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.

Learn more

Top 15 attractions in Tampa

#1

Clearwater Beach

star-57,631
With expansive white-sand beaches and warm, turquoise waters, Florida's Clearwater Beach, a waterfront community on the Gulf of Mexico, is an ideal launching pad for kayaking, parasailing, boating, and biking. It's known as being more low-key than its southern neighbor, the bustling St. Pete Beach, and many consider Clearwater Beach to be among the best beaches in America.More
Tours & Tickets
#2

Ybor City

star-53,724
Ybor City has been known for over a century as Tampa's Latin Quarter. Founded in the 1880s by Vicente Martinez-Ybor as a cigar-manufacturing center, the neighborhood is now one of Florida's most distinct areas, thanks to its diverse immigrant communities and vibrant culture.More
Tours & Tickets
#3

Sunshine Skyway Bridge

star-51,850
The Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, locally called the “Skyway,” is a cable-stayed concrete bridge stretching across Lower Tampa Bay, connecting St. Petersburg and Bradenton. It was the world’s longest bridge when it was completed in 1987. Its 21 bright yellow cables mimic rays of sunshine.More
Tours & Tickets
#4

Fort De Soto Park

star-5585
Fort De Soto Park is a 5-island chain that was a working fort during the Spanish-American War—but because it was completed after the war ended, the site saw no violence. Today, the park is home to hundreds of bird species, campsites, a museum, and beaches rated among the best in the country.More
Tours & Tickets
#5

The Florida Aquarium

star-51,838
Located in downtown Tampa between two cruise ship terminals and along the free streetcar route, The Florida Aquarium houses more than 9,000 animals within a 200,000-square-foot (18,500-square-meter) facility in Tampa Bay. The entire family will enjoy this aquarium, which offers nine unique habitats, an outside water adventure zone for children, and on-site café with indoor and outdoor seating.More
Tours & Tickets
#6

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

star-4.5456
Home to an array of animals ranging from native Florida species to African wildlife, ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a top family attraction in the Tampa Bay area. In addition to the animals, the zoo features a train and other kid-friendly rides.More
Tours & Tickets
#7

Caladesi Island

star-51,582
Caladesi Island State Park floats just off the shores of Dunedin and is only 2 nautical miles (3.7 kilometers) from Clearwater Beach. Palm trees, sand dunes, and mangroves lend it a wild feel, while elevated boardwalks, picnic facilities, restrooms with showers, and a café make it an inclusive spot for family-friendly relaxation.More
Tours & Tickets
#8

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

star-5279
More than just an aquarium, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a marine life rescue and rehabilitation center. Set on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the center gained fame when it rescued Winter, a baby dolphin that later starred in theDolphin Tale movies. You can visit Winter and other dolphins, sharks, stingrays, and such at the aquarium.More
Tours & Tickets
#9

Honeymoon Island

star-51,463
With 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) of pristine beaches, 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) of trails through virgin slash pine forests, and plentiful wildlife, Honeymoon Island State Park is a quintessential tropical paradise. Once a popular honeymoon destination, today the barrier island is a beloved Florida state park located in Tampa Bay off the coast of Dunedin.More
Tours & Tickets
#10

Tampa Museum of Art

star-51,056
The Tampa Museum of Art is a century-old museum housing one of the southeast’s most extensive collections of Roman and Greek antiquities. Moved to its current location in the early 2000s, the renovated space now features polished stone flooring and translucent ceilings, making the building as aesthetically pleasing as its modern and classical art. The museum also hosts special events and classes that take place weekly throughout the year.More
Tours & Tickets
#11

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

star-41,296
Tampa’s Busch Gardens combines the thrills of a theme park—replete with myriad roller coasters, ziplines, a white rapids ride, and other rides—with the wonder of a zoo, including more than 12,000 animals from 300 different species. Across its 335 acres (136 hectares), the Africa-themed park also hosts live performances for the whole family.More
Tours & Tickets
#12

Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)

star-4.5171
The Museum of Science and Industry, known as MOSI, is an imaginative space designed for curiosity and interaction. Opened in 1982, it’s about 10 miles (16 kilometers) outside of Tampa and two blocks from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Its IMAX center was removed recently, but the museum still boasts hundreds of immersive permanent exhibits.More
Tours & Tickets
#13

Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum

star-5274
Spanning 2 acres (0.8 hectares, the Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum is home to more than 500 palms and cycads from around the world, representing more than 150 different species. Featuring paved walkways, a shaded gazebo, and wooden benches; this hidden gem allows visitors to study and enjoy palms in a beautiful and tranquil setting.More
Tours & Tickets
#14

Sunken Gardens

star-5124
An oasis in the heart of St. Petersburg, Sunken Gardens is a 4-acre, century-old living museum in the Historic Old Northeast neighborhood. Walking paths weave through the botanical gardens, adorned with hundreds of species of plants, flowers, exotic birds, and flamingos that add even more vibrant hues to the lush surroundings.More
Tours & Tickets
#15

Tampa Hyde Park

star-5141
Just south of Downtown Tampa you’ll find Tampa Hyde Park, a historic neighborhood that evokes the ambiance of old Florida with its collection of homes dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it’s not only a desirable residential neighborhood, but also home to Hyde Park Village, lined with upscale boutiques and restaurants.More
Tours & Tickets
See more Tampa attractions

Explore Tampa by interest

Itineraries for your Tampa trip

Top activities in Tampa

Tampa History Cruise

Tampa History Cruise

star-4.5
666
From
$30.77
Tampa Bay CityPASS®

Tampa Bay CityPASS®

star-4.5
171
From
$144.00
Historic Ybor City Food Walking Tour

Historic Ybor City Food Walking Tour

star-5
1837
From
$89.00
ZooTampa at Lowry Park Admission Ticket

ZooTampa at Lowry Park Admission Ticket

star-4
261
From
$49.95
1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa

1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa

star-4
461
From
$30.77
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket

star-2.5
1123
From
$126.79
Haunted Tampa Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour - Ybor City

Haunted Tampa Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour - Ybor City

star-4.5
141
From
$35.10
Tampa Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate

Tampa Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate

star-4.5
58
From
$96.74
Tampa Celebrity Homes Boat Tour

Tampa Celebrity Homes Boat Tour

star-4
168
From
$30.77
2 Hour Guided Segway Tour

2 Hour Guided Segway Tour

star-5
356
From
$79.00
Private Arrival Transfer - from Tampa Airport (TPA)

Private Arrival Transfer - from Tampa Airport (TPA)

star-3.5
24
From
$36.00
Zip Line Adventure over Tampa Bay

Zip Line Adventure over Tampa Bay

star-5
678
From
$86.90
Tampa's ZooQuarium Admission

Tampa's ZooQuarium Admission

star-4
21
From
$89.95
Tampa airport to Clearwater beach

Tampa airport to Clearwater beach

star-4.5
8
From
$80.00
per group
Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

From
$25.65
Luxury Private Boat Charter

Luxury Private Boat Charter

star-4.5
13
From
$917.95
per group
Adventure Island Water Park Ticket

Adventure Island Water Park Ticket

star-2
153
From
$41.84
Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Charters

Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Charters

star-5
4
From
$715.99
per group
Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer

Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer

star-5
1
From
$357.96
Tampa airport to St Pete beach, Florida

Tampa airport to St Pete beach, Florida

From
$80.00
per group
See all Tampa tours

Explore our promoted experiences

Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

All about Tampa

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.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EST (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
23
Tours
137
Reviews
9,458
EN
b5dfd0c4-9b63-4391-a84c-3a0dbd668848
geo_hub

People Also Ask

What is Tampa known for?

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.

...More
Is there anything to do in Tampa?

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.

...More
How do I spend a weekend in Tampa?

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.

...More
What should I not miss in Tampa?

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.

...More
What food should I try in Tampa?

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.

...More
Is it worth visiting Tampa?

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.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Tampa?
A:
Q:
What are the top activities in Tampa?
A:

More Tours in Tampa