Some of the best things to do in Tampa include walking along the Tampa Riverwalk, visiting nearby beaches, and exploring the historic Ybor City. Tampa is one of Florida’s most dynamic cities, combining waterfront views, historic neighborhoods, and a surprisingly strong food scene.
Many of the top things to do in Tampa revolve around the city’s history and culture. Ybor City was once known as the cigar capital of the world, and its Cuban, Spanish, and Italian influences still shape the neighborhood today. The city is also home to unique traditions like the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, one of Tampa’s biggest annual events.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking for new places to explore, these are some of the best things to do in Tampa.
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Top Attractions and Best Things to Do in Tampa
Tampa is home to several major attractions that draw visitors from across Florida and beyond. From theme parks to waterfront landmarks, these spots are some of the most popular things to do in the city.
Visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is one of the city’s biggest attractions and combines a major theme park with one of the largest zoos in North America. The park is known for its roller coasters and thrill rides, but it also features large animal habitats with giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and other wildlife from Africa.
Located about 8 miles north of downtown Tampa, Busch Gardens sits near the University of South Florida and can be reached in about a 15–20 minute drive depending on traffic. The park hosts seasonal events throughout the year as well, including food festivals, Halloween celebrations, and Christmas Town.
See Exotic Animals at ZooTampa
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is considered one of the top zoos in the United States and is a great attraction for families visiting the city. Located about 10 minutes north of downtown Tampa, the zoo features animals from around the world along with exhibits focused on Florida wildlife like manatees, panthers, and black bears.
ZooTampa is also home to a well-known manatee rehabilitation center, where injured manatees are treated before being returned to the wild. Interactive exhibits and animal encounters make it both a fun and educational stop for visitors of all ages. I even saw my first giraffe here.
Go To the Florida Aquarium
Located in Tampa’s Channelside district near Sparkman Wharf and the Water Street Tampa area, the Florida Aquarium is one of the city’s most popular attractions. The aquarium features marine life from Florida and around the world, including coral reefs, sharks, sea turtles, and colorful tropical fish.
Interactive exhibits and touch tanks make it an especially fun stop for families, and its location near Tampa’s waterfront means it’s easy to combine with nearby restaurants or a walk along the harbor.
Walk the Tampa Riverwalk
Walking the Riverwalk is one of the top things to do in Tampa, especially for first-time visitors. The Tampa Riverwalk stretches about 2.6 miles along the Hillsborough River through downtown and connects many of the city’s biggest attractions. Walking or biking the path takes you past parks, museums, public art, and beautiful waterfront views along the way.
If you make it all the way north to Tampa Heights, it’s worth stopping at popular restaurants like Ulele or Armature Works for food and drinks along the river.
Dress up for the Gasparilla Pirate Festival
Gasparilla is Tampa’s biggest annual event and one of the city’s most unique traditions. Held each January, the celebration begins with a pirate ship invasion of Tampa Bay before a massive parade along Bayshore Boulevard.
Hundreds of thousands of people line the waterfront and parade route through Bayshore and downtown to watch the pirate ship arrive and the floats roll by. Many spectators spend the day along the route in pirate costumes, celebrating with food, music, and plenty of drinks. When I went, we watched from the bridge connecting downtown to Harbour Island, which gave us a great view of the boats and crowds below.
Explore Historic Ybor City
Ybor City is Tampa’s historic Latin quarter and the center of the city’s cigar industry during the early 1900s. Walking along 7th Avenue today you’ll find historic brick buildings, restaurants, bars, and cigar shops that reflect the neighborhood’s Cuban, Spanish, and Italian heritage.
Below are some of the most interesting things to see and do while exploring Ybor City.
Watch Cigars Being Hand-Rolled in Ybor City
Ybor City was once known as the “Cigar Capital of the World,” when hundreds of cigar factories operated in the neighborhood during Tampa’s cigar boom in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, several shops still hand-roll cigars, allowing visitors to watch skilled torcedores (cigar rollers) continue the tradition that made the neighborhood famous.
You can often see cigar rollers working in storefront factories along 7th Avenue and nearby streets. If you’re curious, many of these shops will also let you try one of their freshly rolled cigars. Tabanero Cigars is a great place to visit for this.
See the Roosters of Ybor City
One of the most unusual sights in Tampa is the population of free-roaming chickens and roosters wandering through Ybor City. The birds date back to the neighborhood’s early immigrant communities, when families often kept chickens in their yards during the cigar factory era. Over time the population spread throughout the area, and today the birds are protected and have become a symbol of the neighborhood.
You can often see them roaming the streets, sidewalks, and outdoor patios throughout Ybor City. If you want a good chance of spotting them, the area around Centennial Park is one of the places where they frequently gather.
Eat at the Oldest Restaurant in Florida: Columbia Restaurant
Opened in 1905, the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City is the oldest restaurant in Florida and one of Tampa’s most iconic dining destinations. What began as a small café serving Cuban coffee and sandwiches has grown into the largest Spanish restaurant in the world.
The menu features Spanish and Cuban dishes like paella, ropa vieja, and the restaurant’s famous 1905 Salad, which is tossed tableside. Flamenco dancing is also performed several nights a week, adding to the lively atmosphere and long tradition of entertainment.
If you’re exploring the neighborhood, you can also see my guide to the best restaurants in Ybor City for more great places to eat nearby.
Ride the Free TECO Streetcar to Ybor City
The TECO Streetcar is a historic trolley that connects downtown Tampa, the Channelside district, and Ybor City. The line runs between Ybor’s historic 7th Avenue and stops near Sparkman Wharf and the Riverwalk area.
The streetcar is free to ride and is one of the easiest ways to travel between downtown Tampa and Ybor City while experiencing a piece of the city’s historic transportation system.
Browse the Ybor City Saturday Market
Held on Saturday mornings in Centennial Park, the Ybor City Saturday Market features local vendors selling food, crafts, produce, and handmade goods. The market has been a Ybor tradition for years and is one of the best ways to experience the neighborhood during the day.
It’s a lively stop if you’re exploring historic Ybor City on a Saturday morning, before the neighborhood’s restaurants and nightlife start to fill up later in the evening.
Visit the Ybor City Museum State Park
Located next to Centennial Park, the Ybor City Museum State Park tells the story of the neighborhood’s cigar industry and immigrant communities. The museum includes exhibits about the Cuban, Spanish, and Italian workers who helped build Ybor City during Tampa’s cigar boom in the late 1800s.
Visitors can also explore the museum’s historic garden and several preserved “casitas,” small houses that once served as homes for cigar workers.
Food & Drink in Tampa
Tampa’s food scene reflects the city’s unique cultural history, blending Cuban, Spanish, and Italian influences with modern restaurants and breweries. From iconic dishes like the Cuban sandwich and deviled crab to historic restaurants and waterfront dining, these food experiences are some of the most memorable things to do in Tampa.
Try a Cuban Sandwich
The Cuban sandwich is Tampa’s most famous local food and was likely invented in Ybor City during the cigar factory era. The Tampa version includes roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and salami on Cuban bread from La Segunda. The addition of salami is the key difference from the Miami version, which typically leaves it out.
If you want to find my favorite sandwiches in the city, check out my guide to the best Cuban sandwiches in Tampa.
Dine at Bern's Steak House
Bern’s Steak House is one of Tampa’s most famous restaurants and widely considered one of the top steakhouses in the United States. The experience includes perfectly aged steaks, an enormous wine cellar with thousands of bottles, and a visit to the restaurant’s famous Harry Waugh Dessert Room upstairs.
Reservations for dinner often book weeks in advance, but if you arrive before the restaurant opens at 5 p.m. you can sometimes get bar seating or a table without one. Even if you don’t eat dinner at Bern’s, you can still visit the Harry Waugh Dessert Room for desserts and drinks, which is an experience in itself.
Bern’s is also one of the restaurants featured in my guide to the most iconic restaurants in Tampa.
Drink Beer at a Local Brewery
Tampa has developed one of the strongest craft beer scenes in Florida, with breweries spread across neighborhoods like Seminole Heights, Ybor City, and downtown. One of the most famous is Cigar City Brewing, known nationally for its Jai Alai IPA and often credited with putting Tampa on the craft beer map.
The city is also home to smaller breweries with devoted followings, including places like Angry Chair Brewing, which is especially well known for its rich stouts. Visiting a few local breweries is a great way to experience Tampa’s growing craft beer culture.
If you want to explore more, check out my guide to the best breweries in Tampa by beer style.
Try Tampa’s Deviled Crab
Deviled crab is one of Tampa’s most traditional foods and dates back to the cigar factory era in Ybor City. The croquette-style snack was originally created as an inexpensive meal for cigar workers, mixing blue crab with spices and Cuban bread crumbs before being breaded and fried.
Today it’s still a popular local dish that you can find at restaurants around Tampa. Places like Brocatos Sandwich Shop and Rick’s on the River are two well-known spots where you can try this Tampa classic.
Explore Armature Works
Armature Works is one of Tampa’s most popular gathering spots for food, drinks, and waterfront views. Located at the northern end of the Tampa Riverwalk in the Tampa Heights neighborhood, the historic building has been transformed into a lively food hall known as Heights Public Market.
Inside you’ll find a variety of food stands, bars, and restaurants, along with an indoor bar and a rooftop bar overlooking the river. Two of the most popular restaurants here are Steelbach and Oak & Ola, both of which are also featured in my guide to the best brunch in Tampa.
Armature Works can get very busy, especially on weekends, but the lively atmosphere is part of the appeal. It’s also located just steps from Ulele, making this area one of the best places to explore along the Riverwalk.
Watch the Sunset at a Waterfront Restaurant in Tampa
One of the best ways to experience Tampa Bay is by eating at a restaurant on the water. Tampa has several waterfront spots where you can enjoy seafood, drinks, and sunset views over the bay.
Places like Oystercatchers are known for their sunset views, while more casual spots such as Salt Shack on the Bay and Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill offer laid-back dining with sand, docks, and great views of the water. You can also find riverfront spots like Rick’s on the River where boats often pull right up to the dock.
Try Fresh Cuban Bread at La Segunda Central Bakery
La Segunda Central Bakery has been baking Cuban bread in Ybor City for more than a century and is widely considered the origin of the bread used for Tampa’s famous Cuban sandwich. Today the bakery supplies Cuban bread to restaurants all over the Tampa area.
Stopping here for Cuban bread, pastries, or a sandwich is one of the most authentic food experiences in the city and a great way to taste a piece of Tampa’s culinary history.
Visit the Sunday Thai Market at Wat Mongkolratanaram
One of the most unique food experiences in Tampa takes place every Sunday morning at Wat Mongkolratanaram, a Thai Buddhist temple located along the Palm River. The temple hosts a popular Sunday market where volunteers prepare and sell a wide range of authentic Thai dishes and desserts.
Visitors can walk through the outdoor stalls and pick up items like Thai curries, noodle dishes, grilled meats, and traditional sweets before enjoying them at picnic tables along the river behind the temple. The market typically runs from around 8 a.m. until early afternoon, and it’s a great way to experience authentic Thai street food without leaving Tampa.
Even if you’re not familiar with Thai cuisine, the atmosphere, food stalls, and riverside setting make this one of the most interesting local markets in the city.
Explore Hyde Park Village
Hyde Park Village is one of Tampa’s most charming and walkable areas, filled with restaurants, boutiques, and shaded streets in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood. The open-air shopping district is a popular place to stroll, shop, grab coffee, or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants surrounding the central courtyard.
The area is especially lively on weekends and often hosts markets and community events. If you’re looking for places to eat while you’re there, check out my guide to the best restaurants in Hyde Park Village, Tampa.
Museums & Cultural Attractions
Tampa has several museums and cultural attractions that highlight the city’s history, art, and maritime heritage. From historic buildings and local history exhibits to modern art museums, these spots offer a deeper look at Tampa beyond its restaurants and waterfront views.
Wander the Tampa Museum of Art
Located along the Tampa Riverwalk in downtown Tampa, the Tampa Museum of Art features modern and contemporary exhibitions as well as classical antiquities. The museum sits beside Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, making it easy to combine a visit with a walk along the Riverwalk.
The museum’s sleek modern building is one of the most recognizable landmarks along the waterfront and regularly hosts rotating art exhibitions throughout the year.
Visit the Tampa Bay History Center
Located along the Tampa Riverwalk in downtown Tampa, the Tampa Bay History Center explores the region’s history through interactive exhibits and artifacts. The museum covers topics like Tampa’s cigar industry, Cuban immigration, and even the legends behind the Gasparilla pirate festival.
Its waterfront location also makes it easy to combine with nearby attractions like Sparkman Wharf and the Florida Aquarium.
Explore the Henry B. Plant Museum
Located inside the former Tampa Bay Hotel on the campus of the University of Tampa, this museum showcases the Gilded Age history of Tampa and the luxurious resort that helped put the city on the map in the late 1800s.
The building itself is one of Tampa’s most recognizable landmarks, with its distinctive Moorish Revival architecture and iconic silver minarets overlooking the Hillsborough River.
Watch a Movie at the Tampa Theatre
Built in 1926, the Tampa Theatre is one of Tampa’s most beautiful historic landmarks. This ornate movie palace features Mediterranean-style architecture, elaborate details, and a famous “star-lit” ceiling designed to resemble a night sky.
Located in downtown Tampa, the theater hosts classic films, independent movies, concerts, and special events throughout the year, making it a unique place to experience the city’s cultural scene.
Sports & Major Events
Tampa is a passionate sports city with championship teams and a lively game-day atmosphere. From NHL hockey and NFL football to spring training baseball and major annual events, sports are a big part of the local culture.
Cheer on the Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning play at Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa, now also known as Benchmark International Arena. The venue sits near the Riverwalk and the restaurants and bars around Water Street and Sparkman Wharf, which makes the area especially lively before and after games.
The Lightning have won the Stanley Cup three times (2004, 2020, and 2021), and games here are known for their electric atmosphere and passionate fan base. Even if you’re not a big hockey fan, attending a game is a fun way to experience Tampa’s sports culture.
If you’re heading to a game, check out my guide to the best restaurants and bars near Amalie Arena in Tampa for places to eat and drink before or after.
Go to a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Football Game
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers play at Raymond James Stadium, one of the most distinctive stadiums in the NFL thanks to the massive pirate ship located inside the venue. The ship fires cannons whenever the Buccaneers score, adding to the fun pirate-themed atmosphere.
The Buccaneers have won two Super Bowls (2002 and 2020), and games at Raymond James Stadium are a big part of Tampa’s sports culture. The stadium is located several miles northwest of downtown Tampa, so visitors will usually need to take a rideshare or drive there from their hotel.
Raymond James Stadium also hosts major concerts, college football games, and the annual Outback Bowl.
Attend a Tampa Bay Rays Game
The Tampa Bay Rays play at Tropicana Field in nearby St. Petersburg, just across Tampa Bay from downtown Tampa. Even though the stadium is technically in another city, Rays games are still one of the biggest sporting events in the Tampa Bay area.
The stadium is only about a 25–30 minute drive from downtown Tampa, making it an easy outing if you’re visiting the area. St. Petersburg itself is also worth exploring and is included in the Day Trips section of this guide.
The Rays have also approved plans for a new stadium in St. Petersburg’s Historic Gas Plant District that is expected to open later this decade.
Catch a New York Yankees Spring Training Game
Every February and March, the New York Yankees hold spring training in Tampa at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Spring training games offer a great chance to see major league players up close in a much smaller ballpark atmosphere than during the regular season.
The stadium is located just across the street from Raymond James Stadium and is only a short drive from downtown Tampa.
Take the Family to a Tampa Tarpons Game
After spring training ends, George M. Steinbrenner Field remains active throughout the summer as the home of the Tampa Tarpons, a Single-A affiliate of the New York Yankees.
Minor league games are affordable and offer a relaxed way to enjoy baseball in a smaller stadium setting. It’s a fun option for families or anyone looking to experience local baseball without the crowds and prices of a major league game.
Outdoor Activities in Tampa
Tampa’s warm weather and waterfront location make it a great city for outdoor activities. From scenic walks along the bay to boat tours and waterfront parks, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors while exploring Tampa.
Hang Out at Sparkman Wharf
Sparkman Wharf is a popular waterfront gathering spot in downtown Tampa’s Channelside district. Located near the Florida Aquarium and just a short walk from Amalie Arena, the area features restaurants, outdoor seating, and views of the harbor.
Visitors can grab food from several casual restaurants and enjoy it on the large outdoor lawn overlooking the water. Sparkman Wharf is especially lively before concerts and Tampa Bay Lightning games at Amalie Arena.
Ride the Pirate Water Taxi
The Pirate Water Taxi is one of the most fun ways to explore downtown Tampa from the water. The bright yellow boats operate along the Tampa Riverwalk and stop at multiple locations, allowing visitors to hop on and off while exploring different parts of the city.
Stops include popular areas like Armature Works, Sparkman Wharf, and the Florida Aquarium. Visitors can purchase hop-on, hop-off day passes online or at several docks along the Riverwalk.
Walk or Bike Bayshore Boulevard
Bayshore Boulevard is one of the most scenic places to walk or bike in Tampa. The waterfront road features the longest continuous sidewalk in the United States and offers beautiful views of Tampa Bay and the downtown skyline.
Located just south of downtown in the Hyde Park and South Tampa area, Bayshore Boulevard is close to Hyde Park Village and the restaurants along South Howard Avenue (SoHo). It’s a popular route for walking, running, and biking along the water.
You can reach Bayshore Boulevard on foot from downtown Tampa in about 20–30 minutes, making it a great extension of a walk along the Riverwalk.
Take a Boat Tour of Tampa Bay
Boat tours and sunset cruises are popular ways to experience Tampa Bay from the water. Many tours offer dolphin sightings, sunset views, and unique perspectives of the Tampa skyline and waterfront.
Tours typically depart from docks along the Tampa Riverwalk, near Sparkman Wharf or the Tampa Convention Center. Operators such as Tampa Bay Fun Boat and Florida Tiki Tours run sightseeing and sunset cruises throughout the year.
Walk Through Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Located along the Tampa Riverwalk in downtown Tampa, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is a popular green space with open lawns and views of the Hillsborough River. The park frequently hosts concerts, festivals, and outdoor events throughout the year.
Even when there’s no event happening, it’s a pleasant stop while walking the Riverwalk and exploring nearby attractions like the Tampa Museum of Art.
Get Naked at Caliente Club & Resorts
Caliente Club & Resorts is a well-known clothing-optional resort located about 40 minutes north of Tampa in Land O’ Lakes. While it’s not for everyone, the resort has become a unique and somewhat infamous attraction in the Tampa area.
The property includes pools, restaurants, bars, and entertainment, attracting visitors curious about the lifestyle or simply looking for a different kind of resort experience. Visitors can purchase day passes or book overnight accommodations if they want to stay longer. And for those looking to get rid of their tan lines, this might be the most effective way to do it.
Attend a Tampa Festival or Seasonal Event
Tampa hosts a variety of festivals and seasonal events throughout the year, many of which take place along the Riverwalk or in historic Ybor City. If your visit happens to line up with one of these celebrations, it can be a fun way to experience the city’s energy.
Some of the most notable annual events include:
Guavaween (October) – A large Halloween street party in Ybor City with costumes, music, and nightlife.
Tampa Riverfest (May) – A waterfront festival along the Tampa Riverwalk with live music, food vendors, and boat parades.
Gasparilla Music Festival (February) – A popular downtown music festival featuring national and local artists.
Tampa Bay Margarita Festival (spring) – A lively event focused on margaritas, food trucks, and live entertainment.
Best Day Trips from Tampa
Explore Downtown St. Petersburg
Just across Tampa Bay, downtown St. Petersburg has become one of the most vibrant areas on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The city is known for its colorful murals, excellent restaurants, craft breweries, and a lively waterfront that’s easy to explore on foot.
Visitors can walk along the St. Pete Pier, explore the many restaurants and bars scattered throughout downtown, or visit one of the city’s excellent museums, including the famous Dalí Museum, which is covered below. Restaurants like Il Ritorno have helped turn the city into a serious dining destination.
St. Petersburg is also known for its arts scene and welcoming atmosphere, including one of the most LGBTQ-friendly communities in Florida. The city is about a 25–30 minute drive from downtown Tampa, making it an easy and worthwhile day trip.
Visit the Dalí Museum
Located in nearby St. Petersburg, the Dalí Museum houses one of the largest collections of Salvador Dalí’s work outside Spain. The museum’s striking waterfront building contains paintings, sculptures, and surrealist works that attract visitors from around the world.
The museum sits along the St. Petersburg waterfront near the St. Pete Pier and downtown parks, making it easy to combine a visit with a walk along the bay or time exploring the city.
Relax at Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is famous for its powdery white sand and calm Gulf of Mexico waters, making it one of the most popular beach destinations near Tampa. The beach sits about 40–45 minutes west of downtown Tampa and is known for its wide shoreline, warm water, and beautiful sunsets.
Visitors can walk along Pier 60, relax on the beach, or explore the restaurants and bars nearby. Casual seafood spots like Frenchy’s Original Cafe and waterfront favorites like The Bait House Tackle & Tavern are popular stops for fresh seafood and drinks after a day on the sand.
Swim in Epperson Lagoon
Located about 30 minutes north of Tampa in Wesley Chapel, Epperson Lagoon is a massive man-made crystal lagoon with clear blue water, sandy beaches, and water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking. Visitors can purchase day passes to swim, relax on the beach, or enjoy the lagoon’s resort-style atmosphere.
Visit Plant City During Strawberry Season
Located about 30 minutes east of Tampa, Plant City is famous for its strawberry farms and is often called the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. The town hosts the annual Florida Strawberry Festival each spring, one of the largest festivals in Florida, featuring concerts, carnival rides, and plenty of strawberry desserts.
Strawberry season typically runs from January through March, and even outside the festival you can stop at local farm stands and bakeries to try fresh strawberries, milkshakes, and the region’s classic strawberry shortcake.
Tampa offers a wide range of experiences, from historic neighborhoods and waterfront walks to major sporting events and nearby beaches. Whether you’re exploring Ybor City, walking the Riverwalk, or planning a day trip to Clearwater Beach, these are some of the top things to do in Tampa and some of the most popular Tampa attractions for visitors.
From iconic sites like Busch Gardens and Bayshore Boulevard to local food experiences like Cuban sandwiches and Bern’s Steak House, the city has plenty to offer whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer Florida trip.
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