Since one of my closest friends moved to Tampa, we’ve been on a mission to search out the best things to do in Tampa, FL on my yearly obligatory trip to the state (which, let’s be honest, is usually for Disney World!).
This list is made from hours of research, multiple trips, and insider insight. And it’s not limited to the city itself, because some of the best things to do are just outside of Tampa. But no worries, because I’ll tell you how to get around as well!
So whether you’re visiting for business and just need a few easily accessible activities in your free time, or you’re planning a family vacation to somewhere warm, I’ve got everything you need to plan the best Tampa vacation!
What’s in this Article:
- Things to Do in Tampa
- Places to Eat in Tampa
- Day Trips from Tampa
- Best Time of Year to Visit
- How to Get Around
- Where to Stay
Things to Do in Tampa, FL
My first trip to Tampa was with my family on my father’s business trip. My mom and siblings and I kept ourselves busy walking along the riverwalk, taking the trolley, and visiting museums that were right downtown.
Since then, I’ve explored more of the greater Tampa/St. Pete area with my local friend. This list will start with attractions that are closest to downtown, and spread out from there.
Map of things to do in Tampa, FL
- Green: Things to Do
- Brown: Day Trips
- Orange: Places to Eat
Walk Along the Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk is the heart of Tampa, Florida. It runs through the city, past many of the best things to do in Tampa. It’s the perfect spot for a stroll, jog, bike ride, to take pictures, see artwork, and visit the best Tampa attractions.
The Tampa Riverwalk runs from the South Plaza (near the Tampa Bay History Center), to Armature Works, the fun food hall and destination at the north end of the walkway. You can pick it up anywhere along this route.
Find all the Sculptures
There could be a whole article written just about things to do along the Tampa Riverwalk, but one of the best things to do is to take selfies with all the sculptures and artworks.
There’s the historical monument trail, plus a variety of art installations you can find throughout the walkway.
Visit a Museum
There are a lot of fun museums to visit in Tampa, and most of them are right along the riverwalk. Here are some options:
- Tampa Bay History Center-This local history museum is right at the start of the riverwalk. Learn about the history of Florida, from prehistoric skeletons, to its discovery by Europeans, and of course, pirates!
- Bonus: You can also take historical walking tours of Tampa through the history center.
- Tampa Museum of Art-If art is your thing, be sure to stop by the newly renovated Tampa Museum of Art, which overlooks the riverwalk. Or attend one of their many events.
- Glazer Children’s Museum-Great for families looking for things to do in Tampa, this fun museum is right along the river, with dancing fountains out front!
- Henry B. Plant Museum-This is a unique museum housed in an old 1890s Victorian hotel built by Henry Plant. It’s on the University of Tampa campus, and limited parking is available right out front, or free parking in the garage on North Blvd. and North A St.
- Florida Museum of Photographic Arts-When I visited Tampa in college as a photo major, I had to visit the FMoPA! I honestly don’t remember much about it, except that I was proud 21-year-old me navigated myself there… (this one isn’t on the riverwalk). And there was a really nice installation by local grade school students.
See a Show at the Historic Tampa Theatre
The Tampa Theatre was listed as one of the “10 Most Beautiful Cinemas in the World” by the BBC!! It is so unique and opulent inside (which seems an ironic venue for viewing Youtube famous “Dude Dad…”)!
Be sure to check out the show schedule to see if there are any movies or lives shows you’ll want to see while you visit Tampa.
Or, you can also book a guided tour of the theater. They do tours a few times a month, and they fill up quickly, so be sure to book ahead of time.
- Pro Tip: When we were last minute trying to find a tour, we saw that Dude Dad was playing the next night, so we decided to buy tickets. The tickets available online were crazy expensive, so we just went to the actual box office out front and bought our tickets… gasp… in person! Which were normal priced with plenty available.
The Florida Aquarium
One of the most famous things to do in Tampa is the Florida Aquarium. This popular aquarium is just before the start of the riverwalk in downtown Tampa.
- Pro Tip: If you’re planning on doing a lot of the popular Tampa attractions, look into getting a Tampa Bay City Pass to save money.
- Some hotels offer deals included with your Florida Aquarium ticket purchase.
Explore Ybor City
On our first visit to Tampa in 2013, our friends who used to live there recommended visiting Ybor City. So mom and I took the streetcar from our downtown hotel over to this historic neighborhood.
What is Ybor City
Ybor City (pronounced EE-bore) was founded by Vincente Martinez-Ybor in the late 1800s. The area was known for its cigar factories, which employed thousands of Cuban, Spanish and Italian immigrants. It boomed until the Great Depression, after which the area fell into decline.
- Fun Fact: Cigar rollers were some of the most highly educated workers, because the company owners hired people to read out loud to the men while they rolled cigars.
In the 1980s and 90s, local artists moved into Ybor City to revitalize it and make it the lively neighborhood it is today. The historic district is registered as a national historic landmark.
Things to Do in Ybor City
There are a ton of fun things to do in the Ybor City neighborhood. Here are some ideas:
- Ybor City Museum State Park
- J.C. Newman Cigar Company Museum
- Explore local shops on 7th Ave.
- Try a famous restaurant or bakery (& get a Cuban sandwich!)
- Visit a comedy club or movie theater
Is Ybor City Safe?
Ybor City has a bit of a reputation, mostly for its nightlife. I’m honestly not the kind of person who enjoys bars & nightlife activities (give me coffee shops and cozy bookstores!), so I’ve only visited the area during the day.
My mom and I visited in 2013, and my local friend and I drove around to Elevenses Co. recently. The cafe was in a nice area, and felt perfectly safe. Ybor City is a popular tourist destination, and is a good place to go during the day for food and shopping.
According to reviews on Reddit, Ybor’s reputation is mostly for its nightlife, and is mostly based on what it was like in the 90s. People generally say to not go out alone, and use common sense.
Zoo Tampa
I know there are zoos everywhere, and they aren’t necessarily the most unique attraction (although my husband always wants to visit a zoo in a new city!).
But Zoo Tampa is special, because it has its own Disney+ show!!! So you can literally see penguins that you also saw on Disney+!!! (and any zoo that has penguins is worth visiting in my book).
- Pro Tip: If you’re planning on doing a lot of the popular Tampa attractions, look into getting a Tampa Bay City Pass to save money.
Take a Cruise
I don’t know if cruising counts as a thing to do in Tampa… but it is a cruise port, so you can board a cruise ship right in downtown Tampa, FL!
You could plan a trip to visit Tampa, and then add on to it with a Caribbean cruise!
Places to Eat in Tampa, FL
Honestly, these all could fit under the “things to do in Tampa” category since eating is one of the best things to do! And because there are some cool and unique places to eat in Tampa, FL.
But, for the sake of organization, let’s just list all of these cool foodie locations together:
Armature Works
I mentioned Armature Works earlier, as it is one end of the Tampa Riverwalk. My local friends took me here for lunch (since their local friends recommended it when they first moved here!).
Armature Works is an old warehouse that is now home to an epic food court of international cuisine. There are so many great options, not to mention the other sit down restaurants scattered about nearby.
Plus, there are games and boat rentals on the waterfront right outside. Or you can just take a stroll along the river to walk off some of that amazing food you just ate.
- Good to Know: There is a large parking lot and street parking available here. You pay at the kiosks.
Oxford Exchange
My friend was so excited to take me to Oxford Exchange. Justifiably so, since it’s a book store, coffee shop, tea shop, restaurant, wine bar, gift shop in one, in a gorgeous building. It’s pretty much the best place ever.
You can just walk in and visit the coffee shop or browse the gift shop. Or make reservations for the dining room. It’s an ideal spot for brunch.
- Good to Know: Oxford Exchange is right by the University of Tampa campus, and the Henry B. Plant Museum. There is paid street parking available, or if you are visiting the Plant Museum, you can park for free at the parking garage on North Blvd. and North A St.
Elevenses Co.
Listen. This is a Lord of the Rings cafe that sometimes does Gilmore Girls pop up menus.
In other words… a cafe after my own heart!!!
Elevenses is not necessarily Lord of the Rings or Gilmore Girls themed, as the menu changes monthly. But you will always find little references to both franchises (especially considered it’s named Elevenses!). You can even get a little “Luke’s” sticker to put on your coffee cup!!!
We visited in January for my birthday (and theirs!) because there were doing a Hobbit birthday themed menu that I couldn’t pass up! But honestly, visit any time. Their food is delicious, and their cakes are stunning!
- Free parking is available on the street.
The Columbia & Ybor City
There are a lot of restaurants in Ybor City, Tampa (including Elevenses!). This article by a local lists out the 16 best Ybor City restaurants to try. One of the most famous and iconic restaurants in Ybor City is The Columbia, the oldest continually operated restaurant in Florida!
Four Green Fields
I recognized this cute pub when we passed its riverwalk location from my first trip to Tampa. Although we visited one of its other locations (twice in one day!), the cute thatched roof was easily recognizable.
Chain Restaurants to Try
These are a few small chains that you will only find in the south, or in a few places world-wide, that my local friend wanted to make sure I tried while in the Tampa area:
Day Trips from Tampa, FL
There are so many great things to do in Tampa that are just a bit outside of the city. Not to mention there are even more destinations (including Disney World!) in under a 2 hour drive!
Visit Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the US. It’s about a 45 min. drive from downtown Tampa. You can park at the Clearwater Beach Parking Lot.
- Good to Know: Clearwater was hit hard by Hurricane Helene, and is still rebuilding after the damage from the storm.
- Fun Fact: Clearwater Marine Aquarium was home to Winter the Dolphin, an injured dolphin with a prosthetic tail, as seen in the movie Dolphin Tale.
Explore St. Petersburg
St. Pete’s is just across the bay from Tampa, so I basically consider them all the same area (though it is a bit of a drive!). There are so many great things to do in St. Petersburg (and some really delicious food!!).
- Good to Know: If you don’t have a car or don’t want to drive, you can take the cross bay ferry from Tampa to St. Pete.
- Visit the Florida Sunken Gardens
- Explore the Dali Museum
- Wander through artsy neighborhoods
- Eat at The Library (sister restaurant to Oxford Exchange)
- Eat at Hawkers Asian Street Fare (SO good!!)
See the Manatees
There are lots of places near Tampa, FL where you can see manatees during the winter. Here are some of the best places to go:
See the Mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs
After watching the mermaid documentary on Netflix, I was super excited to visit Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and see the mermaid show! Weeki Wachee is just about an hour north of Tampa, and is an easy day trip from the city.
You can also group this with a trip to Mertailor’s Mermaid Encounter, another 30 minutes north of Weeki Wachee.
Search for Treasure at the Lakeland Antique Mall
The Lakeland Antique Mall is about a 45 min. drive from downtown Tampa. It’s on the way to Disney from Tampa, and is a perfect stop if you’re a Disney fan (which I am!).
What’s special about the antique mall is that they have a whole range of paraphernalia to used to belong to Disney. We’re talking curtains from the Animal Kingdom Lodge, cushions from chairs at the Beach Club Resort, leftover mugs from special events at the parks. And, if you’ve brought enough room in your suitcase… an original log from the Splash Mountain ride!!!
Among other (non-Disney) things.
So yeah. It’s a good stop on your way to Disney World. Or just as a quick day trip from Tampa.
Disney World (or Universal)
While I suggest spending more than one day at Disney, it is absolutely possible to day trip to Disney World from Tampa (or vice versa). Or maybe just add a few days in Disney onto your Florida vacation.
Plus, if you have been to Disney too many a lot of times, one day can be enough to get your Disney fix while you’re in Florida for other reasons.
Here are some of my top Disney travel guides:
- Resort Hopping at Disney World
- Free & Cheap Things to Do at Disney
- How to Get to the Boardwalk at Disney
- The Complete Guide to Disney Transportation
- Universal vs. Disney
Best Time of Year to Visit Tampa, FL
Weather in Tampa, FL
The weather in Tampa is amazing! In February, that is. Tampa, like the rest of Florida, is generally warm all year. That being said, it can get cold in January (it was in the 40s (F) the week before I visited this year). And it can be extremely hot in the summer.
I have personally been to Tampa in June, and loved it (but I do enjoy hot, humid weather… which doesn’t seem to be normal). Usually we go in February (which is a little cold for me).
I would say the best time to visit Tampa is February-May, while kids are in school, the weather is warm, but not too hot, and hurricane season hasn’t officially started.
Hurricane Season
Tampa does get hurricanes. While hurricanes are unpredictable and can occur outside of the “season,” they typically occur between June-November, the worst time being between August-October.
Manatee Viewing Season
Manatees escape the colder ocean waters during the winter months to find solace in warm inland bays. You can potentially see manatees anytime in the winter, but January is the best month for manatee viewing.
Festivals in Tampa
You may want to plan your Tampa visit around a festival (or avoid the festival, if you don’t like crowds…).
The most popular Tampa festival is Gaparilla, celebrating their pirate heritage, which takes place at the end of January. There is also a family friendly version of Gasparilla the week before.
Here are some of the events in Tampa:
- Gasparilla Pirate Fest in January
- Florida State Fair in February
- Ybor City Fiesta Day in February
- Florida Strawberry Festival in February/March
- Tampa Riverfest in May
How to Get Around Tampa, FL
It is pretty easy to get around downtown Tampa. If you want to visit other places like Clearwater Beach, St. Pete’s or Weeki Wachee Springs, you will need a rental car. But if you’re just staying in the Tampa area, it’s easy to get around by walking or using public transportation.
Walking
When we stayed in downtown Tampa, we walked almost everywhere. It was easy to walk to restaurants and some of the museums from our downtown hotel.
Now that I visit with my local friend, it’s easy to find street parking at a central spot downtown, and then walk from there. For example, we parked on a street next to the Tampa Theater to visit the box office, and then walked along the river.
TECO Line Streetcar
The streetcar, or trolley is a free way to get around Tampa! My mom and I took it from downtown to explore Ybor City.
Pirate Water Taxi
The Pirate Water Taxi is the best way to get around Tampa! It goes along the river, to all the best things to do in Tampa, from Armature Works to the Plant Museum, to the convention center and beyond.
You can purchase an all day pass and hop on and off whenever, or just pay for one ride. Tickets can be bought on their website, on board, or at the home dock at the convention center, so it couldn’t be easier!
- Pro Tip: The all-day pass is by far the best value, as you only need two rides to get your money’s worth.
Cross Bay Ferry
If you want to visit St. Pete and you don’t want to drive, you can take a cross bay ferry from Tampa to St. Petersburg (and back).
Where to Stay in Tampa, FL
These days, I just stay with my local friends (I love me a free place to stay!). But if I were to choose a hotel in Tampa, it would definitely be one on/close to the riverwalk! Our first trip to Tampa, we stayed at the Embassy Suites, which was close to the convention center.
Embassy Suites
My family stayed at the Embassy Suites by the convention center when we came for my dad’s conference. It was right next door to the convention center, and easy to walk to the Tampa Riverwalk. We walked to different restaurants from here, and took the trolley to Ybor City. They even have free breakfast! It is a great hotel for staying in Tampa, though a bit pricey, and parking is also expensive.
The Barrymore Hotel
Located further along the riverwalk, and close to the children’s museum and Straz Center for Performing Arts is the Barrymore Hotel. It has very good reviews, and an affordable price. You do have to pay for parking, but it is only $10 a day.
There are plenty of other great hotels along the river in downtown Tampa, so be sure to browse through them to find the fit that’s best for you!
As you can see, there are so many great things to do in Tampa, FL and the surrounding areas! It’s the perfect place to plan a trip.
Any more questions?
If you have any more questions about planning a visit to Tampa, feel free to email me or comment below (or if you have any more ideas of things to do in Tampa!).
Planning to visit Tampa?
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You might also like:
- Review of the Weeki Wachee Mermaid Show
- Universal vs. Disney
- How to Save Money at Disney World
- Resort Hopping at Disney
- How to Throw a Hobbit Party
Julia is a travel blogger with a Bachelor’s Degree in photography from Indiana Wesleyan University. She worked as a professional photo-retoucher for seven and a half years, before leaving the company to work in the travel industry. She now works at a historic 1800’s hotel. When she’s not working, she’s reading fantasy novels or classic literature, and planning trips to magical destinations.
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