The 20 quintessential greatest things to do in Tampa Bay

3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde

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. Kayakers should be on the lookout for manatees, pink Roseate spoonbills and dolphins. The company also offers a glow tour, a nighttime kayak tour featuring color-changing LED’s lighting up the water beneath your clear kayak. If you have your own 'yak, you can also just drop in for free along Pinellas Bayway S.
Photo via Get Up And Go/website

Hold a gator at Croc Encounters

8703 Bowles Rd., Tampa, 813-217-4400
Alligators are a major part of living in Florida, and one local spot gives you up and close and personal with our reptilian overlords.Croc Encounters allows guests to get some serious face time with alligators, crocodiles, alligator snappers, and more. 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

Departs from Tampa Convention Center Boat Docks. 333 S Franklin St., Tampa. 727-204-9787
Whether you're just visiting, a life-long resident, or just want to learn about local history and all the cool houses on Davis Islands, Tampa Bay Fun Boat’s sightseeing and sunset one-hour tours are arguably one of the best boating options in downtown Tampa. 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

10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, 813-884-4386
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is basically a giant zoo with roller coasters. Founded as a literal garden to drink beer, the park has since blossomed into the mega theme park it is today. Recently, the park added the hybrid coaster Iron Gwazi, and Serengeti Flyer, which is billed as the "world's largest swing ride."
Photo via Visit Tampa Bay

Head to one of Tampa Bay’s nearby fresh water springs

Multiple locations
The Florida is pretty much always hot, so it makes it a little more enjoyable by taking a dip in one of Tampa Bay’s many natural springs. From Weeki Wachee to Lithia, there are plenty of swimming holes within a short driving distance. Click the link above to see a full list of nearby springs.
Photo via Florida State Parks/website

Head to the Sunday market at Wat Mongkolratanaram Temple

5306 Palm River Rd., Tampa, 813-621-1669
This Sunday 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, all while grabbing some views of the Tampa Bypass Channel.
Photo via Wat Mongkolratanaram/Facebook

Take a self-guided tour at the Dali Museum

1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, 727-823-3767
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 at the Dali 360 immersive experience, 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 or bar

Where else than Tampa Bay can you enjoy a cold beer and cheeseburger while sticking your toes in the sand? Not every restaurant can combine good eats and beachside views. So, hit the link above for a comprehensive list of local restaurants and bars that are truly on the sand.
Photo via Caddy’s/Instagram

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

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

Catch a show at the Tampa Theatre

711 N Franklin St., Tampa, 813-274-8286
One of Tampa's premier historic landmarks, the Tampa Theatre isn't t just a beautiful building that escaped a wrecking ball in the '70s, it's also a fantastic spot to get out of the heat and catch a flick or a live show. Check the schedule to see everything from first-run films, classic movies, stand-up comedy, live podcasts, and everything in between.
Photo via Tampa Theatre/Facebook

Get the day pass to a local resort

Multiple locations
There are plenty of great beach resorts in Tampa Bay, and sometimes you just want to get a taste of all of em. Luckily, quite a few Tampa Bay hotels offer unique pools, views and beach access, for a daily price without staying overnight. From The Sarasota Modern to The Saint Hotel in St. Pete, guests can choose a pool day or a beach 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

Grab a Cuban at La Segunda Central Bakery

2512 N 15th St., Ybor City, 813-248-1531
Located in a town founded on Spanish culture lies one of Ybor City's coveted landmark buildings representing the Cuban-American community. Pretty much all of Tampa is connected to La Segunda's bread in one way or another. Customer-favorites include café con leche, Cuban toast and, of course, the Cuban sandwich. Don't be surprised to see a line coming out of the door, but do know that La Segunda now has multiple locations.
Photo via La Segunda Central Bakery/Facebook

Riverwalk bar crawl

Downtown Tampa
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

Explore the 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

Armature Works

1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, 813-250-3725
You didn’t think we’d leave Armature Works, the massive food hall and center of life in South Tampa Heights, 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