Tampa is the place to go in Florida to enjoy the weather and to bring the entire family. It’s best known for its amusement parks and other fun tourist spots that both children and parents love. Tampa also has many beautiful Gulf Coast beaches perfect for a peaceful getaway. Fun and relaxation are two activities Tampa is great for. We have gathered some of the top must-see attractions in Tampa and the surrounding area to get you started on your trip planning.
It’s easy enough to navigate the downtown area of Tampa by public transit. Nonetheless, your best option to get to the different tourist spots and beaches is renting a car. Booking a convertible is the ideal way to enjoy Florida with the wind in your hair. SUVs and passenger vans are your best option if you’re traveling with your family and have beach equipment to transport.
- 1. Tampa Riverwalk
- 2. Caladesi Island State Park
- 3. Sunken Gardens
- 4. Bean Point Beach
- 5. Robert K Rees Memorial Park
- 6. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- 7. The Florida Aquarium
- 8. Hillsborough River Park
- 9. Glazer Children’s Museum
- 10. Honeymoon Island State Park
- Best Places to Eat & Drink in Tampa
Must-see attractions in Tampa
1. Tampa Riverwalk
This trail along the Hillsborough River offers great views of the city in addition to many restaurants and events along the way. Whether you want to enjoy a nighttime stroll on the water or a bike ride in the sun, the Tampa Riverwalk is a great place to do it.
Address: Riverwalk, Tampa, FL 33602
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: 1 hour
2. Caladesi Island State Park
This island that’s not far from Tampa is accessible either by ferry or walking from Clearwater Beach. Choosing to walk to the island can be a unique experience, just remember to check the low tide schedules so there aren’t submerged areas when crossing. Take a day to visit Caladesi Island and enjoy hiking the wildlife trail and relaxing on the white sand beaches.
Address: Dunedin, FL 34698
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: From a few hours to a full day.
3. Sunken Gardens
These botanical gardens are just across the bay from Tampa, in the Historic Old Northeast neighborhood of the city of St. Petersburg. Here you can see a lush botanical paradise of the oldest tropical plants in the area, along with waterfalls and flamingos. Check their calendar for any upcoming special events.
Address: 825 4th St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: It will take about 2 hours to explore.
4. Bean Point Beach
Bean Point Beach is where you go to relax and enjoy the white sand and turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a bit of a drive from Tampa but it’ll be worth it if you’re looking for this beautiful scenery. If you time it right, Bean Point Beach also offers spectacular views of the sunset.
Address: 793 N. Shore Dr., Anna Maria, FL 34216
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: Spend as much time here as you want.
5. Robert K Rees Memorial Park
This beachfront and boardwalk area is great for all ages. Whether you want to enjoy walking through the mangroves or picnicking and playing on the beach, Robert K Rees Memorial Park is a nice getaway from the bustle of Tampa. Take the trail to the observation tower for views of the water and wildlife.
Address: 3503 Green Key Road, New Port Richey, FL 34652
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open during daylight hours
Time required to see the attraction: 1-2 hours
6. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is one of the amusement parks around the city. It has an African animal theme and is home to some of these creatures. This is a great spot to bring the whole family and enjoy a day of riding roller coasters, touring the “Serengeti” and seeing live entertainment.
Address: 10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa, FL 33612
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: A full day.
7. The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is a fun spot to bring the whole family. Walk through exhibits taking you from the Florida Wetlands and mangrove forests to the flora and fauna of Madagascar. During your adventure at Florida Aquarium you’ll get to discover stingrays, sea turtles and sharks, among many other sea creatures.
Address: 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: At least 2 hours
8. Hillsborough River Park
Make your way to the Hillsborough River State Park for a day enjoying the outdoors just a short drive out of Tampa. At this park, visitors can spend the day hiking, canoeing or fishing. Bring along a picnic as well as your four-legged friend, and don’t forget sunblock and bug repellent.
Address: 15402 US-301 N, Thonotosassa, FL 33592
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: A couple of hours to a full day.
9. Glazer Children’s Museum
This is the place to bring young travelers while in Tampa. Glazer Children’s Museum has so much to do for kids of all ages. Spend some time bonding and learning with them, while they have fun exploring. It offers a hands-on play area for kids to use their imagination and express their creativity.
Address: 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: You can spend 3-4 hours here.
10. Honeymoon Island State Park
Not too far out of the city, take a drive to the park on Honeymoon Island. There are plenty of beaches to go to and shells to collect, along with trails to hike and others leading to more secluded beaches. Take a field trip from Tampa to spend the day in the sun and cool off in the Gulf of Mexico.
Address: 1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin, FL 34698
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: The trails take about 1 hour to walk.
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Tampa
Some of the most popular dishes in Tampa are Cuban and Spanish. Make sure to try the Cuban sandwich, plenty of seafood, the deviled crab and Southern-style barbecue.
Columbia Restaurant: While in Tampa, checking out spots like this one offering traditional Spanish food is a must. Enjoy a tasty paella, or some tapas instead, and you won’t be disappointed.
Oystercatchers: Plan to go to Oystercatchers for lunch or dinner to have spectacular seafood. While you’re at it, enjoy a beautiful waterfront view from your table.
Ciro’s Tampa: Ciro’s offers a classy ambiance where one can go to enjoy an amazingly crafted cocktail. It’s also possible to order small gourmet dishes to accompany your drink.
Independent Bar and Café: Go to Independent Bar and Café to hang out with your friends. You’ll find a wide selection of craft beers and unique brews you won’t find anywhere else.
