Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
Just a quick 30-minute drive from the white-sand beaches of Clearwater and St. Pete, we love Tampa’s awesome 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 on my recent road trip 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.
Best Things to Do in Tampa
Best Time to Visit
I’ve always found that winter through early spring (December–April) is the best time to visit "The Big Guava" because the weather is warm but not scorching, and you’ll love how alive the city feels with festivals, outdoor dining, and waterfront walks.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: I usually take Interstate 275 or I-4, which connect easily to downtown Tampa because the roads are smooth and well-marked, and you’ll find plenty of scenic spots along the way if you’re driving in from Orlando or St. Petersburg.
- By Plane: I typically fly into Tampa International Airport (TPA) and it’s one of the most convenient airports I’ve used, only about 15 minutes from downtown, with tons of direct flights from across the country.
- By Bus: Greyhound and Megabus both have routes into Tampa and they’re reliable and drop you close to the downtown area.
Where to Stay
- Tampa Marriott Water Street – I love staying here for the waterfront views and proximity to Amalie Arena and the Riverwalk. It’s perfect if you want to be in the center of everything.
- 3-star Fairfield Inn & Suites Tampa Westshore – I like this spot when I want something practical and close to the airport. It’s comfortable, clean, and convenient for quick trips.
- 3-star Residence Inn Tampa Downtown – This one’s great for families or longer stays and you’ll appreciate the full kitchens and easy access to downtown attractions...I sure do when I’m in town for more than a few days.
Best Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
1. Busch Gardens Tampa
This place was a full-sensory experience, thrilling, colorful, and surprisingly immersive. My son said it was the most fun he'd 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
Rising along the river like a jewel-box of creativity, the Tampa Museum of Art feels like one of the most inspiring art hubs in the region. I think it’s one of the absolute best things to do in Tampa for anyone who loves variety. Why? Because you get everything from Greek and Roman antiquities to modern paintings, photography and new-media installations, all in a building whose architecture alone feels like part of the art.
This museum sat 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)
My favorite highlight were the Greek and Roman sculptures.
3. Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
This museum surprised me in the best way and in quickly became of of my favorite attractions in the city. 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 that completely won me over.
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.
- 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. Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center
Tucked beside the water where warm currents flow back into Tampa Bay, the Manatee Viewing Center feels like a hidden refuge for both animals and people. I think it’s one of the best spots in Florida for wildlife watching without deep planning. The warm canal draws manatees when bay waters cool — so you get to see these gentle giants in a naturally beautiful, serene environment, far removed from crowded beaches or busy tourist hubs.
- 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. Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
This place was like walking into a hands-on playground for the endlessly curious and it was my son's favorite stop in Tampa! 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.
- 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. Tampa Bay History Center
Ready for a cultural outing that’s more than just sightseeing? Check out the Tampa Bay History Center — a real standout! This place 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!
- 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. Ybor City Museum State Park
This park is small, tucked into a former bakery building, but it packs a lot of soul and it's one of my favorite stops in Tampa! 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 and my favorite highlight, 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.
- 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. Tampa Riverwalk
Stretching along the Hillsborough River like Tampa’s scenic front porch, the Riverwalk feels like one of the most unspoiled urban trails in the region, and I think it’s one of the best places to really experience the city. Why? Because it gives you miles of uninterrupted walkway, peaceful water views, and that laid-back Florida vibe far removed from crowded attractions. It’s the kind of place where you can wander slowly and let the city unfold around you.
- 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. Big Cat Rescue
Visiting this place was unlike anything else on my Tampa itinerary and I absolutely loved it! It’s not a flashy zoo. Instead, 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.
- 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
Ready for a flavorful night out? Check out Tampa Bay Food Tours — a real standout. I love how it blends culinary exploration, neighborhood charm, and a bit of adult-beverage fun. From tapas or coastal bites to craft beers or wine, each stop feels curated and the guides add context that turns a simple meal into a mini-adventure through the region’s culture.
This company 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.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
