14 Attractions in Tampa Florida

Tampa Bay is the largest open water estuary in Florida, where sunshine happens daily and there is so much to do. Tampa has a retro vibe that keeps people coming back year after year.

Known as a great family vacation destination, Tampa is also perfect for animal lovers. Home to both Busch Gardens and Florida Aquarium, there is plenty in Tampa to keep you busy.

Attractions in Tampa FLorida

With so many amazing attractions you may be feeling overwhelmed, use this guide to help you pick the best attractions for you.

Tampa Travel Tips

The best time to visit Tampa is from September through December 

If you plan a visit during the fall, you’ll avoid both the muggy summer temperatures and the winter crowds.

In terms of food, Tampa is known for its Cuban food and beautiful waterfront dining.

14 Attractions in Tampa

Busch Gardens Tampa

Busch Gardens Tampa encourages you to take a walk on the wild side! Between the park’s thrilling roller coasters and thousands of animals, you’ll find that Busch Gardens has something for everyone. 

The entire park is themed after Africa, and you’ll love the Serengeti Plain where you watch as African wildlife wanders free.

The 335-acre park is also home to some of Florida’s most thrilling roller coasters and so much family fun! 

Busch Gardens Tampa – 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612

Armature Works

Are you into food and architecture (or both)? Then head to Armature Works Heights Public Market. This 22,000-square-foot industrial market is Tampa’s go-to local spot. You’ll love the ambiance and the vast variety of food options at the Armature Works. 

The building is actually a 1910 building that was formerly the storage and maintenance facility for Tampa Electric’s streetcars. How cool?

Armature Works – 1910 N Ola Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602

The Florida Aquarium

Get up close and personal with alligators, sharks, and even penguins at the Florida Aquarium. If you want a special experience with marine life, you can touch a stingray, bamboo shark, or starfish. 

Looking for something even more hands-on? You’re in luck! The aquarium offers an underwater walking tour where visitors can suit up in scuba gear and walk with the fish and sharks. Talk about once in a lifetime experiences!

You can also adopt an animal at the aquarium as part of the species ambassadorship program.

The Florida Aquarium – 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602

Hyde Park Village

Hyde Park Village is a quaint area of the city and a nice respite from the hustle and bustle. Located near downtown Tampa and Bayshore Boulevard, the village offers many boutiques and specialty shops. 

They have everything from contemporary art and Baccarat crystal to upscale men’s and women’s clothing and collections of eclectic home decor. Think Anthropologie, Rag & Bone, Kendra Scott, and Madewell, among other brands. 

There are also several restaurants, cafes, and gourmet coffee shops, plus a newly renovated 7-screen movie theater which rounds out the village. For your entertainment, enjoy the summer concert series, art festivals, craft festivals, farmers markets, and free movies in the park.

Hyde Park Village – 1602 W Swann Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Animal lovers will be in heaven at ZooTampa. The sprawling zoo spans nearly 60 acres and boasts natural habitats, interactive animal encounters, and a handful of fun rides. Meet a wide variety of animals from around the world, including African elephants, koalas, orangutans, and tigers, among other incredible species.

The zoo is also home to Florida’s first non-profit manatee hospital. You’re guaranteed to spot one of these behemoth beauties at the hospital. Other interactive animal encounters range from a photo with a koala bear to feeding an Indian rhino. 

ZooTampa – 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Professional Sports Arenas

If you are interested in professional sports, Tampa offers three major venues including NFL, MLB Spring Training, and NHL.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers play their home games August through December at Raymond James Stadium located just minutes from Tampa International airport. 

Raymond James Stadium – 4201 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33607

Yankees Spring Training and Minor League Baseball

Directly across the street from the NFL stadium is Legends Field where the New York Yankees do spring training from February to March each year. The club’s minor league team, the Tampa Yankees, plays at Legends from April through August. 

Legends Field – 1 Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa, FL 33614

Tampa Bay Lightning

If you’re into hockey, the National Hockey Leagues’ Tampa Bay Lightning begin their season inOctober and it runs through May at the Amalie Arena, located near downtown Tampa.

Amalie Arena – 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602

Columbia Restaurant

Florida’s oldest restaurant dates back to 1905, and it’s also the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. Columbia Restaurant is an entire city block in the historic Ybor City district in Tampa. Your senses will be overwhelmed by the award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine.

The restaurant features all the Spanish/Cuban classics, and an amazing wine list that offers more than 850 wines, with an inventory of 50,000 bottles. Try to visit Tuesday through Saturday so that you don’t miss the entertainment that includes Spanish Flamenco dance performances nightly. 

Columbia Restaurant – 2117 E 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605

Tampa Museum of Art

If you’re searching for the epicenter for creatives in Tampa, head to the Tampa Museum of Art. The museum features a wide variety of classical, modern, and contemporary art in its permanent collection. That’s in addition to a consistent line-up of visiting exhibits by world-renowned artists.

You’ll find works by Cassatt, Degas, Picasso, Renoir, and Lichtenstein on display. Make sure to pay attention to the incredible building that houses all of the art, as well. 

Tampa Museum of Art – 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602

Tampa Riverwalk

Looking to experience all of the excitement of downtown Tampa? Head to the city’s gorgeous Riverwalk. This 2.4-mile path is walkable, bikeable or even Segway-able and it connects you to all the best downtown has to offer. 

Highlights of the River Walk include the Riverwall Exhibit, a 550-piece photography collage by artist Bruce Marsh. You’ll also hit the Florida Aquarium, Port Tampa Bay, and the Tampa Bay History Center. All fantastic stops!

Tampa Riverwalk – (813) 221-1539

Manatee Viewing Center

Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center is such a special and unique place. Here you’ll get to see manatees swimming through the Tampa Electric water plant. You won’t have to pay anything to see this amazing Tampa attraction. 

In Apollo Beach, at the Big Bend Power Station, manatees seek refuge in the power station’s panel. This is where clean, warm Tampa Bay saltwater flows. Although you’ll be tempted to keep your eyes on the water at all times, make sure to check out the center’s other attractions. These include a stingray touch tank, educational exhibits, and a gift shop. 

Climb the stairs of the 50 ft viewing tower, so that you can get a bird’s-eye view. It’s located halfway down the Manatee Viewing Center’s habitat loop trail. 

Manatee Viewing Center – 6990 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, FL 33572

Tampa Theater

For a step back in time be sure to visit the beautiful Tampa Theater. Built-in 1926, the theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Tampa City landmark. The ornate architecture is beautiful and when you step inside the theater you will be transported to another time. The ceiling twinkles with stars as statues peer from the recesses. 

A guided tour, that takes about one and a half hours, will take you from the balcony to the backstage area with information about the art, mythology, and architecture surrounding the theater. Throughout the year, the theater features classic movies, documentaries, and independent films and also has scheduled concerts and events.

Tampa Theater – 711 N Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602

Glazers Children’s Museum

If you’re searching for kid friendly attractions in Tampa, one of the best is Glazers Children’s Museum. Home to over 20 hands-on exhibits for children of all ages, your kids will absolutely love a day spent at this museum. 

Kids can learn about everything from banking at the museum’s Central Bank exhibit, to engineering at the Engineers’ Workshop. Don’t worry, for those creative kids there is the Art Smart area. A bonus is that it is located about halfway down the Riverwalk (mentioned above). 

Glazers Children’s Museum – 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602

Hillsborough River State Park

Outdoor enthusiasts visiting Tampa will love Hillsborough River State Park, which is a short drive from downtown Tampa. The park offers four nature trails, Class II rapids (a rarity in Florida), camping, beautiful scenery, and even wildlife viewing. 

History lovers should check out Fort Foster, which was originally built in the 1830s. The fort was constructed during the Second Seminole War to help colonists maintain their bridge crossing at the Hillsborough River.

Hillsborough River State Park – 15402 US-301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592

Ybor City

A city with a rich history, otherwise known as the ‘Cigar City,’ Ybor City is a can’t miss when in Tampa. Dating back 450 years, Ybor once boasted 200 factories with 12,000 cigar-makers, how crazy is that? 

Now you can explore the history of this city in a number of museums throughout the area. You can also step back in time as you wander the streets of Ybor City and take a ride on an electric streetcar down Tampa’s streets.

Ybor City is an area of Tampa  

Tampa has so many great attractions that this list only scratches the surface. You’re sure to have a memorable and amazing time at any of these best attractions in Tampa!

Of course, there is more to Tampa then these 14 attraction! If you have visited the area, what are some of your favorite spots?