, brought to life by the collaboration of multiple city departments.
Delve into Tampa’s city government and Mayor Jane Castor’s spearheaded initiatives at the city hall. From the Transforming Tampa’s Tomorrow vision to the #ShopSmallTampa campaign, learn about the efforts being made to improve the city and support its residents and businesses.
The 59th Mayor of Tampa, Jane Castor, is fervently dedicated to city development and growth. With a strong focus on infrastructure, affordable housing, and transportation, her leadership has guided Tampa through challenges and successes. Notable achievements include overseeing the overhaul of the permitting process to help businesses expand, guiding Tampa through the challenges of the global pandemic, and implementing her Transforming Tampa’s Tomorrow vision.
Aimed at enhancing infrastructure and public services, Transforming Tampa’s Tomorrow is a city-wide initiative. It has the following objectives:
Tackling housing affordability
Enhancing transportation
Cultivating the workforce
Reinforcing resiliency
This visionary plan is shaping the future of Tampa and improving the quality of life for its residents.
#ShopSmallTampa, an annual campaign, promotes local businesses and shopping experiences in the city. Derived from the Small Business Saturday campaign initiated by American Express in 2010, the campaign highlights the entrepreneurial community in Tampa and encourages both residents and visitors to shop at small, local businesses.
Support Tampa’s economy and discover unique products and services, all while participating in this important campaign.
Offering something for everyone, Tampa Bay’s vibrant events and nightlife are worth experiencing. From the bustling markets of the Indie Flea to the sweet treats of Cuban bakeries and the lively atmosphere of nightlife hotspots, Tampa Bay is a hub of excitement and entertainment.
Showcasing local artisans and vendors, The Indie Flea is a monthly market. With a wide selection of unique goods, from handmade crafts to vintage finds, the market offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
Discover the creativity and talent of Tampa’s local artisans as you explore the vibrant Indie Flea market.
Tampa’s Cuban bakeries like La Segunda Central Bakery, La Semilla Bakery Sandwich Shop, and El Coqui Bakery invite you to indulge in delicious pastries and treats. From traditional Cuban pastelitos to decadent tres leches cake, these bakeries offer a taste of Tampa’s rich culinary heritage.
With hotspots like:
The Castle
Rox Rooftop Bar
Skipper’s Smokehouse
Topgolf Tampa
Hyde Park Cafe
Tampa’s nightlife scene mirrors the diversity of its residents and offers unforgettable nights out on the town. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere or a high-energy dance party, Tampa’s nightlife has something for everyone.
Industries like health care, finance, and conventions fuel Tampa’s thriving economy, which is worth discovering. Learn about the city’s economic growth and opportunities, and explore the key sectors driving Tampa’s success.
Providing ample job opportunities and quality services for residents and visitors alike, Tampa’s health care industry is in a state of flourish. Some major companies in the industry include:
UnitedHealth Group
Humana
BayCare Health System
Optum
Labcorp
With these companies calling Tampa home, the city has become a hub for health care innovation and growth.
Contributing majorly to the city’s economic growth is Tampa’s finance sector. Home to prominent financial institutions like:
Suncoast Credit Union
Citi
JPMorgan Chase & Co
Bank of America
Wells Fargo
Capital One
FIS
HSBC
Tampa’s finance sector offers a wide range of job opportunities and services to support Tampa’s economy.
Attracting national and international events, Tampa’s state-of-the-art convention centers boost the local economy and bring business to the city. With facilities like the Tampa Convention Center, the city is well-equipped to host a variety of events, including:
Trade shows
Conferences
Expos
Conventions
These events contribute to Tampa’s economic growth and success.
Offering a wide range of attractions and activities to suit all ages, Tampa positions itself as an ideal destination for families. From the interactive exhibits at the Glazer Children’s Museum to the adrenaline-filled rides at Busch Gardens and the beauty of Tampa’s outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Offering a world of interactive exhibits and educational experiences for children of all ages, The Glazer Children’s Museum is a must-visit attraction for families in Tampa. Located in downtown Tampa, this captivating museum is designed to inspire learning through play, sparking curiosity and creativity in young minds.
Endless fun for the whole family is on offer at Tampa’s theme parks. Some of the top attractions include:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Adventure Island
The Florida Aquarium
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
With thrilling roller coasters and up-close animal encounters, Tampa’s theme parks provide unforgettable experiences for all ages.
Outdoor adventures like paddling trails and nature parks offer an opportunity to experience the beauty of Tampa’s natural surroundings. Some examples include:
Lettuce Lake Conservation Park: Explore the tranquil boardwalks and enjoy the scenic views.
Edward Medard Conservation Park: Discover the picturesque trails and immerse yourself in nature.
Hillsborough River State Park: Experience the serenity of this park and enjoy activities like hiking and picnicking.
Immerse yourself in Tampa’s natural wonders and create lasting memories with your family.
Featuring Michelin Guide recommendations, local favorites, and unique dining experiences, Tampa’s diverse food and culinary scene invites you to savor its flavors. From high-end restaurants to beloved local eateries, Tampa offers a wide range of culinary delights to suit every palate.
Recommendations from the prestigious Michelin Guide let you experience the best of Tampa’s culinary scene. Some of the recommended restaurants include:
Rocca
Koya
Lilac
Gorkhali Kitchen
Psomi
Rooster & The Till
These restaurants have been recognized for their culinary excellence, offering unforgettable dining experiences for discerning food lovers.
Beloved local eateries showcasing Tampa’s culinary culture are waiting to be discovered. Restaurants like:
King of the Coop
Hattricks
Goody Goody Burgers
Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que
Ulele
offer a taste of Tampa’s diverse food scene, from classic comfort foods to innovative fusion cuisine.
To experience a one-of-a-kind dining indulgence, explore Tampa’s unique culinary offerings. Restaurants like:
Spinners Rooftop Grill
The Nona Slice House
Columbia Restaurant
Babushka’s
Black Rock Bar and Grill
Dunderbak’s
showcase the city’s creativity and innovation, providing unforgettable dining experiences for adventurous food lovers.
From the luxurious Treasure Collection to budget-friendly options, Tampa offers perfect accommodations to find. Whether you’re seeking an upscale downtown hotel or a unique and affordable lodging option, Tampa has a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs.
A group of upscale downtown hotels offering modern amenities and exceptional services, The Treasure Collection lets you experience the height of luxury. With properties like The CURRENT Hotel, Autograph Collection, and Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection, The Treasure Collection provides the ultimate in comfort and style for discerning travelers.
Tampa offers a variety of affordable lodging options for travelers seeking unique and budget-conscious stays. From charming bed and breakfasts to value-driven motels, you’ll find accommodations that suit your needs and your budget. Some popular budget-friendly options in Tampa include:
The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
Comfort Suites At Fairgrounds-Casino
Aloft Tampa Downtown
Country Inn & Suites
From its vibrant downtown area and picturesque parks to its thriving economy and diverse culinary scene, Tampa offers a rich tapestry of experiences for every type of traveler. With its unique blend of history, culture, and modern attractions, Tampa is a city that truly has something for everyone. So pack your bags, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Tampa is a great place to live, with its award-winning beaches, close access to the airport, affordable living options, tropical weather, rich cultural history, and promising job market.
To contact City of Tampa Utilities, call the 24-hour account/payment system at 813-274-8811. For any other inquiries, you can reach their customer service line between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Tampa is known as the 'Lightning Capital of the World' and 'Cigar City,' due to its frequent thunderstorms and cigar industry migration from Key West, respectively.
Riverwalk, Franklin Street, and MacDill Air Force Base are must-see attractions when visiting Downtown Tampa.
Families looking to explore Tampa can visit popular theme parks such as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. Thank you for learning more about the city of Tampa FL.