Tampa, a stunning gem on Florida’s west coast, offers a plethora of unforgettable experiences for every traveler. From thrilling theme parks and fascinating museums to beautiful parks and vibrant nightlife, Tampa truly has it all. Are you ready to explore the best of Tampa Bay? Let us guide you through 65 amazing things to do on your visit to this captivating city, with our list of “things to do Tampa”!
Explore Tampa’s attractions, family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures
Discover art and culture, parks, vibrant nightlife & unique experiences
Enjoy culinary delights, shopping destinations wildlife encounters sports & entertainment plus day trips from the city.
Tampa Bay is Tampa. Bay boasts a diverse array of attractions that cater to all ages and interests, including the South Florida Botanical Gardens. Begin your adventure at the Florida Aquarium, where you can immerse yourself in the wonders of marine life. For adrenaline seekers, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers thrilling rides and amazing wildlife encounters, such as the Tiger Trail and Orangutan Outpost. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, another must-see destination in the area.
History buffs will revel in the Tampa Bay History Center, which showcases Florida’s rich history through engaging exhibits, ranging from its first inhabitants to its modern-day port city status. If you’re looking to explore Tampa on foot, the Tampa Riverwalk is a must-visit, connecting several attractions, including the Tampa Museum, Glazer Children’s Museum, and Tampa Bay History Center.
For a truly unique experience, hop aboard the Tampa Bay Fun Boat for sightseeing tours, sunset cruises, or even a wild dolphin cruise. And if you’re visiting Tampa Bay with children, don’t miss the Glazer Children’s Museum, where young minds can enjoy interactive and educational exhibits.
Tampa offers a wide range of family-friendly activities that will keep everyone entertained. Make your way to the Grand Prix Tampa Family Fun Center, where you can enjoy go-karting, mini-golf, a ropes course, arcade games, and more. For a more tranquil experience, visit the ZooTampa at Lowry Park, home to a variety of amazing species, interactive animal encounters, and fun water play areas.
At the Museum of Science & Industry, children and adults alike can engage in over 100 stimulating activities, such as the Sky Trail Ropes Course and Virtual Reality Simulator. For a prehistoric adventure, head to Dinosaur World in Plant City, where you can participate in supervised fossil digs, explore hiking trails and even take part in “excavations”.
The Glazer Children’s Museum offers a fantastic space for kids to learn and play through creative, hands-on exhibits, such as the miniature Publix grocery store and the Twinkle Stars Theater. And for a refreshing break from the Florida heat, take the family to Adventure Island, a thrilling water park in North Tampa, located not far from the Glazer Children’s Museum.
Tampa’s beautiful landscapes and warm climate make it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. For a unique adventure, try zip-lining at Empower Adventures, where you can soar through the air on their 20-acre course, featuring five zip lines ranging from 400 to 650 feet long. Explore the natural beauty of Weedon Island Preserve by kayaking through its serene waters and mangrove tunnels.
Hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting enthusiasts will enjoy the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve, where you can traverse miles of trails while observing native flora and fauna. For a more leisurely outdoor experience, stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.6-mile pedestrian trail that winds through the city, offering picturesque views of the Hillsborough River. Additionally, Hillsborough River State Park provides a perfect destination for nature lovers to explore.
If you prefer to explore the water, rent a kayak or take an evening boat cruise along the river, or even embark on a Tampa History Cruise to learn more about the city’s past. And for a truly unforgettable experience, take to the skies on a hot air balloon ride, complete with a champagne toast at sunrise.
Immerse yourself in Tampa’s vibrant art and culture scene by visiting some of its remarkable attractions. The Tampa Museum of Art showcases a diverse mix of displays, from ancient Greek and Roman artifacts to modern art, including painting and video. For a night of performing arts, attend a Broadway show, opera performance, or comedy act at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.
No trip to Tampa would be complete without exploring the historic Ybor City neighborhood, a lively area filled with bars, pubs, and authentic Cuban cuisine. Hop on the historic streetcar to traverse the neighborhood, or simply stroll through its charming streets, taking in the sights and sounds of this unique cultural hub.
Tampa is home to several beautiful parks, providing an opportunity to unwind and connect with nature. One such park is Lettuce Lake Park, nestled along the tranquil Hillsborough River, offering a boardwalk, hiking trails, picnic areas, wildlife viewing, and canoe and kayak rentals. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is another picturesque location featuring delightful water fountains and a seasonal ice-skating rink. Easily accessible from the Tampa Riverwalk, Curtis Hixon Park is a great starting point to explore nearby attractions such as the Glazer Children’s Museum and Armature Works.
For a more serene experience, visit Al Lopez Park, offering an array of recreational activities and stunning scenery, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors. As you explore Tampa’s parks, don’t forget to snap some photos of the breathtaking landscapes and cherish the memories of your Tampa adventure.
When the sun goes down, Tampa’s nightlife scene comes alive. Ybor City, known for its lively atmosphere, is the perfect place to experience Tampa’s vibrant nightlife. Bar-hop through the neighborhood, marvel at the Ybor City chickens, and attend amazing concerts and festivals.
For a more upscale night out, head to South Howard (SoHo), where you can enjoy drinks at trendy bars and clubs, attend comedy shows, and explore the bustling area. If live music is your passion, be sure to catch a concert at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, showcasing top artists from around the world.
For a truly unforgettable experience, embark on a spooky ghost and pub tour, soak up aerial views of downtown Tampa from a rooftop bar, or try a unique Cycle Boat ride with friends.
Tampa is filled with unique experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression. For an adrenaline-pumping adventure, try indoor skydiving at iFLY, where you can experience the thrill of free-falling without jumping out of a plane.
For a one-of-a-kind dining experience, dive into a meal in complete darkness, heightening your senses and providing a memorable culinary encounter. Alternatively, unleash your inner chef by taking a cooking class at Armature Works, where you can learn new skills and savor your delicious creations.
Whether you’re soaring through the air, dining in the dark, or mastering new culinary techniques, Tampa’s unique experiences are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Indulge in Tampa Bay’s incredible food scene by embarking on a Tampa Bay Food Tour, where you’ll tantalize your taste buds with the tastiest foods of Florida. Sample local cuisine from sophisticated eateries to casual joints, where you can indulge in crab cakes, lobster pizzas, and dessert shooters.
In Ybor City, savor authentic Cuban sandwiches, deviled crab, Spanish bean soup, and crab enchiladas, as you explore this historic neighborhood. For craft beer enthusiasts, Tampa is home to several excellent breweries, such as Cigar City Brewing, Coppertail Brewing Co., and Tampa Bay Brewing Company, where you can sample delightful tangerine sour ales and robust imperial porters.
For a truly iconic dining experience, visit the Columbia Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in Florida, known for its Ybor classic devil crab croquetas and beloved Spanish tapa, gambas. With an exciting atmosphere featuring flamenco dancing and jazz, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in Tampa’s culinary delights.
Shop till you drop at Tampa’s premier shopping destinations. International Plaza and Bay Street, located near Tampa International Airport, is a shopper’s paradise, offering hundreds of stores and delectable dining options.
For a more intimate shopping experience, visit Hyde Park Village in South Tampa, a charming collection of shops and restaurants set amidst tree-lined streets. Or, head to Sparkman Wharf, part of Tampa’s downtown waterfront, for a unique shopping, dining, and entertainment experience.
Whether you’re hunting for designer brands, unique boutiques, or eclectic shopping districts, Tampa has something for everyone. Don’t forget to leave some extra room in your suitcase for all your fabulous finds!
For a truly unforgettable wildlife encounter, visit Big Cat Rescue, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and providing a safe home for orphaned and mistreated big cats. Explore the animal habitats through guided tours and observe the daily lives of the cats through webcams of their homes, nests, and hospital recovery wards.
The Manatee Viewing Center at Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station provides a wonderful opportunity to view Florida manatees in their natural habitat. Visit between November 1 and April 15 to witness these gentle giants up close and enjoy the boardwalk, walking trails and observation tower.
To observe dolphins in the wild, embark on a dolphin-watching cruise in Tampa Bay. Marvel at these playful creatures as they frolic in the water, all while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Tampa’s coastline.
Sports fans will feel right at home in Tampa, where you can cheer on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rays, or Lightning at their respective venues. For a different kind of excitement, try your luck at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa, one of the largest casinos in the country, featuring a wide array of games and entertainment options.
Beyond sports and gaming, Tampa also hosts numerous events at Raymond James Stadium, such as the Sunset Music Festival, wrestling, and monster truck shows. And if you’re in the mood for a more tranquil experience, enjoy a round of golf at one of Tampa’s many golf courses.
Whatever your preference, Tampa’s sports and entertainment scene offers something for everyone, ensuring a memorable experience.
Venture beyond Tampa for a day trip to explore nearby attractions. Relax on the soft sands of Clearwater Beach, consistently ranked among the best beaches in the United States, and enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
For a magical experience, visit Walt Disney World, where you can explore four theme parks, two water parks, and a challenging golf course. Or, head to Universal Orlando, home to two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, connected by the enchanting Hogwarts Express steam train, as well as the thrilling Volcano Bay water theme park.
With so many incredible attractions just a short drive away, there’s no shortage of fun and excitement awaiting you on your day trips from Tampa.
Getting around Tampa is a breeze thanks to its variety of transportation options. Hop on the historic streetcar to traverse Ybor City and Downtown Tampa in style. For a unique way to explore the city, rent a water bike and pedal along the Hillsborough River, taking in the sights at your own pace.
For a guided tour of Tampa’s landmarks and neighborhoods, join a Segway tour, where you can glide effortlessly through the city and learn about its history and culture. The Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.6-mile pedestrian trail, winds through the city, providing an enjoyable way to explore Tampa on foot.
Whether you choose the streetcar, water bike, Segway, or simply your own two feet, Tampa is a city that’s easy and enjoyable to navigate.
From thrilling theme parks and fascinating museums to beautiful parks and vibrant nightlife, Tampa offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences for every traveler. Explore Tampa’s top attractions, indulge in its culinary delights, and immerse yourself in its art and culture. With its unique experiences, wildlife encounters, and exciting day trips, Tampa is the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Tampa is known for its vibrant Ybor City, the gigantic Florida Aquarium, the heart-pumping Busch Gardens and being the birthplace of the Cuban sandwich. It’s also famous for its lush parks, cigar factories, contemporary museums, high-end eateries, and stunning sidewalks.
Tampa is a great city for all ages and tastes, with diverse accommodation options and activities to suit any budget. It’s definitely worth a visit!
Tampa is an excellent place for walking, with plenty of opportunities to explore. From the Tampa Riverwalk and Uptown Tampa to scenic nature trails like Lettuce Lake Park and Weedon Island Preserve, there are many places you can enjoy a walk.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, Tampa has something for everyone. With its mild climate and beautiful scenery, it’s the perfect place to visit.
Explore Tampa’s stunning natural wonders and rich cultural heritage with a visit to the Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens, the Henry B. Plant Museum, and the Tampa Riverwalk.
Yes, Tampa has many exciting activities suitable for the whole family, from museums and parks to water parks!
From the Tampa Museum of Art to the Florida Aquarium, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The city also boasts a variety of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, fishing, and more.
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