Things to Do in Tampa, Florida

1. Busch Gardens Tampa

Busch Gardens Tampa is a world-renowned amusement park and one of the best things to do in Tampa, Florida, that offers a wide variety of fun activities and adventures for the whole family. Operated by SeaWorld Entertainment, Busch Gardens Tampa features an array of exclusive park experiences, such as a Serengeti Safari and Guided Adventure Tours, live entertainment and shows, themed rides and special kids’ attractions.

Animal attractions include a Cheetah Run, Bird Gardens, Jambo Junction and Edge of Africa, and a variety of restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops provide all-day dining and shopping for park visitors.

10165 N Malcolm McKinley Dr, Tampa, Florida, Phone: 813-884-4386

2. Tampa Museum of Art

The Tampa Museum of Art is a state-of-the-art museum and one of the top Tampa attractions with a focus on antiquities and modern and contemporary art. Founded in 1979, the Museum aims to present the public with a creative environment in which to explore and enjoy outstanding visual art through a range of permanent and temporary collections and exhibitions.

The Museum also presents an array of educational programs, lectures and workshops throughout the year for both adults and children that celebrate the Museum's collection of ancient art, as well as take an in-depth look at the current exhibitions.

The Tampa Museum of Art is located on the banks of the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa and is open seven days a week.

120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, Florida, Phone: 813-274-8130

3. Florida Museum of Photographic Arts

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) is located in the heart of Tampa’s vibrant Waterfront Arts District and is housed in the architecturally significant Cube building, one of Florida’s most innovative interior spaces. Founded in 2001, the FMoPA is dedicated to exhibiting important photographic art and features a range of historical and contemporary works by nationally and internationally known photographic artists.

Collections are showcased in a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions, and the Museum has hosted over 60 major photographic exhibitions to date. If you are wondering what to do in Tampa today, this is a great place to visit. The FMoPA also provides community-enrichment by offering educational programs, instructor biographies, learnerships, and photography classes for children and adults and hosts weekly, monthly and annual photographic and arts-related events.

1630 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, Phone: 813-221-2222

4. Museum of Science & Industry

The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) is a community-based institution that is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging an interest and understanding of science, industry, and technology.

The Museum is the largest science center in the Southeastern United States and features over 450 interactive and hands-on activities and experiences for visitors to explore and enjoy, such as a drone and robot zone, 3D printing exhibit, live science demonstrations, a working planetarium, a Bio-Works butterfly garden, and daily science talks.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Tampa with the whole family, this is a great place to visit. The museum is also the location of the Florida Hospital DOME Theater, Florida's only IMAX Dome Theatre, which features films, movies and shows.

4801 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida, Phone: 813-987-6000

5. Tampa Bay History Center

The Tampa Bay History Center is a popular history museum that is dedicated to exploring, presenting and preserving the history of the Tampa Bay, its first native inhabitants and the historical figures that played a role in the shaping of the society.

Located on the waterfront in Tampa’s Channelside District, the museum features three floors of permanent and temporary exhibitions spanning 12,000 years of Florida history, as well as an array of interactive, family-friendly activities and displays, cutting-edge presentations and state-of-the-art theaters.

The History Center also boasts the Witt Research Center, an extensive map gallery and event hall, a museum store, and the Columbia Café where patrons can enjoy light meals and beverages. The Tampa Bay History Center is open daily, year-round. For art museum lovers, visit the Contemporary Art Museum.

801 Old Water Street (formerly St. Pete Times Forum Drive), Tampa, Florida, Phone: 813-228-0097

6. Ybor City Museum State Park

Ybor City Museum State Park in Tampa invites you to explore the rich cultural heritage of the National Historic Landmark District of Ybor City. The Museum is located in a 1923-era Ferlita Bakery building in the center of the park and showcases the history of Ybor City, the birth of the cigar industry and the subsequent growth of the town because of it.

Ybor City Museum State Park is also home to a typical ‘casita’, a recreated cigar worker’s house, and beautiful lush Mediterranean-style gardens. Enjoy a guided tour through the park led by knowledgeable park rangers or volunteers, or explore the urban oasis of the Ybor City Historic District. The Museum offers a range of educational programs, workshops, and classes about the history of the District and its reputation as the “Cigar Capital of the World.”

1818 Ninth Avenue, Tampa, Florida, Phone: 813-247-6323

7. Tampa Riverwalk

Tampa Riverwalk is a well-maintained pedestrian pathway that runs along the Hillsborough River and connects downtown Tampa with the city’s lovely waterfront, several public parks, and a variety of hotels, museums, restaurants and other entertainment venues.

Top attractions on the Riverwalk include the Florida Aquarium, the World WAR II American Victory Ship, and the Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, among others.

If you are looking for romantic date ideas in Tampa, this is a great area to explore. Also located along the Riverwalk is the Historical Monument Trail, which is made up of beautiful bronze and marble busts and monuments that showcase the people who played a significant role in the history of Tampa and Hillsborough County.

8. Big Cat Rescue

Big Cat Rescue is an animal sanctuary in Citrus Park dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and housing injured or orphaned native wild cats and other exotic felines. Established in 1992 to fight against and end the private trade and ownership of exotic cats, Big Cat Rescue is now home to more than 100 wild cats, representing 11 species.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of guided tours through the facility, ranging from photographic and keeper tours to feeding and night tours and visit the resident cats, which include tigers, bobcats, cougars and mountain lion.

12802 Easy Street, Tampa, Florida, Phone: 813-920-4130