Things to do

19 Amazing Things To Do In Tampa Bay, Florida

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An ultimate destination for an amazing time, Tampa Bay will surely blow your mind. If you're all about adventure, you have to check out Busch Gardens. And for those who love art and culture, the Tampa Museum of Art is the place to be.

Similarly, nature enthusiasts will have a blast exploring the stunning Florida Botanical Gardens or going kayaking on the peaceful Hillsborough River. However, sports fans can catch a game at Raymond James Stadium or cheer on the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena during hockey season.

1. Clearwater Marine Aquarium

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Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Tampa Bay Florida USA is an amazing place to visit if you're in the area. The aquarium is known for its dedication to marine life rescue and rehabilitation.

Here, you can see and learn about fascinating creatures like dolphins, sea turtles, otters, and more. You can even take a boat tour to see dolphins in their natural habitat. The aquarium offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and behind-the-scenes tours.

2. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

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It's one of the most exciting things to do in Tampa Bay as it offers thrilling roller coasters, amazing animal encounters, and captivating shows. The park is known for its incredible collection of rides, including Sheikra, and Cheetah Hunt.

Besides, Busch Gardens is also a zoological park with over 12,000 animals. You can get up close to elephants, and meerkats, and even watch a bird show. Plus, there are plenty of dining options and shops to explore.

3. Sunshine Skyway Bridge

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The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a beautiful and iconic bridge that spans across Tampa Bay, connecting St. Petersburg and Terra Ceia. The bridge offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding area, making it a popular spot for sightseeing and photography.

Many people enjoy driving across the bridge to take in the breathtaking scenery and enjoy the feeling of being suspended over the water. It's worth a visit if you're in the area and looking for a picturesque drive.

4. Tampa Theatre

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Tampa Theatre in Tampa Bay USA is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and captivating experience. This historic movie palace, built in 1926, is a stunning example of Mediterranean Revival architecture.

Step inside and be transported to a bygone era with its ornate interior, twinkling stars on the ceiling, and a mighty Wurlitzer organ. However, this theatre hosts a variety of events, including film screenings, live performances, and special events.

5. Tampa Bay History Center

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It's a fantastic place to dive into the rich history of the region and learn about its vibrant past. The museum shows exhibits that cover various periods, from the indigenous peoples who first inhabited the area to the Spanish explorers, the cigar industry, and the development of Tampa as a major city.

You can explore interactive displays, see artifacts, and even step aboard a replica pirate ship. The Tampa Bay History Center offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse cultural heritage of the region.

6. Empower Adventures Tampa Bay

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One of the things to do in Florida Tampa is to check out Empower Adventures Tampa Bay. It's an amazing outdoor adventure park that offers thrilling zip-line experiences and aerial obstacle courses.

Therefore, it's an exhilarating way to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of Tampa Bay. The guides at Empower Adventures are super friendly and knowledgeable, making sure you have a safe and unforgettable experience.

7. ZooTampa At Lowry Park

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ZooTampa at Lowry Park is voted as Tampa's best family attraction and 11-time winner of TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award. This zoo offers a fun and educational experience for people of all ages.

You'll get to see a wide variety of animals from around the world, including lions, giraffes, elephants, and more. However, the zoo is committed to conservation and animal welfare, so you can feel good about supporting their efforts.

8. Henry B. Plant Museum

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The Henry B. Plant Museum is located in the old Tampa Bay Hotel, which used to be a fancy resort back in the late 1800s to early 1900s. It's pretty cool that they turned the hotel into a museum.

What's neat about this museum is that it's not like your typical old-timey museum with replicas and stuff. They've got the actual furniture and stuff that the hotel guests used back in the day.

9. Glazer Children's Museum

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The Glazer Children's Museum has become an important part of Tampa Bay's cultural scene. It's right there in the middle of all the other awesome museums, libraries, theaters, and performing arts centers in the area.

And it's a place where kids can have an absolute blast while they're learning. They've got so many cool exhibits and activities that cover all sorts of topics. From science and art to technology and culture, there's something for every little explorer.

10. Tampa Riverwalk

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This USA Tampa Florida walk stretches for 2.6 miles, following the Hillsborough River to the Garrison Channel. It's the perfect way to explore the area and take in the sights as the free things to do in Tampa.

Start your adventure at the lively Heights Market at Armature Works, then make your way to the vibrant Curtis Hixon Park, and keep going until you reach the awesome Sparkman Wharf. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you can enjoy the Riverwalk by walking, biking, or even scooting along.

11. Tampa Museum of Art

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The Tampa Museum of Art has been around since 1920 and stands as a beacon of culture and education in the heart of downtown Tampa. It offers a rich tapestry of experiences, ranging from ancient treasures to contemporary expressions.

One of the things they're proud of is their collection of ancient Greek and Roman stuff which is the biggest collection in the southeastern part of the US. But that's not all as they've also got a whole bunch of modern and contemporary art.

12. Bayshore Boulevard

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Bayshore Boulevard offers a picturesque escape in Florida Tampa Bay boasting a multitude of activities for locals and visitors alike. Stretched along the waterfront for 4.5 miles, it's perfect for jogging, walking, or biking. 

The 10-foot-wide sidewalk is also popular for rollerblading and skateboarding. Picnic spots and benches dotted along the route provide opportunities for relaxation and enjoying the stunning sunsets. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines from the seawall, while bird watchers can spot various species along the shoreline.

13. Florida Aquarium

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The Florida Aquarium is the best place when it comes to things to do at Tampa Florida, USA. It's a place where you can dive into the wonders of the ocean and get up close with incredible marine life.

The aquarium is home to a diverse array of aquatic animals, from vibrant tropical fish to majestic sharks and playful otters. You can also explore different ecosystems, like the Wetlands Trail or the Bays and Beaches exhibit, and learn about the importance of conservation and protecting our oceans.

14. Raymond James Stadium

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Raymond James Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Florida Tampa Bay. It opened up back in 1998 and it's where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from the NFL and the University of South Florida Bulls college football team play their home games.

The stadium can hold around 69,218 people for most sporting events, but it can be expanded to about 75,000 for special events. One of the coolest things about this is the replica pirate ship in the north-end zone. It's like a real-life pirate adventure.

15. Fort De Soto Park

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With miles of serene, sandy shoreline, this much-loved Fort De Soto Park covers five islands and 1,136 acres on the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. It's one of the top Tampa stuff to do.

However, you can explore the historic Fort De Soto, which was built in the late 1800s and played a role in the Spanish-American War. This park in Florida also has stunning white sandy beaches where you can relax, swim, or even go fishing.

16. Tampa Bay CityPASS

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The Tampa Bay CityPASS is the best way to explore some of the best attractions in Tampa Bay, Florida. With the CityPASS, you get admission to five top-notch attractions at a discounted price.

First up is the Florida Aquarium, where you can dive into an underwater world. Then, you can head over to the ZooTampa at Lowry Park and meet some amazing animals. The CityPASS also includes a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), and the Chihuly Collection.

17. Straz Center For The Performing Arts

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The Straz Center for the Performing Arts is like a hub for all activities in Tampa FL. It opened up in 1987 and used to be called the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, but they changed the name in 2009.

It's a big place, covering about 335,000 square feet, and it's the second-largest performing arts complex in the Southeastern United States. They have all sorts of cool events there, like Broadway shows, grand opera performances, concerts, and more.

18. Museum Of Science & Industry

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The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) is a non-profit science museum in Tampa Bay, Florida. It offers a wide range of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that cover various scientific topics.

However, they also provide activities Tampa Florida as you can dive into the world of space exploration, discover the wonders of the human body, or even design and build your inventions. Moreover, they have a planetarium where you can gaze at the stars and learn about the universe. 

19. Amalie Arena

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Amalie Arena is a multipurpose arena in Tampa Bay, Florida that hosts all kinds of exciting events. From thrilling hockey games to epic concerts, it has something for everyone.

The arena is home to the Tampa Bay Lightning, so you can catch some electrifying NHL action. But it's not just about sports - it also attracts big-name musicians and performers who put on incredible shows. The atmosphere is always buzzing with energy and excitement.