Best Things To Do in Tampa, Florida: Top Sights, Attractions & Local Gems
Tampa’s packed with stuff to do, from breezy riverside walks and sandy beaches to theme parks, museums, sports, and a food scene that’s honestly way better than you might expect.
If you’re after a trip that’s easy to plan and mixes outdoor fun, culture, and a few big-time attractions, Tampa doesn’t waste your time—it just delivers.
Skim this guide and pick what fits your vibe. Want coastal views and nature? Maybe you’re more into art, local history, or family-friendly wildlife? Or you’re just here for food and music at night? Each section points you to the good stuff, with a few tips and simple ways to shape your day without overthinking it.
Top Places to Stay in Tampa, FL
| Hotel | Reviews |
|---|---|
| Cozy AF Tiny-House Oasis 1807 East Columbus Drive, Tampa, FL 33605, United States of America | 321 |
| Hyatt House Tampa Airport/Westshore 5308 Avion Park Drive, Tampa, 33607, United States of America | 759 |
| AC Hotel by Marriott Tampa Airport 4020 West Boy Scout Boulevard, Tampa, 33607, United States of America | 372 |
| Courtyard by Marriott Tampa Northwest/Veterans Expressway 12730 Citrus Park Lane, Tampa, 33625, United States of America | 345 |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Tampa East - Ybor City, an IHG Hotel 2520 North 50th Street, Tampa, FL 33619, United States of America | 855 |
| Hotel Haya 1412 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605, United States of America | 746 |
| Home2 Suites By Hilton Tampa Westshore Airport, Fl 5222 West Laurel Street, Tampa, FL 33607, United States of America | 387 |
| Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District 1155 East Kennedy Boulevard , Tampa, FL 33602, United States of America | 1,908 |
| Sleep Inn & Suites Tampa South 6231 S Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 33611, United States of America | 814 |
| Holiday Inn Express and Suites Tampa I-75 at Bruce B. Downs, an IHG Hotel 8310 Galbraith, Tampa, FL 33647, United States of America | 757 |
| Hyatt House Tampa Downtown 325 N Florida Avenue, Tampa, 33602, United States of America | 554 |
| Home2 Suites By Hilton Tampa Downtown Channel District 1155 East Kennedy Boulevard , Tampa, FL 33602, United States of America | 546 |
| TownePlace Suites by Marriott Tampa Casino Area 6202 East Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Tampa, 33619, United States of America | 408 |
| Hyatt Place Tampa Downtown 325 N Florida Avenue, Tampa, 33602, United States of America | 1,327 |
| Home2 Suites By Hilton Tampa USF Near Busch Gardens 11606 Malcolm McKinley Drive , Tampa, FL 33612, United States of America | 409 |
| Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Tampa-Anderson Road-Veterans Exp, an IHG Hotel 9402 Corporate Lake Drive, Tampa, FL 33634, United States of America | 405 |
| Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Airport/Westshore 5312 Avion Park Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, United States of America | 385 |
| The CURRENT Hotel, Autograph Collection 2545 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, United States of America | 329 |
| Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel 4200 Jim Walter Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33607, United States of America | 293 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Airport Avion Park Westshore 5329 Avion Park Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, United States of America | 957 |
| Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Brandon 10220 Palm River Road, Tampa, FL 33619, United States of America | 659 |
| Mi Casa Es Tu Casa, Tampa Airport Verena Suite 4116 West Nassau Street, Tampa, FL 33607, United States of America | 502 |
| Tampa Marriott Water Street 505 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33603, United States of America | 491 |
| Hotel Alba Tampa, Tapestry Collection By Hilton 5303 West Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33609, United States of America | 480 |
| SpringHill Suites Tampa North/Tampa Palms 5396 Primrose Lake Circle, Tampa, FL 33647, United States of America | 418 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Riverview 10240 Causeway Blvd., Tampa, FL 33619, United States of America | 370 |
| Hampton Inn Tampa-Veterans Expressway 5628 West Waters Avenue, Tampa, FL 33634, United States of America | 271 |
| Tampa Airport Marriott 4200 George J. Bean Parkway, Tampa, FL 33607, United States of America | 782 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Ybor City Downtown 1301 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605, United States of America | 626 |
| SpringHill Suites by Marriott Tampa Westshore 4835 West Cypress Street, Tampa, FL 33607, United States of America | 366 |
| Hilton Garden Inn Tampa East Brandon 10309 Highland Manor Drive, Tampa, FL 33610, United States of America | 1,989 |
| Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa 5223 North Orient Road, Tampa, FL 33610, United States of America | 1,010 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Tampa Busch Gardens Area 3333 East Busch Boulevard , Tampa, FL 33612, United States of America | 893 |
| Comfort Suites Tampa Fairgrounds - Casino 4506 Oak Fair Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33610, United States of America | 816 |
| Marriott Tampa Westshore 1001 North Westshore Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33607, United States of America | 573 |
| Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore 2225 North Lois Avenue, Tampa, FL 33607, United States of America | 430 |
| SpringHill Suites by Marriott - Tampa Brandon 1051 South Falkenburg Road, Tampa, FL 33619, United States of America | 423 |
| Homewood Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport - Westshore 5325 Avion Park Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, United States of America | 356 |
| Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Tampa-Fairgrounds-Casino, an IHG Hotel 8610 Elm Fair Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33610, United States of America | 353 |
| Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Tampa - Fairgrounds - Casino 8940 East Sligh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610, United States of America | 286 |
| Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay 2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, United States of America | 800 |
| Four Points by Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore 4400 West Cypress Street, Tampa, FL 33607, United States of America | 721 |
| Comfort Suites Tampa Airport North 5421 West Waters Avenue, Tampa, FL 33634, United States of America | 506 |
| Hyatt Place Tampa Airport/Westshore 4811 West Main Street, Tampa, FL 33607, United States of America | 1,327 |
| Hyatt Place Tampa Busch Gardens 11408 North 30th Street, Tampa, FL 33612, United States of America | 1,268 |
| Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center 513 South Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602, United States of America | 1,032 |
| Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Tampa North 12260 Morris Bridge Road, Tampa, FL 33637, United States of America | 406 |
| Aloft Tampa Midtown 3650 Midtown Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, United States of America | 335 |
| Hampton Inn Tampa-Rocky Point 3035 North Rocky Point Drive East, Tampa, FL 33607, United States of America | 428 |
Unmissable Tampa Experiences
Waterfront strolls, hands-on marine life, and big theme parks—Tampa’s got ‘em all. Downtown and Channelside make it easy to get around, whether you’re with family, friends, or flying solo.
Stroll the Tampa Riverwalk
Walk the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk along the Hillsborough River for easy sightseeing and river views. Start near downtown and pass spots like Tampa Theatre, Ulele, and the Tampa Bay History Center. There are benches, public art, and grassy spots if you want to chill or picnic.
Rent a bike or scooter if you want to cover more ground, or try a guided kayak tour for a water-level look at things. Sometimes you’ll find food trucks or pop-up events along the way. The Riverwalk connects to Channelside, so you can hit up museums or restaurants without ever getting in your car.
Explore The Florida Aquarium
Head to The Florida Aquarium in Channelside for marine exhibits and touch tanks. You’ll spot coral reefs, sharks, and a wetlands trail showing off local estuary life. The aquarium hosts animal feedings and keeper talks—short, clear, and surprisingly interesting, even if you’re not a “fish person.”
Book a dolphin-watching cruise or a behind-the-scenes tour if you want more than just the basics. Two or three hours is usually enough unless you’re adding a cruise. Since it’s close to downtown, pairing it with a Riverwalk stroll or lunch in Channelside is a breeze.
Visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, up in North Tampa, is where you go for roller coasters and animal encounters in a safari-style setting. They’ve got rides like Tigris, plus habitats for giraffes and cheetahs. You can buy animal-feed experiences or join a guided tour if you want to get nerdy about conservation.
Check the park map for show times and height rules before you go. Showing up early helps you skip the worst lines, and a Quick Queue pass is a lifesaver on crowded days. It’s a bit north of downtown, but if you want a full day of thrills, this is the spot.
Art, Culture, and History
Tampa’s history pops up everywhere—cigar factories, grand old hotels, museums that actually tell local stories. Expect lively streets, hands-on exhibits, and buildings that show how Tampa grew up.
Discover Ybor City’s Legacy
Ybor City oozes cigar-making history. Stroll 7th Avenue and you’ll see brick storefronts, colorful tiles, and old social clubs that once served Cuban, Spanish, and Italian workers. Stop by J.C. Newman Cigar Co. for a tour or to watch cigar rollers, then grab a classic Spanish-Cuban meal at the Columbia Restaurant—yes, the one with all the tiles.
Wander around Gasparilla Plaza for plaques and murals marking the National Historic Landmark District. Shops sell handmade cigars, and galleries feature local art. Hit up a festival if you can—music and food here feel like a real throwback to Ybor’s roots.
Tour the Tampa Bay History Center
The Tampa Bay History Center sits on the Riverwalk and covers 12,000 years of local history. You’ll see exhibits on native peoples, Spanish explorers, and the cigar-era boom that shaped Tampa. There are artifacts, maps, and interactive displays—way more engaging than you’d expect if “history museum” makes you yawn.
Give yourself an hour or two. Don’t miss the cigar-rolling exhibit and the multimedia stories about Tampa’s port. They’ll point you to walking tours and nearby historic sites, so you can actually go see the real places after learning about them.
Admire the Tampa Museum of Art
The Tampa Museum of Art sits right by the Riverwalk. It mixes classical and modern works in a bright, compact building. You might see contemporary photography, painting, or sculpture from regional artists, plus a permanent collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. The galleries change pretty often, so there’s always something new.
It’s easy to combine a museum visit with a riverside walk or lunch at a nearby café. Check their calendar for lectures, family days, or late-night openings if you want a different museum vibe.
Step Inside Henry B. Plant Museum
The Henry B. Plant Museum, inside the University of Tampa’s Moorish-style Plant Hall, takes you back to the Gilded Age. You’ll see ornate rooms, Victorian furniture, and artifacts from the 1890s hotel that turned Tampa into a winter getaway. There’s a bunch about railroads, steamships, and the wealthy travelers who helped shape the city.
Plant Hall’s towers and tilework are seriously photogenic. The museum shows how the Plant system connected Tampa to the rest of the country and supported industries like cigars. Take a short guided tour or just wander through the period rooms and exhibits about Tampa’s growth.
Entertainment and Unique Attractions
Tampa’s got a little of everything: historic charm, big-league sports, concerts, Broadway-level theater, and focused art exhibits. Each spot offers a different kind of night out, from vintage movie palace vibes to massive arena events.
See a Show at Tampa Theatre
Tampa Theatre is a restored 1926 movie palace by John Eberson. The ornate plasterwork, hand-painted ceilings, and the “starry sky” auditorium make it feel special—almost magical, honestly.
They screen classic films, indie movies, and host live events like concerts and film festivals. Buy tickets online or at the box office; most seats have a good view, so you don’t have to stress about that.
Guided tours explain Eberson’s over-the-top style and the building’s history. If you’re there for a movie, show up early to catch the Mighty Wurlitzer organ player—they don’t do that everywhere.
Catch the Action at Amalie Arena
Amalie Arena, right on the Riverwalk, is home to the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning and hosts big concerts and family shows. There’s modern seating, good sightlines, and plenty of food and drink options.
Check the calendar for games or concerts, and plan your arrival so you’re not fighting for parking or stuck in security lines. It gets busy on game nights, so give yourself some extra time.
Buy tickets straight from the Lightning site or the arena box office to dodge scalpers. For concerts, floor seats get you close, but upper levels are cheaper and easier to access—depends on your mood (and budget).
Visit the Straz Center for the Performing Arts
The Straz Center hosts Broadway shows, opera, dance, and local theater on several stages. You can catch big touring productions in Ferguson Hall or smaller, experimental stuff in the Jaeb Theater.
Book ahead for popular shows, especially Broadway musicals and anything around the holidays. The complex has rehearsal spaces, a restaurant, and accessible seating.
Curious about what goes on behind the scenes? Join a backstage tour, or look into their education programs. The Straz keeps things fresh, so there’s usually something unexpected on the calendar.
Marvel at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is all about photography, from historical prints to modern works. Rotating exhibitions highlight local, national, and international photographers.
Shows change often, so check what’s on and see if there are any artist talks or opening nights. The museum’s small and easy to walk through—perfect for a quick one- to two-hour stop.
Admission helps support new exhibits and public programs. The museum shop has photo-rich gifts and catalogs if you want a little memento.
Family-Friendly Fun and Wildlife Encounters
Get up close with animals, splash around, and let the kids learn by doing. Tampa’s got safe spots for toddlers, big kids, and parents to chill while feeding giraffes, cooling off, or building science smarts.
Meet Animals at ZooTampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa at Lowry Park lets you get close to animals and learn about conservation. Feed giraffes at the Serengeti Overlook, watch manatee talks, and see Florida-native wildlife on the Boardwalk. The park highlights how they protect habitats and why it matters.
Give yourself a morning or afternoon here. The paths are stroller-friendly, and there’s plenty of shade. Check the schedule for feeding times and special encounters so you don’t miss out.
Tips:
- Buy tickets online to skip the line.
- Bring sunscreen and a refillable water bottle.
- Use the map to plan out rides and animal shows.
Splash Around at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park & Water Works Park
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, right downtown, has a small splash pad that’s perfect for toddlers. There are big lawns and shaded benches, so you can picnic while the kids run wild in the fountains.
Water Works Park, a short drive away, has a bigger water playground with jets, shallow pools, and spots for parents to hang out. Both parks keep the water shallow and easy to watch, so you don’t have to stand in the spray to keep an eye on your kids.
What to bring:
- Swim diapers for little ones
- Quick-dry towels and a change of clothes
- Small umbrella or pop-up shade
Get Wild at Adventure Island
Adventure Island is Tampa’s go-to water park for thrill-seekers and families. You’ll find fast slides, a lazy river, and kid zones like Paradise Lagoon and Shaka-Laka Shores. Lifeguards watch over the pools, and there are family-friendly areas for everyone.
Show up early for the best lounge chairs and to hit the slides before lines get long. Cabanas are handy if you want shade and a spot to stash your stuff. Lockers and food stands are everywhere, so you don’t have to lug things around.
Safety checklist:
- Slather on waterproof sunscreen, and reapply often.
- Fit kids with life vests—they’re free at the park.
- Pick a meeting spot in case anyone wanders off.
Visit the Glazer Children’s Museum
The Glazer Children’s Museum is packed with hands-on exhibits about science, art, and health. Kids can climb through a mini city, mess around with water play, and try STEM stations that rotate all the time. Everything’s age-appropriate and marked with clear signs.
Exhibits encourage curiosity and independent play, so you can join in or just take a breather nearby. Check the calendar for special workshops or family programs, and grab timed-entry tickets to dodge the crowds.
Visitor notes:
- Strollers are limited inside; a small carrier is easier for infants.
- Snacks are okay in certain areas.
- Look for events tied to wildlife conservation and local partners like Big Cat Rescue.
Outdoor Activities and Scenic Spots
Tampa makes it simple to get outside. There are waterfront paths, winding rivers, and leafy parks all over. You’ll find long walking routes, calm places to paddle, and lively neighborhoods with shops and cafés if you want to take it slow.
Walk or Bike Bayshore Boulevard
Bayshore Boulevard hugs Old Tampa Bay and claims the longest continuous sidewalk anywhere. Walk, run, or bike the 4.5-mile stretch from Ballast Point up to the Davis Islands bridge. The path stays right by the water, so you’ll get a steady breeze, plenty of benches, and skyline glimpses of downtown Tampa.
Keep an eye out for marathon markers, public art, and picnic spots tucked under live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Parking fills up fast on weekends—try early mornings, or park near Hyde Park for a smoother start. If you’re biking, stick to the bike lane and watch for joggers and leashed dogs weaving through.
Kayak the Hillsborough River and Nearby Parks
Paddling the Hillsborough River takes you from city launch points into quiet, winding bends. Popular put-ins are at Rivercrest Park and near Hillsborough River State Park. You’ll get mostly flatwater with mangrove-lined banks, turtles sunning themselves, and the odd heron or two.
Start at Hillsborough River State Park and you can mix in a short hike before paddling to the historic rapids. Bring life jackets, plenty of bug spray, and a dry bag for your phone. Outfitters in the area run guided tours if you’d rather not paddle solo or want to give SUP a try.
Discover Lettuce Lake Regional Park
Lettuce Lake Regional Park has boardwalks and an observation tower peeking out over a natural wetland. The boardwalk winds through cypress and mangrove, and the tower’s a good spot for birdwatching or catching a safe glimpse of alligators.
Follow short interpretive trails, rent a canoe from nearby outfitters, or stop by the visitor center for maps and wildlife info. The park sits up in North Tampa near University and stays quieter than downtown greenspaces—families and nature photographers tend to love it.
Relax at Hyde Park Village
Hyde Park Village mixes shaded streets with local shops, cafes, and outdoor dining. You can wander from boutique stores to pastry shops, then settle at a sidewalk table under the oaks. The area links right up to Bayshore Boulevard and the residential Hyde Park neighborhood.
On weekends, you’ll run into farmers markets and seasonal events that keep the village lively. If you crave a longer stroll, head down Rome Avenue toward Bayshore, or wander into Seminole Heights for murals and craft breweries.
Food, Shopping, and Nightlife
Tampa’s got casual food halls, seafood by the water, and all kinds of shopping. Local bites, craft drinks, and stores for any budget sit within a short drive of downtown.
Dine at Armature Works & Heights Public Market
Armature Works sits right on the Hillsborough River in a restored trolley warehouse from the 1910s. Inside, Heights Public Market hosts about a dozen vendors—wood-fired pizza, poke bowls, Cuban sandwiches, craft coffee, you name it. Order from different stalls, then grab a table on the second-floor terrace for river views.
The food lineup changes often, so you might stumble onto a gourmet empanada or a fresh beer from the on-site brewery. Weekends bring live music and a farmers market. For a quieter meal, swing by on weekday mornings or early afternoons.
Experience Sparkman Wharf
Sparkman Wharf lines the Tampa Riverwalk with outdoor seating, string lights, and waterfront views. The spot’s all about seasonal food kiosks, craft cocktails, and big tables that make mixing and matching easy.
Seafood shacks, taco stands, and rotating pop-ups pair well with local breweries pouring on site. Nightlife gets going with DJs and happy hour specials. Bring a jacket for breezy nights, and expect food lines if there’s an event.
Shop at International Plaza & Explore Oxford Exchange
International Plaza, near Tampa International Airport, packs in over 150 stores, from big-name brands to local boutiques. Pick up designer clothing, cosmetics, or beachwear, then grab a bite at a sit-down restaurant or coffee in the mall’s open seating.
Oxford Exchange, closer to downtown, blends a bookstore, cafe, and gift shop in a bright, plant-filled space. It’s a favorite for brunch, specialty gifts, and stationery. The vibe’s calmer than the mall, so maybe save Oxford Exchange for a midday break after shopping.
Take a Tampa Bay Food Tour
A Tampa Bay food tour takes you through neighborhoods like Ybor City, Hyde Park, or downtown, sampling a handful of stops along the way. Most tours last 2–3 hours and include tastings—Cuban sandwiches, local seafood, dessert spots.
Pick a tour that fits your mood: historic eats, craft breweries, or maybe hidden bakeries. Guides share local history and flag spots for a return visit. Tours fill up on weekends, so book ahead if you want a certain date or time.
Seasonal Events, Sports, and Day Trips
You’ll run into big festivals, pro sports, and easy escapes to beaches or nature all within about an hour of Tampa. Keep an eye on event dates and double-check transit or parking for busy days.
Experience Gasparilla Pirate Fest
Gasparilla Pirate Fest comes every January, centered on a parade sailing right into Tampa Bay. Watch the flotilla and pirate invasion from Bayshore Boulevard or the Riverwalk. Arrive early to snag a spot; streets close before the main parade.
Expect street parades, marching bands, and community floats crisscrossing South Tampa. Plenty of bars and restaurants along 7th Avenue in Ybor City host after-parties. Bring cash for food vendors and a small cooler if you plan to picnic—city rules ban glass containers.
For smoother travel, use regional buses or rideshare to skip parking headaches near Raymond James Stadium and downtown. If crowds aren’t your thing, look for side streets off Bayshore or reserved viewing areas that sell tickets.
Cheer for Tampa Bay’s Sports Teams
Catch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium for NFL games and big events. Game days draw big crowds, so book tickets and tailgate spots early. Check stadium entry rules for bags and food, and remember the clear-bag policy.
The Tampa Bay Lightning play at Amalie Arena downtown—NHL action with nightlife nearby in Channelside and the Riverwalk. For college or minor league games, check local schedules; smaller venues are usually easier to access.
Public transit helps you dodge stadium parking limits. If you drive, brace for traffic near the stadiums and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on interstate routes. Buy tickets from official team sites to avoid scams—always a good idea.
Discover Clearwater Beach & Pier 60
Clearwater Beach sits on the Gulf of Mexico and makes for an easy day trip from Tampa. Relax on wide white sand, rent paddleboards, or hop on a dolphin-watching cruise. Parking fills up fast, so try to get there before mid-morning.
Pier 60 hosts a daily Sunset Celebration—local artisans, street performers, live music. The pier faces west, so sunsets rarely disappoint. Bring a light jacket for breezy nights, and check vendor hours since weekends usually run longer.
Other nearby Clearwater attractions include boat tours to Shell Key and casual seafood restaurants along the shore. The quick drive from Tampa keeps this spot popular for families and couples.
Visit the Manatee Viewing Centers
Manatee viewing centers, like TECO’s Manatee Viewing Center at the Big Bend Power Station, let you get close to rescued and wild manatees in cooler months. Visit between November and March when they cluster near warm-water outflows.
There are boardwalks, interpretive displays, and volunteer docents who explain manatee behavior. Get there early on cold days—parking can max out. TECO’s site posts updates on manatee counts and busy times, so check before you go.
Stick to posted rules: don’t feed or touch the animals, and keep noise down. Pair your visit with a short drive along local shoreline roads for birdwatching and quieter Gulf views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s the lowdown on family spots, beaches, museums, outdoor activities, history sites, and top eats in Tampa. Each answer points you to specific places and a few practical tips to help you plan.
What are some fun family activities in Tampa?
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a hit with elephants and hands-on exhibits. The Florida Aquarium has touch tanks and dolphin cruises—kids usually love it.
Take the kids to Adventure Island for water slides and a lazy river, or try MOSI for science exhibits and the planetarium show that opened not too long ago. Lots of attractions offer discounted family tickets and timed-entry options.
Where can I find the best beaches in Tampa?
St. Pete Beach gives you wide sands and good swimming. Clearwater Beach is great for Pier 60 sunset events and family-friendly vendors. Pass-a-Grille, down on the southern tip of St. Pete Beach, is a quieter spot with a historic pier.
If you want something more natural and less crowded, take the ferry to Caladesi Island State Park from Honeymoon Island. Pack extra sunscreen and get there early on weekends for parking.
What are the top-rated museums to visit in Tampa?
The Tampa Bay History Center in Channelside covers local history, including Seminole and pirate eras. The Henry B. Plant Museum at the old Tampa Bay Hotel shows off Gilded Age rooms and artifacts.
For art and science, check out the Tampa Museum of Art downtown or MOSI for interactive science displays. Always double-check museum hours and ticket options before heading out.
Are there any unique outdoor experiences in the Tampa area?
You can kayak the Hillsborough River and maybe spot turtles, herons, or even alligators on guided sunrise tours. Walk or bike the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk to hit parks, restaurants, and public art by the water.
Bayshore Boulevard’s 4.5-mile waterfront sidewalk is perfect for jogging and checking out historic homes. If you’re into islands, Caladesi Island State Park has shelling, hiking trails, and peaceful beaches.
What are the must-see historical landmarks in Tampa?
Ybor City’s the place to see the old cigar district and the Columbia Restaurant, which has been around since the early 1900s. Tampa Theatre, a 1926 movie palace, still shows films and offers tours of its ornate interior.
Don’t skip the Henry B. Plant Museum for Gilded Age history, and swing by Ybor City Museum State Park for a look at cigar-making history. Most of these spots offer short guided tours and special exhibits now and then.
Where can foodies find the best dining spots in Tampa?
Head to Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City if you’re craving a classic Cuban sandwich or some Spanish flavors. Over in South Tampa, Datz keeps locals coming back with wild burgers and milkshakes that almost look too good to eat.
If you want to eat by the river, Ulele in Tampa Heights is tough to beat. Oxford Exchange, just outside downtown, has brunch crowds for a reason. Honestly, it’s smart to book a table if you’re going at peak times—weekends can get a little hectic.