Tampa: What to do and Where to Go

Tampa is a large city located on the west central coast of Florida. With miles of pristine beaches and a vibrant downtown, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in this city of adventure. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an extended stay, Tampa offers an array of activities and attractions to fulfill everyone’s plans.

Tampa Attractions & Activities

Tampa is one of the premier destination spots in the state of Florida. Whether you’re looking to explore nature, check out the sights around town, or check out the local nightlife – there’s a lot to do in Tampa. The following are some of the top attractions and activities for locals and visitors alike.

Outdoor Activities

Tampa is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, as well as a wide variety of parks and natural areas. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and a variety of other water activities at the many public beaches located in the city. Additionally, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island, and Lowry Park Zoo offer adrenaline-pumping rides, hands-on educational experiences, and encounters with wild animals.

Entertainment & Culture

The cultural options in Tampa are plentiful, with art galleries, museums, and performing arts venues located throughout the city. Arts lovers can stop by the Tampa Museum of Art and Tampa Theatre to get their fix. History buffs can check out the Tampa Bay History Center or Henry B. Plant Museum. Meanwhile, shopping aficionados can visit Channelside Bay Plaza or International Plaza and Bay Street to take advantage of the high-end retailers and unique local boutiques. For live music and nightlife, downtown Tampa offers a variety of bars, pubs, and nightclubs with an eclectic mix of styles from Latin to rock and hip-hop.

Sports & Concerts

Families looking for family-friendly activities can be sure to find something interesting at one of Tampa’s many sporting events. These include America’s most popular sport – football – with the city’s NFL franchise the Tampa Bay Buccaneers playing regularly at Raymond James Stadium; Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays homeruns; and the NHL with the Tampa Bay Lighting offering exciting hockey matchups all season long. Additionally, Amalie Arena is host of some of the top concerts and other performances in the country.

Where to Stay

Tampa has a variety of lodgings from luxury hotels to convenient motels located throughout the city. Some of the more popular hotels include The Westin Tampa Bay, The Epicurean Hotel, Homewood Suites by Hilton: Tampa Downtown, Quality Inn & Suites Tampa Fairgrounds / Casino, Best Western Ybor City, and Aloft Tampa Downtown. For budget travelers, there are many affordable hotels located in close proximity to popular attractions and local businesses.

Unique Experiences

Tampa offers visitors plenty of unique experiences as well. Those looking for a little adventure can take part in a “ghost tour” of some of the city’s haunted locations conducted by Big Sequele Tours. For those wanting to soak up the sun, the area has plenty of day cruises and boat tours to take throughout Tampa Bay. Food lovers may want to check out some of the unique restaurants throughout town like Café Piquet for Cuban cuisine or The Lab for an innovative fusion experience. With so much to do and explore in Tampa, it’s no wonder this city is such a popular destination spot for locals and visitors alike – from outdoor activities and culture to sports, concerts, unique experiences, and more. With its sunny days and bustling nightlife, there’s something for everyone!

Tampa: An Insider’s Guide

Tampa is a vibrant city located on the Gulf of Mexico, offering something for everyone. From picturesque beaches to exciting theme parks, there is no shortage of things to do in this city. However, if you want to experience Tampa like a local, focus on some hidden gems that most tourists miss. Here’s an insider’s guide to the best of Tampa.

Local Attractions: Uncovering Hidden Gems

While everyone knows about the popular attractions in Tampa, like Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium, there are also lesser-known gems that can’t be missed. For instance, the Henry B. Plant Museum provides a glimpse into the Gilded Age and the history of Tampa Bay’s railway system. For something different, explore the Ybor City neighborhood, which was once the hub of cigar manufacturing, and experience its blend of cultures, art, and nightlife.

Interestingly, only a few locals know the secret spots on Bayshore Boulevard – the longest continuous sidewalk in the Americas and the world! It offers stunning views of the waterfront and the city skyline, and it has two lesser-known waterfront parks at the north and the south ends.

Dining Spots: Experience Tampa’s Food Culture

Tampa’s cuisine reflects its unique history of Spanish, Cuban, and Italian cultures combining to create a delectable food scene. Make sure to try the deviled crab or Cuban sandwich from Columbia Restaurant, the oldest continuously operated restaurant in Florida.

For a more local taste, try the fish tacos or the queso fundido from the family-owned place, La Tropicana Cafe. This eatery has been around since the 1960s, and their fruit shakes are a great way to cool off in the Florida heat.

Cultural Experiences: Festivals and Art

When it comes to cultural experiences, Tampa has some noteworthy events throughout the year. The Gasparilla Pirate Fest is an annual event that celebrates the city’s pirate history with a parade and street party, it is popular among both locals and visitors.

For those who love art and history, visit the Tampa Museum of Art in the Riverwalk area, it showcases an excellent collection of modern and contemporary art. The Tampa Theatre is another fascinating venue with a beautifully ornate interior. The theatre offers a variety of shows including classic films and live performances.

Local History: Tales of the Past

Tampa has a rich history starting with its founding by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. While the Tampa Bay History Center is the more well-known historical attraction, there are other stories from Tampa’s past that are just as captivating.

For example, did you know that the Tampa Bay Hotel’s build-out by Henry B. Plant costs 3 times more than the price it was originally estimated? Or that Tampa was once the cigar capital of the world with more than 200 factories operating in the area? Discover these and other stories at the historic landmarks around the city.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions: Unique Tips

To truly experience Tampa at its finest, try doing things that not every tourist would. For instance, go on a manatee viewing tour in the crystal-clear waters of the springs of Crystal River or downtown St. Petersburg. The Florida manatee is a fascinating and friendly animal that loves to interact with people, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Another idea is to explore Tampa on two wheels by renting a bike from Urban Bikes Tampa, and traversing the historic streets at your own pace. You can witness the beauty of the city from a different angle and discover hidden parks and attractions while soaking in the Florida sunshine.

In conclusion, Tampa has much more to offer visitors than meets the eye. Try these insider tips to explore beyond the obvious highlights and experience the best of the city’s attractions, history, and culture, like a true local.