Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
Just a quick 30-minute drive from the white-sand beaches of Clearwater and St. Pete, Florida we found Tampa’s awesome mix of attractions. 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 atmosphere. Here are my favorite things to do in Tampa that I hope you’ll love too.
Busch Gardens Tampa
I adored this place with our son who said it was the most fun he'd ever had! This place was a full-sensory experience, thrilling, colorful, and surprisingly immersive.
I came for the roller coasters (Iron Gwazi will absolutely wake up your soul), but we stayed longer than I expected.
My highlight were watching giraffes lumber across the open plain during the Serengeti Safari tour...
Tampa Museum of Art
I fell hard for this exceptional museum and I thought it was one of the most inspiring art hubs in the region!
I think Tampa Museum of Art is 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...
My favorite highlight were the Greek and Roman sculptures.
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
I was wowed by the uniqueness of this place and the museum 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.
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.
Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center
This is one of the most incredible places I've ever seen on vacation. The Manatee Viewing Center was a hidden gem and a refuge for both animals and people. It's totally free to visit! You really can't miss it.
It's located where warm currents flow back into Tampa Bay. I'm convinced 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.
Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
This place was my son's favorite stop in Tampa! It’s built for exploration, not just observation, which we both 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.
The robotics and space science exhibits were the standouts for me.
Tampa Bay History Center
I fell hard for this place and its immersive exhibits!
Ready for a cultural outing that’s more than just sightseeing? Check out the Tampa Bay History Center — a real standout!
This place gave us 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!
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 in the Florida sun was the best.
Ybor City Museum State Park
This was one of the most charming city parks I've ever visited. This park was small (a former bakery building). The museum tells the story of the Cuban, Italian, and Spanish immigrants who turned Ybor into a cigar capital. To me, it 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...
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.
Tampa Riverwalk
I thought I was in a dream when I visited Tampa’s Riverwalk which I think is one of the best in the world!
Stretching along the Hillsborough River, it gives you miles of walkway and peaceful water views. It’s the kind of place where you can wander slowly and for free!
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.
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.
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 and neighborhood vibes. From tapas or coastal bites to craft beers or wine, each stop feels curated. I loved the way the guides add context that turned a simple meal into a mini-adventure through the region’s culture.
I thought that Tampa Bay Food Tours was one of the best things to do in Tampa, Florida. This company offered a fantastic experience through Tampa's culinary delights. I loved the small group size and all the diverse eateries we visited. Phone: 813-310-4401
