Things to Do in Tampa

Tampa is a city on Tampa Bay, along Florida’s Gulf Coast. A major business center, it’s also known for its museums and other cultural offerings. Busch Gardens is an African-themed amusement park with thrill rides and animal-viewing areas. The historic Ybor City neighborhood, developed by Cuban and Spanish cigar-factory workers at the turn of the 20th century, is a dining and nightlife destination

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STRAZ CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts provides world-class entertainment, ranging from lavish Broadway shows to classical music and rock concerts. It is the largest facility of its kind in the Southeastern United States. Visit www.strazcenter.org.

ZOOTAMPA AT LOWRY PARK

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is home to more than 1300 animals and famous for having one of the most beautiful, tropical zoological settings in the world. The Zoo brings together animals and visitors to create unforgettable, natural connections. Guests get closer to wildlife than ever before by touching a giant tortoise, feeding a giraffe, getting nose-to-horn with an Indian rhino, hand-to-fin with slippery stingrays and more! Families can also splash in water play areas, feel thrills on rides and take in educational shows. Love manatees? At the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Hospital, the Zoo’s veterinary and animal-care staff treat sick, injured and orphaned manatees, and return them to the wild after rehabilitation. The Zoo also cares for the most diverse group of Florida wildlife anywhere, and has won numerous awards for animal preservation.

HILLSBOROUGH RIVER STATE PARK

Features campsites, youth tent camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, nature trails/hiking, and boating/canoeing.

Average Price of Entree: $6.00
Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Lunch
Major Credit Cards Accepted
Outdoor Dining
Style: Cafe

Armature Works

Armature Works is a fully restored mixed-use building that breathes new life into the historic Tampa Heights neighborhood. With its unobstructed view of the Hillsborough River, the historic structure has been reinvented as a premier community destination with innovative eateries, Heights Public Market and reimagined event spaces.

Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. A unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country’s premier zoos with more than 12,000 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops, and games, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay provides unrivaled excitement for guests of every age.

JULIAN B. LANE RIVERFRONT PARK

Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park is a stunning 25-acre park located just north of the University of Tampa and across the Hillsborough River from the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

MOSI – MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY

For children and adults. Experience what it’s like to pedal a bicycle on a 1-inch cable suspended 30 feet above the ground or lie on a bed-of-nails in the Kids In Charge exhibit! Then, experience elements of the Florida Drivers’ Test in a driverless vehicle, the Meridian Shuttle. Learn how this innovate technology can revolutionize your morning commute and experience the incredible navigating power of LIDAR. Be sure to also check out MOSI’s two newest permanent exhibits: Imagination Playground and Mission: Moonbase.

Flatwoods Park Trail Bruce B Downs Entrance Sign

FLATWOODS WILDERNESS PARK & TRAIL

The park offers fishing, canoeing, hiking, bicycling, boardwalks, and picnicking. Also includes a paved seven-mile loop through Flatwoods Park. Trailheads are available at the entrance of Flatwoods Park (off Morris Bridge Rd.) or Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (just north of I-75).