10 Best Things to Do in Tampa

Looking for what to do in Tampa? This dynamic city on Florida’s Gulf Coast masterfully blends family-friendly adventure, rich cultural heritage, and relaxed waterfront living. With its sunny climate, scenic riverfront, and diverse neighborhoods, Tampa offers a compelling mix of world-class theme parks, immersive wildlife encounters, historic districts, and a burgeoning culinary scene. Whether you’re seeking thrilling roller coasters, a stroll through a historic cigar-making quarter, or an afternoon kayaking through mangrove tunnels, Tampa provides a versatile and vibrant Florida experience that goes beyond the typical beach vacation.

From exploring African-themed thrill rides and underwater worlds to wandering along a revitalized urban riverwalk and sampling iconic Cuban sandwiches, planning a visit reveals a city with distinct character and plenty of sunshine. To help you discover the best of the Cigar City, here are the 10 best things to do in Tampa to help you plan the perfect trip.

1. Visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

More than just a theme park, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a world-class destination that seamlessly blends adrenaline-pumping thrill rides with authentic animal encounters. The park is organized into distinct African-themed regions, each offering its own unique atmosphere, from the bustling markets of Morocco to the plains of the Serengeti. For thrill-seekers, it boasts some of the best roller coasters in North America, including the hybrid wooden-steel monster Iron Gwazi (one of the world’s fastest and steepest), the launched Cheetah Hunt, and the floorless dive coaster SheiKra.

Equally impressive are the park’s zoological offerings. You can embark on a safari tour to see giraffes, zebras, and rhinos, observe majestic lions and tigers in expansive habitats, and learn about conservation efforts for species like gorillas and cheetahs. With live shows, seasonal events, and a compact, walkable layout, Busch Gardens offers a full day of diverse entertainment that appeals to adventure lovers and animal enthusiasts of all ages.

2. Explore the Tampa Riverwalk

The Tampa Riverwalk is the city’s scenic urban spine, a beautifully landscaped 2.6-mile paved trail that winds along the Hillsborough River and Garrison Channel. More than just a path, it’s a linear park that connects downtown’s most important cultural attractions, parks, restaurants, and public spaces. You can start at the Historic Tampa Theatre end and stroll past the Tampa Museum of Art, the Glazer Children’s Museum, the Florida Aquarium, and culminate at the bustling Sparkman Wharf with its food containers and beer garden.

The Riverwalk is perfect for a morning jog, a leisurely bike ride, or a romantic evening walk under sparkling lights. Along the way, you’ll find numerous spots to rent kayaks, paddleboards, or electric boats to explore the waterways. With frequent festivals, public art installations, and stunning sunset views over the water, the Riverwalk embodies Tampa’s revitalized connection to its waterfront.

3. Visit the Florida Aquarium

Located at the southern terminus of the Riverwalk, the Florida Aquarium is a top-tier aquatic institution dedicated to showcasing and conserving the state’s incredible marine biodiversity. Its journey begins with wetlands exhibits featuring river otters and alligators, before leading you into the breathtaking Heart of the Sea exhibit—a massive coral reef habitat teeming with sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and thousands of colorful fish. The walk-through tunnel offers an immersive, 360-degree view.

Interactive experiences abound, from touch tanks with rays and horseshoe crabs to the popular Penguin Backstage Pass. The aquarium also operates the Bay Spirit II, a catamaran that offers eco-tours into Tampa Bay for dolphin watching and learning about the local ecosystem. It’s an engaging, educational, and air-conditioned highlight for families and anyone fascinated by the underwater world.

4. Wander historic Ybor City

A National Historic Landmark District, Ybor City (pronounced EE-bor) is the historic and cultural soul of Tampa, where the city’s famed cigar industry was born. Founded in the 1880s by Cuban, Spanish, and Italian immigrants, its brick streets are lined with charming, wrought-iron-adorned casitas (shotgun houses) and former cigar factories. The main thoroughfare, Seventh Avenue, is alive with restaurants, cigar shops, boutiques, and nightlife.

Don’t miss the Ybor City Museum State Park, housed in a former bakery, which tells the district’s multicultural story. The area is also famous for its iconic Cuban sandwich, which you can sample at historic institutions like the Columbia Restaurant (Florida’s oldest). By day, it’s a fascinating historical exploration; by night, it transforms into one of Tampa’s most vibrant nightlife hubs, with live music venues and energetic bars.

5. Visit ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Consistently ranked among the best zoos in the country, ZooTampa at Lowry Park excels in animal care, conservation, and family-friendly experiences. The zoo is thoughtfully divided into thematic areas: Safari Africa features elephants, rhinos, and giraffes; Primate World is home to gorillas and orangutans; and Florida Wildlife Center & Manatee Critical Care Center is a standout, offering a close look at the zoo’s vital work rehabilitating injured manatees and native species like the Florida panther.

Beyond the animals, the zoo offers splash zones, gentle rides, and up-close animal encounters. Its commitment to conservation education is evident throughout, making a visit both fun and meaningful. It’s a perfect, more relaxed alternative to the high-energy pace of Busch Gardens, especially for families with younger children.

6. Explore the Tampa Museum of Art

An architectural landmark on the Riverwalk, the Tampa Museum of Art is distinguished by its sleek, modern building adorned with a spectacular LED-light facade that creates stunning reflections on the river at night. Inside, the museum houses an impressive permanent collection, with particular strengths in classical antiquities (Greek and Roman pottery and sculpture) and modern and contemporary art. Rotating exhibitions often feature significant works from internationally renowned artists.

The museum also integrates art into the public space, with sculptures and installations scattered around its riverfront plaza. Programs like Art on the House (free admission every Friday from 4-8 PM) and rooftop film screenings make it a lively community gathering place. A visit here adds a dose of sophisticated cultural refinement to any Tampa itinerary.

7. Relax on Clearwater Beach (nearby)

While technically its own city, Clearwater Beach is an essential part of the Tampa Bay experience and is just a 25-minute drive over the causeway. Renowned for its miles of soft, sugar-white sand and calm, shallow turquoise waters, it’s consistently voted one of the best beaches in the United States. The beachfront promenade is lined with hotels, restaurants, and shops, creating a lively, festive atmosphere.

The iconic Pier 60 is the center of activity, with its playground, fishing spots, and the famous nightly Sunset Celebration featuring street performers, artisans, and musicians. Whether you’re parasailing, taking a dolphin-watching cruise, or simply building a sandcastle, a day trip to Clearwater Beach provides the quintessential Florida Gulf Coast beach day that perfectly complements Tampa’s urban attractions.

8. Visit Lettuce Lake Park

For a serene escape into Florida’s natural landscape without leaving the city, head to Lettuce Lake Park. This 240-acre park along the Hillsborough River is a haven for wildlife and a favorite spot for locals. A 3,500-foot elevated boardwalk winds through a lush cypress swamp, leading to an observation tower that offers panoramic views of the river and wetlands. You’re almost guaranteed to spot alligators sunning themselves, turtles, and a wide variety of wading birds like herons and egrets.

The park also features paved trails for biking and jogging, picnic areas, and a canoe/kayak launch. Renting a kayak to paddle the calm, tea-colored waters of the Hillsborough River is a peaceful way to immerse yourself in the quiet, natural side of Tampa and observe wildlife from the water.

9. Explore Glazer Children’s Museum

Located right on the Riverwalk next to the Tampa Museum of Art, the Glazer Children’s Museum is a vibrant, hands-on learning playground designed to spark curiosity and creativity in children up to age 10. Its interactive exhibits are organized around themes of water, construction, art, and role-playing. Kids can pilot a pretend cruise ship, manage a supermarket, crawl through a two-story maze, experiment in a water play zone, and explore a kid-sized version of the Tampa community.

It’s a place where learning is disguised as pure fun, allowing children to engage their senses and imaginations in a safe, stimulating environment. For families traveling with young kids, it’s an essential stop that provides hours of engaging, educational entertainment.

10. Enjoy Tampa’s food and brewery scene

Tampa’s culinary identity is a delicious reflection of its history and location. The undisputed must-try is the Cuban sandwich, perfected in Ybor City—seek it out at legendary spots like La Segunda Central Bakery or The Columbia. The city also boasts exceptional fresh seafood, from grouper sandwiches to stone crab claws. For a modern, curated food hall experience, Armature Works in the Heights neighborhood is a massive, buzzing destination with dozens of local vendor stalls and beautiful riverfront views.

Tampa is also a craft beer powerhouse. Cigar City Brewing put the city on the national map with its iconic Jai Alai IPA, and its taproom is a pilgrimage site for beer lovers. The surrounding area is dotted with excellent breweries like Angry Chair Brewing and Coppertail Brewing Co., making a brewery crawl a flavorful and fun way to experience the city’s creative side.