15 Best Things to Do in Tampa

Less than 10 miles from downtown, the original Busch Gardens amusement park is a Tampa staple. But don’t just come here for the rides, Busch Gardens also doubles as a zoo and safari with hundreds of animal species that call the park home. Whether you’re looking to hop on a coaster, like the Iron Gwazi, that will make your stomach drop or hoping to get up close to a giraffe on a safari, Busch Gardens has something for the entire family.

The Florida Aquarium is consistently ranked among the best in the country. So if you’re looking to get your aquatic animal fix, the aquarium is a must-visit. In addition to your favorite undersea creatures, the aquarium also has penguins, otters, and even lemurs. Outside, you’ll find a splash pad for your little ones to discover their inner aquatic selves. Or you can catch an educational movie in the 4Ducks Theatre. Be warned, this isn’t your regular movie, the 4D flick comes to life with special effects, seat vibrations, and even water mist. It’s also included in the cost of admission.

Science might not be top of mind when you're traveling to Tampa, but the Museum of Science & Industry might just change your mind. MOSI is the best of fun and education, all in one – for kids and parents alike. If you can dream up an exhibit, MOSI probably has it. You can play a life-sized game of Operation, gaze up at the stars in the planetarium, or even build your own robot. MOSI is full of innovation and exhibits that will get the wheels in your head turning about the world around us. For those who love a little adventure, MOSI’s Sky Trail ropes course is for you. This interactive outdoor experience lets you clip in and climb, swing, or scale through the 36-foot-tall course.

Tampa is surrounded by water, with bays in all directions. But you might not realize that Tampa has a river flowing down the middle. Hillsborough River is the perfect place to enjoy the breeze while in Tampa. At 2.6 miles, the Tampa Riverwalk has so much to offer. Take a walk, go for a run, or even cruise along on a bike! Stroll with your morning coffee, or snag a bench to watch the sunset. The Tampa Riverwalk serves as a hub for many of the top attractions and restaurants in the city. So make sure to stop by while you’re in the area.

Ybor City is a historic neighborhood in Tampa known for its Cuban and Latin American heritage. Once the cigar capital of the world, Ybor City is also designated as a National Historic Landmark District. Walk the cobblestone roads, marvel at the architecture, and stop by a cigar shop to get a taste of the neighborhood back in the day. Ybor City is full of unique shops and excellent dining. But the area truly comes to life at night, with Ybor City being known for its nightlife and entertainment.

As legends have it, pirates have descended upon Tampa every year for hundreds of years. But if you find yourself in Tampa in late January, the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival is a sight to behold. The famous Jose Gasparilla pirate ship will enter the bay, followed by hundreds of colorful pirate boats. Watch as the boats come into the docks and invade Tampa. Before you know it, the Mayor will surrender the city to the pirates. You’ll get to celebrate with them as they parade through Tampa in victory. While this only happens once a year, it’s certainly worth planning your next trip around.

While many locals enjoy a ride on the tram around the city, the streetcars are a great way to get to know the city. Streetcars operate in Downtown Tampa and around Ybor City and come around every 15 minutes. The best part? It’s completely free! So whether you’re headed somewhere or just looking to take a ride, be sure to hop on board. And if you can catch the Breezer Car – you’re in for a treat! It’s Tampa’s only open-air streetcar

Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind for a day and check out the urban trails. At just over 7 miles, the trails wind through more rural areas of suburban Tampa. A portion of the trail was built on an old railway track, making for a unique walking experience. You’ll get to explore areas like Rocky Creek and explore greenery native to the Tampa area. The trail is paved and flat, making it an easy hike for all levels. Plus, there are several parking spots and amenities along the way, making it easy to start and stop wherever you like!

Don’t sleep on the Tampa art scene. While focusing on contemporary and modern art, the Tampa Museum of Art’s collection is diverse and absolutely beautiful. While the permanent collection is worth a visit, the Museum is also known to bring in unique rotating exhibits featuring ancient collections or even modern artists from around the world. The museum is open 7 days a week and open late on Thursdays, so make sure to take a few hours to stop by and wander the galleries.

Made for children and families, the Glazer Children’s Museum is an absolute gem in Tampa. You and your kids could spend hours getting lost in the exhibits. From heading to the bank or taking pets to the vet, the museum encourages children to use their wildest imaginations while interacting with the different exhibits. The museum even features a mini-versions of real life places, like your local Publix or the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital

There’s something electric about live sports – whether you’re a sports buff or not. Fortunately, from football to hockey, Tampa’s got it all. Take in a home game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Go Buccaneers! Not a Buc’s fan? Well, what about hockey? You might not go straight to hockey when you think of sunny Florida, but the Tampa Bay Lightning have earned themselves quite the fan base at home in Amalie Arena. Head over to Tropicana Field and catch the Tampa Bay Rays in action.

Take in a show at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Being one of the largest cities in Florida, Tampa is a huge stop for large musical acts and theatre productions. With major shows, you might find yourself back at Raymond James Stadium or Amalie Arena, but Tampa has its share of smaller, more intimate venues as well. Some classic Tampa concert venues include The Ritz and The Attic in the Ybor City Neighborhood. Or if films are more your thing, you can check out the historic Tampa Theatre.

The name says it all – it’s a water taxi, but pirate themed. Hop on a water taxi and enjoy views of Tampa from the water. Pirate Water Taxi’s route is pretty extensive, so you can easily cruise from stop to stop. From Davis Island and the Florida Aquarium, all the way up to Armature Works, you’ll be able to access most of downtown Tampa’s attractions with ease.

If you’ve never been to the Henry B. Plant Museum, it should 100% be on your list of top things to do in Tampa. Located on the University of Tampa campus, this resort-turned-museum is staggeringly beautiful. The Plant museum is located in what used to be the Tampa Bay Hotel. The Hotel was originally a railroad resort in the 1800s but has since been designated a National Historic Landmark. The museum is dedicated to telling the story of American tourism and the growth of transportation at the turn of the century – the Gilded Age. You’ll find beautiful artifacts on display, including original furnishings from the hotel and glamorous remnants from back in the day.

Grab your beach towels and get ready for a day in the sand! You can’t visit a coastal city like Tampa without at least taking a detour to the beach. Fortunately, Tampa’s west-coast beaches are among the best of them. The city is sunny almost all year long, so every day can be a beach day. The waters are calm, making it a great choice for families looking for a beach destination. Some favorites near Tampa include Clearwater Beach, the beach on Honeymoon Island State Park, and St.Pete Beach. But you can’t go wrong with any of the beaches in the Tampa area.

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