Top Things to do in Tampa
Located in the southwestern region of Florida, Tampa has all the sunny weather and sandy beaches anyone would love, but off the beaten path are even more great places that deserve a visit. Florida is full of fun and interesting attractions, but Tampa is home to some unexpected sites that are sure to delight the whole family.
A small, stimulating city with an infectious, upbeat mood, it’s well worth a stop: in addition to its fine museums and Busch Gardens, one of the most popular theme parks in the state, it boasts in Ybor City the West Coast’s hippest and most culturally eclectic quarter.
Amusement Parks
One popular tourist attraction is the Busch Gardens. The Busch Garden is a theme park that features many exciting rides, wild animals, and many stages shows that families can watch and enjoy with each other. Another option for families with children is the Adventure Island Amusement Park, which offers not only a wet but also a wild experience. The park is 30 acres in size and has some of the most exciting rides in Florida. With pool slides named Rip Tide and Gulf Scream, you can expect something heart-stopping waiting for you in this park.
- Busch Gardens– One of the most popular amusement parks in the area because of a fascinating mix of rides and exotic animals.
- AirHeads Trampoline Arena– Come to celebrate a birthday or jump and play in a class.
- Adventure Island– Come ready to play and get wet on one of over 20 water rides to keep everyone cool on a hot summer day.
- Dinosaur World– Located on the outskirts of Tampa is a dino experience like no other. Huge life-size replicas of some of the biggest dinosaurs ever found in America.
- Splitsville– When the weather isn’t so nice outside go bowling inside. Food and fun for the whole gang.
Sports and More
Sports fans will find lots of action with the Lightning at St. Pete Times Forum, the Devil Rays at Tropicana Field, the Bucs at Raymond James Stadium, and the Yankees at Legends Field.
- Bayshore Blvd.- Gather the family and go bike riding on the scenic trails of Bayshore Blvd.
- East Bay Raceway Park– For the race car enthusiast, visit the carnival-style raceway. A family-friendly fast track to fun with food vendors and demolition night.
- Steinbrenner Field– The spring training venue of the New York Yankees. A great ball field with games all season long.
- Countryway or Pebble Creek Golf Clubs– Take a golf vacation. Many packages can include family discounts. Beautiful courses at a great price.
- Tampa Bay Downs– For the horse lover the place to be is at the race track. Go any day of the week for family fun. Sundays feature lots of free pony rides and lots of food samples.
Museum Time
The museums of Tampa cannot be missed. They have to be on your list of must-see places. You could gain so much about the history of Florida and Tampa especially.
- Glazer Children’s Museum– The perfect place for children 10 and under where the objective is learning through discovery. Clean and friendly atmosphere with many themed exhibits.
- Tampa Bay History Center– Located in the heart of downtown is a plethora of Florida history and industry. So much to see and do including lunch in the Columbia Café.
- SS American Victory Mariners’ Memorial and Museum Ship– For the sailor or boat lover take a walkthrough on a museum ship featuring artifacts and stories of maritime adventures in the Navy. Be sure to visit the captain’s quarters.
- Wat Mongkolrata Temple–While visiting Tampa, take a walk through Thailand. Learn about the culture, people, and religion all while sampling some authentic foods of the region.
- Tampa Convention Center– There is always a fun event being held downtown. The convention center is a large enclosed arena that holds many shows and festivals year-round.
Lions, Tigers, & Bears
One popular tourist attraction is the Busch Gardens. The Busch Garden is a theme park that features many exciting rides, wild animals, and many stages show that families can watch and enjoy with each other. The Florida Aquarium is another fascinating place to visit when in Tampa. It has more than 10,000 aquatic animals and plants on display for everyone to watch and observe, and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Tampa. Guests can not only look at the plants and animals – but they can also watch animal shows. The most popular one has a diver swimming around in a shark tank.
- Florida Aquarium– Take the kids to see so amazing fish and aquatic animals. Get an annual pass to save money all year and discounts at the gift shop, photo shop, and cafés.
- Lowry Park Zoo– Plan a fun day at the zoo with free parking and low admission prices everyone will enjoy seeing tons of exotic and endangered animals. The dinosaur exhibit does cost a bit extra.
- Big Cat Rescue– If the Serengeti is too far, venture to Big Cat Rescue in Tampa to see some of the most fearsome cats. Their enclosures are large and these beautiful creatures are well taken care of.
- Night Safari at Busch Gardens– If roller coasters are not on the agenda, attend a night safari at Busch Gardens. There are plenty of opportunities to feed the giraffes.
- Manatee Viewing Center- A perfect venue to see manatees in their natural habitat and learn all about their conservation efforts.
Free Activities
- Heritage Village– Pinellas County near Tampa are old homes and antique artifacts. All visitors will learn about what it was like to live one hundred years ago.
- Strawberry Festival– Who doesn’t love free strawberries? A huge indoor and outdoor strawberry gathering featuring plenty to do for the whole gang.
- Gasparilla Pirate Fest– Take the kids to see the biggest pirate parade in Tampa. Over 700 pirates all in one place.
- Tampa Bay Pro-Am- Watch professional golfers in action.
- Sunset Beach– The beach is the perfect place to spend the day swimming in the ocean and enjoy the sun.
There are many tourist attractions in Tampa, like beaches, water sports, shopping, food, golf courses, and others. It is not difficult for anyone to find something that they will enjoy in this city, whether it’s an outdoor or indoor activity.