The 7 Best Things to Do in Tampa, Florida and Why You Should Visit Now

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Jul 24

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Unlock Tampa, the heart of Florida’s Gulf coast. Discover active adventures, sky-high coasters, exotic wildlife, and authentic culture and cuisine—while enjoying it all at a relaxing pace. It’s the perfect union of exhilaration with relaxation. With its mix of historic architecture and modern landmarks, a culture infused with Cuban and Spanish flavors, vibrant business districts and beautiful waterways. These are the best things to do near Tampa, Florida.

Tampa is a wonderful place to visit, explore, and unwind for your next vacation. Downtown is alive with urban parks, including the gorgeous Tampa Riverwalk, hip bars and innovative restaurants, shopping, and amazing restorations of turn-of-the-century buildings.

1. The Florida Aquarium

The aquarium began as the Clearwater Marine Science Center (CMSC), a private non-profit educational organization located on Clearwater Beach, Florida, in 1977. Soon after, what we know now as The Florida Aquarium, opened in 1995, with the goal of building awareness and inspiring action for species and habitat conservation—it’s actively engaged in stewardship of the natural environment as a conservation-based attraction, with a keen focus on delivering world-class animal care to thousands of species.

The Florida Aquarium is home to a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals, from the Wetlands of Florida you’ll have a opportunity to see the Roseate Spoonbill to a journey through Madagascar with ring-tailed lemurs, see spiny lobsters from the shorelines of Florida and get up close and personal with cownose stingrays at Stingray Beach. More than a must-see attraction, the aquarium is working to protect and restore our blue planet through conservation efforts that included ground-breaking research and rescue efforts that help restore Florida’s coral and sea turtle populations. Fun fact: a group of Cownose Rays are called a fever and this species if known for large schooling migrations.

2. ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Originated in the 1930’s, as a small animal exhibit located on the campus at University of Tampa. ZooTampa has evolved into what now encompasses 56-acres of naturalistic animal exhibits in a lush, tropical garden atmosphere. The Zoo emphasizes endangered, threatened and vulnerable species from climates similar to that of the Tampa Bay region, with habitats devoted to Asia, Africa, Australia and Florida. ZooTampa has been voted one of USA Today’s 10 Best Zoos in the country.

Don’t miss the popular Nat Geo WILD series, filmed entirely at Tampa’s award-winning Zoo, and see the behind-the-scenes stories of amazing animals and the dedicated team entrusted with their care. The series features an array of compelling stories, from rescued manatees to the notable birth of an endangered white rhino, that highlight the Zoo’s mission to protect and preserve animals.

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3. Ybor City Historic District

Tampa’s historic Latin Quarter aka Ybor City Historic District is conveniently located just northeast of downtown. Ybor City is the only neighborhood on Florida’s west coast to be designated a National Historic Landmark District. will give you the opportunity to tantalize your tastebuds with new flavors, meet a cigar roller, hop on the TECO Line Streetcar, and enjoy the rich and diverse culture that’s been around for more than a century.

Ybor City was once known as the “Cigar Capital of the World” and at the turn of the 20th century, nowhere in the United States was as famous for its cigars than Tampa’s Ybor City. Many of the buildings here in Ybor City echo the charming brick exteriors of converted cigar factories. Also known as “La Setima,” 7th Avenue is lined with historic buildings, showcasing wrought-iron balconies and intricate tile designs. Much of the aesthetic reflects influences from Ybor City’s pioneering Spanish, Italian and Cuban communities.

4. Tampa Museum of Art

Founded in 1920, the Tampa Museum of Art inspires engaging exhibitions that emphasize ancient, modern, and contemporary art. As one of the region’s most prominent museums devoted to the art of our time, the Museum’s permanent collection also embraces sculpture, photography, painting, new media, and more. The museum also houses one of the largest Greek and Roman antiquities collections in the southeastern United States!

Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, this iconic landmark is known for its 14,000 square-foot LED installation of Leo Villarreal’s Sky (Tampa) illuminating the south façade and its 23-foot tall cast iron sculpture, Laura with Bun by Jaume Plensa, silhouetted in front of the north façade.

5. Henry B. Plant Museum

Housed in the south wing of the original 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel, the Henry B. Plant Museum was a Victorian railroad resort defining the elegant frontier, now a National Historical Landmark. During the 1880’s Henry B. Plant was building an empire of railroads, steamships and hotels—he wanted that empire to have a palace, and that palace was the Tampa Bay Hotel—now referred to as Florida’s “First Magic Kingdom.”

This museum, unlike others, contains the actual furnishings enjoyed by the first guests to visit—reflecting the opulence of turn-of-the-century America and the vision of American transportation pioneer, Henry B. Plant. Other artifacts on display include the baseball that Babe Ruth slammed in 1919 in what is said to be his longest home run ever — 587 feet — from Tampa’s Plant Field. The ball was signed by Ruth and Boston Red Sox manager Ed Barrow.

6. Hyde Park Village

It started with a neighborhood–one of Tampa’s most historic, in fact. With its stately homes, 19th century architecture and tree lined streets, there’s really nothing else quite like Hyde Park Village in the Tampa Bay area. Located at the corner of Swann and Dakota Avenues, in the heart of the Hyde Park Historic District features a modern oasis for discerning shoppers, travelers and Tampa residents looking for the very best.

Indulge yourself in beloved local shops such as Leafy Luv Affair, dine at upscale restaurants such as Meat Market, and shop some of the top names in fashion and fitness. Plus, everything’s better with your best furriend by your side! That’s why all of the outdoor common spaces and restaurant patios at Hyde Park Village are pet-friendly. And be sure to stop by Downtown Dogs to pick out some treats for your pooch!

7. Tampa Riverwalk

Walk, bike or scooter down the Tampa’s Riverwalk—take in beautiful waterfront views and feel the warm sun along the way. This 2.6-mile walk runs along the Hillsborough River to the Garrison Channel.

Start your journey at the bustling Heights Market at Armature Works, stop along at the vibrant Curtis Hixon park, and continue until you reach Sparkman Wharf. At night, witness the colorful lights that bring the Riverwalk to life!