Tampa Florida’s sunny weather and year long festivities make it one of the best places to visit in Florida. It’s the 3rd largest city in the state and is home to a lot of culture offerings, from museums to theatre and everything in between.
This town bolsters Historic neighborhoods, and lively restaurants and nightlife. You will not be bored in this city, there’s something to do for the whole family.
I’ve put together a list of Best things to do in Tampa, Florida, you will not be disappointed coming to this town for a week or even just a weekend.
1. Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is a great place for any age, you can find live music, rides and attractions, seasonal events and animal experiences. It’s won awards for top theme park and best new rollercoaster. With accolades like these you are sure to find something for the whole family here.
Adventure Island is a waterpark at Busch Gardens, featuring water slides, pools, cabanas, lounges and dining.
Choose a place to stay from the map below
2. The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is rated among the best aquarium in the US. It’s a large scale aquarium with it’s 250,000 square foot aquarium accredited by the Association of Zoo’s and Aquarium’s.
You can dive with the sharks, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience with the sharks, seahorses, alligators, lemurs and otters. It’s also a non profit organization that helps protect the conservation of endangered animals.
3. Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile-long trail along the Hillsborough River. There’s cultural events and festivals along the river walk all year long.
With plenty of restaurants and events throughout the year such as workouts in the park that consist of Dance, Yoga, Pilates and Zumba.
There’s plenty of opportunities to meet new friends with the mixers they host and the sunset Latin concert series. The Riverwalk was built to bring the community together and further the development of the city.
The Riverwalk is one of the best things to do in Tampa to see the city and experience the many things to do.
4. Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park
Zoo Tampa at Lowry park is accredited with being one of the top 25 zoo’s in the US. It was also voted Tampa’s Best Family Attraction and is an 11 time winner of TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Award.
It prides itself on the rehabilitation and care of animals.
You can go on an African safari, see panthers and with it’s 56 acres and 1300 animals, that include, elephants, rhinoceros, hippos, even the Florida Manatee. You wont’ be disappointed spending your day at this zoo.
5. Ben T. Davis Park
I couldn’t have a list of best things to do in Tampa, Florida without mentioning a beach. Ben T. Davis Beach is one of the best things to do in Tampa.
There’s volleyball, covered picnic areas, and plenty of sun and sand. It’s only 10 minutes from downtown Tampa, and a dog park too.
If you like to hike, fish, canoe and be outdoors, there are a lot of great state parks near Tampa to check out.
6. Ybor City
Ybor is a historic neighborhood north of Tampa, it’s home to plenty of restaurants and lively nightlife. It’s population is made up of Cuban, Spanish and Italian, founded in the 1880’s and was populated with cigar manufacturers.
Ybor City is designated as a National Historic Landmark, it’s main street is recognized as one of the 10 great streets in America.
It is home to Columbia Restaurant which is Florida’s oldest restaurant and named a top 50 all American icon. With stats like these how could you pass up this city.
7. Hyde Park
Hyde Park is an upscale city that houses indie boutiques, global restaurants, cocktail bars and is renowned for it’s dining and nightlife.
Hyde Park is definitely worth checking out next time you’re in town. Nearby is the University of Tampa and is the Hyde Park Village with 6 blocks of great restaurants and shopping.
8. Museum of Art
The Tampa Museum of Art is home to 20th century fine art exhibits, as well as Greek and Roman antiquities. You can enjoy coffee and gelato at the Museums Riverwalk Café.
It has become one of Tampa’s iconic landmarks with it’s 14,000 square foot LED installation on it’s south side.
It has an array of annual special exhibits to enjoy throughout the year. There’s a museum store where you can pick up some beautiful keepsakes.
There’s even a Museum of Art tour you can book, which I suggest doing quickly because it fills up quite fast.
9. Tampa Theatre
The Tampa Theatre is a historic theatre that opened in 1926. Many theatres were demolished in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
In 1978 the theatre was restored by the city and reopened with films, concerts and special events. It was renovated in 2004, the ceiling is a blue night sky with stars and the original woodwork was also restored.
On the weekends there are tours and they book up fast. If you appreciate historic buildings this one should definitely be on your list. After your tour you can enjoy a story about the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ and enjoy a short concert.
With this Theatre you can truly see the rich history that Tampa has to offer.
10. International Plaza and Bay Street
The International Plaza is an enclosed 2 story shopping center that has over 200 specialty stores and 15 restaurants. Its located on the southeast edge of the Tampa International Airport.
There’s an adjacent outdoor lifestyle center and Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza.
It is a very upscale shopping center combined with high-end and common mall stores. with great outdoor restaurants and well worth a visit. International Plaza is Florida’s West Coase dining and shopping destination.
Conclusion
Next time you’re in Tampa, Florida be sure to check out on of these 10 Best things to do in Tampa Florida. Whichever one you choose, you’re sure to not be disappointed.
Tampa is a vibrant city with lots of things to do and places to see. Book your next trip to Tampa with my recommendations above and enjoy your travels.