Top Things to Do in Tampa: Attractions, Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Tampa is a coastal gem located on the west coast of Florida, along Tampa Bay. The city offers a mix of waterfront attractions, green parks, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you want to enjoy a movie or comedy show at the Tampa Theatre or explore the exhibits at the Tampa Museum of Art, there is no shortage of fun things to do in Tampa. The Tampa attractions, from the iconic Florida Aquarium to the Glazer Children’s Museum, have it all for travellers of all ages. If you think coastal cities are just about water activities, then you should visit this city. Join us today; we are going to list all the top things to do in Tampa that will help you plan your itinerary.

Spoiler Alert: It’s not all about spending your whole vacation on the waterfront. From mouthwatering cuisine to fun at the local zoo, Tampa has everything for both land and water lovers. 

Top Attractions to Visit in Tampa, Florida

Tampa will be a peaceful destination for travellers interested in nature, greenery, and water places. More than just a beach city, it is also a city with art, culture, and other entertainment. Whether you can enjoy the water or stay on land, there is everything in Tampa that makes it the right type of destination.

Enjoy a Day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Tampa offers many entertaining parks, so it may be easy to skip Busch Gardens, but it would be the biggest mistake. Because the Tampa Busch Gardens offers a lot of things to visitors, from thrill rides to wildlife experiences. A single-day Busch Gardens Tampa Bay ticket will allow you to ride all the roller coasters and explore all Busch attractions. There are many Busch Gardens rides present inside the park, but SheiKra is the best to enjoy, as it drops from a great height at high speed, and the roller coasters Montu and Cheetah Hunt give an adventurous feel. These rides are considered some of the best things to do in Tampa for adults.

Apart from the rides, you can explore the wildlife habitats and educational shows that promote wildlife conservation. You can follow the Busch Gardens map and cover all the attractions inside the garden. The Busch Gardens hours vary seasonally, but the general hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekends. 

Explore Sea Life at The Florida Aquarium

This aquarium is considered one of the best aquariums in Florida. Visitors can experience sharks, alligators, lemurs, etc, at the aquarium in Clearwater. Walk through the trails to watch alligators in small water bodies. Recently, the aquarium added a new exhibit that offers different types of creatures that signify the unique Island of Madagascar. The aquarium offers a water play area named “The Splash Pad” specifically for children to play in water.

You can enjoy all these activities by purchasing Florida Aquarium tickets, which range from $35 to $48 per person (prices may vary day to day, so check the price list before visiting). You can get the map of florida aquarium in the entry gate, which will help you navigate all the attractions. 

Tampa Museum of Art: A Cultural Gem

When you enter this Tampa museum, you will feel like you are entering a world of ancient, modern, and contemporary art and culture. Visitors can experience one of the largest collections of Greek and Roman antiques in the USA and see the Tampa Museum of Art photos. The museum also offers a diverse collection of art and exhibits that are rotating throughout the year. You can explore all these things by paying only $25 per person, and if you are a senior citizen, a Florida teaching professional, or a military professional, then you will be asked to pay an amount of $15. The prices for Tampa Art Museum tickets and Tampa Art Museum hours regularly change, so it is better to check the current price before visiting the museum.

Tampa Theatre: Watch Movies and Live Shows

This historic theatre was built in 1926, and the theatre has never failed to entertain audiences. Tampa Theatre is one of the most popular attractions for visitors who enjoy any shows, movies, standup comedy, and musical performances. The center of attraction of the theatre is its unique interior, designed with a Mediterranean courtyard under a night sky with twinkling stars, clouds, statues, gargoyles, and old-world architecture. Before planning a Tampa Theatre tour, you should check the Tampa Theatre’s upcoming events. Tampa Theatre ticket prices vary for different movies and live events. Check the official website for the latest ticket prices and schedules. 

Note: Price may vary due to rush or a special occasion.

Best Things to Do in Tampa with Families

Tampa is one of Florida’s ultimate destinations for family tours, offering a wide range of fun activities to do. But it can be difficult to decide what to do in Tampa and where to visit downtown Tampa. So, we are giving the bucket list to 

Explore the Tampa Riverwalk on Foot

The downtown Tampa Riverwalk is considered one of the best free stuff to do in this place. It passes by most of Tampa’s museums, restaurants, and other attractions. The path stretches up to 2.6 miles along the Hillsborough River. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful views of the river while walking, jogging, and cycling through the Tampa Bay Riverwalk. You can follow the map of Tampa Riverwalk to cover all the major nearby attractions.

Things to Do Along Tampa Riverwalk

• Visit the Tampa Florida Aquarium and the Tampa Museum of Art, which are located along the Riverwalk.
• Spend some time with your family at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, which features lawn areas, walking trails, playgrounds, and a splash pad for children. 
• Do some photography of the monuments and sunset over the Hillsborough River that creates a mesmerizing view.
• Attend the outdoor festivals on Riverwalk, including food festivals, concerts, and holiday celebrations.

Take a Walk Along Bayshore Boulevard

Bayshore Boulevard is well known for its waterfront sidewalk, which is one of the longest sidewalks in the world. The area offers a peaceful environment for walking, cycling, and jogging. Visitors can enjoy watching the seabirds and dolphins along the shoreline. So, walking along Bayshore Boulevard Waterfront is one of the fun things to do in Tampa with families. 

Things to Do Along Bayshore Boulevard

• Walk along the waterfront and enjoy the beautiful view of Hillsborough Bay and the historical buildings.
• Do some photography with the scenic background of the bay and seabirds.
• You can also join the local fitness activities along the bay.

Explore Tampa’s Historic Hyde Park Village

Visitors with interests in shopping will love this place, as it is known as one of the best shopping and dining destinations. The Tampa Hyde Park Village offers a mix of Hyde Park stores, including local boutiques, shops, restaurants, and cafes. Whether you are visiting with your family or want to chill with friends in the Hyde Park Tampa restaurants, the historic village always has something fun to do. 

Things to Do in Hyde Park Village

• Visitors can shop for beauty products from boutique stores and clothing and home accessories from the stores in Hyde Park Village.  
• You can choose one restaurant from the area and have good food.
• When you are in Hyde Park Village, attend the live music and seasonal events. 

Visit Ybor City With Family and Friends

Ybor City is also known as the Cigar City, which is one of the most unique destinations in Tampa. The immigrants of Cuba, Spain, and Italy helped to turn this part of the place into a production hub. It offers many cigar factories, museums, and the best restaurants in Ybor City. The city offers a mix of history, culture, and food that easily draws attention to travelers of all ages. 

Things to Do in Ybor City

• Visit J.C. Newman’s Cigar Factory, which offers written and audio information about the history of the cigar industry and the legacy of the Newman family. 
• Walk through 7th Avenue and experience the Ybor City nightlife, historical buildings, local businesses,  and clubs in Ybor City.
• Go and watch the roaming chickens near Centennial Park.

Visit Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park

Tampa Zoo is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Tampa. The zoo features a wide variety of animals from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy watching giraffes, elephants, tigers, ring-tailed lemurs, Angolan colobus monkeys, American Black Bear, a Florida panther, and many more. Apart from wildlife watching, the zoo offers Tampa Zoo rides and educational programs, water splash areas, and seasonal events. 

Things to Do in Zoo Tampa

• Visit the Manatee Rehabilitation Center and learn about how the zoo rescues and rehabilitates the injured manatees.
• Visitors can ride the Tasmanian Tiger Coaster, a safari-themed family ride, a children’s spinning ride, and a classic carousel.
• Children can enjoy doing fun activities at the splash area and playing at the playground.

Zoo Tampa Tickets and Hours

• According to zootampa.org, the current Zoo ticket price is $51.95 per adult (12+) and $41.95 for children (3-11). You can also save $3- $5 by purchasing the single-day Tampa Zoo tickets.
• The Zoo Tampa hours are generally 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. 

Note: Zoo hours and ticket prices may change, so be sure to check the official Zoo Tampa website before your visit

Enjoy at Glazer Children’s Museum

The Glazer Children’s Museum offers interactive learning and practical experience for children. The museum features some themed areas like stores and fire stations where children can role-play while learning through fun activities. Children can play at water zones, learn from science exhibits, and see the Big John Triceratops fossil. 

Things to Do in Glazer Children’s Museum

• Children can build and solve problems through fun activities. 
• The museum allows children to create arts and crafts in the museum’s creative studio.
• STEM exhibits engage children in learning with science, engineering, and technology. 

Glazer Children’s Museum Tickets and Hours

• The price of a Glazer Children’s Museum ticket is approximately $24.95 and $19.95 for Florida residents.
• On school days, the Glazer Children’s Museum generally opens from Tuesday to Sunday(9:30 AM to 5:00 PM), and in summer the museum opens Monday to Sunday at the same time.

Travel Back in Time at Dinosaur World

Families with children will definitely enjoy a visit to Dinosaur World in Florida. It is a Jurassic-themed park that features more than 200 life-sized dinosaurs present among the lush garden and walking trails. The park also offers picnic areas for family gatherings, open lawns for relaxing, and many more activities for adults and children. The Dinosaur World tickets are $16.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors, and $11.95 for kids (prices may vary).

Things to Do in Dinosaur World

• Children will love to explore the Dino Gem Excavation area where they can take part in a fun mining activity. They can search for gems, minerals, and arrowheads in the mining channel and match them up with a Gem Identification Card. 
• Visit the Prehistoric Museum to see fossils of dinosaur eggs, skeletons, and the foot claws of Allosaurus. 
• Children can also take part in the dinosaur game world in a fossil dig where they get tools to dig and uncover the shark teeth, mosasaur teeth, stingray barbs, and many more. 

Best Outdoor Activities to do in Tampa

This place offers numerous exciting outdoor activities for all types of travellers. From walking along the waterfront to kayaking on the water, the city will provide you with many ways to enjoy your vacation.

Best Hidden Gems in Tampa

The entire place holds incredible hidden places beyond its famous waterfronts and parks. These secret destinations include Davis Islands, Ballast Point Park, and Lettuce Lake Park. 

Discover Davis Islands

Davis Islands offers unique old-world charm and a coastal experience among the hidden places of Tampa. The island offers beautiful streets lined with palm trees and waterfront homes with beautiful Davis Beach views. The sunrise and sunset create a magical atmosphere perfect for photography and peaceful experiences for families, couples, and nature lovers. 

Explore Ballast Point Park

The Ballast Point Park Tampa showcases the rich history with modern-day attractions, with one of the best views of Tampa Bay. The park’s historical marker, placed by the Hillsborough County Historical Commission, remembers its past as Jules Verne Park and its role in the city’s first electric trolley system. Ballast Park Tampa features a long fishing pier, picnic areas, a playground, and walking trails that can be enjoyed without any tickets. 

Enjoy Nature at Lettuce Lake Park

Lettuce Lake Park Tampa is one of Hillsborough County’s most famous parks. The park’s half of the park’s area lies in the natural floodplain of the Hillsborough River, that consisting of a hardwood swamp forest. The remainder of the park area consists of hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods plant communities. Visitors can enjoy water activities and experience different kinds of wildlife. 

Best Food Experiences in Tampa

Tampa, with its lush parks and museums, also offers culinary treasures that are waiting to be explored. From the most budget-friendly Tampa restaurant to the top-rated food halls, there is something to satisfy every palate and pocket. 

Disclaimer: Prices for each place may vary depending on occasions and date, always check current prices before heading out.

Best Season to Visit Tampa

• Spring (March to May) is one of the best times to consider visiting Tampa with warm temperatures. The weather suits exploring the Busch Gardens, Tampa Zoo, and Tampa Riverwalk. 
• Autumn (September–November) comes with moderate temperatures and fewer crowds, which makes it a perfect time to explore the Tampa attractions. Visit in October and get an opportunity to be a part of Halloween events and food festivals.
• Winter (December–February) is considered as the peak travel season to the place. It is perfect for going on dolphin cruises, kayaking, and outdoor adventures.  
• Tampa is hot to travel in Summer (June–August), and there is a high chance of afternoon thunderstorms. If you are planning to visit in summer, then try to visit the destinations in the early morning and evening to avoid the heat waves.  

Where to Stay in Tampa?

• Downtown Tampa: It is the best place to stay for travellers who want to visit all major attractions. Visitors can easily visit the Riverwalk, The Florida Aquarium, the Tampa Museum of Art, and the Tampa restaurants.
• Ybor City: It is best suited to stay for travellers who want to enjoy history, culture, and city nightlife. Visitors can enjoy local restaurants and music venues. 
• Hyde Park: Nature lovers will choose to stay here, as it offers a peaceful stay with a beautiful atmosphere and tree-lined streets. It is located near Bayshore Boulevard, best for morning walks, waterfront views, and relaxing evenings. 
• Busch Gardens: It is one of the best areas for families to stay near the park. The area offers affordable Tampa hotels, which allows visitors to spend more time in the theme park.

Travel Tips for Visiting Tampa

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, Tampa travel tips, including important Tampa safety tips, will help you enjoy your journey safely. 

• Book early tickets for Busch Gardens, Tampa Zoo, and The Florida Aquarium.
• When you plan to visit Tampa, pack light; wear clothes for hot and humid weather and jackets and sweaters for cooler evenings. 
• There are lots of places to eat in Tampa that offer a variety of local cuisine and international foods. So, choose local restaurants to explore the delicious local foods.
• Stay near downtown Tampa, Ybor City, or the Riverwalk to easily access the major attractions.
• Before planning the visit, check the current opening hours of the parks, zoos, museums and gardens.
• Use public transportation or private charter vehicles for exploring downtown easily.

Conclusion

Tampa offers numerous things to do for all types of travellers with its natural and man-made attractions. Whether you want to enjoy the attractions with families or explore with colleagues, you will never feel a shortage of the best things to do in Tampa. Make sure to add these top things to do in Tampa to your itinerary for an unforgettable journey through this captivating coastal city.