There’s never a shortage of fun things to do in Tampa Bay, and while we can’t list them all, we can most certainly highlight the stuff that’s pretty much always a guaranteed good time.

Have you held a baby gator, taken the ferry to Egmont Key, or slurped on the Thai temple soup? No, well you have your work cut out for you.

So, whether you’re here for spring break, a new transplant, or a lifelong resident looking for something to add to the bucket-list, Tampa Bay has something for everyone. Of course, you just have to sweat it out in traffic first. 

Take the ferry to Egmont Key State Park from Fort DeSoto 170 Johns Pass Boardwalk, Madeira Beach, 727–393-1947 Egmont Key State Park invites visitors to explore its large nature preserve and Fort Dade, a large fort dating back to the Spanish-American War that covers expansive areas of the island. With unique opportunities for shelling, swimming and snorkeling, there’s an adventure for everyone. The ferry takes only an hour from dock to dock, offering over three hours to explore the park. Photo via Hubbard’s Marina/Facebook
Get a scenic workout kayaking through a mangrove tunnel at Shell Key 1 Collany Rd., Tierra Verde, 727-265-2268 Located near St. Pete, Get Up and Go’s clear kayak tours offer views of local wildlife and while floating around in a crystal-clear boat. In the summer, kayakers can look out for manatees, pink Roseate spoonbills and dolphins. Shell Key Preserve also offers a glow tour, a nighttime kayak tour featuring color-changing LED’s lighting up the water beneath your clear kayak. Photo via Get Up And Go/website
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
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
Busch 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 Bay
Ichetucknee Springs State Park 12087 SW U.S. Highway 27, Fort White, (386) 497-4690, starting at $6 per vehicle Known best for its warm weather tubing experience, the Ichetucknee River also offers canoeing, kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing and eight major springs that join together to create the 6-mile river run. Although no camping is offered on site, River Run campground, Ichetucknee Family Canoe and Cabins, and Ichetucknee Springs campground. Photo via Ichetucknee State Park
Wat Mongkolratanaram Temple 5306 Palm River Rd., Tampa, 813-621-1669 This Sunday drive-thru experience is a weekly ritual for quite a few Tampenos. For over 30 years Wat Mongkolratanaram Temple has been offering this service, with menu items like various soup options, pad thai, empanadas and crab rangoon. Photo via Wat Mongkolratanaram/Facebook
Dali 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 Maps
Spend a day at the St. Pete Pier 600 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, 727-822-7437 St. Pete Pier offers more than just views. With a variety of restaurants, museum and art exhibits, the Spa Beach, and a massive playground and splash pad for kids, there is something for everyone. Photo via St. Pete Pier/Facebook
Visit a truly beachside restaurant Where else than Tampa Bay can you enjoy a cold beer and cheeseburger while sticking your toes in the sand? From waterfront bars to tiki huts, there are plenty of nearby food spots with direct access to the salty water. Photo via Caddy’s Treasure Island/Facebook Credit: Photo via Caddy’s Treasure Island
Pick berries and drink wine at Keel Farms 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City, 813-752-9100 Explore Keel Farms U-Pick farms and wineries. Take a tour of the farm and visit the animals, while learning about their day-to-day operations, and get a taste of it for yourself in their wine tastings. Photo via Keel Farms/Instagram Credit: Photo via keelandcurleyatkeelfarms/Facebook
Spend a day at the Florida Aquarium 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa, 813-273-4000 Dive into Florida’s Aquarium. Featuring over seven different habitats and hundreds of exhibits, as well as a splash pad for the kiddos, the Florida Aquarium offers a break from the sun in an immersive experience sure to entertain the whole family. Just get there early and avoid the weekend crowds. Photo via The Florida Aquarium/Facebook
Go see a ‘Summer Classic’ at the Tampa Theatre 711 N Franklin St., Tampa, (813) 274-8286 Tampa Theatre’s 32nd annual Summer Classic movie series shows a different film every Sunday at 3 p.m starting June 4. With films ranging from classics like “Casablanca” to movie-musical “Mamma Mia!, “there’s a film for everyone at Tampa’s oldest theater this summer. Tickets are $10 for general admission, and $7 for Tampa Theatre members. Photo via Tampa Theatre/Facebook
Get the day pass to a local resort Named as one of the best cities for ‘pool-lovers’ in 2022, quite a few Tampa Bay hotels offer unique pools and views, for a daily price without staying overnight. From The Sarasota Modern to The Saint Hotel in St. Pete, guests can choose a pool day for any wallet. Photo via Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa/Facebook
Explore the TECO Streetcar stops Multiple Locations After you grab a cafe con leche or a cigar in historic Ybor City, hop on the TECO Streetcar and bomb down to either Water Street, or downtown Tampa. Best of all it’s free, and it pops you out in front of some of the area’s best dining and entertainment venues. Photo via Visit Tampa Bay/website
See a show at Crowbar 1812 N 17th St., Ybor City, 813-241-8600 The Tampa Bay music scene is bigger than any one venue, but if there’s a place where the blood, sweat, and years of tears that go into live music come to life, it’s Crowbar. Tom DeGeorge’s Ybor City rock club has been the bread and butter of the scene for two decades and will see its lease end in 2026. The less-than-300-cap venue has seen many of its tried-and-true concert venues cousins relocate or close altogether. Hip-hop, funk, soul and DJ night Ol’ Dirty Sundays has become a community staple, and the room has hosted legendary sets from the likes of Blackstar (which popped up after its set at Straz Center), plus secret performances from giants like hard-rock band Underoath and even Kenny Chesney. Photo via Crowbar/website
La Segunda’s first bakery opened in Ybor City, Florida more than a century ago. Credit: Photo via La Segunda Central Bakery/Facebook
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
Edge District The Edge District, literally on the edge of downtown St.Pete, features bars and restaurants that host family-friendly activities like live music and outdoor movies. Favorites in the extremely walkable, and pedal pub-friendly, district include Green Bench Brewing Co., Bodega sandwich shop, Buya Ramen and Ferg’s sports bar. Photo via Edge District Credit: Photo via The Edge District
Armature Works 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, 813-250-3725 You didn’t think we’d leave Armature Works off this list, did you? It might be hot as a mother out there some days, but there are spots to stay cool with fans and misters at Tampa’s well-known upscale food hall. While known for its food and cocktail selection, it also offers some of the best outdoor dining and seating in the city with a large grass lawn and views of the Hillsborough River, just steps from the Riverwalk. Photo via Photo via Armature Works/Google