Welcome to the best things to do in Tampa!
Tampa is a sunny and thriving city, with so many exciting things to do.
No matter what your vibe is- foodie, explorer, or thrill-seeker, Tampa has something for you!
In this post, I’m going to show you the absolute best things to do when you visit.
Let’s dive in.
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Tampa Essentials
Top Tours & Experiences In Tampa
- Historic Ybor City Food Walking Tour
- Tampa Bay CityPASS
- Skip the Line: The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay Ticket
Where To Stay In Tampa
Budget-friendly
Mid-range
Luxury
Short on time? I recommend booking a Historic Ybor City Food Walking Tour!
1. Explore the Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.5-mile-long, walkable and bikable path along the Hillsborough River.
Stop by Armature Works, a bustling mixed-use building in the Tampa Heights neighborhood, with an amazing view of the river.
Or, catch lunch at the Sparkman Wharf, a dog-friendly waterfront area with endless options for food and drinks.
Be sure to check out their website for events and live music!
If you want to explore at a more leisurely pace, visit the Curtis Hixon Park, a unique park with sustainable construction and a breathtaking view of the waterfront.
It even has two beautiful interactive fountains: The Louver and The Mist!
2. Spend the day at an amusement park
If you’re more of a thrill-seeker, check out the Tampa amusement parks!
Starting with Busch Gardens, you’ll find scream-worthy rides, incredible animal encounters, and exciting safaris.
In the summer, Busch Gardens holds their annual Summer Celebration, which lasts from May 27th-August 7th.
If you prefer water adventures, visit Adventure Island.
With tons of fun rides and a lazy river, you’ll never get bored in this park!
They even have a new ride: The Wahoo Remix, which is a family ride with light and sound stimulation.
Tip: Rent a Cabana or Chickee Hut to hang out in between rides, and meet up with family or friends.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Tampa, make sure to check out these parks!
3. Try water sports
Jet skis, water bikes, and kayaks – oh my!
In Tampa, there’s never a shortage of things to do on the water.
There are dozens of places to rent a jet ski from.
Or, if you’ve never been water-biking before, now would be a good time to try!
It gives you a great workout while keeping you completely dry.
If kayaking is more up your alley, I recommend kayaking either in Shell Key Preserve, Caladesi Island, or Rainbow River.
One more thing I highly recommend is stand up paddle boarding.
The best time to do this is in the spring to beat the summer high season.
Some of the best places to SUP are the Hillsborough River, Little Manatee River, and St. Pete Beach.
4. Explore Ybor City
Ybor city is an incredible place with rich history and culture.
And the architecture to prove it!
A stroll down 7th Ave or “La Septima”, as the locals know it, will instantly take you to another world as the scent of coffee fills your nose and the sound of Latin music awakens your soul.
Be sure to check out popular cafes like the Blind Tiger Café (with three convenient locations) or La Creperia café.
Another hidden gem in Ybor City is the laid-back and quirky Stone Soup Company.
Located in the heart of Ybor City, this quaint little restaurant serves up soups, award-winning Cuban sandwiches, and even has vegan options.
If you’re a foodie, this city should definitely be on your list of top things to do in Tampa!
If you want to fully experience the culinary scene and history of Ybor City, I recommend this highly-rated Historic Ybor City Food Walking Tour.
Click here to check availability on Viator.
5. Visit Big Cat Rescue
Although this amazing place has been closed since COVID, hopefully it’ll reopen soon!
Big Cat Rescue is an advocate for ending the abuse of wild cats, and a world-renowned sanctuary for these incredible felines.
Their guided tours tell the story of each cat, and the overall experience is both incredible and educational.
Make sure to add this place to your list of things to see in Tampa when it reopens.
You won’t want to miss it!
6. Take a boat tour
For a relaxing and fun thing to do in Tampa this weekend, take a boat tour with some friends!
The Pirate Water Taxi is an incredible way to experience downtown Tampa and learn a bit about the history of the city.
It’s also a great mode of transportation, because it includes a variety of stops where you can hop on and off throughout the day.
You can purchase tickets at the dock, online, or after boarding the taxi at any of the stops in downtown Tampa.
On the other hand, Kraken Cycleboats offers an unforgettable experience as you and your friends pedal on the water.
The tours tend to last about two hours and guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks, water, and alcohol.
If you’re looking for cool things to do in Tampa, make sure you add these to your list.
7. Visit a museum
A great way to spend a rainy day in Tampa is by visiting some of its popular museums.
If you’re an art aficionado, the Tampa Museum of Art is sure to impress.
It holds one of the largest Greek and Roman antiquities collections of the southeast United States.
Don’t miss the 14,000 square foot LED installation on the south façade, known as one of Tampa’s iconic landmarks.
The Dali Museum is another highlight that celebrates the life and art of famous artist Salvador Dali.
This museum even houses some of Picasso’s fine works and has a fascinating garden where mathematics and nature collide to inspire wonder.
Another option that’s equally as amazing is the Florida Aquarium, rated among the best US aquariums.
It hosts a wide variety of aquatic and land animals and helps build awareness through conservation education.
It’s a great option, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
8. Visit Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center
If you’re looking for free things to do in Tampa, this has got to be on your list!
Although it’s temporarily closed, hopefully it’ll reopen soon.
The best time to visit is usually in the cooler months, when ocean temperatures cool down.
The manatees love the heat that the power plant produces, and gravitate to its warm waters.
These gentle giants were once believed to be mermaids, and are an absolute treat to watch.
This viewing center is a protected marine preserve that offers free parking and admission.
It also has trails, a boardwalk, butterfly gardens, and a 50-ft observation tower.
Plus, you can check out the manta rays at their Manta Ray Touch Tank for an up-close experience with these graceful animals.
9. Try a Cuban sandwich
Did you know that the Cuban sandwich originated in Tampa?
Ybor City, to be precise!
Two of the best places to try one would be La Segunda Central Bakery and Columbia Restaurant.
The latter was founded in 1905 and is known as Florida’s oldest restaurant.
It’s extravagant architecture and authentic feel also make it a great photo spot!
If you’re planning a trip to Tampa in the Spring, check out their International Cuban Sandwich festival.
It’s free to attend, and draws thousands of people from around the world every year.
10. Take a day trip
A day trip is a great way to explore more of your surroundings, and there are several awesome destinations near Tampa.
Visit nearby Clearwater for 2.5 miles of soft white sand, and some of Florida’s most pristine beaches.
St. Petersburg is another option, buzzing with activity and interesting things to do.
If you visit on a weekend, check out their Saturday Morning Market where you can buy freshly baked goods and enjoy street performer shows.
If you’d prefer to tune in to nature, check out the Sunken Gardens, also in St. Pete.
Often referred to as a “living museum”, this is a place filled with exquisite flora and fauna you won’t want to miss!
If you’re looking for more excitement, the big parks like Disney World in Orlando are only an hour away.
Some of Tampa’s nearby natural springs are also the perfect way to spend the day.
Three of my top recommendations include Weeki Wachee Springs, Rainbow Springs, and Three Sisters Springs.
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