Tampa Bay, located on the west coast of Florida, is a vibrant and diverse destination that offers something for every type of tourist. Whether you’re into amusement parks, watersports, art, animals, history, nightlife or restaurants, Tampa Bay has a lot to offer.
Here’s a description of the top ten key highlights for tourists.
Top 10 Activities
1. Busch Gardens Theme Park
2. The Florida Aquarium
3. Museums- Tampa Art Museum, Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa Bay History Center
4. ZooTampa at Lowry Park
5. Ybor City- Nightlife, History
6. American Victory Ship
7. Go along the Water- The Tampa Riverwalk
8. Go on the Water- Tiki Cruise, Jets Skis, Kayaks, Water Taxi
9. Go in the Water- Clearwater Beach
10. Restaurants & Entertainment Venues
Tampa Bay CityPASS
Before you start going to the attractions, first see if the Tampa Bay CityPASS® is a good value for you. This pass offers discount prices to 5 attractions in Tampa. It gives you admission to:
1. Busch Gardens
2. The Florida Aquarium
3. ZooTampa at Lowry Park
As the Busch Gardens Theme Park single adult entry cost $135 and the the adult city City Pass is $139, basically I would advise to get the City Pass is you are going to Bush Gardens and don’t get the pass if you don’t plan to go there as it would still cost less going to the other four attractions at their normal price.
All the information and to buy the ticket(s) can be found on their official site here:
Busch Gardens Theme Park
Busch Gardens is a 335 acre theme park with a combination of thrilling rides, live entertainment, and animal exhibits.
One of the main draws of Busch Gardens are the world-class roller coasters. These include the Iron Gwazi, the fastest and steepest hybrid roller coaster in the world which plunges riders from a 206 foot tall peak into a 91 degree drop and reaches speeds of 76 miles per hour. SheiKra, a floorless dive coaster with a 200-foot vertical drop, and Montu, an inverted roller coaster featuring seven inversions. Other notable rides include Cheetah Hunt, Kumba, and Falcon’s Fury, a unique drop tower that tilts riders 90 degrees before free-falling. Other popular rides are the log flume, a white water rapids ride and classics such a bumper cars.
In addition to the rides, Busch Gardens is renowned for its animal encounters and exhibits. The park is home to more than 200 species, including lions, tigers, elephants, gorillas, and various bird species. Guests can observe and learn about these animals through educational presentations, guided tours, and up-close encounters.
You can also take the Stanleyville train which takes you inside an area where there are a number of animals roaming free (its 40 minutes for a full loop of the train ride but there are 3 stops which you can get off at if you don’t want to do the full loop).
The park also has a couple theaters including a Sesame Street theater for kids and the Cirque Electric which features dance performances and carnival acts.
Its about a $20 uber ride from downtown or Ybor or you can take the #5 or #9 bus. As you might expect food and drink are expensive at the park; $7 for a gatorade, $6 for water so I would eat and be fully hydrated beforehand if you want to save some money. Adult entrance to the park is $135.
For more information on Busch Gardens Tampa see: Busch Gardens
The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is situated in the Channelside district, near downtown Tampa and the Port of Tampa.
The aquarium provides an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. It combines stunning exhibits, interactive displays, and a strong conservation message to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world’s aquatic habitats.
The facility covers an area of 250,000 square feet and houses a diverse range of marine life from around the world. It features over 20,000 aquatic plants and animals, representing more than 1,000 species. Visitors can explore various exhibits that showcase different marine habitats, including freshwater and saltwater ecosystems.
One of the main highlights of the Florida Aquarium is the massive Coral Reef exhibit, which provides a mesmerizing glimpse into the beauty and complexity of a tropical reef. The exhibit houses a vibrant array of corals, tropical fish, and other reef-dwelling creatures. Visitors can walk through an acrylic tunnel that offers a 360-degree view of the underwater world, providing an immersive experience.
Another notable feature is the Bays and Beaches exhibit, which highlights the diverse marine life found in Florida’s coastal ecosystems. It showcases mangroves, wetlands, and seagrass habitats, along with animals like stingrays, sea turtles, and sharks. The Wetlands Trail exhibit allows visitors to explore a recreated Florida wetland environment, complete with native wildlife such as alligators, otters, and birds.
In addition to the exhibits, the Florida Aquarium offers various interactive experiences and activities. Visitors can participate in touch tanks, where they can interact with marine creatures like starfish and sea cucumbers. The aquarium also offers educational presentations, behind-the-scenes tours, and animal encounters for a more in-depth understanding of marine life and conservation efforts.
Also for a small additional fee, ($95 with entrance instead of the normal $40 entrance fee) you can do Seatrek. This is where you put on an oxygen helmet and actually go into one of the tanks with the fish (20 minutes in the tank, 1 hour for the whole program).
There also a hawk show at different times on the rooftop and don’t forget to go outside for the African penguins. (adult entrance $40).
Museums
Tampa Art Museum
The Tampa Museum of Art is a renowned cultural institution which showcases a wide range of artwork, both contemporary and classical, from around the world.
The permanent collection includes works of art from ancient cultures, classical antiquity, and modern and contemporary pieces. It encompasses a broad range of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and new media installations.
The museum regularly hosts rotating exhibitions that highlight specific artists, themes, or artistic movements.
In addition to its impressive collection and exhibitions, the museum also features educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages. These include guided tours, lectures, workshops, and interactive experiences designed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of art.
The museum is situated along the scenic Tampa Riverwalk, offering visitors beautiful views of the Hillsborough River.
To see the entire collection you should allocate about 3 hours. (adult entrance $25).
Henry B. Plant Museum
The Henry B. Plant Museum offers an immersive and educational experience for visitors interested in history, architecture, and the lavish lifestyles of the Gilded Age. It provides a unique glimpse into Tampa’s past and the legacy of Henry B. Plant’s influence on the city’s growth and development.
The Henry B. Plant Museum is located on the Campus of Tampa University. It is housed in the former Tampa Bay Hotel, which was built by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant in the late 19th century. The hotel was a grand luxury resort and played a significant role in the development of Tampa as a tourist destination.
The museum showcases the opulence and elegance of the Gilded Age, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and times of the late 1800s. The building itself is a stunning example of Moorish Revival architecture, featuring distinctive minarets, domes, and intricate detailing.
Inside the museum, visitors can explore various rooms and exhibits that provide a comprehensive view of the hotel’s history and the era in which it thrived. The exhibits include period rooms that have been meticulously restored to their original splendor, such as the Grand Salon, Music Room, and Writing Room. These rooms are adorned with period furnishings, artwork, and artifacts that transport visitors back in time.
The museum also houses a collection of decorative arts, including original hotel artifacts, antique furniture, silverware, and porcelain. Additionally, there are displays showcasing the social, economic, and technological advancements that occurred during Plant’s era, such as the development of railroads and the impact of the Spanish-American War.
The museum is not large so you should be able to see the full collection in an hour. (adult entrance $12)
Tampa Bay History Center
The Tampa Bay History Center covers a wide range of topics, including the indigenous peoples who originally inhabited the region, the Spanish exploration and colonization, the influence of the cigar industry and immigrants in Ybor City, the development of the port and shipping industry, the military history of the area, and the growth of Tampa as a city.
Visitors to the museum can explore exhibits that feature artifacts, photographs, and multimedia presentations. There are interactive displays where visitors can engage with historical information and hands-on activities that bring the past to life. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits that highlight specific aspects of Tampa Bay’s history or showcase traveling collections.
The museum has 3 floors and a lot of information, videos and exhibits so I would allocate about 4 hours to see the entire center. (adult entrance $17)
For more information see: Tampa Museums and Art
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a large zoo known for its diverse collection of animals, educational programs, and conservation efforts.
ZooTampa is spread across 63 acres and showcases over 1,300 animals from various species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. The park is divided into different themed areas, providing visitors with an immersive experience. Some of the notable exhibits include the Florida Boardwalk, Wallaroo Station (a children’s area), Asian Gardens, Safari Africa, and Primate World.
The Florida Boardwalk exhibit highlights the unique ecosystems found in the state, featuring animals such as alligators, otters, manatees, and various bird species. Wallaroo Station is an interactive area designed for younger visitors, offering opportunities for hands-on experiences, petting zoos, water play areas, and rides.
The Asian Gardens section provides a glimpse into the diverse wildlife of Asia, featuring species like tigers, Komodo dragons, orangutans, and red pandas. Safari Africa is a popular attraction that showcases animals from the African continent, including elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and lions.
(adult entrance $48)
Ybor City- Nightlife & History
Ybor City has been revitalized and is now a top nightlife destination. Its one of one the most eclectric nightlife areas I have experienced with every type of bar from speakeasy cocktail style, to dive bars and pool halls, to cigar bars, karaoke bars, live houses, southern style bars, hip hop & latin clubs, LGBTQ bars to full on New York Style multi-level DJ clubs with electronic and house music, to Irish Pubs and Breweries and its all packed into a few blocks; Avenue 7 (called “La Setima”) between 14th street and 21st so just walk La Setima and you should find a place for your style.
Ybor City’s nightlife is pretty good all week but gets real packed and lively on weekends after 9pm.
Here are some suggestions:
Brewery- Rock Brothers Brewery
Bar – Gaspar’s Grotto, Pirate theme pub with two outdoor patios
Hip Hop- 7th & Grove, Lounge style with DJ
Latin- La Herencia De Ybor- Dance Club
Irish Pub- James Joyce
Southern Rock- Southern Belle, rock and country with live bands
Club- Prana- full on NY style nightclub (long lines)
Speakeasy cocktail style- the Copper Shaker
Cigar bar- Taberno Cigars
Karaoke Bar- Bad Monkey Ybor
If nightlife is not you thing, while quiet in the daytime Ybor City is still nice to visit to see the old style architecture, learn about its history as a diverse immigrant community and the world center for cigar making and to go to the oldest restaurant in Florida, the Columbia which is excellent, and if you like to buy premium cigars.
For more information see: Ybor Nightlife
America Victory Ship
The SS American Victory was built in 1945 and played a significant role in transporting troops, supplies, and ammunition during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The ship is one of the few surviving Victory-class cargo ships and has been meticulously restored to its original condition.
Visitors to the American Victory Ship & Museum can explore the ship and learn about its history through self-guided tours. The ship’s various decks, including the cargo holds, crew quarters, bridge, and engine room, are open for visitors to explore, providing a unique and immersive experience of life aboard a working cargo ship during wartime.
The museum also features exhibits and displays that offer insight into the history of American merchant ships and their vital role in supporting the armed forces. Visitors can view artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia related to the ship’s service and the overall maritime history of the United States.
Go Along the River- The Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, urban architecture, and cultural attractions.
It has transformed the downtown waterfront into a dynamic and accessible destination, providing residents and visitors with a place to relax, explore, and enjoy the vibrant spirit of Tampa. The Tampa Riverwalk is a scenic pedestrian trail that spans approximately 2.6 miles along the banks of the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. It serves as a vibrant hub for recreational activities, social gatherings, and cultural events, and has become one of the city’s most popular attractions.
The Riverwalk connects several key landmarks, parks, and attractions. These include the Tampa Convention Center, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the Tampa Museum of Art, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, and the Tampa Bay History Center.
Visitors to the Riverwalk can enjoy stunning views of the river, beautifully landscaped parks, and architectural landmarks. The pathway itself is well-maintained and features ample seating areas, shade structures, and public art installations, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
Along the Tampa Riverwalk, you’ll find various amenities and recreational facilities. These include picnic areas, playgrounds, waterfront cafes, restaurants, and bars. There are also designated areas for docking private boats and water taxis, allowing visitors to access the Riverwalk from the water.
You will also see sculptures and descriptions of the prominent people from Tampa’s history.
Go on the Water
There are many ways to enjoy the Tampa River: Dolphin sightseeing boats, Tiki cruises, renting kayaks, paddle boards or jet skis or a leisurely hop on and off on the Pirate Water Taxi.
Dolphin Sightseeing Boat
This boat leaves from behind the Florida Aquarium and you can buy the tickets ($17) there so you may want to plan to do both of those on the same day. They can not guarantee you will see dolphins, but its a nice boat ride anyway.
For info see: Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise
Tiki Cruise
The cruise is a 90 minute journey up the river and takes up to 6 people ($58 a person), you bring your own food and drink but they provide a cooler.
For information see: Tiki Cruise
To rent kayak or paddle boat see: Riverwalk Rentals
To rent a Jet Ski see: Paramount Rentals
Use the Pirate Water Taxi to get to the many attractions, museums, restaurants & parks along the riverfront or just for a relaxing boat ride.
For information see: Pirate Water Taxi
Go in the Water- Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in America known for its stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
It is situated on a barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico, within the city of Clearwater; a little over an hour car ride from downtown Tampa (about $60 Uber ride).
The beach stretches for about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) and offers plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and various water activities. The sand is powdery and soft, making it perfect for relaxing walks along the shore. The warm, inviting waters of the Gulf of Mexico are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, jet skiing, and other water sports.
The beachfront area is lined with numerous hotels, resorts, restaurants, and shops.
Pier 60, located at the heart of the beach, is a popular gathering spot featuring a fishing pier, a park, and a daily sunset celebration with street performers, artisans, and live music.
Clearwater Beach is also known for its stunning sunsets, which are particularly spectacular when viewed from the beach or from one of the beachfront restaurants.
Other beach options:
For a more laid back and general a little less expensive area try St Pete’s Beach in St. Petersburg (an hour from downtown Tampa – about $48 Uber ride)
Or if you don’t have much time the closest beach to downtown Tampa is Ben T Davis Beach (about 15 minutes outside Tampa), a very nice beach although a little noisy as its close to the road.
Restaurants & Entertainment
Food lovers will be delighted by Tampa Bay’s culinary offerings. From fresh seafood and waterfront dining to Cuban sandwiches and craft breweries, the region offers a diverse range of flavors. Don’t miss trying the iconic Cuban sandwich, deviled crabs, or a bowl of hearty seafood chowder.
For restaurants I recommend:
Columbia- the oldest restaurant in Florida and largest Spanish restaurant in the world.
Bern’s Steakhouse- top steakhouse in old world luxurious setting
Armature Works- Food court with a variety of great food right on the riverwalk
Jotero & Sparkman’s Wharf – Great Mexican food & a variety of food options and outdoor seating in the wharf area behind.
For more information see:
For entertainment there Straz Center for Performing Arts, the Hard Rock Casino Seminole and a number of sports venues.
The Straz Center is one of the largest performing arts complexes in the country, boasts one of the nation’s leading Broadway series and is nationally respected for producing grand opera, as well as presenting a wide variety of concerts, performances and events.
For information see: Straz Center
For gamblers there is the Hard Rock Casino Seminole, there is a Hard Rock Cafe in the casino with live music so I would recommend that to feel better after losing you money like I did at the tables 🙂 It is about a 25 minute cab ride from downtown Tampa or 15 minutes from Ybor.
For sports enthusiast the city hosts professional sports teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (American Football), Tampa Bay Lightning (Hockey), and Tampa Bay Rays (Baseball).
Getting Around
Tampa is not a huge city so I was able to get around using Uber & Lyft mostly which are plentiful and not too expensive. There are also buses which cost $2, the Pirate Water Taxi mentioned above and a free trolley (the “TECO Line streetcar”) which takes you from downtown Tampa to Ybor and back which runs about every 20 minutes.
Conclusion
Tampa Bay offers a mix of thrilling attractions, water related activities, cultural experiences, animal experiences, delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife, making it an appealing destination for tourists seeking sun, fun, and a variety of activities to enjoy. I was surprised by all there was to do and explore.
Please note the summer time is very hot and humid so best to avoid then if that’s not your thing,
Let me know if you have any questions or comments.
