things to do in tampa fl

Tampa, Florida, is a vibrant city with a rich history, beautiful beaches, and a thriving cultural scene. Here are some things to do in Tampa:

Beaches and Outdoor Activities

1. Ben T. Davis Beach: A popular beach with calm waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
2. Fort De Soto Park: A 1,136-acre park with five interconnected islands, featuring beaches, hiking trails, and historic fortifications.
3. Hillsborough River State Park: A 1,200-acre park with hiking trails, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.
4. Tampa Riverwalk: A 2.5-mile pedestrian path along the Hillsborough River, perfect for walking, jogging, or biking.

Attractions and Museums

1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: An African-themed amusement park with thrill rides, animal exhibits, and live performances.
2. Florida Aquarium: A 50,000-square-foot aquarium featuring a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
3. Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI): A science museum with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater.
4. Ybor City State Museum: A museum showcasing the history and culture of Ybor City, Tampa’s historic Latin Quarter.

Cultural and Entertainment

1. Tampa Theatre: A historic art deco theater hosting independent films, live performances, and concerts.
2. Straz Center for the Performing Arts: A performing arts center featuring a variety of shows, including Broadway productions, concerts, and dance performances.
3. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center: A venue hosting concerts, comedy shows, and other performances.
4. Ybor City: A vibrant neighborhood with a rich history, featuring Cuban restaurants, bars, and shops.

Sports and Adventure

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL): Catch a football game at Raymond James Stadium.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL): Watch a hockey game at Amalie Arena.
3. Tampa Bay Rays (MLB): Catch a baseball game at Tropicana Field.
4. SkyZone Trampoline Park: An indoor trampoline park with jump sessions, foam pits, and other activities.

Food and Drink

1. Columbia Restaurant: A historic restaurant serving Spanish-Cuban cuisine in Ybor City.
2. Bern’s Steak House: A renowned steakhouse with a vast wine list and live music.
3. Rooster & the Till: A farm-to-table restaurant with a focus on local ingredients.
4. Ybor City Brewery: A craft brewery with a taproom and live music.

Other Attractions

1. Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo: A 63-acre zoo with a variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, and penguins.
2. Museum of Art: A museum featuring a collection of American and European art.
3. Tampa River Cruises: Take a scenic cruise along the Hillsborough River.
4. Tampa’s Historic District: Explore the city’s historic neighborhoods, including the West Shore and Downtown Tampa.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Tampa. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, outdoor activities, or entertainment, Tampa has something for everyone.