Tampa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Tampa Bay featuring night scenes, a river or creek and skyline
Tampa
Tampa
Tampa
Tampa

A gateway to some of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast, this city actually has many appealing attractions away from the ocean.

The city of Tampa lies at the northern end of Tampa Bay, with spectacular weather in the heart of Florida’s glorious beach surroundings. Enjoy the many cultural attractions in the city and visit beaches and other towns all around the bay.

Downtown Tampa offers all the diverse restaurants, bars, shopping and nightlife you might expect in a large city. Stroll along the Riverwalk for all this as well as playgrounds, public art and the large Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Learn about the region’s early Native American residents and Spanish conquistadors at the Tampa Bay History Center in Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park. See a film, with a Wurlitzer organ prelude, in the lavish 1926 Tampa Theatre.

Visit the Florida Aquarium and take a harbor cruise on a quiet electronic boat (eBoat). Go east to Ybor City and step aboard the America Victory Ship, an operational World War II naval vessel.

The region has lots more activities for kids. To the north is Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, with more than 1,300 animals, including manatees in a critical care center. Go to Busch Gardens Tampa for endless roller coaster rides, shows and animal attractions. Across the street is Adventure Island waterpark. Nearby, let kids have hands-on experiences involving space, the human body, weather and a ropes course at the Museum of Science & Industry.

Watch professional sports with Tampa Bay Lightning hockey at Amalie Arena, New York Yankees spring training at Steinbrenner Field and Tamba Bay Buccaneers football at Raymond James Stadium. For outstanding stage events see a Broadway show, concert, dance or comedy at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

When you’re finally ready for some beach time, cross the long, tall and impressive Sunshine Skyway Bridge and head to Clearwater and St. Petersburg. The white sands and warm waters will put a nice cap on your visit to the Tampa Bay area.

Where to stay in Tampa

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Downtown Tampa

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Downtown Tampa is a destination visitors seek out for its ample dining options, great live music and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Port of Tampa or Tampa Riverwalk while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Tampa
Ybor City

Ybor City

Ybor City is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Ritz Ybor and The Orpheum while in the area.

Ybor City
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Town 'n' Country

If you're spending some time in Town 'n' Country, Tampa Bay and Rocky Point Golf Course are top sights worth seeing.

Town 'n' Country
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Hyde Park

You'll enjoy the restaurants and shopping in Hyde Park. You might want to make time for a stop at Tampa Riverwalk or Hyde Park Village.

Hyde Park
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Temple Terrace

Temple Terrace is known for its beautiful gardens, and you can see some sights area like Temple Terrace Tennis Center and Bowlero Tampa Bay.

Temple Terrace
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Rocky Point

You'll love the stunning beaches in Rocky Point, and you might want to stick around to check out Tampa Bay, a top place to visit.

Rocky Point

Reviews of Tampa

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Ybor City is worth a visit - take the trolley

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Friendly people, great dining experiences. Lovely place to visit.

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