Things to do in Tampa
Tampa packs a lot into one Gulf Coast city. You can spend a morning at the Florida Aquarium, an afternoon on the Tampa Riverwalk, and an evening catchi…
Tampa packs a lot into one Gulf Coast city. You can spend a morning at the Florida Aquarium, an afternoon on the Tampa Riverwalk, and an evening catching a show at the Straz Center. The mix of family attractions, waterfront parks, and historic venues means there’s usually something worth doing, whether you’re visiting for a weekend or just looking for a new spot close to home.
For families, the big draws are Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and ZooTampa at Lowry Park, both with rides and animal encounters. Outdoors, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Water Works Park offer riverfront green space and splash pads. Food ranges from Cuban classics at La Teresita to newer spots like Armature Works, a food hall in a restored building. History buffs can tour the Henry B. Plant Museum or the American Victory Ship, and nightlife runs from live music at Crowbar to the eclectic scene at The Castle.
Frequently asked questions about Tampa
What are the best outdoor things to do in Tampa?▾
The Tampa Riverwalk is a great starting point—it’s a paved path along the water with views and easy access to parks. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park sits right on it and hosts events. For a quieter option, Lettuce Lake Park has a boardwalk, canoeing, and a fishing dock.
What can families do with kids in Tampa?▾
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and ZooTampa at Lowry Park are the biggest draws, but the Glazer Children’s Museum and Museum of Science & Innovation (MOSI) are also kid-friendly. For a wet day, Adventure Island is a water park with slides and a wave pool.
Where can I get Cuban food in Tampa?▾
La Teresita is a family-run spot that’s been serving Cuban and Spanish standards for years. It’s casual and homey, with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also find Cuban influences at places like Ulele, which focuses on native Floridian fare.
What are some historic places to visit in Tampa?▾
The Henry B. Plant Museum is a landmark building with exhibits on Florida’s early tourism. Centro Asturiano de Tampa, a 1902 Spanish social club, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The American Victory Ship is a restored WWII warship that’s now a museum.
Where can I go for live music or nightlife in Tampa?▾
Crowbar is a downtown spot for live music and DJs, while The Orpheum features independent artists. The Castle is a multilevel dance club with a Goth-to-fetish crowd, and Club Prana has different music on each floor. For comedy, Funny Bone Comedy Club is an option.
Upcoming events
How to Crochet
Art From The Heart
Engineering Challenge: Building for Hurricanes
Teen Make & Take: DIY Journal
Introduction to Ancestry Library Edition
Book Discussion: Moby Dick
Relax with Adult Coloring
Introduction to Tai Chi
Gallery on the Avenue: Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Gallery @ 2607 Presents: Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Gallery on the Boulevard Presents: Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Gallery @ 2902 Presents: Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Family Story Time
Family Story Time
Baby Time
Baby Time
Baby Time
Family Story Time
Family Story Time
Feline Fantastic
Bilingual Story Time
Family Story Time
Tech Help
Family Story Time
Family Story Time
Family Story Time
Baby Time
Family Story Time
Bilingual Story Time
National Cheeseburger Day
Brick Building
Tai Chi Flow
Relax with Adult Coloring
Dapper Dogs
Movie Screening:: National Treasure (PG)
Hispanic Heritage Month Craft Hour
Handsewn Buddies
Movie Screening: Ella Enchanted (PG)
Fun with Florida Flowers
Google Drive
Family History for Teens
Write Now
Gallery @ 2607 Presents: Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Gallery on the Boulevard Presents: Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Gallery on the Avenue: Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Gallery @ 2902 Presents: Made in Florida: Highlights from the Tampa Museum of Art Collection
Family Story Time
Heroes Quest
Makerspace Orientation
STEAM Time:: The Science of Fluffy Slime
Come Write-In: Haiku
Steam Time: Circuit Robot
STEAM Time: Glow in the Dark Slime
Family Story Time
Portrait Drawing Made Easy : - A Bilingual Program
Graphic Novel Book Discussion: Batwing: Luke Fox
Movie Screening:: TRIUMPH: Tampa's Untold Chapter in the Civil Rights Movement
Movie Screening:: TRIUMPH: Tampa's Untold Chapter in the Civil Rights Movement
An Afternoon with Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Sewing Workshop-Pocket Pillow
Film Discussion: The Patriot (R)
Book Discussion: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Hero's Journal
Cross Stitch For Beginners
Conversation Corner
American Pantheon
Ybor City Saturday Market
Ybor City Fresh Market
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Things to do in Tampa
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Topgolf Tampa
Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games.
via Google MapsTampa Convention Center
Lettuce Lake Park
Park featuring a boardwalk, birdwatching, canoeing, a fishing dock, picnic tables & BBQ grills.
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Tampa (Midtown)
This game-day bar serves burgers & fried fare, plus local beers & party platters for big groups.
Portillo's Tampa
Chicago-born chain for hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches & more, plus beer & wine, in retro digs.
WestShore Plaza
Popular department & chain stores, a multi-screen movie complex plus restaurants & a food court.
Maggiano's Little Italy
Semi-upscale chain for classic Italian fare served family-style in a relaxed, polished space.
Miller's Ale House
Casual sports-pub chain with basics from bar snacks to steaks & a large selection of tap beers.
via Google MapsGolden Corral Buffet & Grill
Family-friendly buffet chain featuring all-you-can-eat American fare, plus salad & dessert bars.
Mattress and Furniture Super Center
Sprawling, 50,000-sq.-ft. store featuring a wide choice of indoor & outdoor home furnishings.
Ballast Point Park
Historic waterfront park offering views of Downtown with a cafe, pier, picnicking & a playground.
Charley's Steak House
Classic chophouse delivering wood-fired aged beef, plus seafood & wine in a sophisticated space.
Tampa Riverwalk
Happening multi-use path along the Hillsborough River, with city views, benches, eateries & events.
Rick's on the River
Relaxed riverfront pub where raw oysters & classic bar bites are complemented by live music daily.
Cypress Point Park
Oceanfront park with a boardwalk, hiking trails, dunes, picnic shelters & a canoe dock.
Sugar Factory - Tampa Bay
via Google MapsKobe Japanese Steak House
Chefs put on a show at this Japanese chain offering hibachi items, traditional dishes & sushi.
Al Lopez Park
City park with sheltered picnic areas, nature trails, a playground & 2 ponds (one for fishing).
via Google MapsTrader Joe's
Grocery chain with a variety of signature items, plus produce, dairy & more (most sell wine & beer).
Museum of Science & Innovation - MOSI
Interactive exhibits on biology & earth science, as well as a ropes course & a planetarium.