Tampa, Florida is a city that seems to be tailor-made for families. There are countless attractions that people of all ages and interests can appreciate. And if you’re an animal lover, you’ll be pleased to know that Tampa has quite a few animal-oriented, world-class destinations worth checking out. The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center, and Tampa’s Lowry Park are just a few locations that are sure to satisfy all of your nature-loving desires.
When you’re not receiving a thought-provoking history lesson over at the Henry B. Plant Museum, relax with a craft cocktail or two and some decadent Cuban food over in Tampa’s artsy and historic Ybor City neighborhood.
And although Tampa might not be known for its beaches, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little bit of fun in the sun. You’ll discover that some of Florida’s most majestic shorelines including Clearwater Beach, Treasure Island, and Honeymoon Island State Park are located less than an hour from downtown Tampa. So if you’re planning a trip soon, make sure you pack your bathing suit and sunscreen.
Anyway, let’s take a moment to go over some of the best things to do in Tampa, Florida while visiting.
Go For A Stroll On The Tampa Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is a two and half-mile long trail that runs alongside the Hillsborough River in Tampa. Visitors can bike, walk, Rollerblade, and enjoy public art displays and along the route, they can mosey on over to a variety of restaurants, stores, parks, playgrounds, and attractions sus as the Florida Aquarium or Glazer Children’s Museum.
Visitors have reported that the trail is clean and well maintained. The Riverwalk is also a favorite spot for both locals and tourists alike to catch a breathtaking Florida gulf coast sunset. You can access the Riverwalk from pretty much anywhere along the river.
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Grab a Cuban Sandwich At The Columbia Restaurant
There is a ton of debate as to where the birthplace is of the Cuban sandwich. Some folks seem to think it’s Tampa while others insist that its point of origin is down south in sunny Miami, but regardless of where it came from, if you’ve never tried a Cuban sandwich then you are definitely missing out on one of the most delicious culinary experiences available in the sunshine state.
A Tampa-style Cuban sandwich is comprised of ham, pork, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on two slices of fresh, artisan Cuban bread. After those ingredients are all piled on top of each other, they are pressed until toasty and juicy. You’ll probably want to enjoy your Cuban sandwich with a cup of Cuban coffee which is also an experience to be had on its own.
Columbia restaurant is touted as Florida’s oldest restaurant and it’s also the best place to enjoy these must-try culinary delights. Columbia opened its doors in Ybor City back in 1905 and they’ve been dishing out the good stuff ever since.
Catch A Show At Skipper’s Smokehouse
A little bit off the beaten path and hidden away from most of the city’s vibrant nightlife, Skipper’s has been booking the best blues, rock, bluegrass, folk, and reggae acts since 1980. Enjoy an ice-cold Red Stripe and catch a Grateful Dead cover band or just take in the quaint décor while ordering a fried alligator tail with a slice of Key lime pie. Either way, this family-friendly establishment has some seriously chill vibes. As such, it’s earned the well-deserved reputation of being one of the premier concert venues in Florida.
Go Shopping At The Armature Works Heights Public Market
This 22,000 square foot industrial market is Tampa’s current hotspot for foodies and architecture fans alike. The building was constructed in 1910 and it was formerly used as a storage and maintenance facility for Tampa Electric’s streetcars.
There is a wide array of dining options and the space itself exhibits an urban feel that is quite appealing. In addition to all of the restaurants and cafes, there are also retail shops as well as a rooftop bar. The ‘Show + Tell’ workshop is used for everything from cooking classes to wine tastings.
Outside, there are a ton of things to get into as well such as summer concerts and movie nights. Since the property is adjacent to the Riverwalk, it’s very easily accessible. Entrance is free and parking is convenient and affordable.
Ride A Rollercoaster At Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is 297 acres of family-friendly fun. Not only is it an amusement park complete with thrill rides and attractions, but Busch Gardens also is home to more than 12,000 animals and a variety of live shows, restaurants, shops, and games.
Busch Gardens is actually older than Disney World – and it’s also a lot cheaper. Here you can find themed lands such as The Edge of Africa and animal exhibitions based on the Serengeti Plain and the Myombe Reserve just to name a few.
There is a wide range of entertainment and educational options here as well. Animal lovers and thrill-seekers alike will be happy while visiting the park and if you’re especially fond of rides, it’s recommended to buy a Quick Queue Unlimited pass to skip the lines.
Take In A Live Performance At The Tampa Theatre
The beautifully ornate Tampa Theatre is an excellent spot to catch a live performance, film screening, or play. When it was constructed back in 1926, the theater was considered to be one of the most elaborate of its kind in the world. It was designed by the renowned architect John Eberson and features a 1,400 pipe Wurlitzer organ. It was built to resemble a Mediterranean garden with flowers and gargoyles, and if you look up at the ceiling you’ll notice that there are 99 light bulbs. These were meant to symbolize stars in the night sky.
If you can’t attend a show here, then perhaps you should consider going on a tour instead. The Theater offers a 90-minute ‘balcony to backstage’ tour which gives visitors a demonstration of the Wurlitzer organ in action while providing details about the stories, art, and architecture that have earned this place a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mingle With The Marine Life At Florida Aquarium
On the southeastern edge of Downtown Tampa, you’ll find the Florida Aquarium where more than 14,000 species of aquatic animals are housed. It’ll take you at least a few hours to explore the maze of stingrays, eels, and sea turtles that call this place their home.
Children will love the touch tanks where they can have a hands-on experience with creatures like starfish, stingrays, and small sharks. The jellyfish exhibit is also another noteworthy highlight.
If your kids don’t get all tuckered out after touring the aquarium, they certainly will after playing in the Splash Pad area which features things like geysers, dump buckets, and spray zones. So be sure to bring a towel.
See a Sea Cow At Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center
Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center is special because unlike the city’s other science centers, zoos, museums, and aquariums, it’s absolutely free to visit. It’s the perfect place to take a little break from your itinerary to witness a majestic manatee swimming through the Tampa Electric water plant.
At the Big Bend Power Station over at Apollo Beach, these massive marine creatures seek refuge in the power station’s discharge panel where fresh, warm Tampa Bay saltwater flows. When the bay gets a bit too cold for the manatees, they venture into this space seeking warmth.
When you’re not gazing into the water, make sure you check out the center’s other attractions which include a mangrove exhibit, a butterfly garden, and a gift shop. If you climb the stairs of the 50-foot viewing tower, you can get an unparalleled view of the surrounding area so you might as well bring a pair of binoculars.
Learn All About Felines At The Big Cat Rescue
This spot in Northwest Tampa is much more than just a zoo. It’s more like a sanctuary where you can get the opportunity to learn all about bobcats, tigers, cougars, leopards, lynx, and even house cats. The sanctuary is massive. It spans 67 acres and houses more than 100 animals representing 14 different species.
Cat lovers will be overjoyed with what they learn from the friendly, passionate, and educated tour guides. If you’re trying to see the animals when they’re most active, sign up for a night tour. That’s when the cats are most active seeing as they are predominately nocturnal.
Take A Trip Back In Time At The Tampa Bay History Center
History buffs will appreciate learning all about Florida’s first inhabitants over at this Smithsonian-affiliated Tampa Bay museum. Located on Tampa’s Waterfront and spanning more than 60,000 feet, the history center proudly showcases 12,000 years of Florida’s history. With three floors of exhibits featuring educational films, artifacts, photographs, fossils, and interactive displays, learning about Florida’s history has never been easier.
The Center does a great job of appealing to younger visitors thanks to its family-friendly interactive displays and welcoming staff. If you work up an appetite while learning all about Tampa’s historic cigar industry and the immigrant communities that settled in Ybor City, then grab a bite to eat at the on-site Columbia Cafe, where you can enjoy Spanish and Cuban-inspired dishes.
Get Hands-On At The Glazer Children’s Museum
If you’re visiting Tampa with young children, then consider making a stop at the Glazer Children’s Museum. Even though there is no shortage of kid-friendly attractions in Tampa, most of them are dependent on the weather which means that you’ll have to have an indoor backup plan just in case the skies darken and storm clouds roll in.
Jam-packed with both permanent and temporary exhibits, this large 53,000 square foot facility features tons of interactive exhibits that teach children about human anatomy, mathematics, science, and art.
This museum is often praised for being well-maintained and clean but it’s important to keep in mind that it can get quite busy on rainy days and during the holidays so plan accordingly.
Tampa, Florida is one of the most populated cities in the state of Florida, but it’s also one of the premier travel destinations for families looking for fun and relaxation. Sure, it’s no Orlando, but there is no shortage of sights and attractions to experience when visiting the city that is endearingly known as The Big Guava.
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