When in Tampa, do as the Tampans do, of course, in a fun way. Our guide to things to do in Tampa is designed to give you a taste of the local flavor, from the sun-kissed beaches of Clearwater to the vibrant streets of Ybor City. Don’t miss out these 10 activities in Tampa!
Things to Do in Tampa — Insider Tips
Before Your Journey
Tampa, located on the west coast of Florida, USA, is a vibrant city and a preferred destination for vacation and sightseeing. Before you start exploring things to do in Tampa, Florida, you should know some features about it.
- It is important to note that you should be prepared to travel on a budget, as Florida is renowned for its high cost of living. If you are on a tight budget or a student coming here for school, some Tampa things to do, which are affordable or free, are also very fulfilling and enjoyable. As a student apartment rental platform, uhomes.com is pleased to welcome you to Tampa. We offer various student housing in Tampa, FL, for students and non-student apartments for tourists, including options close to Tampa’s colleges and attractions, with monthly rent starting at $749. If you want to rent an apartment, please contact us for more information.
- When planning your visit, it is advisable to consider the optimal time for exploring the city. The fall months, from September to December, offer a pleasant climate with cooler temperatures and reduced humidity, making it an ideal season for leisure and outdoor stuff to do in Tampa. This period also avoids the crowds, providing a more tranquil experience. You can also plan your visit around special events and festivals, such as the Gasparilla Pirate Fest (27th January) and the Florida State Fair ( 8-19th February), which are some of the best Tampa Florida things to do.
Start Your Journey (Overview)
Start your day with a brisk stroll along the shores of Clearwater Beach, where the gentle waves and warm sand set the tone for a relaxed day ahead. Then, hop on a boat tour to explore the bay, keeping an eye out for dolphins and enjoying the cool sea breeze. For a bit of retail therapy, head to Hyde Park Village, where you’ll find a mix of high-end boutiques and local shops, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs. Sports enthusiasts can catch an exhilarating University of South Florida football game, while history buffs can explore the rich heritage of Ybor City, exploring the best things to do in Tampa. For a touch of nature, spend some time at ZooTampa, where you can get up close with a variety of fascinating animals. When hunger strikes, indulge in some local cuisine at one of the many restaurants. In the evening, catch a live performance at the Tampa City Ballet. Or, if you’re feeling energetic, join the locals at the Tampa Skatepark for some skateboarding action. Don’t miss out on the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival, a city-wide celebration that brings together pirates, parades, and parties.
Things to Do in Tampa — Detailed Introduction
🏖️1 Relax on the Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach has frequently been recognized as “Best Beach in Florida” and “Best Beach in the U.S.”. This renowned destination is celebrated for its pristine white sand and clear blue water. Located about 40 minutes from downtown Tampa, this beach is ideal for a sunrise experience with ocean breezes and views. It is regarded as one of the most serene things to do in Tampa Bay. In addition to its pristine beach, Clearwater Beach offers various other things to do in Tampa FL, including water sports such as kayaking, jet skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
You can also visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (📍249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767), which is home to diverse marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and pelicans, which is one of the best places to visit in Tampa. Tickets can be reserved in advance, with adult tickets costing $35.95, children’s tickets (ages 3 to 12) at $26.95, and children under 2 receiving free admission.
If you are interested in fishing or watching the sunset, you can find these things in Tampa at Pier 60. It also hosts the Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival, which showcases live music and entertainment every night, starting two hours before sunset and continuing until two hours after.
🛥️2 Take a Dolphin Sightseeing Tour
The Tampa Water Taxi Dolphin Sightseeing Tour is a 1.5-hour dolphin-watching cruise. It is one of the valuable things to do in Tampa Bay, Florida, offering breathtaking coastal views and providing insights into the local ecosystem, wildlife, and dolphin behavior through a knowledgeable and engaging crew. You are welcome to bring snacks and beverages on board!
Tickets are competitively priced at $29 per person, which is recommended to purchase online to secure availability. The cruise departs multiple times daily at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. from the dock at Tampa Water Taxi (📍801 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602) in downtown Tampa.
🛍️3 Shop at Hyde Park Village
Hyde Park Village is a well-known upscale shopping center in Tampa, located in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood. Unlike other shopping malls, it is an open-air shopping village that spans six blocks and offers various Tampa activities. You can shop at local boutiques and well-known brands and taste gourmet foods. The area offers free parking in a garage next to Timpano’s in the heart of Hyde Park Village and a secondary garage at the end of Swann Circle near Anderson Park.
Shopping Experience
Hyde Park Village boasts various upscale and practical stores. Boutiques include Zadig & Voltaire, Kittenish, Madewell, and Zimmermann, which are perfect spots for girls. There are also great boutiques for boys, including Suitsupply, Mizzen+Main, and Bonobos. Jewelry and accessory stores, such as Kendra Scott, Stoney Clover Lane, Little Words Project, Gorjana, and Albisia, also contribute to the shopping experience. Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, Sur La Table, West Elm are practical shopping venues to get household items and kitchenware. The monthly Fresh Market, held on the first Sunday of every month from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., is one of the popular Tampa FL activities, which is a must-visit for local produce and crafts.
Dining & Entertainment Options
There are numerous dining options, including international cuisine at On Swann, Ro, Bartaco, and Meat Market. It also boasts entertaining things to do in Tampa, Florida. The Cinébistro offers a luxury movie-viewing experience, Color Me Mine provides pottery painting activities, and the Wine Exchange organizes various wine and tasting events. When it comes to what to do in Tampa, Hyde Park Village offers activities that can be experienced throughout the day without spare time.
😋4 Taste Local Cuisine & Drink
Sampling various local cuisines is one of the most fun activities in Tampa FL. Tampa’s unique and rich cultural heritage has contributed to its vibrant culinary scene, which ranges from locally caught seafood to dishes popular in immigrant neighborhoods. These cuisines show a marvelous collision of local ingredients, diverse cultures, and time-honored traditions. From a diverse array of fine dining and farm-to-table restaurants featuring fresh seafood or authentic Spanish dishes, there is enough Tampa Bay stuff to do to immerse you in the community.
Cuban Sandwich
Tampa’s Cuban sandwiches are filling and delicious and have a long history dating back to the immigrants working in Tampa’s cigar factories. It is one of the best things to do in Tampa Florida trying this traditional cuisine. The traditional Cuban sandwich is made with roast pork, ham, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed between Cuban bread, creating a flavorful and satisfying combination.
Columbia Restaurant (📍2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States) is an iconic eatery among Tampa’s most highly regarded Cuban sandwich establishments.
Since 1915, La Segunda Central Bakery (📍2512 N 15th St, Ybor City, FL 33605, United States) has been a leading producer of Cuban bread.
West Tampa Sandwich Shop (📍3904 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33607, United States) is widely regarded as one of the finest dining destinations in Tampa. It is also a local favorite for authentic Cuban sandwiches, offering a real dining experience and delicious food.
Another well-regarded establishment is La Teresita (📍3248 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33607, United States), a family-owned restaurant serving Cuban cuisine in a casual atmosphere since 1972.
Flan Factory (📍1718 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, United States), a small, unassuming establishment helmed by the first generation of Tampeño’s, has been recognized as a top destination for Cuban sandwiches.
Spanish Bean Soup
Tampa’s renowned Spanish Bean Soup was served at the esteemed Columbia Restaurant (📍2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States) in Ybor City over a century ago. Trying Spanish Bean Soup is a traditional thing to do in Tampa. This unassuming soup from Florida’s oldest restaurant contains all the essence of the original dish, with chickpeas, ham, and potatoes that are simmered for a long time to thicken the soup.
Crab Enchilau
The waters of Tampa Bay are home to a significant population of blue crabs, a staple of the local diet. Crab enchilau, a dish made with blue crabs and tomato sauce, is commonly served over rice or spaghetti.
Barterhouse Ybor (📍1811 N 15th St a, Tampa, FL 33605, United States) is widely regarded as one of the premier places to visit in Tampa Florida for this dish. Their unique preparation involves cooking the entire crab in a rich, red-based sauce, with the meat emerging. This sauce is enhanced with roasted red peppers and Creole seasoning, and the dish is served over a bed of fresh spaghetti. This pairing strikes the ideal balance between unpretentiousness and innovation.
🏆5 Watch Football Games at Raymond James Stadium
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a dominant force in the football arena. For football enthusiasts, visiting Raymond James Stadium (📍4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607, United States) to witness the Buccaneers in action is undoubtedly the most enticing stuff to do in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers make Tampa’s football atmosphere culturally rich and unique. A Tampa Bay Buccaneers game day event is more than just a football game; it’s a festive celebration filled with rich traditions. It is highly recommended that you arrive early to partake in the pre-game festivities and engage with fellow fans.
Before the game, fans occupy their designated tailgating areas, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. Tents are erected to provide shade, while individuals congregate around grills to prepare various barbecue dishes. Music plays a significant role in establishing the atmosphere, with classic rock, pop, gold, and the Buccaneers’ team anthem being played. Fans also engage in friendly competition, playing games like cornhole and trivia contests about the team’s history.
The game also features numerous traditions, including Cannon Fire, where the Buccaneers’ cannons are fired at designated moments, such as after a score or during crucial plays to enhance the atmosphere. When the PA announcer says, “First down Tampa,” the crowd responds with “BAY!” and the BucVision screen prompts the crowd to sing “TAMPA” and “BAY” in counterpoint. These are Tampa Bay activities that football fans won’t want to miss.
Raymond James Stadium is also home to USF football team. USF‘s football team has had a successful run in NCAA Division I. Game day typically includes various pre-game activities, such as band performances, cheerleaders, and fan parties. Therefore, their games are also great things to see in Tampa.
📍6 Explore Historic Ybor City
Ybor City is a historic neighborhood in Tampa, renowned for its rich cultural and historical background. A visit here is one of the top things to do in Tampa. Once the center of cigar manufacturing, it has transformed into a vibrant entertainment and cultural district. The area’s historic buildings, cultural events, arts and cultural events, dining experiences, and vibrant nightlife and entertainment make it one of the most worthwhile things to see in Tampa, Florida.
The Ybor City Museum State Park (📍1818 E 9th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States) offers a comprehensive exploration of the area’s history, spanning from its origins as a cigar manufacturing hub to its current status as a vibrant cultural and entertainment district. Centro Asturiano de Tampa (📍1913 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, United States) is a historic social club built for Spanish immigrants from Asturias, featuring Beaux-Arts and Classical Revival architecture. The Ybor Art Studio (📍1800 E 8th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States) showcases the work of local artists and provides insight into Ybor City’s vibrant art scene.
For a fun and exciting cultural experience, Ybor City Ghost Tours offers a guided journey through Tampa’s enigmatic past, accompanied by spine-chilling tales. For a genuine Tampa culinary experience, Ybor City Food Tours is one of the Tampa Bay things to do.
🩰7 Catch a Live Performance at Tampa City Ballet
Tampa City Ballet’s Nutcracker is an annual Tampa tradition that attracts audiences of all ages, making it family-friendly Tampa things to see. The performance showcases the Tampa City Ballet’s high level of dance skills, providing a profound experience through music, performance, and quality arts education.
In addition to the Nutcracker, Tampa City Ballet (📍15365 Amberly Dr, Tampa, FL 33647, United States) holds other things to do in Tampa area that are very popular. On February 8, 2025, Tampa City Ballet will participate in the Chinese New Year Festival with a special performance by the Tampa City Ballet School. For free Tampa area activities, The Dance Now Festival is an immersive event designed to foster meaningful interactions between artists and audience members. Other performances worth checking out include Don Quixote, a story filled with romance and comedy.
🛹8 Skate at the Tampa Skatepark
Tampa Skatepark (📍4215 E. Columbus Dr., Tampa, FL 33605) is one of the most appealing activities in Tampa for skateboarding enthusiasts, offering various amenities and activities for skaters of all ages and skill levels. BMX bikes are permitted on certain days, adding diversity and excitement to the park. The park also hosts several events, including the annual Tampa Pro, an internationally renowned skateboarding event that attracts many top skaters, and Go Skateboarding Day, an annual skateboarding celebration where the park hosts various free events and contests.
The park caters to beginners with various activities and instructional programs, including group skateboarding lessons on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Female skaters are granted complimentary admission. It also offers a complimentary gift to patrons on their birthday.
🐆9 Vist ZooTampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa at Lowry Park (📍1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604, United States) is an original destination combining a zoo and theme park, offering a wealth of top things to do in Tampa Florida. It offers high-quality activities to interact with the animals and get an educational experience. Many of these best activities in Tampa are free.
Stingray Shores is a new interactive habitat where visitors can touch, feed, and get close to the graceful rays. You can also upgrade your experience by joining a team of professional aquarists for a unique animal-feeding experience.
Australia Realm is a new Australian-themed area that allows you to get up close and personal with amazing animals from Australia and experience the new Aussie Trek water ride.
Manatee Experiences offers live streaming of manatee’s care, which grows your understanding of the manatee.
The Giraffe Encounter allows guests of all ages to have an interactive experience with a family of giraffes.
On November 29th, Christmas in the Wild features illuminated animal sculptures, light shows, live entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus. New Tampa area activities include “The Nutcracker’s Domain,” story time with Mrs. Claus, and “Forest of Illusions.”
📅10 Attend Gasparilla Pirate Festival
The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is one of Tampa’s most renowned events, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. It is widely regarded as the best thing to do in Tampa Florida. The 2025 Gasparilla Pirate Festival is scheduled for January 25.
Gasparilla Stage Performances are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. These performances will feature live music and entertainment at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (📍600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, United States) and MacDill Park (📍100 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, United States). The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch is held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center (📍333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602, United States). Seating is limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Gasparilla Invasion will take place, featuring the legendary Jose Gasparilla and hundreds of ships, accompanied by “notorious” pirates. The Gasparilla Parade of Pirates will take place from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. Hundreds of pirates will march 4.5 miles down Bayshore Boulevard, tossing glittering beads, treasures, and doubloons along the way.
Conclusion
These things to do in Tampa are just the beginning — there are more activities in Tampa worth exploring! From relaxing on the beach to cruising on a boat, shopping to culinary experiences, attending sporting events to visiting historic districts, enjoying live performances to skateboarding, and exploring the zoo to partaking in special events, you can delve deeper into the customs with these things to do in Tampa Florida and enjoy the city as the locals do. Whether traveling alone, with family, or with friends, incorporating these 10 things to do in Tampa into your itinerary will give you a journey full of surprises and fun.
FAQ
What are the things to do in Tampa for adults?
There are various things to do in Tampa for adults. Activities in Tampa include experiencing the nightlife of Ybor City and 260 First, going to Honeymoon Island State Park to observe wildlife and walking along the picturesque trail, going to the Straz Center for Broadway musicals, the Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey Tournament and more.
What are the things to do in Tampa for free?
You can find multiple things to do in Tampa for free. These include enjoying free concerts, festivals and fitness classes at Curtis Hixon Park, participating in Sunday Yoga in Curtis Hixon Park, exploring Tampa’s street murals, enjoying the sunshine at St. Pete Beach, visit the Glazer Children’s Museum.
Are there things to do in Tampa for couples?
As a city by the bay, you can find many things to do in Tampa that are romantic for couples. First, you can explore Tampa’s waterways by kayak under the moonlight and enjoy the beautiful night views; and enjoy a sunset cruise on Tampa Bay. You can indulge in a romantic dinner at the Oxford Exchange, and participate in a Painting with a Twist session.
