Welcome to the vibrant city of Florida! Whether you’re a native Tampan or a visitor looking to soak up the Florida sun, we’ve got an exciting list of the 10 best things to do in Tampa. From heart-pounding adventures to relaxing escapes, Tampa has it all.
Tampa is home to a variety of attractions, including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the Florida Aquarium, and the Tampa Bay History Center.
The city is also home to professional sports teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL). Tampa has a humid subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters.
The city is a popular destination for tourists and is known for its diverse population, diverse cuisine, and lively nightlife.
Here are the 10 Best Things to Do In Tampa
1. Visit Clearwater Beach:
Clearwater Beach is a beautiful beach located about 20 miles west of this amazing city.
It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities, and is open year-round. There is no admission fee to visit the beach. This is 1st thing to do in Tampa.
You can take a car or take the Jolley Trolley, which runs from downtown Tampa to Clearwater Beach for a fee.
The Jolley Trolley operates daily, and tickets can be purchased on the trolley or at a variety of locations around the city.
Clearwater Beach has a variety of amenities, including public restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. There are also many restaurants and shops in the area.
Some popular activities at Clearwater Beach include swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, building sandcastles, and renting beach equipment such as umbrellas and chairs.
The best time to visit Clearwater Beach depends on your preferences. The beach is busiest in the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny.
If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you may want to visit during the spring or fall, when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds are smaller.
2. Explore Busch Gardens:
Busch Gardens is a theme park located in Tampa that features thrilling rides, live shows, and animal encounters.
It’s open year-round, and tickets are around $99.99 per person. The park is located about 10 miles northeast of downtown.
Some popular rides at Busch Gardens include the Falcon’s Fury, a drop tower ride that takes riders to the top of a 335-foot tower; the Cheetah Hunt, a roller coaster that reaches speeds of up to 60 mph; and the Kumba, a looping coaster that takes riders through seven inversions.
In addition to rides, Busch Gardens has a variety of live shows, including animal encounters, performances by acrobats and dancers, and educational presentations.
The park is home to many animals, including giraffes, elephants, and tigers, and offers several animal experiences, such as feeding and interacting with the animals.
The best time to visit Busch Gardens depends on your preferences. The park is busiest in the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny.
If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you may want to visit during the spring or fall, when the crowds are smaller.
Overall, Busch Gardens is an excellent destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
With its thrilling rides, live shows, and animal encounters, there is something for everyone at this popular theme park.
3. Learn about Tampa’s history at the Tampa Bay History Center:
The Tampa Bay History Center is a museum located in the city’s downtown that offers exhibits on the city’s history, including its founding, industry, and culture.
Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children.
The museum features permanent exhibits on the history of Tampa, including the Native American tribes that lived in the area, the city’s founding as a small fishing village, and its growth into a major industrial center.
There are also temporary exhibits on a variety of topics, such as sports, art, and pop culture.
Overall, the Tampa Bay History Center is a great place to learn about Tampa’s rich history and culture.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for something interesting to do, the museum has something for everyone.
4. Check out the nightlife in Ybor City:
Ybor City is a historic neighborhood located in Tampa, Florida that is known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and dining scene.
There is no admission fee to visit Ybor City, and it’s open year-round. The neighborhood is located about 3 miles east of downtown Tampa.
Ybor City is home to many bars, clubs, and restaurants, offering something for everyone’s tastes. There are also a variety of shops, ranging from souvenir shops to clothing stores.
The best time to visit Ybor City depends on your preferences.
The neighborhood is busiest on weekends when the bars and clubs are open late and there are more people out and about.
If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you may want to visit during the week, when the crowds are smaller.
5. Visit the Florida Aquarium:
The Florida Aquarium is an aquarium located in Tampa that features thousands of marine animals, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
Admission is $32.95 for adults and $26.95 for children.
The Florida Aquarium has a variety of exhibits, including a coral reef exhibit, a wetlands exhibit, and a sea turtle hospital.
Visitors can see animals such as sharks, rays, sea turtles, alligators, and flamingos, and can participate in interactive experiences, such as feeding the animals or diving with sharks.
The Florida Aquarium is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is located in downtown Tampa, within walking distance of many of the city’s other attractions. Here are 6 things to do at Florida Aquarium
Overall, the Florida Aquarium is a great destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway. With its variety of marine animals and interactive exhibits, it’s a fun and educational outing for people of all ages.
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6. Take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk:
The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.4-mile pedestrian and bike path along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa.
It offers beautiful views and access to many of the city’s attractions. There is no admission fee to visit the Riverwalk, and it’s open year-round.
The Tampa Riverwalk is a great place to take a leisurely walk or bike ride and enjoy the outdoors.
Along the way, you’ll pass by a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions, including the Tampa Museum of Art, the Florida Aquarium, and the Tampa Bay History Center.
The best time to visit the Tampa Riverwalk depends on your preferences.
The weather in Tampa is generally pleasant year-round, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-70s in the winter to the low 90s in the summer.
If you prefer cooler temperatures, you may want to visit in the winter or early spring. If you prefer warmer weather, you may want to visit in the summer or early fall.
Overall, the Tampa Riverwalk is a great destination for a stroll or bike ride and a chance to enjoy the outdoors and the city’s attractions.
7. Catch a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game:
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the National Football League (NFL) and play their home games at Raymond James Stadium.
If you would like to attend a Buccaneers game in person, you can check the team’s schedule and purchase tickets on their website or through a ticket broker.
Alternatively, you can watch Buccaneers games on television or online through a streaming service.
You can also listen to radio broadcasts of Buccaneers games on local sports radio stations or through streaming audio services.
8. View contemporary and modern art at the Tampa Museum of Art:
The Tampa Museum of Art is a contemporary art museum located in Tampa.
The museum’s collection includes a wide range of contemporary and modern art, with a focus on works by artists from the United States and Latin America.
The museum’s permanent collection includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other types of visual art, as well as a selection of works on paper.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Tampa Museum of Art also hosts temporary exhibitions and special events throughout the year.
While you are there, you can take a self-guided tour of the museum’s galleries or participate in one of the educational programs or workshops offered by the museum.
The museum also has a gift shop and a café, where you can purchase souvenirs or grab a bite to eat.
9. See a Tampa Bay Lightning game:
The Tampa Bay Lightning is a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida.
They are members of the National Hockey League (NHL) and play their home games at Amalie Arena.
If you would like to attend a Lightning game in person, you can check the team’s schedule and purchase tickets on their website or through a ticket broker.
Alternatively, you can watch Lightning games on television or online through a streaming service.
You can also listen to radio broadcasts of Lightning games on local sports radio stations or through streaming audio services.
In addition to regular season games, the Tampa Bay Lightning also participates in the playoffs and other special events throughout the year.
If you are a hockey fan, attending a Lightning game is a great way to experience the excitement of live professional sports in Tampa.
10. Spend the day at Adventure Island:
Adventure Island is a water park in Tampa, Florida that offers a variety of thrilling water rides and attractions for visitors of all ages.
The park is open seasonally and features attractions such as water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river, as well as several areas specifically designed for younger children.
If you would like to visit Adventure Island, you can purchase tickets on the park’s website or at the gate on the day of your visit.
The park is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with extended hours during the summer and on select holidays.
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