It’s no surprise that the Tampa Bay area has some of the best dining, shopping, entertainment and other activities in the world. The only challenge you’ll have when choosing from all of these great options is deciding which one to visit first! We’ve put together a list of our ten favorite things to do in Tampa and hope that it gives you plenty of ideas on how to fill your time while visiting or living here.
1) Busch Gardens
What better way to enjoy a Florida day than with some roller coasters and a nice tall glass of beer? Busch Gardens is an amusement park where both children and adults can ride thrilling roller coasters, get soaked on water rides, pet tigers and see hundreds of animals. The park is also home to many other activities like live entertainment shows, animal exhibits, playgrounds and snack shacks. If you’re looking for some fun in South Florida that doesn’t require a passport, then head on over to Busch Gardens. Spirit Airlines checkin can be done online on Spirit Airlines Official Web Site.
2) Henry B. Plant Museum
In 1901, Henry B. Plant built a house and an art museum on his land as an homage to his first wife and daughter, who had both passed away by that time. This beautiful two-story home serves as a museum today, with educational programs that include lectures and workshops on all sorts of topics. The museum holds more than 700 paintings and 1,500 sculptures; it's also where you'll find pieces like works by Picasso, Matisse, Renoir, Seurat and Monet. Plus it has a cafe on site!
3) The Florida Aquarium
If you enjoy water and marine life, The Florida Aquarium is a must-see. View thousands of aquatic creatures including tropical fish, sharks, rays and otters; there’s even an underwater dome with hundreds of fish swimming right above your head. Don’t miss feeding time when volunteers give demonstrations on feeding a shark or stingray by hand. There are also daily feedings of penguins and dolphins, where you can get within 10 feet of these entertaining animals. Admission costs $20 for adults and $16 for children ages 3-11—with discounts offered during special events like Dolphin Days and Wild Nights—but those who live in the Tampa Bay area can purchase tickets at least 20 percent off!
4) The Museum of Science and Industry(MOSI)
Why not learn something while you’re at it? The Museum of Science and Industry is one of only four interactive science museums accredited by the American Association of Museums. The 127,000-square-foot museum packs its gallery space with more than 350 exhibits and activities that appeal to kids and adults alike. In addition to exhibitions and shows, MOSI features year-round camps, programs, classes, parties, special events and overnight sleepovers – but our favorite part is still SunWorks, an outdoor exhibition that uses solar energy and water conservation. To top it off there’s also a butterfly garden on site for added educational fun! MOSI's hours vary by season so make sure you check out their website for a schedule before visiting.
5) Ybor City, Florida’s Cigar Capital
Visit Ybor City, Florida’s Cigar Capital and breathe in some historic heritage. Downtown Ybor City is a historic district filled with Spanish Mediterranean-style buildings, many of which were constructed as cigar factories around 1910. Today you can visit over 50 shops, restaurants and other attractions all within walking distance. A trip through history is just one of 10 outstanding things to do in Tampa; visit us today! Today Ybor City is an important cultural hub that celebrates it’s Latin roots alongside it's prosperous past as America's largest center for cigar production. Visitors will find that there are plenty of businesses catering to both residents and tourists alike by offering art galleries, spas, live music venues, festivals and special events year round. All are wrapped up in nearly 100 years worth of history creating a destination unlike any other you have ever experienced before. And that is only touching on why visitors keep returning time after time making sure to leave no stone unturned on their list at least once or twice annually if not more frequently.
6) International Plaza and Bay Street Shopping Centers
These two shopping centers are connected, and offer a variety of stores, as well as places for food. There’s something for everyone here. You can shop, eat at local restaurants, grab coffee or a drink, get your nails done and go on a boat ride. All while being surrounded by beautiful views of downtown Tampa Bay and planes landing at the airport nearby. These two malls are fun year-round but especially during summer when you can walk outside onto their terraces and enjoy drinks with friends or dinner at one of their many eateries; from Indian to Spanish cuisine there’s something for everyone! If you have time before or after dinner you can take advantage of stores like The Cheesecake Factory that stay open late on weekends and are good for people watching too!
7) Pirate Fest
Held at Pirate Island Adventures, which features a pirate ship that’s been turned into a restaurant and bar, (guests board at Channelside Drive), Tampa Bay Pirate Fest is one of America’s longest-running pirate festivals. The festival takes place during two days every year and offers a real taste of life as a pirate through vendors offering food, drink and goods. There are also contests, live music and even fencing demonstrations by members of the Society for Creative Anachronism. It’s not surprising that some of Florida’s leading pirates come out to party—there will be other like-minded folk on hand: Arrr! Pirates from across Florida will gather for what is known as Florida Pirates Week.
8) Fort De Soto Park
Part of Tampa Bay’s beautiful and expansive network of parks, Fort De Soto Park is a 365-acre stretch along Tampa Bay. Whether you are swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing, there is no shortage of fun on Fort De Soto. Best part: it’s only a ten minute drive from downtown. It’s also a pretty romantic place for sunset drinks, so bring your partner! To boot, it costs $5 per carload (excluding oversized vehicles) to enter the park; parking fees are waived when you have a military I.D., however. While general entrance to Fort De Soto will run about $7, seniors and children can enter for about half that price—pretty good deal if you ask us! They also often host festivals (such as Tampa Jazz Fest) at which admission is free with purchase of food/drinks on site. Sounds like an awesome time to us!
9) Lowry Park Zoo
The Lowry Park Zoo, located at 1101 West Sligh Avenue, is just about 20 minutes away from downtown Tampa. With an excellent diversity of animals, including primates and birds that are not commonly found in other zoos, it’s a great place for families with kids or anyone who enjoys learning about wildlife and conservation. The zoo has received many awards and is considered one of Florida’s best attractions. Hours are 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM daily except on Christmas Day (regular hours). The cost is $16 per adult; $8 per child 2-12; 2 & under are free. Children under 2 years old must sit on parent's lap or wear a stroller. Wheelchairs are also available for rent if needed. School groups with reservations may enter during normal business hours at no charge between 8:00 am – 3:00 pm weekdays only, but will be required to park in designated areas outside of regular parking lots. Groups visiting outside normal business hours may enter without charge but will be required to park outside of designated parking lots. Be sure you specify when you call which location you would like more information on so they can direct you properly.
10) Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream
Busch Gardens is a beautiful, serene theme park by day and one of Florida’s most terrifying haunted attractions by night. What could be better than getting your adrenaline pumping on thrilling rides throughout the day and running through hallways crawling with animatronic monsters by night? If you can handle it, Howl-O-Scream will haunt you for days after. Before venturing out into Busch Gardens’ woods to experience its haunted houses, take a stroll around some of its other thrill rides like Apollo’s Chariot. This ride rockets riders from 0-60 mph in only 2.5 seconds before lifting them 137 feet into the air at an 81 degree angle—frightening for any theme park goer, but absolutely perfect if you’re daring enough to enjoy a scary time at Howl-O-Scream. (Note: This ride isn't appropriate for children under 10 years old.) Looking to get away from all things scary? Relax with a nice meal or visit SeaWorld San Diego instead. You'll find hundreds of shows and performances daily that appeal to visitors of all ages and interests, so everyone can have fun! Book Your Spirit Airlines Reservations from Official Website.