Tampa FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Tampa, Florida.
1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
THRILLS AND WILDLIFE ADVENTURE
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a premier theme park known for its thrilling roller coasters and extensive animal exhibits. In 2025, the park features exciting new attractions including the high-speed launch coaster 'Solar Surge' and innovative live entertainment experiences. Visitors can enjoy record-breaking rides while also experiencing close encounters with wildlife in this family-friendly destination.
2. The Florida Aquarium
UNDERWATER WONDERS EXPLORATION
The Florida Aquarium offers an immersive underwater experience with thousands of marine animals and interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore the new 'Deep Sea Explorer' exhibit opening in 2025, showcasing fascinating ocean life in meticulously designed habitats. Adventure-seekers can even participate in unique experiences like swimming with sharks and coral reef snorkeling for an unforgettable aquatic adventure.
3. Tampa Riverwalk
SCENIC WATERFRONT PATHWAY
Tampa Riverwalk is a picturesque 2.6-mile waterfront path connecting many of the city's top attractions, parks, and dining options. Visitors can stroll along this scenic walkway to discover cultural landmarks like the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and the Tampa Museum of Art. The Riverwalk is perfect for biking, kayaking, or simply enjoying the waterfront atmosphere with convenient access to restaurants and breweries.
4. Ybor City
HISTORIC LATIN QUARTER
Ybor City stands as Tampa Bay's vibrant Latin Quarter, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore historic cigar shops, sample authentic Cuban cuisine, and enjoy the neighborhood's energetic nightlife scene. This distinctive district combines historical charm with modern entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and partygoers alike.
5. ZooTampa at Lowry Park
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE
ZooTampa at Lowry Park ranks among Tampa's top family attractions with its focus on endangered species conservation and interactive exhibits. The zoo's new 'Wild Florida Experience' for 2025 offers visitors an immersive journey through Florida's diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Animal lovers can get up close with numerous species while learning about global conservation efforts in this educational and entertaining environment.
6. Clearwater Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY COASTAL PARADISE
Clearwater Beach is renowned as one of Tampa Bay's premier coastal destinations, perfect for families and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and abundant recreational activities including parasailing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. The beach's vibrant atmosphere is complemented by nearby restaurants, shops, and regular events that make it a complete vacation destination.
7. St. Pete Beach
SPECTACULAR SUNSET VIEWS
St. Pete Beach is celebrated for its breathtaking sunset vistas along the Gulf of Mexico coastline near Tampa. Visitors can relax on the award-winning beaches while enjoying a laid-back atmosphere with numerous beachfront dining options and accommodations. The beach offers a perfect balance of relaxation and recreation, with water activities during the day and unparalleled sunset viewing experiences in the evening.
8. Honeymoon Island
SECLUDED NATURAL RETREAT
Honeymoon Island offers a secluded, nature-focused beach escape just a short drive from Tampa's urban center. Visitors can explore four miles of pristine shoreline, hike through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests, and spot local wildlife including osprey and eagles. The island's natural beauty and relative seclusion make it perfect for those seeking a more peaceful alternative to busier Tampa beaches.
9. Gasparilla Pirate Festival
LEGENDARY PIRATE CELEBRATION
The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is Tampa's signature annual event celebrating the city's pirate heritage with elaborate parades and festivities. Visitors can witness the spectacle of pirate ships invading Tampa Bay, followed by a massive parade featuring costumed participants and colorful floats distributing treasures to the crowd. This family-friendly yet party-oriented celebration has become a beloved Tampa tradition that attracts both locals and tourists seeking unique cultural experiences.
10. Salvador Dalí Museum
SURREALIST ART MASTERPIECES
The Salvador Dalí Museum houses the largest collection of Salvador Dalí's works outside of Spain in a stunning architectural marvel near Tampa. Visitors can immerse themselves in the surrealist master's paintings, sculptures, and digital exhibits featuring cutting-edge technology that brings his artwork to life. The museum's distinctive building with its enigmatic glass entryway reflects the artist's imaginative spirit while providing context for understanding his revolutionary artistic vision.
11. Tampa Bay History Center
REGIONAL HERITAGE EXPLORATION
The Tampa Bay History Center offers an engaging journey through 12,000 years of Florida's past with interactive exhibits and rare artifacts. Visitors can explore galleries dedicated to indigenous peoples, Spanish explorers, Cuban cigar rollers, and the region's modern development into a cultural hub. Located along the Riverwalk, this Smithsonian Affiliate institution provides context for understanding Tampa's diverse cultural heritage through immersive storytelling techniques.
12. Hillsborough River State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Hillsborough River State Park provides a natural escape with opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing just minutes from downtown Tampa. Visitors can explore over seven miles of nature trails through diverse ecosystems while keeping an eye out for alligators, turtles, and a variety of bird species. The park's Class II rapids are unusual for Florida, offering exciting canoeing and kayaking adventures for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an active nature experience.
13. Straz Center for the Performing Arts
PREMIER CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts stands as Tampa's premier cultural venue hosting Broadway shows, opera, ballet, and concerts throughout the year. Visitors can experience world-class performances in multiple theaters ranging from intimate spaces to the grand 2,600-seat Carol Morsani Hall with exceptional acoustics and sightlines. Located prominently along the Riverwalk, this artistic hub has transformed Tampa's cultural landscape while providing enriching entertainment options for locals and tourists alike.
14. Tampa Museum of Art
MODERN AND CLASSICAL COLLECTIONS
The Tampa Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection spanning ancient classical artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary works in its striking waterfront building. Visitors can explore the museum's renowned Greek and Roman antiquities alongside rotating exhibitions featuring innovative modern art and photography. The museum's architectural design with its LED-illuminated façade creates a dramatic presence along the Riverwalk, particularly beautiful when viewed at night.
15. University of South Florida
EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL CAMPUS
The University of South Florida campus offers visitors a blend of academic tradition, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities in north Tampa. Guests can explore the Contemporary Art Museum, the Botanical Gardens featuring over 3,000 plant species, and the USF Sun Dome which hosts major sporting events and concerts. The university's vibrant atmosphere combines educational facilities with public spaces that welcome both students and visitors interested in campus tours or attending scheduled events.