Top 10 Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
Tampa is a city that has it all: exotic animals, historic landmarks, artistic treasures, thrilling rides, and vibrant nightlife. No matter what you are in the mood for, you will find something to suit your taste. From roller coasters to museums, aquariums to gardens, bridges to neighborhoods, scroll down to discover the best things to do in Tampa that will make your trip unforgettable.
Busch Gardens
What is it?
A theme park that combines thrilling rides, live entertainment, and more than 12,000 animals. It is one of the largest zoos in North America and features habitats inspired by Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Why should you go?
If you love adventure and wildlife, Busch Gardens is the place for you. You can challenge yourself on roller coasters like Cheetah Hunt, Cobra's Curse, and SheiKra, or enjoy family-friendly attractions like Sesame Street Safari of Fun and Jungala. You can also watch amazing shows, interact with animals, and learn about conservation efforts.
A theme park that combines thrilling rides, live entertainment, and more than 12,000 animals. It is one of the largest zoos in North America and features habitats inspired by Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Why should you go?
If you love adventure and wildlife, Busch Gardens is the place for you. You can challenge yourself on roller coasters like Cheetah Hunt, Cobra's Curse, and SheiKra, or enjoy family-friendly attractions like Sesame Street Safari of Fun and Jungala. You can also watch amazing shows, interact with animals, and learn about conservation efforts.
Tampa Riverwalk
What is it?
A 2.6-mile-long path along the Hillsborough River that connects culture and entertainment. You can walk, bike, Segway, or take a water taxi to explore the scenic waterfront and discover some of downtown Tampa's must-sees.
Why should you go?
One of the best attractions in Tampa, the Riverwalk offers something for everyone, whether you are interested in art, history, nature, or nightlife. You can visit museums like the Tampa Bay History Center and the Tampa Museum of Art, enjoy parks like Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Water Works Park, or dine and drink at various restaurants and bars. You can also catch events and festivals throughout the year, such as Gasparilla Pirate Fest, RiverFest, and Lighted Boat Parade.
A 2.6-mile-long path along the Hillsborough River that connects culture and entertainment. You can walk, bike, Segway, or take a water taxi to explore the scenic waterfront and discover some of downtown Tampa's must-sees.
Why should you go?
One of the best attractions in Tampa, the Riverwalk offers something for everyone, whether you are interested in art, history, nature, or nightlife. You can visit museums like the Tampa Bay History Center and the Tampa Museum of Art, enjoy parks like Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Water Works Park, or dine and drink at various restaurants and bars. You can also catch events and festivals throughout the year, such as Gasparilla Pirate Fest, RiverFest, and Lighted Boat Parade.
Florida Aquarium
What is it?
A public aquarium that showcases thousands of aquatic and terrestrial animals from around the world. It has exhibits that recreate different ecosystems, such as coral reefs, wetlands, bays, and beaches.
Why should you go?
The Florida Aquarium is a great place to learn about and appreciate the diversity of life on our planet. You can see sharks, rays, turtles, penguins, otters, alligators and more. You can also touch stingrays, feed lorikeets, swim with fish, or dive with sharks. You can even explore the Splash Pad, an outdoor water play area for kids.
A public aquarium that showcases thousands of aquatic and terrestrial animals from around the world. It has exhibits that recreate different ecosystems, such as coral reefs, wetlands, bays, and beaches.
Why should you go?
The Florida Aquarium is a great place to learn about and appreciate the diversity of life on our planet. You can see sharks, rays, turtles, penguins, otters, alligators and more. You can also touch stingrays, feed lorikeets, swim with fish, or dive with sharks. You can even explore the Splash Pad, an outdoor water play area for kids.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
What is it?
A cable-stayed bridge that spans Lower Tampa Bay and connects St. Petersburg to Terra Ceia. It is considered the flagship bridge of Florida and one of the top ten bridges in the world.
Why should you go?
Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a stunning sight to behold and a marvel of engineering. You can drive across it and enjoy the panoramic views of the bay and the skyline. You can also fish from the piers at either end of the bridge or take a boat tour under it. You might even spot dolphins, manatees, or pelicans along the way.
A cable-stayed bridge that spans Lower Tampa Bay and connects St. Petersburg to Terra Ceia. It is considered the flagship bridge of Florida and one of the top ten bridges in the world.
Why should you go?
Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a stunning sight to behold and a marvel of engineering. You can drive across it and enjoy the panoramic views of the bay and the skyline. You can also fish from the piers at either end of the bridge or take a boat tour under it. You might even spot dolphins, manatees, or pelicans along the way.
Ybor City
What is it?
A historic neighborhood that was once the cigar capital of the world. It was founded in the 1880s by Cuban immigrants and other cigar manufacturers and became a melting pot of cultures from Spain, Italy, and Germany. Ybor City is now a vibrant district that preserves its heritage and offers exciting nightlife and delicious food.
Why should you go?
Ybor City is a place where you can experience the rich history and culture of Tampa's Latin Quarter. Tour the cigar factories and museums, shop at the local boutiques and markets, or taste the authentic cuisine at restaurants like Columbia Restaurant, Florida's oldest restaurant. You can also party at the bars and clubs along 7th Avenue, watch live music or comedy shows, or join annual events like Fiesta Day, Guavaween, and Sant'Yago Knight Parade.
A historic neighborhood that was once the cigar capital of the world. It was founded in the 1880s by Cuban immigrants and other cigar manufacturers and became a melting pot of cultures from Spain, Italy, and Germany. Ybor City is now a vibrant district that preserves its heritage and offers exciting nightlife and delicious food.
Why should you go?
Ybor City is a place where you can experience the rich history and culture of Tampa's Latin Quarter. Tour the cigar factories and museums, shop at the local boutiques and markets, or taste the authentic cuisine at restaurants like Columbia Restaurant, Florida's oldest restaurant. You can also party at the bars and clubs along 7th Avenue, watch live music or comedy shows, or join annual events like Fiesta Day, Guavaween, and Sant'Yago Knight Parade.
Henry B. Plant Museum
What is it?
A historical museum that showcases the lavish lifestyle of the Gilded Age in America. It is housed in the former Tampa Bay Hotel, a Victorian railroad resort that was built by Henry B. Plant, a transportation tycoon, in 1891. The museum features original furnishings, artifacts, exhibits, and a 3,500-foot boardwalk with an observation tower.
Why should you go?
If you are fascinated by the history and culture of Tampa and Florida, the Henry B. Plant Museum is a must-see attraction. You can learn about the hotel's role in the Spanish-American War, the development of tourism and transportation in the region, and the lives of the guests and staff who stayed here. You can also enjoy live theater performances, guided tours, and special events throughout the year.
A historical museum that showcases the lavish lifestyle of the Gilded Age in America. It is housed in the former Tampa Bay Hotel, a Victorian railroad resort that was built by Henry B. Plant, a transportation tycoon, in 1891. The museum features original furnishings, artifacts, exhibits, and a 3,500-foot boardwalk with an observation tower.
Why should you go?
If you are fascinated by the history and culture of Tampa and Florida, the Henry B. Plant Museum is a must-see attraction. You can learn about the hotel's role in the Spanish-American War, the development of tourism and transportation in the region, and the lives of the guests and staff who stayed here. You can also enjoy live theater performances, guided tours, and special events throughout the year.
ZooTampa
What is it?
A 63-acre non-profit zoo that features thousands of animals from around the world. It has exhibits that recreate different habitats, such as Africa, Asia, Australia, and Florida.
Why should you go?
ZooTampa is a great place to have fun and learn about wildlife with your family and friends. You can see exotic animals like elephants, giraffes, tigers, koalas, and penguins. You can also touch stingrays, feed lorikeets, swim with fish, or dive with sharks.
A 63-acre non-profit zoo that features thousands of animals from around the world. It has exhibits that recreate different habitats, such as Africa, Asia, Australia, and Florida.
Why should you go?
ZooTampa is a great place to have fun and learn about wildlife with your family and friends. You can see exotic animals like elephants, giraffes, tigers, koalas, and penguins. You can also touch stingrays, feed lorikeets, swim with fish, or dive with sharks.
Legoland Florida Resort
What is it?
A theme park and resort that has more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions inspired by popular Lego brands and characters. One of the most fun things to do in Tampa, Legoland also has a water park, a botanical garden, and three themed hotels. It is located in Winter Haven, about 45 minutes from Tampa.
Why should you go?
If you love Lego and adventure, Legoland Florida Resort is the perfect destination for you. You can build your own creations, experience thrilling rides, watch amazing shows, and interact with your favorite characters. You can also enjoy seasonal events like Brick-or-Treat and Holidays at Legoland. You can also stay at one of the hotels that offer immersive Lego experiences and exclusive benefits.
A theme park and resort that has more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions inspired by popular Lego brands and characters. One of the most fun things to do in Tampa, Legoland also has a water park, a botanical garden, and three themed hotels. It is located in Winter Haven, about 45 minutes from Tampa.
Why should you go?
If you love Lego and adventure, Legoland Florida Resort is the perfect destination for you. You can build your own creations, experience thrilling rides, watch amazing shows, and interact with your favorite characters. You can also enjoy seasonal events like Brick-or-Treat and Holidays at Legoland. You can also stay at one of the hotels that offer immersive Lego experiences and exclusive benefits.
Bayshore Boulevard
What is it?
A waterfront road that runs along Hillsborough Bay in South Tampa. It has a 4.5-mile-long sidewalk, the second-longest continuous sidewalk in the United States. You can also find a 3-mile bike lane, a linear park, and a greenway trail that provide scenic views of the bay and the city skyline.
Why should you go?
Bayshore Boulevard is a beautiful place to enjoy outdoor activities and admire the scenery. You can walk, bike, skate, or jog along the sidewalk or the trail. You can also relax on benches, drink from water fountains, or use workout stations along the way. Bayshore Boulevard also hosts events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, RiverFest, and Lighted Boat Parade.
A waterfront road that runs along Hillsborough Bay in South Tampa. It has a 4.5-mile-long sidewalk, the second-longest continuous sidewalk in the United States. You can also find a 3-mile bike lane, a linear park, and a greenway trail that provide scenic views of the bay and the city skyline.
Why should you go?
Bayshore Boulevard is a beautiful place to enjoy outdoor activities and admire the scenery. You can walk, bike, skate, or jog along the sidewalk or the trail. You can also relax on benches, drink from water fountains, or use workout stations along the way. Bayshore Boulevard also hosts events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, RiverFest, and Lighted Boat Parade.
Lettuce Lake Regional Park
What is it?
A 240-acre public park and natural preserve in Tampa that features wooded picnic areas, playgrounds, a fitness course, a bicycle path, and a jogging trail. It also has an interpretive center that leads to a boardwalk and an observation tower where you can view wildlife and plants in the Hillsborough River floodplain.
Why should you go?
Lettuce Lake Regional Park is perfect for escaping from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can have a picnic with your family or friends, play on the playgrounds, or exercise on the fitness course or trail. You can also learn about the park's ecology at the interpretive center or take a guided nature tour on weekends.
A 240-acre public park and natural preserve in Tampa that features wooded picnic areas, playgrounds, a fitness course, a bicycle path, and a jogging trail. It also has an interpretive center that leads to a boardwalk and an observation tower where you can view wildlife and plants in the Hillsborough River floodplain.
Why should you go?
Lettuce Lake Regional Park is perfect for escaping from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can have a picnic with your family or friends, play on the playgrounds, or exercise on the fitness course or trail. You can also learn about the park's ecology at the interpretive center or take a guided nature tour on weekends.