- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Tampa
Tampa's identity is rooted in the late 19th-century cigar industry, best seen in Ybor City, a National Historic Landmark. Its red brick streets and Spanish-style casitas housed factory workers. The Henry B. Plant Museum, a Gilded Age hotel, showcases stunning Moorish Revival architecture. These landmarks are key to understanding the city's unique cultural fusion.
Experience Tampa's nature along the Hillsborough River, ideal for kayaking among lush cypress swamps. Bayshore Boulevard offers 4.5 miles of scenic waterfront for cycling or walking. In winter, visit the TECO Manatee Viewing Center where hundreds gather in the power station's warm water discharge. This unique urban wildlife encounter is a highlight for anyone visiting Tampa.
Tampa's culinary scene is a blend of Cuban, Spanish, and Italian influences. The authentic Cuban sandwich, with Genoa salami, is a must-try. Another local staple is the deviled crab, a spicy croquette born from cigar factory strikes. Explore this history at the Columbia Restaurant, Florida's oldest eatery, or discover the city's thriving craft beer scene in Seminole Heights.
- TampaUnited States
- TampaUnited States
- TampaUnited States
- TampaUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Mar-MayPleasant weather, spring festivals
- Jun-AugHot & humid, summer crowds
- Sep-NovMilder temps, fewer tourists
- Dec-FebCool & comfortable, holiday events
- #LightClothing
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #Swimsuit
- #Hat
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #BuschGardens
- #TampaRiverwalk
- #YborCity
- #TheFloridaAquarium
- #TampaMuseumOfArt
- #LowryParkZoo
- Explore Ybor City
- Visit Busch Gardens
- Stroll along the Riverwalk
- Relax at Clearwater Beach
- Dine at Bern's Steak House
Recommended Hotels in Tampa by Experience
Things to do in Tampa
Discover
Exploring Tampa reveals a blend of urban sights and nature. Stroll the Tampa Riverwalk, see marine life at The Florida Aquarium, and discover history in Ybor City. The city offers museums like the Tampa Museum of Art and scenic waterfront views.
Experience
Kayak the Hillsborough River or cheer on the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Enjoy Broadway shows at the Straz Center, or attend seasonal events like the Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Biking Bayshore Boulevard offers scenic waterfront exercise.
Tampa Riverwalk
Scenic waterfront path connecting parks, museums, and venues.
The Florida Aquarium
Major aquarium with wetlands, coral reefs, and a splash pad.
Ybor City Historic District
Historic neighborhood with Cuban culture and vintage streetcars.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
African-themed park with thrill rides and animal encounters.
Bayshore Boulevard
Longest continuous sidewalk for scenic walks and cycling.
Tampa Museum of Art
Museum for Greek and Roman antiquities and modern art.
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Major venue for Broadway shows, opera, and concerts.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Tampa International Airport (TPA). For the Tampa airport to city center journey, take HART bus route 30 (~45 min) or a taxi (~20 min). Amtrak's Silver Star line offers a train to Tampa, arriving at Union Station.
Getting Around
Use public transport in Tampa like HART buses or the TECO Line Streetcar with a Flamingo Fares card. A car rental in Tampa is practical for exploring wider areas. The Pirate Water Taxi and seasonal Cross Bay Ferry offer unique waterfront travel.
Local Essentials
When driving in Tampa, anticipate rush hour traffic on I-275/I-4 and use a SunPass for tolls. Book car rentals in advance, a key part of how you plan a trip to Tampa. Watch for sudden summer thunderstorms; they pass quickly but can be intense.
Where to Stay in Tampa
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Tampa's culinary identity, where you must taste an authentic Cuban sandwich or fresh grouper. The local culture is to eat at relaxed waterfront restaurants, enjoying coastal breezes and beautiful Gulf sunsets.
Enjoy
The best restaurants in Tampa include the historic Columbia Restaurant, reserve ahead. For a laid-back vibe, try Whiskey Joe's, sunset views. Oxford Exchange is an elegant and airy café, brunch popular.
Columbia Restaurant
Historic landmark serving classic Spanish and Cuban food.
Bern's Steak House
Iconic steakhouse with a world-famous wine cellar.
Ulele
Native-inspired dishes on the scenic Riverwalk.
Datz Tampa
Inventive comfort food in a fun, modern setting.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Tampa's heritage through events rooted in its history. The Gasparilla Pirate Festival, held since 1904, celebrates the legend of pirate José Gaspar. The Sant' Yago Knight Parade in Ybor City honors the area's Latin roots and civic pride.
Enjoy
Discover must-see contemporary Tampa cultural activities. The city offers diverse things to do, from the Uptown Music & Arts Festival showcasing contemporary jazz to experimental new music at the CAMPGround festival.
Gasparilla Pirate Festival
January pirate invasion and parade of ships.
Florida Strawberry Festival
11-day event in Feb/March with headline entertainment.
Sant' Yago Knight Parade
February illuminated night parade in Ybor City.
Tampa Pride
March diversity parade and street festival in Ybor City.
Tampa Riverfest
Free May festival with music, food, and a lantern parade.
Tampa Bay Margarita & Music Festival
May festival with live music and a fireworks show.
Oktoberfest Tampa
October riverfront biergarten with Bavarian food and music.
A Fantastic City Getaway
Tampa is a fantastic place for a break. The whole city feels so clean and accessible, especially along the Riverwalk. It was lovely to just stroll by the water and see so much without needing a car for everything. Lots of good places to eat, too.
Perfect Beach Vacation
Came for the sunshine and was not disappointed. The beaches are just incredible. We spent most of our time at Clearwater Beach-the sand is powder-soft and white. It's so easy to spend the entire day there just relaxing by the beautiful water.
So Much Character
Tampa has such a cool, historic side. Ybor City felt like stepping back in time with the brick streets and old buildings. We found a great spot for a Cuban sandwich. It's a really unique part of town that you have to see to appreciate.
Great for the Whole Family
Finding a place that entertains everyone can be tough, but this city made it easy. Between Busch Gardens and the aquarium, the kids were busy all week. Everything felt very family-oriented and safe, which was a huge plus for us.
Gasparilla was unforgettable!
We planned our trip around the Gasparilla parade and it was awesome. The energy in the city was electric all day. Everyone is in such a great mood, dressed up like pirates. It's a huge party and a really fun, local thing to experience.
Great Sports Town
As a hockey fan, catching a Lightning game was a highlight. The arena is downtown and easy to get to. The whole city has a great active feel, with people out biking and jogging. It's just a fun place to be if you enjoy sports and being outside.