23 Best Things To Do In Tampa, Florida

Here is my complete guide to the best things to do in Tampa, Florida!

Tampa, Florida is one of the beautiful cities in this world that I’ve had the privilege of calling home.

It’s the first city I moved to after leaving home when I was 18 years old.

I studied at the University of Tampa between 2013 and 2016, and I’ve been back to visit countless times since then.

My favorite thing about Tampa is how it blends big-city attractions with a beachy, small-city vibe.

It has art, nightlife, entertainment, theme parks, and cool architecture, rivaling big Florida cities like Orlando or Miami.

But it also has tranquil walking trails, quiet islands, relaxing parks, and waterways for kayaking. There are cozy, residential neighborhoods with open-air markets and uncrowded, tree-lined streets.

Tampa is just a short drive from world-class beaches like Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach. There are outdoor activities galore, which is perfect considering Florida’s year-round sunshine.

So for anyone lucky enough to visit, here are my top things to do in Tampa, Florida!

colorful street art things to do in tampa

From museums and coffee shops, to walking trails and beaches, here are the best things to do in Tampa, Florida.

It’s handy to have a car in Tampa. The city is really not too hectic, so parking is relatively easy and affordable. With a car, you can see more of the city and take some day trips to the nearby beaches like Clearwater.

So if you don’t have a car, I recommend renting one for your stay!

I also want to note, Tampa International Airport is one of the BEST airports ever. It’s so smooth and easy to navigate, which makes any visit to Tampa positive right off the bat.

You can grab a rental car right at the airport and start exploring the wonders of Tampa.

Check prices for car rental in Tampa

1. Walk along Bayshore Boulevard

Walking on Bayshore Boulevard is one of my favorite things to do in Tampa. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and bask in the warm, humid Florida air.

Bayshore Boulevard is a 4.5-mile stretch of uninterrupted sidewalk.

It runs adjacent to Hillsborough Bay, and you can often spot dolphins or turtles in the glassy water.

Bayshore is also great for rollerblading, skateboarding, biking, or jogging.

2. Visit the Tampa Museum of Art

Another one of the best things to do in Tampa is visit the local art museum.

One of the prominent buildings in Downtown Tampa, the museum conveniently fits into your exploration of the city.

Even if you’re not an art connoisseur, it’s still cool to check out.

The Tampa Museum of Art showcases ancient and modern art, with pieces from lots of different cultures around the world.

3. See a show at the Straz Performing Arts Centre

The Straz Performing Arts Centre is located right in downtown Tampa overlooking the Hillsborough River.

There is always a rotating list of shows, which is a fun addition to any Tampa itinerary.

Go to comedy shows, Broadway musicals, live music performances, or community events.

I saw the Book of Mormon Musical at the Straz Performing Arts Centre when I lived in Tampa and it was amazing.

Save money on top Tampa attractions with the CityPASS!

4. Check out Plant Hall at the University of Tampa

Plant Hall is the most famous building at the University of Tampa. It’s become an unmissable attraction for visitors to Tampa, whether you are a student or not.

The unique building has tall, iconic minarets that are visible from all over the city.

It’s worth checking out the fascinating and photogenic Plant Hall while strolling around Tampa.

You can even go inside the Henry B. Plant Museum within Plant Hall to learn about the history of Tampa from the late 1800s to now.

Plant Hall at the University of Tampa — The iconic Plant Hall – I used to take classes in there!

5. Relax in Plant Park

Also on the grounds of the University of Tampa, Plant Park is a lovely green space right across from Plant Hall.

Officially called Henry B. Plant Park, it’s the oldest and largest botanical garden in the city.

It’s free to enter, well-maintained, and offers sweeping views of the Hillsborough River and the Tampa skyline.

Have a picnic, go for a walk, or tie a hammock to some of the many palm trees and have a snooze. Plant Park is one of the best places to visit in Tampa!

6. Have coffee at Oxford Exchange

Oxford Exchange is definitely one of the best cafes in Tampa.

It has a unique ambiance that is somehow modern, cozy, and earthy all at the same time.

There is a sit-down cafe where you can get delicious meals. Outside in the hallway, there is a loose-leaf tea bar and a coffee bar.

The drinks are always amazing, and the rustic decor provides the perfect setting for sipping a hot drink and catching up with a friend.

coffee and matcha latte on a table at a cafe

7. Join a local event at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is the most centrally located green space in Downtown Tampa.

Nestled between all the skyscrapers, museums, and the Hillsborough River, this spacious park is the perfect place to sprawl out and relax.

There are water fountains, walking paths, a playground, a boat dock, and lots of room for picnics.

Local events always pop up in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, from outdoor concerts to free yoga sessions.

8. Walk along the Tampa Riverwalk

As you may have noticed, there are lots of amazing walking places in Tampa. What better way to enjoy the Florida sunshine than a scenic outdoor walk?

Another one of the best things to do in Tampa is walk along the Riverwalk.

This 2.6-mile sidewalk winds along the Hillsborough River and passes many of the city’s highlights.

You can get some exercise, watch the sunset, and check out Tampa’s museums, parks, and arenas while walking or biking along the Riverwalk.

tampa city skyscrapers and palm trees — Tampa is the perfect city for an outdoor stroll

9. Go to Sparkman Wharf for drinks

One of my favorite things about Tampa is all the cool bars and venues where you can eat or drink outside in the fresh air.

Sparkman’Wharf is an awesome place to go with friends in Tampa.

Whether you want to visit a beer garden, find a food truck, or get a jug of sangria out on a patio, Sparkman Wharf has it all.

It’s actually located at one end of the Riverwalk. So you can start your walk in Downtown, walk the entire Riverwalk, then end at Sparkman Wharf and treat yourself to lunch here.

10. Have a fun day at Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens is a theme park just a 15-minute drive north of Downtown Tampa.

While it has the classic fast food and thrilling rides of any theme park, it also has unique animal exhibits. So it’s like a zoo/theme park hybrid.

Whether you’re traveling Florida with kids or you love a good roller coaster, Busch Gardens is a fun place to spend a day.

Book your Busch Gardens entry ticket online in advance!

11. Get healthy fast food at Fresh Kitchen

Fresh Kitchen is my favorite place to grab lunch while visiting Tampa.

Picture a Chipotle-style fast food joint, where you pick your ingredients and fill a bowl at the counter. But it’s all healthy!

There are hearty bases, freshly baked or grilled veggies, delicious proteins, and creative sauces and toppings.

I always get the almond-crusted chicken tenders and the holy kale sauce. These have been on the menu since I worked here back in 2014 when Fresh Kitchen first opened, and they are still crowd favorites for a reason.

If you want a quick, healthy lunch in Tampa, Fresh Kitchen is the place to go.

bowls of healthy food and cookies at fresh kitchen tampa — Bowls and paleo cookies at Fresh Kitchen – I dream about this meal constantly.

12. Learn about the cigar history and Cuban culture in Ybor City

Ybor City is a historic Tampa neighborhood, founded in the late 1800s by Spanish entrepreneur, Vicente Martinez Ybor.

He turned the area into a cigar-producing town, and Ybor City was considered the Cigar Capital of the World by 1900.

Latin American immigrants flocked to Ybor City to work in the factories. Cubans in particular had a strong presence here, and they left their cultural mark on the town with countless Cuban cafes and restaurants.

Nowadays, Ybor City is on the National Register of Historic Places. Complete with cobblestone streets and the historic buildings on Seventh Avenue, it’s a fascinating little slice of history in Florida.

You can learn more about the history at Ybor City Museum State Park.

And the Cuban restaurants still thrive! Columbia Restaurant is the best place to go for a delicious, authentic Cuban dinner.

Try an Ybor City guided food tour

13. Indulge in the Ybor’s nightlife

Aside from its cigar history and Cuban influence, Ybor City is also known for its amazing nightlife.

For a fun night out in Tampa full of dancing and cool venues, Ybor City is the place to go.

The welcoming, walkable neighborhood has lots of bars and nightclubs all within a few blocks of each other.

There are dance clubs, cigar lounges, gay bars, cocktail bars, hookah lounges, comedy clubs, saloons, and more.

Most of the clubs I used to frequent back in 2013 are unfortunately closed. But after a bit of research, I’ve listed today’s most popular venues and what they are known for!

Club Prana – five-floor nightclub
District 8 – music, dancing, hookah
Bradley’s on 7th – gay bar
Tangra Nightclub – Rooftop dance floor
Ybor Society Wine Bay – upscale drinks and bites
Showbar Ybor – Piano bar
Ybor City Tap House – craft beers
Crowbar – live music and events
Sterling Cigar Lounge and Bar – cigars, drinks, jazz
Funny Bone Comedy Club – comedy and great vibes

14. Stroll through Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of the most scenic neighborhoods in Tampa.

Nestled right in between Bayshore Boulevard, Downtown Tampa, and the busy main road of West Kennedy Boulevard, it’s like a little oasis right in the middle of the city.

Hyde Park is mainly residential, with lots of quiet streets lined with cute houses and lush trees draped in moss.

It’s a lovely place for a walk! Or you can head to Hyde Park Village, the boutique shopping center in the middle of the neighborhood.

15. Attend the Hyde Park Market

Officially called the Fresh Market, the Hyde Park Market is held at the trendy outdoor area around Hyde Park Village.

It’s held on the first Sunday of every month from 10am – 2pm.

Here you can browse through the outdoor market stalls and chat with local vendors.

From handmade goods to delicious freshly baked bread, there is so much cool stuff to see at the Hyde Park Market.

Explore more with my favorite day trips from Tampa!

16. Take a day trip to Clearwater Beach

If you want a beach day while visiting Tampa, it’s worth driving out to Clearwater Beach.

Often considered one of the best beaches in Florida, Clearwater Beach has powdery white sand and warm turquoise waters.

The ocean here is part of the Gulf of Mexico, so the water is usually calm and flat. It’s a great place for a family beach day!

Clearwater Beach is just a 30-minute drive from Tampa. I recommend arriving early so you can get parking close to the beach.

clearwater beach florida — The stunning Clearwater Beach

17. Shop at the Tampa International Mall

The Tampa International Mall, also known as the International Plaza and Bay Street, is a fun place to visit in the city.

Though shopping isn’t really my thing, the spacious shopping plaza has lots of dining options and outdoor seating areas in addition to shops.

I would often meet family here for dinner, as it’s a big, easy area and there is lots of parking.

It’s also super close to Tampa International Airport, making it a convenient place to kill time before a flight.

18. Watch the sunset

The sunsets on Florida’s west coast are a dream!

Even in Downtown Tampa while you’re away from the coast, you can still see amazing sunsets over the Hillsborough River.

Definitely make the time to go outside and relax while watching the sunset while you visit Tampa.

Or you can admire the views from the water on a sunset cruise.

Book a Tampa sunset cruise

19. Visit the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts

Anyone interested in photography has to check out this museum!

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is an amazing place to visit in Ybor City, a lively and historic neighborhood of Tampa.

There are incredible displays of historic and modern photography here, with works from local and international artists.

20. Rent kayaks or paddleboards

I love kayaking and paddleboarding in Tampa and around St. Pete.

Florida’s warm, sunny weather combined with Tampa’s calm bays and lagoons makes the perfect combo for paddling.

Urban Kai and Tampa Riverwalk Rentals offer water sport rentals on the Hillsborough River.

PADL and Sharkey’s Water Sports have rentals right on Tampa Bay. Sea Glass Kayaking also offers nighttime paddles.

There is also an Urban Kai near St. Pete, right after you cross the Gandy Bridge. Here you can paddle around the quiet mangroves further away from the city.

Try a nighttime kayak tour in Tampa

kayaking in the mangroves in st pete florida — Kayaking in St. Pete

21. Treat yourself to a dinner at Bern’s Steak House

Bern’s Steak House is one of the most iconic restaurants in Tampa.

Located in Hyde Park, this intimate, upscale restaurant is famous for its extensive wine cellar and premium steaks that are always perfectly cooked.

The prices are not cheap, but it’s the perfect place to treat yourself if you want a high-class experience.

Bern’s also has a famous dessert room where you can sit in giant wine barrels and order incredible sweets. Even if you don’t want to fork over tons of cash for a dinner, it’s worth just visiting the dessert room at Bern’s Steak House!

22. Attend a sports game

Tampa has some amazing professional sports teams, as well as modern venues where you can catch a game.

See the Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey Team at Benchmark International Arena, or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team at Raymond James Stadium.

The Tampa Bay Rays baseball team normally plays at Tropicana Field. But after damages to the field from Hurricane Milton, they have been temporarily playing at Steinbrenner Field.

The New York Yankees baseball team also has their spring training in Tampa, which you can go watch if you’re a baseball fan.

Book your ticket to see the Tampa Bay Lightning!

23. Attend the Gasparilla Festival

If you can visit Tampa at the end of January, you’re in luck. Every year on the last Saturday in January, Tampa hosts the Gasparilla Pirate Fest.

This city-wide celebration includes parades, parties, and concerts. Everything is pirate-themed, and everyone dresses up in full pirate gear for the weekend.

Gasparilla began in the early 1900s and was inspired by the tales of the area’s most notorious pirate, José Gaspar.

Today, it’s just an excuse to dress up and have a blast at all the community events in Tampa!

Where to stay in Tampa, Florida

There are lots of amazing hotels around Tampa, so it just depends which area you want to stay in.

Here are my top recommendations for the best places to stay in Tampa!

Browse Booking.com for the best Tampa hotels

Downtown Tampa

Downtown Tampa is right in the hustle and bustle (which isn’t too crazy since Tampa is a pretty chill city).

Staying in Downtown Tampa puts you closest to the museums, Straz Performing Arts Center, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, and the Riverwalk.

You’re also close to all the other attractions. Look for a hotel with parking so you can easily store your car on-site while exploring.

Browse the best hotels in Downtown Tampa.

downtown tampa skyscrapers at night — Downtown

Ybor City

Ybor City is a fun neighborhood just a 10-minute drive from Downtown Tampa. Here you can walk to everything in the area, including clubs, bars, restaurants, and shops.

You’re a bit further from any other Tampa attractions though, so I would definitely rent a car for your stay.

Browse the best hotels in Ybor City online.