Things to do in Tampa, Florida
Warning: This post comes with real recommendations and a good side of sarcasm; if that’s not your thing, or you’re a Tampa die-hard fan, move along, please. Otherwise, please enjoy!
Officials keep touting that Tampa has seen record-breaking tourism in recent years. I will be honest — I’m not a fan of this city for several reasons (one includes the miserable weather 10 months out of the year), and I don’t get the hype, but that’s me (yes, I know the joke’s on me since I live here). Before I get into anything else, I’ll say it again — I do not recommend visiting here in the summer as it’s boiling weather, but hey, you do you!
The real truth behind my general dislike of Tampa is the fact that coming from San Diego, California, we have been spoiled big time. I think that San Diego is one of the best cities in the country when it comes to what it has to offer (don’t worry — I acknowledge that it has plenty of issues, just like any other city), and being in Tampa sure made me appreciate San Diego more (ahh, that weather…). Before you jump at me, talk to me when you have experienced living in both cities for several years, and, of course, have similar values as mine; for the record, I did live in more than these two places, but I consider San Diego as one of the most transformative for me… Ok, back to Tampa.
Our move to Tampa was circumstantial, not something we planned or thought of in advance and it took one hell of an adjustment being here (yes, I know I can leave — thanks for the reminder!). Now that we made all that clear…
For whatever reason, you found yourself in Tampa, OR you’re thinking of visiting… *If you want to expand your visit to the Tampa Bay area, check out this post as well, and scroll below to the “see also” section for more places).
In all seriousness, there are things to do here. Here’s a list:
If you’re a sports fan, you’re in luck!
Tampa is big on sports and has several professional sports teams — but you probably know them better than me, given that I have zero interest in that. Anyway, if sports are your thing, do look into going to a game here — I hear they’re pretty entertaining.
If shopping’s on your mind
Try Hyde Park Village, a pretty charming area full of shopping and restaurants. Know that you’re not the only one with this idea and get ready for crowds on top of crowds (maybe not as much on weekdays). Do venture out into the adjacent neighborhoods for a stroll.
Visit ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Our realities and perceptions are based on our own experiences — that’s why I say that it’s incredibly important to expand our horizons as much as possible — aka, travel, live in different states, learn about other cultures, etc. With that said, I hate to mention it again, but San Diego has one of the very best zoos and Sarafi Parks in the country, so we have been very spoiled. That has somewhat reduced our desire to visit other zoos, but ZooTampa is on the list to visit just because we live here, and if you come to Tampa, then I think you should, too. While there, make sure you visit the small but charming Lowry Park across the street — that one we visited many times, and definitely enjoyed (the entrance and the parking lot look ragged but please do dare).
Visit the very famous Busch Gardens
No, we haven’t visited as I’m allergic to crowds (well, not really but I don’t enjoy them). But, if you come to Tampa and do not visit the Busch Gardens, what are you even doing with your life? Sure, you can ask me the same question…
Visit Florida Aquarium
Now, this is a place I have heard great things about (for real) and it has been on our list to visit for a while. We’re just waiting for the hockey season to end so we don’t have to fight with that crowd given that the Aquarium is in the vicinity of Amalie Arena, an area that’s already pressed for parking…
Visit Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center (seasonal only)
Experience Armature Works
It’s the “place to be” with a mixed-use event space offering an upscale food court, bar & lounge in lofty, historic digs, etc. This place is generally packed, and after visiting a few times, I took a dislike to it — the music is extremely loud that you have to scream on top of each other in order to hear and be heard, and I wasn’t blown away by the food there, either. However, if you enjoy that kind of atmosphere, definitely go there.
Explore Sparkman Wharf
Most of Tampa’s “life” happens here; what I’m trying to say is that this place is busy and pretty fun.
Visit the Tampa Bay History Center
Tampa does have an interesting history, and if you want to truly learn more about this city, I’d recommend you start here.
Explore The Riverwalk
It’s pretty nice, and if you truly want to experience it, put some comfortable shoes on, start at the Armature Works and make your way to the Sparkman Wharf. Be prepared though — since there aren’t that many cool places in Tampa, everyone else has the same idea, so again, it can get pretty crowded.
Take a RiverWalk Detour
While on your river walk, make a detour to the other side and visit The Henry B. Plant Museum, and explore the University of Tampa’s grounds and campus (if possible) — it is worth it!
Ride the Pirate Water Taxi
A nice way to view the city from the water and learn some fun facts; this is one activity that I think you shouldn’t miss while visiting Tampa.
Visit the Historic Tampa Theatre
A “protected historic landmark and one of America’s best-preserved examples of grand movie palace architecture”, this edifice is a sight to see — no, really, it’s like from another era (pun intended)!
Visit Ybor City
Ybor City is Tampa Bay’s historic Latin Quarter and is full of genuine Cuban culture. Exploring here sure feels like you step into another time and place. Note: I would not recommend driving through here as the streets are busy and with 1-2 lanes at most that are also used by delivery drivers so you risk the chance of getting stuck. Park your car and immerse in the culture on foot. Be aware of your surroundings and watch for the chickens (yes, I said chickens) crossing all over.
Experience Columbia Restaurant
Quintessential Tampa, this is Florida’s oldest restaurant and is always busy! We haven’t been there yet for this exact reason, but if you plan on coming to Tampa, check it out, read Michelin’s guide on it, and be sure to make reservations if you’re convinced that you need to try it.
Walk on Bayshore Boulevard, the longest continuous sidewalk in the United States.
One of my favorite places in Tampa, this sidewalk is well over 4 miles long and offers beautiful views of the Tampa Bay waters, as well as opulent mansions private homes (the surrounding neighborhoods are charming). Note: shade is pretty much nonexistent, and the sun in Florida is the hottest sun I’ve ever experienced —plan accordingly. Do make sure you take a peek at the water — if you’re lucky, you might see various sharks (we’ve only seen small ones here), dolphins, manatees, lots of fishes, stingrays, and other sea and wildlife here.
*Scroll below to “see also” for more Florida travel ideas, including those in the Tampa Bay area.
I hope you now have a long and nice list of things to do and see in Tampa, Florida. Enjoy!
xo,
Em
