12 Fun Things to Do in Tampa as Suggested by the Locals! 

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa has a rich history dating back to the 19th century with the establishment of Fort Brooke. Settlers cleared out for a decade or so, thanks to the upheaval of the Civil War and large outbreaks of Yellow Fever in the area. Eventually, an influx of Spanish, Cuban, and Italian people came when Vicente Martinez Ybor built a cigar manufacturing empire there—forever shaping the city’s spirit and culture. 

Today, Tampa’s economy is driven by finance, healthcare, tourism, and tech rather than cigars. The Port of Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest port, creating plenty of economic opportunity through international trade, too. It’s these financial opportunities, vibrant culture, and easy access to gorgeous beaches like Clearwater and St. Pete that attract young professionals, families, and retirees alike.  

If you’ve never been to Tampa, now is an excellent time to go! It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, with exciting new beautification and development projects for everyone to enjoy. Along with its amenities, the people of Tampa make it an excellent place to visit. They’re as warm as the weather and are happy to help you find things to see and do that appeal to every taste.     

Jenni Booth of locally-based TLC Real Estate Group got us started with some fantastic suggestions for the fam. “Tampa is a popular destination for tourists and people moving to the Sunshine State! Our recommendations for top things to do in Tampa include the Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa, and the Tampa Riverwalk.”

1. The Florida Aquarium

“The Florida Aquarium is consistently ranked among the top aquariums in the US,” she says. “The aquarium houses more than 8,000 animals, including sharks, stingrays, moray eels, sea turtles, otters and penguins. They also have touch tanks. It is close to the Port of Tampa, so it makes for a great thing to do before leaving on a cruise.”

2. ZooTampa

“Spanning nearly 60 acres, ZooTampa at Lowry Park features natural habitats, educational shows, animal encounters, a water play area, and kiddie rides. You’ll find more than 1,000 animals, including koalas, tigers, elephants, giraffes, orangutans, penguins, and birds. Plus, the zoo is home to one of Florida’s top manatee rehabilitation hospitals.”

3. The Tampa Riverwalk

Booth also gave us a line on where to go for a fun night out! “The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.5-mile-long paved scenic trail that runs along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa,” she added. “Anchored by Armature Works (restaurants and entertainment) to the north and the Tampa Bay History Center to the south, the Riverwalk offers easy access to city entertainment districts, including Water Street Tampa, Channelside, and Sparkman Wharf. There are also numerous parks, splash pads, playgrounds, and museums along the route, as well as bike rental facilities available along the Riverwalk.” 

 

Gargi Joglekar, principal interior designer for local Modern Design Homes, added a few more ideas. “Tampa is so much more than a busy city—it’s a beautiful blend of rich culture, jaw-dropping architecture, and views that make you pause and take it all in,” says Joglekar. “And no, I’m not just talking about the beaches or waterfronts (though they’re amazing too!). It’s the art, the architecture, and the vibe that really set this city apart. 

Now, most tourists head straight for Busch Gardens or The Florida Aquarium and, of course, the beaches. But let me share a few gems in Tampa that are totally worth a visit if you’re looking to dive into the city’s history and charm!”

4. Hyde Park & Bayshore Boulevard

“This is a must-see if you love a stroll with some serious history and style! Hyde Park is a neighborhood filled with homes from the early 1900s that tell stories of Tampa’s past. And Bayshore Boulevard? Well, it holds the title for the longest continuous sidewalk in the US, stretching 4.5 miles along the beautiful Tampa Bay. As you walk (or bike!) down this path, you’ll catch glimpses of Tampa’s most prestigious historic homes sprinkled among luxury high-rises that create a mini skyline away from downtown. It’s where old-world charm meets modern flair!”

5. The University of Tampa Campus

“If you love architecture, the University of Tampa is a total treat!” Joglekar says. “Plant Hall is the crown jewel here, originally built as a hotel between 1888 and 1891. Its Moorish Revival style—think dramatic minarets and domes—makes it stand out in the Tampa skyline. But UT is also home to the Sykes Center, which features a stunning design inspired by two praying hands. As you wander around, don’t miss the art studio spaces or the gorgeous meditation gardens that offer a peaceful escape in the middle of the city.”

6. Lastly, The Tampa Museum of Art

“This gem has been part of Tampa’s cultural scene since 1920! Inside, you’ll find everything from ancient Greek and Roman artifacts to bold contemporary art pieces. The museum is all about community, offering year-round art classes, tours, and special events that bring people together through creativity. After a huge renovation in 2023, the museum is now expanding even more, so there’s always something new to see and experience.”

“So, next time you’re in Tampa, or if you’re a local looking for something new, skip the typical tourist spots for a day and dive into the city’s rich history, stunning views, and lively neighborhoods,” says Joglekar. “There’s so much to explore!” 

 

Luis Da Silva, CEO of regional cleaning company My Cleaning Angel, clued us in on where to learn about Tampa’s history and grab the best baked goods in the city. 

7. Ybor City

“Ybor City was founded by Cuban, Spanish, and Italian immigrants in the late 1800s, becoming a vibrant center for cigar production,” he says. “It was so influential that it was called The Cigar Capital of the World! Various preserved cigar factories and warehouses tell the story of Ybor’s immigrant communities—including The Ybor City Museum State Park. Housed in a former cigar factory, the museum showcases the area’s rich cigar-making history.”

“The neighborhood is walkable,” adds Da Silva, “but you can also use local streetcars to navigate between it and some of the other notable neighborhoods like Hyde Park. Be mindful of Florida’s humidity; wearing comfortable shoes and bringing water is essential. While you’re in the area, visit Le Segunda Central Bakery,” adds Da Silva. “It’s a historic bakery known for its Cuban bread, a staple in the community. There’s also The Cake Dr., a local bakery famous for its unique cakes and sweet treats.”

8. Raymond James Stadium

Tampa is home to several professional sports teams, including the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The stadium houses a whopping 103-foot replica of a pirate ship with firing cannons that really energize the crowd! You’ll hear it fire whenever the Buccaneers score, enter the red zone, or win a home game. Of course, no pirate ship is complete without a parrot! Located on the ship’s stern, a remote-controlled animatronic parrot helps keep the party going on game days by talking to visitors as they walk by and interacting with the fans in the stands. The stadium also hosts professional soccer matches, professional wrestling events, and a variety of concerts and music festivals.

9. Gasparilla Pirate Festival

If you happen to be around, don’t miss the Gasparilla Pirate Festival! It usually takes place in late January or early February and draws hundreds of thousands of people every year. The festival began way back in 1904 and is inspired by stories of the mythical pirate José Gaspar. Its main event is the Gasparilla Invasion, where a massive flotilla led by “the José Gasparilla” sails into Tampa Bay, simulating an invasion. After the invasion, pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla (who organize the festival every year) mingle with the crowd in the festival parade, throwing beads, coins, and other trinkets. There are floats, pirate costumes, and musical performances; people say it’s a lot like Mardi Gras, only with a pirate theme. If you’d like a more family-friendly scene at the festival, the Gasparilla Children’s Parade features similar activities and costumes. 

10. The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts

In addition to parades and pirate invasions, the Gasparilla season also includes a series of auxiliary events. For example, the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, one of the most highly regarded outdoor art festivals in the US, attracts talented artists from across the country to showcase a diverse sampling of works, including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, ceramics, and jewelry.  

At the festival, artists have the opportunity to sell their work to the public as well as get a chance at winning the prestigious “Best of Show” award (and the cash prize that comes with it). It’s free to the public and features live performances, demonstrations, and food and drink trucks throughout. There’s also a popular “Art Collectors in Training” program, where kids receive small “budgets” to purchase art! It’s a fun way to encourage the young ones to appreciate and engage with art from an early age.

12. The Gasparilla Music Festival

Also associated with Gasparilla season, the Gasparilla Music Festival draws thousands every year to listen to live rock, jazz, hip-hop, reggae, blues, electronica, and everything in between. The festival typically spans multiple stages set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Hillsborough River. In addition to live music, the festival shows off Tampa’s foodie scene by spotlighting local restaurants and vendors.  

Tampa’s waiting! 

Tampa’s relaxed vibe and gorgeous waterfront views attract visitors from all walks of life—but its cultural diversity, metropolitan amenities, and exciting atmosphere entice them to stay. If you love a bustling city atmosphere with a laid-back vibe, this is your place! We hope our locals’ suggestions have given you an idea of where to start your adventure in Tampa. If not, just ask anyone on the street for advice; they’ll be glad to help. Whether you want to get in touch with your inner pirate, take a trip back to the turn of the century, or just people-watch on the waterfront, there’s so much to see and do!