Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
Just a quick 30-minute drive from the white-sand beaches of Clearwater and St. Pete, I discovered Tampa’s vibrant mix of attractions: thrilling rides at Busch Gardens, fascinating exhibits at the Florida Aquarium, leisurely strolls through historic Ybor City with its cigar shops and Latin cafés, and a magical sunset cruise along the bay. I stayed at the 3-star DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront for four nights and I was captivated by the city’s seamless blend of cultural depth, outdoor adventures, and chic comfort. Here are my favorite attractions I think you’ll love too.
1. Adrenaline and animal encounters at Busch Gardens Tampa
Busch Gardens Tampa was a full-sensory experience, thrilling, colorful, and surprisingly immersive. My son said it was the most fun he ever had! I came for the roller coasters (Iron Gwazi will absolutely wake up your soul), but we stayed longer than I expected, drawn into the animal habitats and African-inspired landscapes.
- Location: 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays to avoid heavy crowds
- Cost: $$–$$$ (park admission varies)
- Hours: Typically 10 AM–6 PM, extended on weekends
My highlight were watching giraffes lumber across the open plain during the Serengeti Safari tour...
2. Tampa Museum of Art
The Tampa Museum of Art sits right on the riverfront, its sleek exterior glowing in the light like a minimalist sculpture in motion. Inside, it was cool and quiet, polished concrete floors, bright gallery spaces, and that unspoken invitation to slow down.
- Location: 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL
- Best Time to Visit: Midday for natural light and quiet
- Cost: $15 for adults (discounts available)
- Hours: Daily 10 AM–5 PM (open late on Thursdays)
The modern and contemporary works had that curated calm I always appreciate, and the classical pieces, especially the Greek and Roman sculptures added weight and contrast.
3. Framed moments at Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts surprised me in the best way. Tucked inside a high-rise downtown, the museum spans a couple of floors with striking images lining each wall...black-and-white portraits, environmental photo essays, street scenes that stop you mid-step.
The space isn’t huge, but it’s powerful. It gives you room to think, to stand quietly with an image and let it unfold. That kind of pause is rare, and it stayed with me.
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts At a Glance
- Location: 400 N Ashley Dr Cube 200, Tampa, FL
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon, post-lunch quiet
- Cost: $10–$12 suggested donation
- Hours: Mon–Sun 12 PM–5 PM
Afterward, I headed to Oxford Exchange, a beautiful, airy café and bookstore hybrid with tile floors and open skylights. I had the grilled cheese with tomato bisque and a lemon-lavender soda, which somehow tasted like a sunny afternoon. It was one of those meals where you finish slower, just to make the moment last.
4. Gentle giants at Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center
I didn’t expect to get emotional watching manatees but there I was, standing at the railing, watching a mother and calf drift gently through the warm water, and I found myself smiling like a kid. This is absolutely a must visit on your Tampa itinerary! You'll be glad you went and you heard it here first.
The Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center is located at the discharge canal of a power station, where the water stays warm year-round, drawing manatees in from colder parts of the bay.
It was quiet, respectful, and a little magical. The boardwalk trails offered shaded walks with views of the estuary, and the butterfly garden was a sweet bonus.
- Location: 6990 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL
- Best Time to Visit: Winter and early spring (manatee season)
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Nov–April, Daily 10 AM–5 PM
After saying a soft goodbye to the manatees, I stopped at Circles Waterfront Restaurant in nearby Apollo Beach. I had the grilled snapper tacos with mango salsa and a side of plantains, eaten with a view of boats bobbing in the marina. It was peaceful, warm, and a little salty from the sea breeze, just what I needed after watching something so tender.
5. Curiosity in every corner at Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
MOSI was like walking into a hands-on playground for the endlessly curious. It’s built for exploration, not just observation, which I loved. From the giant working pulley exhibits to the hurricane simulator to the planetarium dome show, there was this constant buzz of “What if?” and “How does that work?” It’s great for kids, sure, but honestly? I had just as much fun getting into the experiments and science games.
MOSI At a Glance
- Location: 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for smaller crowds
- Cost: $12–$14 for adults (extra for planetarium shows)
- Hours: Wed–Sun 10 AM–5 PM
The robotics and space science exhibits were the standouts for me.
Afterward, I headed to King of the Coop for their famous Nashville hot chicken. I got the medium-heat sandwich with creamy slaw, sweet pickles, and a side of seasoned fries. It was crunchy, spicy, and totally satisfying, the kind of meal that makes you forget how much walking you did until you sit down.
6. Layers of history at Tampa Bay History Center
The Tampa Bay History Center gave me a better sense of this city’s depth, how Indigenous communities, Spanish explorers, Cuban cigar makers, and modern developers all helped shape Tampa into what it is today. The exhibits were immersive and beautifully done, with stories that didn’t just list facts, they brought people’s voices to life. One room held an old wooden boat; another recreated a 1920s cigar shop, really very cool and one of the best attractions in Tampa!
Tampa Bay History Center At a Glance
- Location: 801 Water St, Tampa, FL
- Best Time to Visit: Early afternoon, followed by a riverfront walk
- Cost: $14.95 for adults
- Hours: Daily 10 AM–5 PM
The center’s location right on the water made it even better, you can step out after your visit and just let the breeze carry it all in.
Right next door, I stopped at Columbia Café, a spinoff of Tampa’s iconic Columbia Restaurant. I had the Cuban sandwich and a bowl of their famous 1905 salad with garlic dressing. Eating outside, with the Riverwalk to one side and the echoes of old Tampa still in my head, was the perfect bridge between past and present.
7. Cuban soul at Ybor City Museum State Park
Ybor City Museum State Park is small, tucked into a former bakery building, but it packs a lot of soul. The museum tells the story of the Cuban, Italian, and Spanish immigrants who turned Ybor into a cigar capital, and it’s full of those lived-in details that make history feel personal.
Outside, the gardens are peaceful, with palms and shaded benches perfect for a quiet moment. The whole area around the museum is steeped in heritage, you feel it in the bricks, the streetcars, even the breeze.
Ybor City Museum State Park At a Glance
- Location: 1818 E 9th Ave, Tampa, FL
- Best Time to Visit: Late morning, followed by lunch in Ybor
- Cost: $4 per person
- Hours: Wed–Sun 9 AM–5 PM
After my visit, I walked to La Segunda Central Bakery, just a few blocks away. I grabbed a guava pastry and a café con leche, sat on the sidewalk bench, and just let the day slow down.
8. Sunshine and stillness on the Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk is one of those places where everything slows down. I started walking in the late afternoon, golden light spilling over the Hillsborough River, joggers passing, and the water reflecting palm trees and city buildings in the most beautiful way. There were art installations tucked along the path, musicians playing near Curtis Hixon Park, and kids laughing near the fountains. It's one of the best places in Tampa to enjoy the view.
Tampa Riverwalk At a Glance
- Location: Runs along the Hillsborough River, downtown Tampa
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to sunset
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open 24/7
When the sun started to dip, I slipped into Remedy, a chic little spot right off the Riverwalk. I had the crab cake sliders and a blood orange spritz. I sat outside and watched the city soften into evening, grateful for this stretch of calm carved into the middle of everything.
9. Quiet power at Big Cat Rescue
Visiting Big Cat Rescue was unlike anything else on my Tampa itinerary. It’s not a flashy zoo. It’s a sanctuary, and you feel that difference right away. The big cats here (tigers, lions, bobcats, leopards) are all rescues, living out their days in peace and dignity.
Big Cat Rescue At a Glance
- Location: 12802 Easy St, Tampa, FL
- Best Time to Visit: Morning tours (by reservation only)
- Cost: ~$40 per person (subject to change)
- Hours: Limited hours; check online for available tours
10. Tampa Bay Food Tours
Tampa Bay Food Tours offered a fantastic experience through Tampa's culinary delights. I like the small group size and all the diverse eateries we visited. Phone: 813-310-4401
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
