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Things to do in Tampa

Things to do in  Tampa

Hot weather, hotter nightlife

Tampa is a tough city to tie down. Many travelers hardly see more than the Florida Aquarium or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay amusement park before departing for a cruise, while others visit for an MLB, NHL, or NFL game and then make a beeline to the beaches. Drop anchor in the Channelside District, and you’ll be overwhelmed with so many fun things to do in Tampa. In Ybor City, you can enjoy Cuban sandwiches and cigars, experience paddleboarding beneath the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and partake in numerous food, music, and cultural festivals at Curtis Hixon Park year-round.

Top 15 attractions in Tampa

All about Tampa

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When to visit

Raise a sail and chart a course here in the winter. Gasparilla Pirate Fest brings family-friendly revelry to the city every year. Events include a boat full of buccaneers invading the Bay, taking over the city for a day of pirate-themed parties and parades.

Gasparilla events actually take place for months, so visiting in spring means you can still experience the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. March also hosts the pride festival and parade, as well as the Mayor’s River O’Green Fest.

Getting around

If you’ve brought your car—or even your bike, boat, or kayak—then you already have everything you need to explore the beautiful city and surroundings. Water taxis, Zipcar car shares, Coast Bike Share, and multiple bus routes are affordable, accessible, and reliable. A ride on the historic TECO Line from downtown’s Channel District to Ybor City is a must—especially if happen to be fond of mojitos and cigars.

Traveler tips

Downtown has a handful of amazing attractions, from NHL games at Amalie Arena to animal encounters at the Florida Aquarium. The hallmark sights aren’t in the center of the city: Busch Gardens’ theme park features roller coasters and ZooTampa at Lowry Park has ample animals. Both are in the north while the NFL stadium is west of downtown. MLB games throw out pitches in nearby St. Petersburg, but the short drive is worth it. St. Pete is also home to the Salvador Dalí Museum and access to the famous Clearwater Beach.

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People Also Ask
Q:What is Tampa known for?
A:

Tampa is known for its championship sports teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays (baseball), Lightning (ice hockey), and Buccaneers (football); Busch Gardens theme park; and the cigar factories of Ybor City. Visitors often choose Tampa for its proximity to Orlando and Clearwater, plus attractions such as the Florida Aquarium and Adventure Island water park.

Q:Is there anything to do in Tampa?
A:

Whether you have a full week or a single day, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Tampa. Major attractions such as the Tampa Riverwalk, ZooTampa, and Busch Gardens will fill the day. Exploring Ybor City and Sparkman Wharf, and spotting sea turtles at the Gulf beaches are also must-dos.

Q:How do I spend a weekend in Tampa?
A:

Spend a weekend exploring more than just downtown. Sports fans shouldn’t miss a Tampa Bay Lightning game, especially given the arena’s location in the Channel District. A visit to nearby Clearwater Beach is a must, as is a trip to Hillsborough River for nature lovers.

Q:What should I not miss in Tampa?
A:

If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Tampa, it’s a day exploring the Ybor City neighborhood. This compact area is a National Historic Landmark District and is accessible via a paid trolley from downtown Tampa. International cultures, especially Cuban, take center stage here.

Q:What food should I try in Tampa?
A:

Tampa has a variety of tasty treats for foodies. The bay surrounding the city, coupled with the nearby Gulf of Mexico, brings fresh seafood to the table. You’ll find international cuisine throughout downtown and at Armature Works, but foodies must try the original Cuban sandwich in Ybor City.

Q:Is it worth visiting Tampa?
A:

Tampa should absolutely be on your travel list. This expansive city in Central Florida offers a variety of attractions, including cultural gems like the Glazer Children's Museum, top-tier sports teams, waterfront dining, and convenient access to Gulf Coast beaches. Ybor City, one of Tampa’s lively neighborhoods, embraces Cuban culture and its famous cigars.