15 Things to Do in Tampa

15. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

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Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is located just east of Tampa, and offers table games, slot machines, and live entertainment. Visitors can try their luck at the gaming tables, catch a show or concert in the on-site theater, or dine at one of the many restaurants and bars. The hotel also offers a variety of amenities for guests, including a spa and pool complex.

14. Glazer Children’s Museum

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Glazer Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum designed for children and families, with a variety of interactive exhibits and workshops. Visitors can explore the many exhibits, which include a fire truck, a simulated cruise ship, and a “toddler zone” for younger children. The museum also offers educational programs and special events throughout the year.

13. Adventure Island

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This water park is a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers, with over 30 acres of water slides, pools, and attractions. Visitors can ride the Colossal Curl, a 70-foot-tall water slide, or relax in the Rambling Bayou lazy river. The park also offers a variety of dining options and cabana rentals.

12. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

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Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is located on the banks of the Hillsborough River, and offers a variety of amenities for visitors, including a large lawn, a splash pad, and a dog park. The park also hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including concerts, food festivals, and holiday celebrations.

11. Tampa Theatre

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This historic movie palace is a beloved landmark in downtown Tampa, with a rich history dating back to the 1920s. Visitors can catch classic films, live performances, and special events in the theater’s ornate auditorium, which features a starry ceiling and a Wurlitzer organ. The theater also offers tours and educational programs for children and adults.

10. TECO Line Streetcar System

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This vintage streetcar system connects downtown Tampa with the historic district of Ybor City and the entertainment district of Channelside. Visitors can ride in the restored streetcars, which date back to the early 20th century, and explore the many shops, restaurants, and attractions along the way.

9. Bayshore Boulevard

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Bayshore Boulevard is a scenic waterfront road offers stunning views of Tampa Bay and the city skyline. Visitors can walk, jog, or bike along the 4.5-mile trail that runs along the water, or simply enjoy the view from one of the many parks and benches along the way. The boulevard is also home to many historic homes and mansions, including the iconic pink palace known as the “Tampa Bay Hotel.”

8. Henry B. Plant Museum

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This museum is located in the former Tampa Bay Hotel, which was built in the late 19th century and served as a luxury resort for wealthy tourists. Visitors can explore the hotel’s ornate architecture and learn about its history, as well as the history of the Gilded Age. The museum’s exhibits also include artifacts from the hotel, including furnishings, artwork, and even a steamship.

7. Ybor City

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Ybor City is a historic district known for its vibrant nightlife, rich cultural heritage, and cigar-making history. Visitors can explore the many shops, restaurants, and bars that line the streets, and learn about the area’s Cuban, Spanish, and Italian influences. The district also hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival.

6. Tampa Museum of Art

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This modern museum showcases a variety of contemporary art from around the world, with a focus on American art from the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum’s permanent collection includes works by artists like Robert Rauschenberg, James Rosenquist, and Chuck Close. In addition to its exhibits, the Tampa Museum of Art also offers educational programs, lectures, and special events throughout the year.

5. Lowry Park Zoo

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The Lowry Park Zoo is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, with over 1,300 animals from around the world. Visitors can explore exhibits on African savannas, Asian gardens, and Australian outback, and get up close with animals like giraffes, koalas, and manatees. The zoo also offers behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and a variety of educational programs.

4. Big Cat Rescue

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This sanctuary is home to over 50 rescued big cats, including lions, tigers, and leopards. Visitors can take a guided tour of the facility, which offers a close-up look at these magnificent animals and a chance to learn about the dangers they face in the wild. Big Cat Rescue also offers a variety of educational programs for adults and children.

3. Tampa Bay History Center

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Tampa Bay History Center offers a fascinating look into Tampa’s past, from the Native American tribes who once lived in the area to the city’s role in the Spanish-American War. Visitors can explore exhibits on local industry, transportation, and sports, and learn about the many influential figures who have called Tampa home.

2. The Florida Aquarium

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This nonprofit aquarium is a must-visit for animal lovers, with over 7,000 marine animals and plants on display. Visitors can explore the many exhibits, including a coral reef, a touch tank, and a 500,000-gallon shark tank. The aquarium also offers behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and even a dolphin cruise in Tampa Bay.

1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

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Busch Gardens is home to some of Florida’s most exciting roller coasters, including the Kumba and SheiKra. In addition to thrilling rides, Busch Gardens also features animal exhibits with over 12,000 animals from 300 different species, including elephants, tigers, and gorillas. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment, dining, and shopping throughout the park.