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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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
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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
Hotel Alba, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Hotel Alba, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4 out of 5
5303 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL
The price is NZ$237 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$237
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Tampa. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,969 reviews)
"Everything was great!!!"

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Hotel Alba, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
The Westin Tampa Bay
The Westin Tampa Bay
4 out of 5
7627 W Courtney Campbell Cswy, Tampa, FL
The price is NZ$237 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$237
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Tampa. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Great stay! This will be my go to for staycations here on out"

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

The Westin Tampa Bay
Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
4 out of 5
200 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL
The price is NZ$263 per night from 14 July to 15 July
NZ$263
14 July - 15 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Tampa. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the bar ...
6.8/10 (1,543 reviews)
Discomfort
"It very friendly and clean but did not get the room I reserved I asked for handicap room and the bathroom was not wheelchair accessible so it was very inconvenient for me I used the bathroom in the lobby but the view from the balcony was nice touch"

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sailport Waterfront Suites
Sailport Waterfront Suites
3.5 out of 5
2506 N Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Tampa. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,596 reviews)
"Great room with a beautiful view!! Sunsets are amazing too!"

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

Sailport Waterfront Suites
Happy Travelers RV Resort
Happy Travelers RV Resort
3 out of 5
9401 E Fowler Ave, Thonotosassa, FL
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Thonotosassa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa and Busch ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (197 reviews)
"Phenomenal stay. Will definitely be back!"

Reviewed on 2 Jul. 2025

Happy Travelers RV Resort
The Pointe Condos by Barsala
The Pointe Condos by Barsala
4.5 out of 5
4950 W Prescott St, Tampa, FL
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Tampa. Enjoy free parking, in-room washers/dryers, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (151 reviews)
"very clean"

Reviewed on 25 Jun. 2025

The Pointe Condos by Barsala
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Tampa

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