What Should You Do in Tampa?

Tampa is a bustling city filled with all sorts of activities, making it a great place to visit for a weekend or a longer vacation. With a wide array of exciting attractions and places to explore, here is our guide to what you can do in Tampa when you’re visiting.

Visit the Attractions

Tampa has several attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. Busch Gardens is a major theme park featuring rides and animal exhibits, while the Florida Aquarium houses many aquatic species, such as sharks and dolphins. Located right by Busch Gardens is Adventure Island, an amazing water park with thrilling slides and exciting activities.

Hit the Beach

Situated right by the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa has some gorgeous beaches perfect for relaxing and swimming. Nearby Clearwater and St. Pete Beach are perfect for sunbathers and people who like to swim in the ocean and explore the coast. However, if you want to stay closer to the city, you can take a short drive or take public transportation to Davis Islands, or head to sand key in Clearwater Beach.

Take in a Show

The city has an abundant cultural scene for theater lovers and music fans. The Straz Center for Performing Arts puts on a variety of shows, from comedies to musicals. The Tampa Theatre, located downtown, is an old-fashioned theater that put on films and concerts throughout the year, while low-key venues such as The Orpheum also feature live music performances.

Experience Nature

Tampa has some truly stunning natural landscapes in the city. The Upper Tampa Bay Natural Park is great for hikes, while Sawgrass Lake Park has boardwalks that allow visitors to explore the wetlands and spot wildlife such as alligators and birds. The Tampa Riverwalk is ideal for a stroll with family and friends, with plenty of benches for sitting and enjoying the view.

Explore the Restaurants

One of Tampa’s biggest attractions is its vibrant culinary scene. There are plenty of places to grab a bite, from Tampa-style steakhouses and Latin-American eateries to popular franchises and fine-dining restaurants. Check out visittampabay.com for some of the city’s top-rated restaurants, then order up some local specialties — such as grouper sandwiches, freshly-shucked oysters, or traditional Cuban dishes — and enjoy!

Have Fun at The Clearwater Marine Aquarium

If you’re looking to have some fun while learning about marine life, then head to The Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA). It is home to numerous species of marine mammals, including dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays and otters, which can be seen at the various exhibits. The CMA also offers unique educational programs for school groups and hands-on activities for visitors.

All in all, there is something for everyone in Tampa — from lively attractions and stunning nature to savory dishes and exciting shows. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or planning a long vacation, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time exploring what the city has to offer!

What Should You Do in Tampa?

Are you planning a visit to Tampa? This city in Florida has a lot to offer, from cultural attractions to outdoor activities. But with so many options, it can be tough to decide what to do. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about what to do in Tampa and some tips on how to make the most of your time in the city.

1. What are the best outdoor activities to do in Tampa?

Tampa has a lot of outdoor spaces to explore, so if you love nature and the great outdoors, you’ll enjoy spending time here. Here are some of the best outdoor activities to try in Tampa:

• Visit the beaches: Tampa is close to some of the best beaches in Florida, including Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach, both of which offer white sand and clear waters.
• Explore the parks: Tampa has many parks to choose from, but some of the most popular ones include the Hillsborough River State Park, which offers hiking trails, kayaking, and camping options, and the Lettuce Lake Regional Park, which offers birdwatching, boardwalks, and picnic areas.
• Go on a bike tour: Tampa offers some great bike tours, which are perfect if you want to explore the city and get some exercise at the same time. Cycle Brewing offers guided tours around the city and takes riders through some of the city’s most famous neighborhoods.
• Try water sports: If you’re a thrill-seeker, Tampa has plenty of water sports to try, such as jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding. You can also take a dolphin-watching tour or a sunset sailboat ride.

2. What are the best cultural attractions in Tampa?

If you’re interested in culture, Tampa has plenty of museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions to check out. Here are a few of the best:

• The Tampa Museum of Art: This museum features modern and contemporary art and has a permanent collection as well as traveling exhibitions. It’s located in downtown Tampa and is open every day except Mondays.
• The Florida Aquarium: This aquarium is home to more than 7,000 aquatic animals and plants, including sharks, otters, and turtles. You can also take a dolphin cruise or a behind-the-scenes tour.
• The Henry B. Plant Museum: This museum is located in the historic Tampa Bay Hotel and tells the story of the hotel and its impact on the city. You can also take a guided tour of the hotel, which was built in 1891.
• The Straz Center for the Performing Arts: This venue hosts theater productions, concerts, and other performances, and has a large outdoor plaza where events are held. Check their calendar to see what’s on while you’re in town.

3. Is Tampa good for families?

Tampa is a great destination for families, with plenty of kid-friendly attractions and activities to keep everyone entertained. Here are some of the best:

• The Glazer Children’s Museum: This museum is designed for children and offers interactive exhibits on science, art, and other subjects. It’s open every day except Mondays.
• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: This theme park features roller coasters, animal encounters, and live shows, and has something for all ages.
• The Tampa Bay History Center: This museum tells the story of Tampa’s history, with exhibits on the city’s Native American roots, the cigar industry, and more. It’s open every day except Mondays.
• The Adventure Island water park: This water park has water slides, pools, and attractions for all ages, making it a fun place to spend a hot day in Tampa.

4. What are the best food and drink options in Tampa?

Tampa is known for its delicious food and drink options, so you won’t want to miss out on some of the city’s best offerings. Here are a few places to check out:

• The Columbia Restaurant: This restaurant has been serving Spanish and Cuban cuisine since 1905 and is a Tampa institution. Don’t miss out on the paella or the sangria.
• Ulele: This restaurant is located in a historic waterworks building and offers a menu of seafood and other dishes inspired by local ingredients. Try the charbroiled oysters or the gator chowder.
• Cigar City Brewing: This brewery is known for its craft beers, which are inspired by Tampa’s history and culture. Try the Jai Alai IPA or the Florida Cracker Belgian-Style White Ale.
• The Oxford Exchange: This café and bookstore offers a stylish setting for brunch or coffee, with a menu of classic dishes and specialty drinks.

5. Are there any unique events or festivals in Tampa?

Tampa has many festivals and events throughout the year, so if you’re looking for a unique experience, try to plan your visit around one of these dates:

• The Gasparilla Pirate Festival: This annual event takes place in January or February and is a celebration of Tampa’s pirate heritage. The festival includes a parade, live music, and other activities.
• The Florida State Fair: This fair takes place in February and offers rides, games, and exhibits, along with classic fair food like funnel cakes and corn dogs.
• The Tampa Bay Margarita Festival: This festival takes place in May and features unlimited margarita samples, along with live music and food trucks.
• The Tampa Bay Beer Week: This week-long event in March celebrates Tampa’s craft beer scene with tastings, festivals, and other beer-related events all around the city.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a culture vulture, a foodie, or a family traveler, Tampa has plenty to offer. Use this guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this vibrant and exciting city.