It may sound lame, but arguably the best way to learn the ins and outs a new town is to just bite the bullet and do some hardcore tourist stuff.

And, since there’s nothing more touristy than a literal tour, here are a few of Tampa Bay’s best local tours, spanning everything from our local stadiums and breweries, historic spots, fresh water springs, and more.

Now, go find a good fanny pack and your best walking shoes.

Croc Encounters 813-217-4400 Alligators are a major part of living in Florida, and so you better start learning all about ’em now. Get up and close with alligators, crocodiles and other reptiles at Croc Encounters. The 15-acre facility offers guided tours and plenty of opportunities to hold reptiles and maybe even feed a few gators. Photo via Colin Wolf
Bay Rocket (813) 223-7999 If you are looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure check out Bay Rocket. The 2,800-horsepower speedboat gives guests a calm tour out of the Bay, then speeds up to do 180-degree spins and bow dips. Make sure not to wear anything fancy, there’s a high chance of getting soaked. Photo via Bay Rocket Tampa/Facebook
Florida Aquairum SeaTREK Experience (813) 223-7999 The best way to learn what’s in Tampa Bay is to literally get in the water and see for yourself. Dive in deep and get close look at fish, eagle rays and bonnethead sharks with the SeaTREK experience. Guests will literally plop into a massive tank at the Florida Aquarium and walk along the bottom thanks to a helmet tank. Photo via The Florida Aquarium/Website
Tampa History Center walking tours 813-228-0097 The perfect tours for history-buff dads who own a good, broken-in pair of New Balances. Get a first-hand look at some of Tampa’s most historic areas and neighborhoods with this 90-minute guided walking tour. Each route is about a mile long and you can choose between Central Avenue East, downtown Tampa or Ybor City. Photo via Tampa Bay History Center Credit: Tampa Bay History Center
Skyway Bridge light show cruise 727-380-0431 Sure, you’ve seen the Skyway Bridge, but have you seen it up close at night, and under the lights?! Hop on a 50-foot catamaran for a scenic trip of Tampa Bays most iconic bridge. Stops include Outback Key, where you can see the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, and the Skyway Bridge for the must-see light show. There is also a bar on the boat that offers a variety of beer and wine. Photo via St.Pete Coastal Cruises/Website
Amalie Arena Gameday tours (813) 223-7999 Get a behind the scenes look at how the Bolts won all those Stanely Cups with a gameday tour at Amalie Arena. Stops include the pipe organ, the press box, and the zambonis. Don’t forget to take a picture next to the ice. Photo via Visit Tampa Bay
Riverwalk bar crawl One of Tampa’s biggest tourist traps is without a doubt the downtown Riverwalk. But did you know the Riverwalk is a certified “wet zone,” and anyone over the age of 21 can grab a Riverwalk speciality to-go cup from any of the bars ands restaurants along this massive waterfront path? It’s true. Pro tip: Start at Armature Works and try your best to end your boozy journey at Sparkman Wharf. Photo via Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel Credit: Courtesy of Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel
Museum of the Arts and Craft Movement (727)-440-4859 Located in downtown St. Petersburg, the Museum of the Arts and Crafts Movement features textiles, photography, and woodblocks from 1890-1930. The spot offers private tours and self-guided tours with over 100 stops. The museum also has an app that features a floor-by-floor audio tour. Photo via Museum of the Arts and Craft Movement/Website
Tampa Bay bike tours 813-217-4400 Hop on a bike and take in the sights on a Tampa Bay bike tour. There are four different options, City Showcase, Brew Loop, Historic Ybor and private tours. Guests can expect to see all of the different highlights in the Bay area, like the Tampa Riverwalk, local breweries and the historic 7th Avenue. Photo via Tampa Bay Bike/Facebook
American Victory Ship tour (813) 350-6500 Built in only 55 days in 1944, the American Victory Ship served in WWII and the Korean and Vietnam wars and is one of three full-functioning ships in the country. Take a journey through three level cargo holds, hospital, steering stations, engine room, and crew cabins. There are self-guided tours, docent-guided and group tours. Photo via American Victory Ship & Museum/Facebook
Behind the scenes tour at Raymond James (813) 350-6500 Here’s you chance to climb around on that pirate ship. The behind the scenes tour at Raymond James Stadium includes stops at a luxury suite, the infamous pirate ship, the University Of South Florida home team locker room, Hall Of Fame Club and of course the field. Guests can either book a public or private tour. Photo via Raymond James Stadium/Facebook Credit: via Raymond James Stadium/Facebook
Shine Mural audio tour (727) 754-6404 Take a walk down the streets of St. Petersburg and look at the arrangement of murals on the building sides with the Shine Mural audio tour. The outdoor gallery consists of 150 murals from local, national, and international artists. The audio tour helps guide you through the outdoor gallery with information about each piece. Photo via St.Petersburg Arts Alliance/Website Credit: Photo via Shine
Get Up and Go Kayaking Tour 352-834-1556 Make the most out of the remainder of manatee season at Crystal River with this two-and-a-half hour tour. Hop on the clear bottomed tandem kayaks and paddle through Kings Bay, Hunter Springs and Jurassic Springs. If you’re lucky, you’ll also be able to spot other animals like dolphins, fish, turtles and birds. Bring your own kayak to pay less than their rental prices. Photo via Get Up and Go Kayaking Tour/Instagram
Keel Farms Wine Tour 813-752-9100 Sip on a glass of wine, beer or cider during the trolley ride as they take you behind-the-scenes of Keel’s farm and winery. Learn about the history, mission and sustainable practices of how all its products are made. If you get hungry after the tour, stay for a handcrafted meal at its restaurant, and if you’re still thirsty visit its brewery to try more of its products. Photo via Keel Farms/Website
Little Toot Dolphin Adventure 727-446-5503 Get up close and personal with Florida’s marine life during this hour and a half tour. The captain will navigate Clearwater Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico to take you through spots that guarantee dolphin sightings. The boats have soft drinks, water and beer available to keep you cool throughout the journey. Photo via
Dunedin Food Walking Tour 813-310-4401 On this three hour long walking tour, you’ll get to experience up to seven family-owned independent restaurants and breweries that reflect the local cuisine of Pinellas County. During this exclusive two mile tour, you’ll get the chance to meet owners, chefs and brewers while enjoying house specialties, like a hog fish slider and the “chef’s creation of the day.” Photo via Dunedin Food Walking Tour/Website
The Ringling Museum Tour 941-359-5700 Avoid the hassle of waiting for others with The Ringling Museum’s self-guided audio tour. Pop some headphones in and use them in conjunction with the museum’s website by clicking on the gallery and image you’re viewing to learn more about them. Photo via The Ringling/Facebook
PedalPub 727-581-3388 Let’s be honest, whenever we see one of these on the road we resent them because of how much space they take and how obnoxious the people on it seem, however, deep down you wish you were one of them. Shake the jealousy away and join the party by drinking and doing some light exercise with Pedal Pub and its route through downtown St. Petersburg. The two hour long tour takes you to up to three staple bars, breweries and murals. Even though alcohol is not included and no hard liquor is allowed, you are able to bring your own beer, hard lemonade, hard cider, seltzer, boxed wine and snacks. Photo via PedalPub/Facebook
Tampa Bay Food Tours 813-310-4401 Calling all foodies. Tampa Bay Food Tours offers four different locations to choose from to experience the local cuisine during the walking excursions. Select the Channel District, downtown Tampa, Dunedin or downtown St. Petersburg tour to be delighted by some of the area’s hot spots. Photo via Tampa Bay Food Tours/Facebook
The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery 727-799-9463 Learn all about the winemaking and the bottling process while touring the production room at Aspirations Winery. Every guest gets a 3 oz. flight of any three wines, a small meat and cheese plate, a take home bottle of your choosing and a souvenir wine glass. Photo via
Florida Tiki Tours 727-418-6070 Sail around Johns Pass and Boca Ciega Bay on a Hawaiian-style Tiki Hut. Grab four of your friends or family and bring your own snacks and drinks to make the most out of the hour-and-a-half tour. An on premise Tipsi Tiki Bar is also available where you can purchase beer, wine and frozen drinks. Plus, you can sync your phone to the onboard speakers to jam out to some tunes. Photo via
flyVENTURE 844-359-8368 Enjoy breathtaking views of Tampa Bay’s waterfront location on the Gulf of Mexico with flyVENTURE’s customizable flight plans. Ride over downtown Tampa, the St. Pete Times Forum, the Florida Aquarium and other landmarks in one of its two helicopters –– an air conditioned chopper or the doors-off helicopter, perfect for any daredevil. Photo via flyVENTURE/Facebook
Ghost Party Haunted Tours 813-610-1063 Spooktacular things happen during this tour. This interactive paranormal experience will fill your stomach up with dinner at the Haunted Restaurant before letting you use ghost hunting equipment into the unknown. Photo via
Gulf Coast Airboat Charters 727-410-5428 Enjoy a thrilling ride atop the water at speeds up to 55mph or a relaxed scenic viewing of Old Florida’s natural wonders and wildlife. Cruise along canals to find exotic birds, turtles, manatees, dolphins and alligators in their natural environment. The company also offers the option to customize your trip for a sunset or night tour to suit your particular desires. Photo via
Kraken Cycle Boats 813-603-3117 Sail around the Hillsborough River in this downtown Tampa tour that will showcase all the staple attractions of the city. View the Tampa Riverwalk, Curtis Hixon Park, the Straz Performing Arts Center and Water Works Park before making a stop at Armature Works to enjoy a snack and drinks from some of Tampa’s most renowned restaurants and eateries. Photo via
Paradise Boat Tours 941-465-8624 Look for dolphins, manatees, fish and stingrays aboard the 28-passenger U.S. Coast Guard inspected vessel. With a flexible schedule offering six different times seven days a week, explore the clear waters of Anna Maria Island. Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy while sailing away and having a good time. Photo via Paradise Boat Tours/Facebook
Pirate Water Taxi 813-223-7999 Reach countless attractions in downtown Tampa by riding the Pirate Water Taxi. With daily tours and 14 stops, you’ll be able to get to museums, restaurants, parks and more. Your ticket and wristband will allow you to hop on and off the taxi at any stop for unlimited rides, as well as give you discounts at a number of venues located along the route. Photo via Pirate Water Taxi/Facebook
Serengeti Safari Tour 813-884-4386 Be transported to the African Plain in this adventure on an open-air touring vehicle in which you will spot zebras, ostriches and even have the chance to feed giraffes. Learn all about these creatures and other exotic animals as you ride along this safari experience at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Tickets are available at an additional cost to the park entrance and reservations are encouraged. Photo via Busch Gardens Tampa Bay/Facebook
Tampa Bay Fun Boat 727-204-9787 Celebrate a special occasion or just learn about all the cool houses on Davis Islands with Tampa Bay Fun Boat’s sightseeing and sunset one hour tours. Bottled water is provided, but you are allowed to bring your own cooler with drinks and alcohol if you’re over 21. Photo via Tampa Bay Fun Boat/Facebook
Tampa Brew Bus 813-990-7310 Whether you want to join an existing party or create your own, Tampa Brew Bus offers public and private tours that visit craft beer bars and breweries in Ybor, West Tampa, Seminole Heights and Downtown Tampa. The Local Loop visits staple locations in these areas and private parties have the option to select which places to go to. Depending on the event, make sure you have 4 to 7 hours to spare to enjoy exclusive Beer Bus specials like “You’re my boy, blue,” a wheat ale, “Rolling Dirty,” an amber ale and “Tangerine Splash,” a belgian-style witbier. If you don’t like beer, make a special request for hard cider, spirits, or wine available at an additional charge. Photo via Tampa Brew Bus/Facebook
Taste of St. Pete 727-900-5123 Explore vibrant Central Avenue and its culturally diverse eateries during the two and a half hour food tour. If you’re looking to be refreshed during Florida’s summer days, Taste of St. Pete also offers a cocktail tour that takes you to four different craft bars to sip on four half cocktails. Photo via Taste of St. Pete/Facebook
Guided tour at The Dalí 727-623-4778 Enjoy an exclusive look at Salvador Dalí’s artwork with a guided tour of the museum. Available for up to 15 people, a docent will take you through the several galleries and exhibitions during the one hour tour. The walkthroughs are also available in Spanish, Russian, Italian and Japanese for those traveling from overseas. Photo via The Dalí/Website
Urban Kai 813-598-1634 Offering an eco tour through the mangroves or a downtown Tampa experience, Urban Kai seeks to get you outdoors, see marine life and exercise while being one with nature with its stand up paddleboard excursions. Photo via
Ybor City Walking History Tour 813-505-6779 Explore the streets of the historic city in this two hour long tour, in which you will learn everything you need to know about the vibrant and diverse location as you stroll down Seventh Avenue. See Ybor staples like The Orpheum, Columbia Restaurant, The Ritz and more. Photo via Ybor City Walking History Tour/Website
Tampa Bay Mafia Tour 813-358-3455 Guaranteeing “you’ll never see Ybor City the same way again,” this two hour tour takes you through some of Tampa’s favorite locations of mobsters back in the day. Explore old gambling palaces, street corners and alleys where some mobsters met their demise. Additionally, learn about bolita, the rumored tunnels of Ybor and the Era of Blood taught by the one and only Scott M. Deitche. Photo via tampamafia.com
Weeki Wachee Boat Tour 850-245-2157 Ride down the clear waters of Weeki Wachee River while learning about the park’s history during the hour long boat tour. Stay after the tour to make the most out of the day to paddle board, kayak, snorkel or swim to dive into the 72-degree spring waters. Photo via Florida State Parks
Ghosts of Tampa Theater Tour 813-274-8286 Interested in ghosts and ghouls? Learn all about Tampa Theater’s history and ghostly guests in this hour and a half tour that will take you all throughout the balconies and backstage of one of the town’s most haunted buildings. Photo via Tampa Theater/Facebook

Sofía García Vargas, born in Colombia, South America and raised in Costa Rica, Central America, is a journalism student at the University of South Florida and Editor-in-Chief of The Crow’s Nest, USF...