If you can’t make it to the main location, you might be lucky enough to be stuck in Tampa International Airport’s C Terminal (Southwest Airlines’ hub), where you can buy a six-pack of Jai Alai to go. Plant Museum, and the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts for its Broadway style shows and lively performances. The 20 best things to do in Tampa. Curving its way right through the heart of the Tampa downtown as the Hillsborough River gives way to the water channels of the Garrison Channel, this lively stretch of promenade is one of the nerve centers of local and cultural action in Cigar City. Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center. Walking hand in hand down the Tampa Riverwalk The Riverwalk is a 2.6 mile-long (4.2km) pedestrian trail along the waterfront by the Hillsborough River. Discover 13 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Tampa, Florida from Dysfunctional Grace Art Co. to Mary Hadfield Watt Memorial. Unlock all the family activities Tampa has to offer. This sprawling university campus is the nerve center for the University of South Florida in Tampa. Southshore — Southshore offers something for land lubbers and seafarers alike. The Tampa Theatre plays art house, indepedent and foreign films, along with classic favorites. The cars came to a halt in the 1940s following World War II, but were revived in 2002 to bring nostalgic color and life back to the historic district. Learn more! The Peruvian ceviche is one of the top draws though, while a line-up of South American beers is at hand to wash the lot down! ), and the Primate World, with the likes of black-and-white colobuses, lion tamarins and lemurs swinging about the place. A 200-foot drop. Cue the renaissance of recent decades, when Ybor City has emerged to become one of Tampa’s most happening and fascinating districts. Guests are encouraged to take their time, and even get to choose their own music via private speakers and a push-button selection of tunes. It’s done a lot in recent years to revitalize its once dull reputation as both a spring break and retirement destination. Patrons settle down on the panoramic al fresco deck, where sleek modern furnishings meet the flavors of the Mexican Gulf, watching as the orange-red sun dips low on the horizon. Anyone can take a picture of the Florida skyline, but only a daring few can say that they saw it … Closer to the downtown and an all-new Riverwalk bustles with food vendors touting southern barbeques and all-American mac and cheeses. Other draws include a 60-foot-long coral garden that’s awash with a kaleidoscope of colourful tropical fish and underwater plant life, organised ‘Swim with the Fishes’ excursions that immerse visitors in the environments of the Dry Tortugas reefs, and regular shark dives to get up close with one of the most awe-inspiring predators in the sea. This is where Tampa and the Gulf of Mexico meet, so you can get on the water with a … 1 Review. Given the abundance of dolphin pods in the waters of the Mexican Gulf here, many operators tout dolphin guarantees, while there’s also a chance to see the medley of sea birds and breathe the fresh salt air of southern Florida along the way! Visitors can opt to take full day tours of the sanctuary to see leopards and tigers, lions and bobcats, all housed in enclosures that mimic each cat’s natural habitat. Best Things To Do in Tampa Sightseeing Tickets & Passes. Dedicated to conserving and caring for big cats of all shapes and sizes, the Big Cat Rescue facility in Tampa is now home to more than 80 creatures that have been saved from circus acts, big game hunters, neglectful owners and the like. Whether you're racing through the air on a heart-pounding roller coaster at Busch Gardens ® Tampa Bay, or taking a stroll down the stunning Tampa Riverwalk, you're in for treasures beyond your wildest dreams. Today, the wildlife side of the park showcases everything from reticulated giraffes to rhinos to hippos to Asian elephants to Caribbean flamingos, while the rides include the likes of the Moroccan-themed Gwazi, dipping and dropping at 51 miles per hour, jungle zip lines, loop-de-loops and the all-new Cobra’s Curse – for those who dare! By Emily Nipps Top Things to Do in Tampa, Florida: See Tripadvisor's 293,851 traveller reviews and photos of 656 things to do when in Tampa. multiple locations, Tampa, Florida. When the temperatures in Tampa Bay drop below 63°F (17°C), manatees flock to the Tampa Bay Electric Company (TECO) to warm up in the clean water discharge. Casa de Montecristo by Tampa Humidor - … Not to mention the incredible fun of cruising on a boat, spotting local wildlife, and seeing Tampa from the water. Today, the largest casino in Florida, the Seminole Hard Rock, sits on the property, where visitors can play Vegas-style slots, poker and blackjack. Night safaris and guided photo tours are also on the menu, while an on-site shop and a great volunteer program help keep the not-for-profit institution open. One of the fun things to do in Tampa Bay for kids is seeing the Manatees. Source: This photo of Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center is courtesy of TripAdvisor. Sit in the Tampa Theatre and be entertained by the Mighty Wurlitzer organ pipes while you gaze around at the flamboyantly decorate interior of statues, flowers, stars, gargoyles and other touches that seem to draw from every architectural period in history. A great big wedge of quintessentially Sunshine State wilds that buts up to the northern edge of Tampa city, the Hillsborough River State Park is a patchwork of vine-draped bayous and wetlands, gigantic oak hammocks and mangrove, all hooting with the sounds of tropical birds and the splash of the occasional river alligator. Here's a guide of the experiences you must have in the Tampa Bay area. No vacation is complete without a visit to family attractions like Busch Gardens or the Tampa aquarium. The Cigar City tour takes 30-45 minutes and ends back in the tasting room with a souvenir glass and a beer of your choice. Kids vote this park one of the most fun things to do in Tampa. Eat it with a Cuban coffee at the Columbia, touted as Florida’s oldest restaurant, with Ybor City roots dating back to 1905. Starting with the play pools and fountains of Water Works Park in the north and running all the way to the manicured lawns of Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park in the south, the sun-splashed strip hosts countless picnic spots and food trucks (homemade American mac and cheese and Tex-Mex are just two of the specials to look out for). Including Bayshore Boulevard, Hyde Park Village, Tarpon Springs, Tampa Museum of Art, Riverwalk and more It also hosts a number of community events, including a summer camp for kids. The permanent exhibits chronicle everything from the early days of European exploration in the Americas to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores in the Sunshine State, ranging from the region’s deeper pre-historic past to the military conflicts involving Tampa since the early 19th century onwards. South Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard runs along Hillsborough Bay and is the main drag for the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival (Tampa’s arrrrgh-rated version of Mardi Gras). The river attracts both beginning and advanced paddlers alike, as the river stretches all the way up to Crystal Springs in Pasco County. What’s more, the institution is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, each dotted with honorific statues and carved fountains, one colossal old canon from the Spanish-American War, and countless walking trails through the plane trees and lawns. The Tampa Bay area’s craft beer and microbrew scene has quickly grown, but few are able to replicate the tasty and popular varieties at Cigar City. We found 340 things to do for you near SoHo. 1-813-274-8615. In the last decades it’s grown and expanded immensely, and now includes exhibitions like the Asian Gardens (expect white tigers, Komodo dragons, sloth bears and more), the Safari Africa enclosure (look out for the African penguins and the meerkats below the pretty boughs of the acacia trees! Home » Travel Guides » United States » Florida (FL) » 15 Best Things to Do in Tampa (FL). The fountain splash park makes it a favorite for families, and there are often concerts and “Rock the Park” events at night that make it a lovely stop for couples as well. #11 – Keep Your Eyes Peeled on a Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise. Take the guess work out and grab a CityPASS to get tickets for some of … Treasure Island. Madeira Beach. I didn’t want to create another generic list of “Things to do in Tampa” and list off the same places like Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium. Built in 1926, Tampa Theatre is a passionately protected landmark, a member of the League of Historic American Theatres and one of America’s best-preserved movie palaces. One of downtown Tampa’s biggest criticisms is how the layout of the buildings obstruct the view of the river. For $5, you can get a tour at the Spruce Street brewery and restaurant and sample the Florida Crack Wit, the Northdale Pale Ale and the ever-popular Jai Alai IPA, which is so sought after, the brewery has a hard time keeping up with demand. Looking for fun things to do in Tampa? Dedicated to serving up real Peruvian dishes from the Pacific Coast, the chefs tout a menu of grilled pork chuletas fritas, chicken and potato stews, fresh in-house ensaladas, and juicy Palomilla steaks. Tarpon Springs. At once bustling with commercial shipping and a kaleidoscope of marine wildlife, the waters of Port Tampa Bay offer a unique opportunity for travelers to catch a glimpse of wild dolphins in their natural habitat. With Tampa’s natural beauty, cultural history and tourist attractions, there’s always a new adventure to have.Here are some of the top things to do and see while in Tampa. Search for restaurants, hotels, museums and more. Boasting 178 square miles lined with vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and coral formations, it is the only living reef in the United States. Once upon a time the area of Ybor City was the cigar factory for all America. 5300 Interbay Blvd., Tampa, Florida, 33611. First opened in 1959, the attraction has since swelled to cover a whopping 136 hectares on the northern fringes of Tampa. Busch Gardens remains one of the most iconic theme parks in all of America. Home to more than 30,000 students during term time, its forever expanding grounds encompass in excess of 160 buildings and some of the most respected research institutions in the Sunshine State (especially that acclaimed architecture school – said to be one of the finest in the US!). The small, few-block district also has a chocolate shop, elegant but not overly expensive restaurants and bars, a dog boutique and other unique shops that make for a nice girls’ day out or a fun stroll with the family. For how lovely Tampa’s weather is for most of the year, it’s surprising how few outdoor shopping spots there are. Pick up some Publix subs, lay a blanket down in the grass and relax. Retirees come in busses and bachelor and bachelorette parties come in droves, but it’s also a cool place to visit if you’re into rock n’ roll memorabilia and live music. Although best known for aged steaks and extensive wine list, locals know a great treat is to swing by for a visit to the Harry Waugh Dessert Room, made up of many little intimate rooms for parties to enjoy a unique end to dinner. Throw back a Red Stripe and catch a Grateful Dead cover band, or just enjoy the “cracker-style” wooden plank décor and order some fried gator tail and Key lime pie. It goes through most of downtown Tampa from the Channelside District all the way to the Tampa Convention Center, then north up to the Water Works Park in Tampa Heights. Known as the “winter strawberry capital of the world,” more than three-quarters of the nation’s midwinter strawberries come from Plant City. Expect preserved historical documents, relics of the Seminole tribespeople, and a regular offering of temporary exhibitions that showcase the successes of modern archaeology and historical research in the area. After Indian remains were found during some construction downtown, the remains were moved to a nearby location off Interstate 4 and the spot was granted Seminole Tribe reservation status. Three minutes. Find activities in South Tampa with Expedia. But we Tampa natives know that basically means Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, and Pasco counties! 40 Places to See in Florida Before Your Kids Grow Up, 25 Most Beautiful Medieval Castles in the World, 15 Best Things to Do in Garden City (Idaho), 15 Best Things to Do in Mountain Home (Idaho), 15 Best Things to Do in Blackfoot (Idaho), See corals and crabs at the Florida Aquarium, Have a tipple at the Tampa Bay Brewing Company, Unravel Tampa’s past at the Tampa Bay History Center, Get in touch with you wild side at Big Cat Rescue, Cool off from the sun at the Adventure Island water park, Go off-road at the Hillsborough River State Park, Immerse yourself in the streets of historic Ybor City, See the sheer extent of the University of South Florida Tampa campus, Enjoy a meal over Tampa Bay at Oystercatchers, Sample the delights of Peru at Happy Fish Tampa Authentic Peruvian Cuisine, Wonder at the designs and the history at the Henry B. Off the west coast of Florida, alongside the Gulf of Mexico, is Tampa – a large and bustling city full of commerce and culture. As one of the most beloved and gorgeous landmarks in Tampa, the carefully preserved “TAMPA” sign and old-time marquis out front reels you in, but it’s the inside that takes your breath away. North America’s first “dive coaster” once held world records in speed and length (faster and longer dive coasters have since been built), and it’s still considered one of the top coasters in the U.S. ), a consensus has been reached over what makes a real Tampa Cuban: ham, pork, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on high quality, fresh Cuban bread. The “Skipperdome” at Skipper’s Smokehouse, where visitors can hear a variety of musical genres, including rock, blues, funk, bluegrass, worldbeat, Americana, rockabilly or swing. Sweet and delicious, the berries make their way into everything from cobblers to muffins to martinis, but one of the more popular ways to consume them is via milkshake. With exhibitions focussed on the wetland habitats of Florida itself, complete with snapping gators, exotic otters and a duo of particularly formidable Burmese pythons, along with sections dedicated to shoreline ecosystems and collections detailing the character of the deep ocean, the Florida Aquarium is the go-to place in Tampa for exploring the sea. Largo. Off the beaten path and tucked away from most of the city’s nightlife action, Skipper’s has been attracting the best blues, rock, reggae, bluegrass and folk music acts since 1980. The stretch of … Check out the bored and lazy-looking alligators, who will all but ignore you even if you accidentally skim across their snouts. The Cuban sandwich at the Columbia Restaurant in Tampa was known as the “Mixto” when it was created in the 1890s for cigar workers as they walked to and from work. Situated amidst the shops and arcades of the lively Channelside District, this all-encompassing institution is the go-to place for visitors looking to understand more about the history of Tampa and south-central Florida as a whole. Learn more! 4. Have a memorable, dreamy date with the 10 Best Romantic Things to Do in Tampa, picked by a 10Best local expert. The zoo has a surprisingly vast and varied array of animals for its small-ish size. The Tampa Bay Brewing Company first began creating its in-house batches of craft ale in 1995, driven by a perceived local demand for bespoke beers. But we arrived at the perfect time of year. If you can stomach dizzying heights, exhilarating twists and turns and a few hard plunges, ShieKra is one of the most fun things to do in Tampa and will not disappoint even the most jaded of thrill ride connoisseurs. The museum restored several of the rooms to replicate its glory days and honor its use during the Spanish-American War. Sam Aden, of Tampa, carries a tray of food from the restaurant at Skipper’s Smokehouse Restaurant & Oyster Bar. Seventy miles per hour. Saint Pete Beach. Busch Gardens Tampa is the ultimate family adventure park, featuring an unparalleled combination of animal encounters, live entertainment and world-class thrill rides. All rights reserved. We’re glad that you are here! It’s a popular spot for runners, skaters, cyclists, strollers, dog-walkers and anyone else looking for some fresh air, and its iconic decorative concrete balustrade is one of the most recognizable architectural features in Tampa. Brandon. Barnes & Noble. Daily tours are offered by student guides when the college is in session, while simply taking a stroll around the fountain-dotted campus, between the racquetball courts and meandering water channels of the Hillsborough River, is a pleasure in itself! Busch Gardens . The hotel is now the University of Tampa’s Plant Hall, where the Henry B. It’s a fun way to get from Ybor to downtown, Channelside and Harbour Island, and whole day passes are only $5. It’s one of the best things to do in Tampa with kids for free and it’s open from November to mid-April. Along the walk, you’ll find yourself treated to many other attractions that are also detailed in this write-up. The demand was real, and today TBBC is one of the most successful local microbrews in the city, offering a whopping eight regular labels and countless seasonal tipples to boot. Copyright © 2021 VISIT FLORIDA. Meanwhile, Ybor City is awash with happening cafes and eateries, all bubbling beneath the red-brick shells of historic cigar factories (the erstwhile boom industry of the city as a whole). In short, it’s American seafood meets fine-dining meets perfect views of the Florida coast. 3 minutes from SoHo. Plant Museum. As the debate roars on over which Florida city is the true birthplace of the Cuban sandwich (Miami or Tampa? Carrollwood Village Park. For thrill seekers, however, Empower Adventures Tampa Bay is one of the best things to do in Tampa. 937 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606-2418. 1-800-843-2665. Ride into the wilds at Busch Gardens. Hyde Park Village is one of the top shopping malls in … Streetcars were an important part of Ybor history, transporting cigar factory workers to and from their workplace and outlying neighborhoods. Extra activities include the chance to get up-close-and-personal with endangered tortoises, a number of rides and feeding programs to boot. Looking for things to do in South Tampa? As one of the oldest state parks in the region, the spot is hailed as one of the last vestiges of the real Florida. 12 things that are among the most fun things to do in Tampa and ways to save money while you're at it. Learn more in our Cookie Notice and our Privacy Policy. Plant City. Not so at Curtis Hixon, which provides a beautiful view of the water and University of Tampa minarets during the day and an even more beautiful sight at night. It’s famed for its fusion of adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters and wildlife exhibitions, with the legendary Serengeti Plain enclosure hailing in as one of the first in the world to offer animals free roaming in a mock-up of their original habitat. Joined at the hip to uber-popular Busch Gardens on the northern fringes of Tampa, the Adventure Island water park is a fine place to come to cool off in those sultry summer days. Popular items on the menu at Skipper’s include conch fritters and crispy hush puppies, and several distinctly bayou-based offerings, such as crawfish and a Cajun po’ boy sandwich.
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