1. Watch a film or live concert at the Tampa Theatre

Even if you are not a film buff, I can recommend a stop at the beautifully Tampa Theatre. The interior features a 1400 pipe Wurlitzer organ, which is actually played before every screening. The theatre screens a mix of classic films, indie movies, and special events, providing a unique cinematic experience. Popular screenings and events can sell out, so purchasing tickets ahead of time is recommended.

Tip: learn about the theatre’s rich history and behind-the-scenes secrets through their guided tours, which are available on certain days.

3. Enjoy a Cuban sandwich and learn about cigar-making

Immerse yourself in the historic charm of Tampa’s Latin Quarter (Ybor City), known for its ties to the cigar industry and Cuban immigrant culture. Visit the Ybor City Museum State Park (location) to learn about the neighborhood’s cigar-making heritage. The museum also offers guided tours of the surrounding historic district, providing insights into the architecture and stories of the people who lived and worked in Ybor City. Other fun things to do in Ybor City are trying a Cuban sandwich at one of the many local eateries, a Ybor City Food Tour or Ybor City Guided Walking Tour.

4. Catch a show at the Straz Center

Catch a Broadway show, opera, or concert at this premier performing arts venue. The center’s riverside location provides beautiful views and a great spot for pre-show dining.

Tip: grab a Tampa Bay City pass, to save as much as 54% on admission to some of the top attractions, and experience the 20 best attractions in Tampa Bay in a bold way.

5. Enjoy tailgating and catch a game

Cheer on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or enjoy a concert at this iconic stadium. If you’re visiting during football season, tailgating is a must-do experience with locals. It’s a popular pre-game activity and involves fans gathering in the parking lots around the stadium to socialize, grill food, and enjoy drinks before heading into the stadium for the game. These lots open several hours before the event, typically about 4-5 hours before kickoff. Fans often bring tents, chairs, games, and music to create a festive environment. I think it’s a great way to meet fellow fans and enjoy the pre-game excitement.

7. Take a Tampa (dolphin) boat tour

Make the most of your visit to Tampa with a boat excursion around the bay. There are a number of tour options such as half-day trips, history cruises, sunset sails or dolphin watching trips. Boat rentals are also available, in case you want to steer yourself.

8. Go kayaking in Weedon Island Preserve

Paddle through serene mangrove tunnels and discover the natural beauty of this coastal environment. The preserve also offers hiking trails and a cultural and natural history center (location).

11. Stroll through Tampa Riverwalk (free)

This pathway (location) along the Hillsborough River connects parks, museums, and restaurants, and is perfect for a leisurely walk, bike ride or segway. Along the way, you can visit landmarks like the Tampa Museum of Art and the Glazer Children’s Museum.

Tip: use a self-guided walking tour that highlights all the public art along the Riverwalk and visit in the evening to enjoy all the different lights.

17. Visit a museum or gallery

Visit a museum or gallery in Tampa or St. Petersburg:

• Glazer Children’s Museum: perfect for families, this interactive museum offers hands-on exhibits that make learning fun for kids of all ages. Exhibits range from a kid-sized grocery store to a firehouse and a global café (location).
• Dali museum: located in St. Petersburg, this museum houses a collection of Salvador Dali’s masterpieces. The Avant-garden and the stunning architecture of the museum itself are also highlights of this cultural gem (location).
• American Victory Ship & Museum: this WWII scrapped ship now serves as a museum and has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. A self-guided tour of the crew cabins and message halls are quite engrossing (location).
• Chihuly Collection: marvel at the stunning glass sculptures by renowned artist Dale Chihuly in this permanent exhibit in St. Petersburg. The pieces are displayed in a beautifully lit gallery (location).
• Tampa Bay History Center: housing nearly 12,000 years of Florida history, this center features local arts and crafts. Learn about the region’s past with interactive exhibits that cover everything from pirate lore to cigar manufacturing. The Touchton Map Library offers a fascinating collection of historical maps and documents (location).

19. Enjoy a festival or event in Tampa, Florida

Here’s a list of notable festivals and events in Tampa, Florida:

1. Gasparilla Pirate Festival: Held annually in late January or early February, featuring a parade and pirate invasion celebrating Tampa’s pirate lore.
2. Tampa Bay Margarita & Music Festival: Held in May at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, combining live music with a variety of margaritas and cocktails.
3. Tampa Bay Blues Festival: Held in April at Vinoy Park in nearby St. Petersburg, featuring renowned blues artists over multiple days.
4. Florida State Fair: Held in February at the Florida State Fairgrounds, featuring carnival rides, livestock exhibits, and fair food.
5. Strawberry Festival: Held in late February/early March in Plant City, celebrating the strawberry harvest with concerts, rides, and strawberry treats.
6. Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival: Held in October, showcasing LGBTQ+ films and documentaries at various venues in Tampa and St. Petersburg.
7. Tampa Bay Comic Con: Held in late July/early August at the Tampa Convention Center, featuring celebrity guests, comic book artists, cosplay, and pop culture panels.

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Conclusion

There you have it! Tampa Bay offers diverse attractions, including beaches, cultural sites, and historical landmarks. Key highlights include the Tampa Theatre, craft breweries, and the famous Cuban sandwich in Ybor City. You can enjoy tailgating at games, relaxing at Clearwater Beach, or exploring local parks. Don’t forget to try guided tours and local markets for a true Tampa experience.