Top Things To Do in Tampa – Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Tampa, located on Florida’s west coast, is known for its sunny weather and stunning waterfront. As the largest city in the Tampa Bay area, it draws many visitors and new residents every year. Whether you’re exploring for the first time or a local, Tampa offers diverse activities—from holiday tours to thrilling theme parks. Check out our blog for the best places to visit and fun activities in Tampa, ensuring you have a memorable and enjoyable time in this lively city!
1. Discover Tampa with the CityPASS
Experience top tourist attractions in Tampa and save money with the Tampa Bay CityPASS. Visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the Florida Aquarium, and ZooTampa at Lowry Park, plus choose two more attractions from Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the Tropics Boat Tours Dolphin or Sunset Cruise, Museum of Science Industry (MOSI), or Glazier Children’s Museum. The CityPASS is valid for nine days from the first use, giving you plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Admission costs $144 and includes prepaid entry to five must-see attractions. Head straight to the entrance with the CityPASS mobile ticket, and use the online travel guide for important information and tips. Book your tour here.
2. Try the Tiki Boat Tour in Downtown Tampa
Looking for fun things to do in Tampa? Check out the 2-hour Private Floating Tiki Boat Tour along the Downtown Tampa Riverwalk. This tour is perfect for celebrating special occasions like birthdays, bachelorette parties, or just a fun day out with family. You’ll cruise along the river in a cozy tiki boat, enjoying the beautiful views of Tampa’s skyline. The tour is designed to make your celebrations extra special and memorable. It costs $354 for a group of six people, making it a great group activity where you can relax and have a good time. So, if you want to try luxury things to do in Tampa, book your tiki boat tour here and enjoy a fantastic day on the Tampa Riverwalk.
3. Discover the Wonders of Florida Aquarium
Visit the Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay to see a breathtaking display of over 15,000 sea creatures, ranging from sharks, and otters to alligators. For just $33.34, you can pre-book your tickets to ensure you skip the lines and get straight to the excitement. The aquarium offers unique things to do in Tampa like a wild dolphin on a cruise and an underwater SeaTREK tour, where you can get up close with aquatic life. Young children, ages two and under can enter for free, making it a great family outing. A day at the Florida Aquarium is an unforgettable experience for all ages. Book your visit here to guarantee your admission.
4. Uncover Tampa’s History with a Harbor Cruise
Explore Tampa’s history and see beautiful views of the city on this affordable $31 harbor cruise. Starting from the dock, you can get on the boat quickly without waiting in long ticket lines. As you travel past Tampa’s harbors, your guide on the boat will tell stories about Tampa’s past, from its early days as a Spanish area to today. You will even see a real pirate ship, the Gabriella, up close! During the cruise, enjoy free soft drinks and water, and take lots of great pictures of fancy houses, museums, and the famous Plant Hotel. The tour ends where it started, making it easy to plan your day. Book your cruise here and take a fun trip back in time.
5. See Tampa in a Fun Golf Tour
Explore Tampa in style for just $49 with a unique golf cart tour starting from Harbour Island. Cruise in comfort with Bluetooth music and special lights as your local guide shows you chic neighborhoods, historic Ybor City, and vibrant districts with shops and dining. Snap a photo at the colorful Tampa Postcard Mural, see landmarks like the University of Tampa and Amalie Arena, and enjoy a break at Sparkman Wharf. Discover more sights including the Florida Aquarium and Channel District before returning to Harbour Island. Book your fun ride here and enjoy a cool way to see the best of Tampa.
6. Fun Times at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
For a full day of excitement, head to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where entry costs $80.63. This park is perfect for families, offering over three hours of thrilling rides, live shows, and a chance to see more than 12,000 animals. Test your bravery on Falcon’s Fury, a towering drop ride, or zoom around like a cheetah on the Cheetah Hunt roller coaster. Also, check out Cobra’s Curse, a unique roller coaster that spins you around for an extra thrill. Whether you love fast rides or enjoy watching animals, Busch Gardens has something for everyone. To make sure you don’t miss out on this one of the fun things to do in Tampa, book your visit here and get ready for a day packed with adventure at one of Tampa’s top spots.
7. Explore Henry B. Plant Museum
Since 1933, the Tampa Bay Hotel has been home to the Henry B. Plant Museum and the University of Tampa. Now called Plant Hall, this building is a National Historic Landmark. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance Museums and aims to share the story of Tampa Bay Hotel and the people who made it great. Visitors can learn about Florida’s early tourist industry through exhibits and programs. With original furnishings and artifacts, a self-guided audio tour helps visitors experience the luxury of the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel. Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for children ages 4-11, $9 for students ages 12-17 with valid student ID, and $10 for seniors ages 65+. Book your tour here to experience fun cheap things to do in Tampa.
8. Splash into Adventure Island
Located right across the street from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island offers 30 acres of water fun for everyone. This water park combines fast rides with a relaxing tropical setting. In a Key West atmosphere, visitors can enjoy slides, corkscrews, waterfalls, a wave pool, and a children’s water playground. You can race down rapids, dig your toes on the sand, or relax in the private cabana. Don’t miss the Colossal Curl, the park’s newest family thrill slide that makes you feel weightless. Admission is $58.29. Plan to spend more than three hours here to fully enjoy all the attractions. Book your tour here
9. Tampa Indoor Skydiving
If you visit Tampa, don’t miss the chance to experience indoor skydiving at iFLY. You can “fly” inside a vertical wind tunnel that mimics the free-fall of skydiving. No experience is needed, and training is provided. It’s an exhilarating and safe way to feel the thrill of skydiving without jumping out of a plane. Book your tour here
10. Fun Times at Tampa Ghost Tour
If you’re visiting Tampa, one of the best things to do is take a tour of the oldest and most haunted buildings in Downtown Tampa. You’ll hear stories of murder, tragedy, and organized crime history, and visit sites on the National Haunted Registry. This tour offers a thrilling and spooky glimpse into the darker side of Tampa’s past. Book your tour here
Conclusion
Tampa is a great place to visit because it offers many different fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore on a festive tour, enjoy the water on a boat, see sea creatures at the aquarium, or have fun on a ride at a theme park, Tampa has it all. The city is known for being friendly and having nice weather, making it the perfect spot for outdoor activities all year long. With its mix of history, culture, and adventure. Tampa is a place where you can make lasting memories.
Common Questions Top Things to Do in Tampa
One of Tampa’s famous attractions is its many Cuban cigar shops. Known as the “Cigar City,” Tampa earned this nickname because of its strong connection to Cuban cigars.
Tampa, often highlighted in top travel lists like Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places in 2023, is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Known for attractions like Busch Gardens and wildlife parks, it’s a must-visit destination for adventure and nature enthusiasts alike.
Miami is known for its bustling nightlife and urban vibe, while Tampa offers a more spread-out layout with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities. Many prefer Tampa for its family-friendly neighborhoods, ideal suburbs, and attractions that cater to all age groups, making it a great choice for families, retirees, and singles alike.
Cuban Sandwich: A signature Tampa creation with layers of ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread.
Deviled Crabs: Crab meat seasoned, formed into balls, breaded, and fried, offering a delicious seafood treat.
Grouper Sandwich: Fresh grouper either fried or grilled, served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce.
From the beautiful beaches of Clearwater to the vibrant restaurants of Tampa Heights and the bustling streets of downtown St. Pete and Tampa’s Riverwalk, Travel + Leisure assures there’s something here for everyone.