Going on a trip to Florida soon and wondering what are the best things to do in Tampa? You’re in the right spot!
Tampa, which is located on the west coast of Florida and happens to be the state’s third-largest city. Often overlooked in favor of other more popular destinations, however, that’s one large omission on behalf of travellers.
So after spending a few months here in the Tampa Bay area, i have been able to visit many of these top spots and am super excited to share them with you folks!
Tampa Bay is a happening place and best for vacation. Clearly, this stretch of land features multiple beaches nearby and a perfect climate.
Although – you’re when on a trip in Tampa, don’t travel the whole bay and go to the attractive beaches corresponding to St. Petersburg or Clearwater. However, Downtown Tampa also won’t short you on things to do!
Where to Stay in Tampa
Tampa is a big city! And there are many places one could lodge. Stay Downtown near the River Walk. Some great examples of places to stay in Tampa are as follows:
Budget Accommodation in Tampa
It’s not easy to find cheap accommodations in DOWNTOWN TAMPA Unfortunately, the only place to stay in the area is Gram’s Place Hostel. Fortunately, this hostel looks proper with very nice facilities and free breakfast.
Mid-range Accommodation
This is a great apartment near downtown called Modern Channelside (private)_house.
Luxury Accommodation in Tampa
If you looking for a pampering stay Marriott Water Street is the answer. This hotel, located directly on the Riverwalk, has a variety of amenities to address any need you have.
Top 22 Things to Do in Tampa
1. Exploring Tampa’s River Walk
It runs through the middle of Tampa and is a center attract among local people and out-of-towners.
This 2.6-mile journey down the western bank of the Hillsborough River is a great way to see Tampa or share an easygoing walk with companions.
This walk is a beautiful place for overlooking at the city when started from convention center.
Along the way, you will pass a lot of different restaurants and bars. Neither can we and when they visit of an evening, well let’s just say it’s the best place for a drink!
2. Busch Gardens Is The Adventure You Need
Located about 10 miles away from downtown Tampa, Busch Gardens is perfect for those who love wildlife and exciting rides!
Another African-themed amusement park featuring a diversity of attractions.
1 compass – because first off there’s a safari park with many African animals.
You can also explore the park by train or jeep taking a different approach to the sights. You’ll even get the chance to feed them by hand!
Second, this is the park with some of Florida’s best roller coasters. For the thrill enthusiasts, this is exciting,
Key rides are Cheetah Hunt, Cobra’s Curse, and Congo River Rapids.
With daily operations year-round, Busch Gardens is another of the Florida top theme parks.
Orlando with your family vacation. It’s generally less crowded than other Orlando parks, so kids and adults can enjoy it without having to wait in line or rushing through the experience.
Indeed, they even have celebrations and shows here so it is truly crucial to beware of what’s on before you go.
3. Tampa Scavenger Hunt Adventure
If you want a fun look at Tampa, hop on for the scavenger hunt! In addition to all this, it is also cheaper!
Firstly, you would need to get an online booking. DigitalScape’s scavenger hunts are all digital, giving you clues on your phone and allowing you to email a remote hoast if needed. It starts at Madison Street and then ends back on the same spot.
This is a fun activity to do with kids, and adults too.
4. Go Dolphin Cruise Tampa
Although St. Pete and Clearwater are the popular choices when it comes to dolphin cruises, Tampa also has its own_ dolphin cruise for all tourists who prefer visiting our lovely city_.
What’s more, this 90 minute cruise is as entertaining for the kiddos as it is for those in Brussels who are growing up.
For those booked on the Tampa Bay excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to explore and see some of the adorable dolphins playing around. Trust me, it’s amazing to experience!
If you are lucky, you may even see some manatees as well.
5. Experience the Charms of Ybor
(Just) ybor’do it. (Ybor is a highlight of Tampa.) Founded by Vicente Martinez Ybor, the area soon became the largest cigar producer in the world.
Ybor is one of Florida’s oldest Cuban communities, is lined with countless historic cigar shops in addition to several Cuban cafes and bakeries
Over the years, it transformed into Tampa’s lively entertainment district, filled with bars and music halls and places to eat.
When it comes to dining and drinks, then Bernin’s is sure a stop as its Italian restaurant hosts daily happy hours till 7 PM where you can have half-priced food and $3 martinis!
“If you’re a history buff, then Ybor is something very interesting to you.” Walk the streets and listen to stories of cigars, ghostly legends, and more!
6. Tampa’s Ice-Hockey Surprise: The Tampa Bay Lightning
If they win, it makes me feel better already,” I said to my surprised husband. “There’s an ice-hockey team in Tampa?” he asked.
While Florida is not the first place that comes to mind when you hear ice hockey, it hosts the famous Tampa Bay Lightning.
Definitely 1. Going to a Lightning game
You will love it if you are a hockey lover! Whether you’re new to the sport or just love live action on four wheels, it’s a thrilling experience in Tampa. It offers a quintessentially American experience to first time visitors of the USA!
Games are usually once a week at the Amalie Arena in Downtown Tampa (most commonly Tuesday).
Online at InWeGo or on the app
Pro tip: If you want to fit in with hockey diehards, wear blue—the official color of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
7. Glide Through Tampa on a Segway Tour
A Segway tour is also a fun activity in Downtown Tampa.
“At Embassy Suites, we’ll take you on a tour of downtown and the Riverwalk.
The two-hour walking tour covers many other sights in and around downtown.
“Whether you’re new in town or a local, the Savvy Experience is a wonderful way to appreciate our city from a different point of view,” said Shapiro.
Tampa is a place where walking after your arrival can be very tiring due to its size. So choose the easiest and best option possible to see everything with a Segway
8. Ybor City Food Tour
As the epicenter of Tampa’s Cuban cuisine, Ybor City is home to a variety of delicious snacks, dishes and beverages due to its Cuban descent.
A food tuk-tuk tour is the best way to try them all!.. a pastime worth the while for Newbies and Natives alike!
A guide will give you the lay of historic Ybor as you nibble and sip your way to six different tastes, all from a range of restaurants with behind-the-scenes dish on food culture in Ybor and Florida.
Make sure you come with an empty stomach because there will be a lot to eat!
9. Ziplining Near Tampa: My Ziplining Adventure with the Mallorys
Some may not consider this exciting adventure actually in Tampa, but it’s a short jaunt to Oldsmar.
This course is perfect for all you outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers offering a treetop ziplining experience on five ziplines!
This thrilling experience provides breathtaking views over Tampa Bay and the Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve.
10. Ybor Ghost and Pub Crawl
Ybor has too many ghost stories to count! So if you’re into a lot of dark tales visit here.
Why not register for a Ghost and Pub tour!
This guided tour will hit every major Tampa haunted hot spot, and at four different bars along the way.
Trying on costumes makes the guides don’t take themselves too seriously and gives a casual flair to the tour.
11. Family Fun at Zoo Tampa
The zoo is a great family-friendly destination in Tampa. You will find different species of animals from all over the world!
Zoo Tampa also provides the close-up encounters with animals which are the most loved part from children.
12. iFly Tampa Indoor Skydiving Adventure
iFly on Palm River Rd . provides thrill-seekers a fun indoor activity that they’ll by no means forget.
If you want a skydiving-like experience with out having to jump outside of a airplane.
If you always wanted to know how does it feel like free falling but not quite the skydiving type – this is your solution!
No need to jump. Instead you’ll be suited up as any other skydiver would, head into the wind tunnel…
Additionally, the admission ticket further includes two flights as well as a training session with an instructor.
13. Tampa’s Premier Aquarium
Even if you can’t be bothered with the other aquariums in Florida, make time for the one at Tampa. All kinds of sea creatures call it home.
The Florida Aquarium is famous for its conservation program dedicated to sharks and sea turtles.
Visitors can browse the exhibits and participate in interactive activities.
This makes it a great family event if you have young kids in Tampa.
14. Visit the Straz Center for Performing Arts
Located on the Hillsborough River just north of Downtown Tampa is the Straz Center for the Performing Arts: a sprawling campus-style complex where visitors can watch exceptional performances and shows.
One of the largest arts centers in the Southern United States offering a variety of cultural experiences among its 15 facilities.
15. Events at Amalie Arena
Amalie Arena is a multi-purpose location home to events including iceskating, basket ball games and concerts right in the heart of downtown Tampa.
As well as checking what’s on while you’re in Tampa and making sure to attend a show The atmosphere is fantastic!
Performances by a number of big-name stars throughout the years have made for an impressive lineup that reads like who’s-who list if, say, your middle-aged mom has recently decided to run away with a Cher impersonator-by-night named Harry BieberStyles.
16. Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry
Museum of Science and Industry for a fun museum experience that everybody in Tampa will enjoy.
Indeed, it is the best of all, specially for families traveling with kids.
In the museum there are a lot of related activities to see how technology and science work and give you some inspiration.
17. A History Cruise Through Tampa’s Past
History buffs that want to take in the sights of Tampa while learning about its history should hop aboard for a cruise!
That was a great way to mix business with pleasure.
The cruise lasts 90 minutes.
You will then depart downtown and sail the waters of the Hillsborough River for a fully-narrated tour.
18. Enjoy Indoor Golf and More at Top Golf Tampa
At the Top Golf, Tampa has a huge entertainment complex where you can play indoor golf on a full-scale course – no mini-golf allowed!
on top of it you can enjoy meal and drinks The two of you laughed as you marched out the steps, perfect for a rainy day or something to do that was safe and fun with your friends.
19. Tampa’s Renowned Museum of Art
Museum of Art: One of Tampa’s premier sites, the Museum of Art showcases various collections on contemporary and modern art.
By the river this is a great addition after you have walked along the Riverwalk. The museum is open daily.
20. Step inside the Iconic Henry B. Plant Museum
Henry B. Plant Museum One landmark is not to be missed in Tampa! Isn’t this a beautiful building that shows itself!?
It was originally built to be a hotel and is now apart of the University of Tampa. If you are a fan of European architecture, you will like it quite well.
Tampa – Double down in this amazing mansion that combines Victorian and Baroque!
21. Tales of Tampa’s past abound at the nearby History Center
All history-buffs looking to get a better understanding of Tampa’s vibrant past must pay a visit to the Tampa Bay History Center.
The center does an excellent job of summarizing Central Florida’s history from the time of 16th century Spanish conquistadors up to our modern days.
22. Tampa’s Breweries
With 16 breweries around town, Tampa is a drink lover’s paradise. Dozens of these breweries also offer free tours including a free beer. The most famous of these is undoubtedly Tampa Bay Brewing Company. Check out Copper Tail Brewery for a more low key type of experience.
