So you made the move to Tampa Bay? Well, now it’s time to get stuck in traffic and knock off a few mandatory tourist traps so you can truly call yourself a local.
But we should note that the phrase “tourist trap” isn’t always fair, especially since most of these spots are popular for good reason—they’re legit good. From century old mermaid shows, to aquariums, theme parks and historic bar and shopping districts, here are a few local hangs every new transplant should scratch off their bucket list.
Armature Works
If you wander down the Riverwalk, you’ll eventually end up at Armature Works, Tampa’s largest food hall and influencer magnet. Home of rooftop lounge M. Bird, and a slew of other concepts, this massive food hall features everything from tacos, gyros, coffee-tea, ice cream, sushi, pizza, burgers, wine, craft cocktails and more.
Photo via Google MapsBusch Gardens Tampa
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is basically a giant zoo with roller coasters. Founded as a literal place to drink beer, the park has since blossomed into the mega theme park it is today. Recently, the park added Iron Gwazi, North America’s tallest and fastest hybrid coaster.
Photo via Visit Tampa Bay Credit: Photo via Busch Gardens Tampa BayDali Museum
Visit a collection of works by renowned surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, from the iconic melting clocks to visual illusions like the large-scale masterwork “Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea.” There are permanent exhibitions, plus temporary ones, and the Dalí cafe (beer and wine) which has impressively good food for a museum. When you’re done tripping out, walk across the street to The Hangar restaurant for a bloody mary and views of planes taking off from Albert Whitted Airport.
Photo via Google MapsDinosaur World
Go back into the prehistoric age at Dinosaur World, where you can wander among hundreds of life-sized dinosaur statues in a natural setting. Attractions include a dino-themed playground, the area’s largest interactive boneyard, and a prehistoric museum featuring a collection of animatronic dinos. After a day here, parents have definitely earned a wine or two at the nearby Keel Farms.
Photo via Dinosaur World/FacebookDowntown Dunedin
Start your day off at Honeymoon Island State Park, then make the short drive to downtown Dunedin for lunch or dinner. There are a ton of breweries and good restaurants all within walking distance of each other. Bicyclists and pedestrians also use the Pinellas Trail which cuts through downtown and past fancier restaurants like Black Pearl and Bon Appetit, plus great casual options like Taco Baby, a former ATM-turned taco stand.
Photo via Visit St.Pete/Clearwater
Best Restaurant District
Downtown St. Pete
Finalists: Downtown Dunedin, Safety HarborCredit: Photo via The Edge DistrictFairgrounds St. Pete
Dive in deep at Fairgrounds St. Pete, an immersive art installation featuring work from over 60 local and international artists. The experiences come in all forms, including paintings, sculptures, digital video, light, and sound. When you’re done being “immersed,” head over to Daddy Kool Records, or one of the many breweries that are within a short walking distance.
Photo via Google MapsHyde Park Village
Hyde Park Village, the outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment center, boasts a mix of national, regional and local retailers. The more than 60 shops and restaurants include an upscale cinema, full service salon, and a 24/7 cupcake ATM to fill your sweet tooth.
Photo via Visit Tampa BayJohn’s Pass Village & Boardwalk
John’s Pass Village, and its expansive boardwalk, is one of the top tourist attractions in Pinellas County, and a great spot to wander around searching for sea-themed knick knacks and cuisine. You can also do a deep sea fish charter at Hubbards, or head out for a dolphin watch tour, or rent a pair of jet skis for the afternoon.
Photo via John’s Pass Village & BoardwalkMuseum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement
Located in downtown St. Pete, the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement is filled with things you didn’t even know existed like pottery, metalwork, woodblocks, textiles, and leaded glass created in 1890-1930. The Museum is dedicated solely to the American Arts and Crafts movement which attempted to reform design and decoration in mid-19th century Britain.
Photo via Museum of the American Arts & Crafts
The picturesque waterfront, vibrant greenery, restaurants and parks at St. Pete Pier make it the ultimate place to stroll, bike, dine, drink, shop, or swim. Try some craft beer or beach shack snacks at the bistro, play at the nearby Glazer Family Playground or relax at Spa Beach.
Visitors can also check out the The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center that has interactive displays, tours, and a touch tank.
Photo via Visit St. Pete/ClearwaterThe Florida Aquarium
Enjoy a trek through water at The Florida Aquarium with over 9,000 animals to meet and touch. Discover the wetland wildlife of Florida, or venture to the Indian and Pacific Oceans exhibits to see the exotic marine species. Other attractions include the aquarium’s Splash Pad and the 4-D theater movie theater. Make sure to go early on a weekday to avoid quad strollers on the weekends.
Photo via Visit Tampa BayWeeki Wachee Springs State Park
Weeki Wachee Springs is an OG Florida tourist trap that’s been around since 1947. The state park gets you on the Weeki Wachee River for paddling and hikes, but paid admission to the Buccaneer Bay waterpark lets guests not only take a dip in the spring, but also see live mermaids, take a trip on a river boat and learn about Florida wildlife.
Photo via Weeki Wachee SpingsZooTampa
ZooTampa is home to over 1,300 animals and known for having one of the most tropical zoological settings in the world. The zoo brings together animals and visitors by offering add-on experiences which lets guests get closer to wildlife by touching a giant tortoise, feeding a giraffe, getting close with an Indian rhino, or touching stingrays. Families can also splash in water play areas, hop on rides and enjoy various educational shows at the Australian themed children’s area.
Photo via Google MapsYbor City
Ybor City historic district is known for boutiques and vintage shops on 7th Avenue, which also hosts Cuban and Latin American eateries by day—plus tattoo shops and nightclubs galore after the sun goes down. The Centro Ybor mall offers more food and bars, while the Ybor City State Museum has exhibits on the cigar industry and the area’s immigrant communities.
Photo via Visit Tampa BaySpongeorama Sponge Factory
Located in downtown Tarpon Springs, Spongeorama Sponge Factory is home to the world’s largest selection of natural sponges literally pulled from Tarpon Bayou. Besides the array of sponges, there are also dolphin cruises and a seafood and Greek fusion restaurant called Yiannis.
Photo via Visit St.Pete/ClearwaterPier 60
Pier 60 is Clearwater’s biggest pier, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, a recreational park, a bait house, and telescopes for scouring the beach. Kids will love the playground, which is one of the largest beach playgrounds on the Gulf Coast.
Photo via Visit St.Pete/ClearwaterSunken Gardens
Sunken Gardens is a 100-year-old botanical garden located in the heart of St. Petersburg. The garden is an oasis perfect for your family’s next outing, visitors can walk through and admire more than thousands of plant species, cascading waterfalls, and say hello to the flamingos on site. One of Sunken Gardens’ highlights is the “Rainbow Eucalyptus” tree from Papua New Guinea, the multi-colored trunk stretches over a hundred feet and is one of the oldest and most unique plants at Sunken Gardens.
Photo via Sunken Gardens/FacebookTampa Riverwalk
Tourist trap food hall favorites Sparkman Wharf and Armature Works bookend the Tampa Riverwalk alongside the Hillsborough River in downtown. The 2.6-mile hike—rated among the best river walk in the country by USA Today—is totally worth it, day or night, thanks to boat rentals, the Bay Rocket boat ride, and Pirate Water Taxi.
City of Tampa Credit: City of TampaSparkman Wharf
When you see shipping crates with murals on them, you’ve made it to Sparkman Wharf. The crates have been turned into mini-restaurants, with a bar in the middle of the food court, plus tons of fake grass and Edison lights, and a bowling alley. If you don’t like standing and holding your food, there’s some great anchor restaurants like Noble Rice and The Battery. The nearby Water Street district also has a ton of new concepts like the Tampa Edition and Boulon Brasserie.
Photo via Sparkman Wharf Credit: Photo via Sparkman Wharf
