Best attractions in Tampa

If you're looking for things to do in Tampa, you've come to the right place. Whether you're a local who's looking for a new activity or a tourist who wants to explore all that our city has to offer, we've got you covered. In this blog post, we'll share some of our favorite attractions and activities in Tampa. So read on (and watch the video!) and start planning your next fun-filled adventure!

Watch video here

Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tampa. This 335-acre African-themed adventure park is home to roller coasters, live shows, and a multitude of animals in natural habitat settings. There are opportunity for animal encounters – feed a kangaroo or giraffe (additional cost).

Florida Aquarium 

The Florida aquarium is another great attraction for locals and tourists alike. This world-class aquarium is home to over 20,000 aquatic creatures, including sharks, turtles, stingrays, fish and much more. You can even pet the stingrays and starfish or take a behind-the-scenes tour (additional cost) to learn more about the inner workings of the aquarium.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is the perfect place to spend a day if you love animals. This zoo is home to over 2,000 animals, including lions, tigers, and giraffes, in natural habitats including animals from Africa, Asia and Australia, as well as native Florida habitats, a primate area and an aviary. You can even feed the giraffes or ride a camel (for an additional cost) or take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about the zoo animals.

Adventure Island

Florida is HOT and this water park offers more than 9 major waterslides as well as a lazy river, wave pool, children’s splash pad and pool. Adventure Island is conveniently located across the street from Busch Gardens.

Tampa Museum of Art

If you're a fan of art, then you'll definitely want to check out the Tampa Museum of Art. With an impressive collection of ancient, modern and contemporary art, there's something for everyone at this museum.  The museum houses one of the largest Greek and Roman antiquities collections in the southeastern United States. There are rotating exhibits as well as permanent collections in sculpture, photography, painting, new media and more. There are education programs, classes and summer camps (additional costs).

MOSI

MOSI, or the Museum of Science and Industry, is a great place to spend an afternoon. With over 450 interactive exhibits, there's something for everyone at MOSI. The science museum encourages visitors to explore, learn, imagine and immerse themselves in every aspect of science and technology. There are areas designed to explore space, weather, the human body and special rotating exhibits. There are many hands-on opportunities as well as a ropes adventure course and an IMAX theater (additional cost).

Glazer Children’s Museum

Glazer Children’s Museum is one of the top things to do in Tampa for kids. With over 170,000 square feet of space, this museum has interactive exhibits that focus on art, culture, science and health. A hands-on museum where kids can explore through play. Kid-size exhibits where visitors can use their imagination in a grocery store, bank, vet clinic, fire station and construction zone. There is also a water play area and indoor climbing structure.

Tampa Riverwalk

Tampa Riverwalk is a great place to start exploring the city. It's a 2.4 mile pedestrian path that runs along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. The walkway extends from Sparkman Wharf to Armature Works. There are container restaurants at Sparkman Wharf as well as a food court and restaurants at Armature Works. There is public art along the path as well as some of the attractions we mention here like the Florida Aquarium, Tampa Museum of Art and Glazer Children’s Museum. For kids there are four playgrounds along the Riverwalk, two which have splash pads.