- With kids: Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, ZooTampa, The Florida Aquarium and MOSI.
- Date night: a Riverwalk walk at sunset, a show at the Straz Center or Tampa Theatre, then dinner from our best restaurants in Tampa list.
- Rainy day: The Florida Aquarium, MOSI, the Henry B. Plant Museum and the Straz Center keep you indoors.
- Game day: the Lightning at Benchmark International Arena and the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Rays play across the bay in St. Petersburg.
- On a budget: start with our free things to do in Tampa.
Tampa mixes big attractions with easy time outdoors. In one weekend you can ride coasters at Busch Gardens, walk the Riverwalk, eat in Ybor City and catch a Lightning game.
Prices come from each venue’s official site, checked October 4, 2026. A few picks sit just outside the city limits, and we label those.
20 things to do in Tampa
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
A theme park that pairs big roller coasters such as Iron Gwazi and Cheetah Hunt with more than 200 animal species. Lion & Hyena Ridge, a new large animal habitat in the Edge of Africa area, is now open.
- Where
- North Tampa (near USF), 10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
- Cost
- Single-day tickets from $61.99 online during a limited-time sale; prices vary by date (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- Thrill seekers, families, animal lovers
Tip: Check the park calendar before you go, since hours change by date and fall nights bring Howl-O-Scream, which is not suited to young kids.
Sources: buschgardens.com
Adventure Island
A water park across the street from Busch Gardens with slides, wave pools and a lazy river. It runs on a seasonal schedule, so it is not open every day of the year.
- Where
- North Tampa (next to Busch Gardens), 10001 N McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
- Cost
- Tickets as low as $41.99 online during a limited-time sale; prices vary by date (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- Families, teens, hot summer days
Tip: Look up the operating calendar first; fall and winter dates are limited. A combo ticket with Busch Gardens can lower the cost of a two-park trip.
Sources: adventureisland.com
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
A large zoo along the Hillsborough River known for its manatee care and Florida wildlife. The new Florida Waters area adds manatees, jellies, otters and native reptiles.
- Where
- Lowry Park / Seminole Heights, 1101 W Sligh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604
- Cost
- Online advance tickets $50.95 adults (12+) and $40.95 children (3 to 11); $3 more at the gate (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- Families, animal lovers
Tip: Buy at least a day ahead to save $3 per person. In October, Creatures of the Night runs on select evenings with later hours.
Sources: zootampa.org, zootampa.org
The Florida Aquarium
An aquarium on the downtown waterfront with coral reef, wetlands and open-ocean habitats, plus penguins and a lemur exhibit. Add-ons include a wild dolphin cruise and SeaTREK underwater walking.
- Where
- Channel District (downtown), 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
- Cost
- Ticketed; prices vary by visit date, with lower prices for less busy days (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- Families, rainy days, couples
Tip: Book a date online in advance since prices change by day. Mondays stay open until 7 p.m.
Sources: flaquarium.org, flaquarium.org
Tampa Riverwalk
A 2.6-mile waterfront path that links downtown parks, museums, restaurants and hotels along the Hillsborough River. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park and Water Works Park all sit along the route.
- Where
- Downtown, Along the Hillsborough River, downtown Tampa (Friends of the Riverwalk: 201 N Franklin St)
- Cost
- Free to walk (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- Couples, walkers, first-time visitors
Tip: Rent a bike or hop on the Pirate Water Taxi to cover more ground, then end at Armature Works for food.
Sources: thetampariverwalk.com, tampa.gov
Ybor City and Ybor City Museum State Park
Tampa's historic cigar district, with brick streets, iron balconies, cigar shops, the Columbia Restaurant and a busy nightlife strip on 7th Avenue. The state park museum sits in the old Ferlita Bakery and tells the story of the immigrant cigar workers who built the neighborhood.
- Where
- Ybor City, Museum: 1818 E Ninth Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605
- Cost
- Neighborhood is free to walk; museum admission $4 per person, children 5 and under free (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- History fans, foodies, nightlife, rainy days (museum)
Tip: Ride the free TECO Line Streetcar in from downtown. Visit the museum Wednesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., then stay for dinner.
Sources: visittampabay.com, floridastateparks.org
Armature Works
A restored 73,000-square-foot streetcar warehouse on the river that now holds a food hall, restaurants and event space. It anchors the Heights District at the north end of the Riverwalk.
- Where
- Tampa Heights, 1910 N Ola Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602
- Cost
- Free to enter; pay per vendor (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- Groups with mixed tastes, couples, date nights
Tip: Grab food inside and eat on the lawn facing the river at sunset.
Sources: armatureworks.com
Sparkman Wharf
A waterfront dining garden with quick-service food stalls, sit-down restaurants and a lawn for events. It hosts Lightning watch parties, trivia nights and seasonal events like Oktoberfest.
- Where
- Channel District (downtown), 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
- Cost
- Free to enter; pay per vendor (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- Groups, sports fans, casual nights out
Tip: Open until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It sits a short walk from the Florida Aquarium and the Lightning arena, so pair it with either.
Sources: sparkmanwharf.com
Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena
The NHL's Lightning play home games at Benchmark International Arena on the downtown waterfront. The arena also hosts more than 200 concerts and events a year.
- Where
- Channel District (downtown), 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
- Cost
- Ticketed; prices vary by game (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- Sports fans, groups
Tip: Check the arena's parking page before game night, or walk over from Sparkman Wharf, which hosts watch parties on its lawn.
Sources: benchmarkintlarena.com, nhl.com
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium
The Buccaneers play NFL home games at Raymond James Stadium, which also hosts USF football, bowl games, Monster Jam and big concerts. The stadium has hosted three Super Bowls.
- Where
- West Tampa (near Dale Mabry Hwy), 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607
- Cost
- Ticketed; prices vary by game (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- Sports fans, groups
Tip: Review the stadium's bag policy and parking page before you go; lots fill early on game days.
Sources: raymondjamesstadium.com, hcfl.gov
Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field
The Rays play 2026 home games back at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg after repairs from 2024 hurricane damage. The indoor dome means rain never stops a game.
- Where
- St. Petersburg (Pinellas County), 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
- Cost
- Ticketed; prices vary by game (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- Baseball fans, rainy days, families
Tip: The ballpark sits across the bay in St. Petersburg, so leave extra time for bridge traffic. The regular season runs spring through early fall.
Sources: mlb.com
Hillsborough River State Park (paddling and Class II rapids)
A state park on the Hillsborough River with Class II rapids, which are rare in Florida, plus canoe and kayak rentals, about seven miles of trails and a suspension bridge. Fort Foster, a Second Seminole War fort site, is part of the park.
- Where
- Thonotosassa (northeast of Tampa), 15402 U.S. 301 North, Thonotosassa, FL 33592
- Cost
- $6 per vehicle (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- Kayakers, hikers, families, nature lovers
Tip: Canoe and kayak rentals are not offered Tuesday and Wednesday. Some trails and facilities have had storm-related closures, so read the park alerts before you go.
Sources: floridastateparks.org
Bayshore Boulevard
A 10-foot-wide waterfront sidewalk along Hillsborough Bay, popular with runners, walkers and cyclists. It runs from Columbus Statue Park at Platt Street south to Gandy Boulevard and is also the Gasparilla parade route.
- Where
- South Tampa, Bayshore Boulevard, from Platt Street to Gandy Boulevard, Tampa
- Cost
- Free (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- Runners, walkers, couples, sunset views
Tip: Go early morning or near sunset to avoid midday heat. Fishing is not allowed along the trail.
Sources: tampa.gov
Henry B. Plant Museum
A museum inside the former Tampa Bay Hotel, a lavish 1891 winter resort with silver minarets that now belongs to the University of Tampa. Rooms display original Gilded Age furnishings, and the building is a National Historic Landmark.
- Where
- University of Tampa (downtown edge), 401 W Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33606
- Cost
- Adults $12, seniors (65+) $10, students $9, youth (4 to 12) $7 (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- History fans, couples, rainy days
Tip: Closed Mondays. Park in front of the museum or in the free Thomas Parking Garage on the UT campus, about a five-minute walk.
Sources: plantmuseum.com, plantmuseum.com
Tampa Theatre
A 1926 movie palace that still screens films and hosts live shows, now celebrating its 100th year. A $24 million restoration is in its final stage, with the main Duncan Auditorium close to reopening.
- Where
- Downtown, 711 N Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602
- Cost
- Ticketed; prices vary by show (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- Film fans, couples, rainy days
Tip: Check the calendar before you go, since the theater is running a limited schedule while restoration wraps up. October brings a horror film series.
Sources: tampatheatre.org
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
A riverfront performing arts complex with four theaters, including Carol Morsani Hall and Ferguson Hall. It hosts touring Broadway shows, opera, dance, concerts and comedy.
- Where
- Downtown (on the river), 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa, FL 33602
- Cost
- Ticketed; prices vary by show (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- Couples, theater fans, rainy days
Tip: Pair a show with dinner along the Riverwalk, which passes right by the building.
Sources: strazcenter.org, strazcenter.org
MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry)
A hands-on science museum aimed at kids and families. It remains open at its Fowler Avenue campus while the city plans a larger redevelopment of the site.
- Where
- North Tampa (near USF), 4801 E Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL
- Cost
- Ticketed; buy online at shop.mosi.org (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- Families with kids, rainy days
Tip: Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Combine it with Busch Gardens or Adventure Island, both a short ride away.
Sources: mosi.org
Gasparilla Pirate Fest
Tampa's yearly pirate festival, where the ship Jose Gasparilla sails into the bay with hundreds of costumed pirates who then lead a 4.5-mile parade of floats and bands. The next one is Saturday, January 30, 2027, with the invasion 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Parade of Pirates 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Where
- Downtown and Bayshore Boulevard, Invasion at the Tampa Convention Center; parade along Bayshore Boulevard into downtown
- Cost
- Free to watch from public areas; ticketed bleachers and brunch seats are sold (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- Groups, adults, families (try the Children's Parade on January 23, 2027)
Tip: Arrive early to claim a spot on Bayshore, and bring a bag for beads. Families with young kids may prefer the alcohol-free Children's Parade the week before.
Sources: visittampabay.com, tampa.gov
TECO Manatee Viewing Center
On cold days, manatees gather in the warm discharge canal of a Tampa Electric power station, and this free center lets you watch from boardwalks. The site also has a 50-foot observation tower, nature trails and a stingray touch tank.
- Where
- Apollo Beach (south Hillsborough County), 6990 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
- Cost
- Free admission and parking (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- Families, nature lovers, photographers
Tip: Open November 1 to April 15 only, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come on the coldest mornings for the most manatees.
Sources: tampaelectric.com
Clearwater Beach day trip
A white-sand Gulf beach west of Tampa, built around Pier 60, a 1,080-foot fishing pier with a park and playground. Sunsets at Pier 60 brings street performers and live entertainment from two hours before until two hours after sunset each night.
- Where
- Clearwater Beach (Pinellas County), Pier 60, Clearwater Beach, FL
- Cost
- Pier 60 entry is free; check parking options before you go (checked Oct 4, 2026).
- Best for
- Beach lovers, families, couples
Tip: Leave Tampa early to beat causeway traffic on weekends, and stay for the nightly sunset celebration.
Sources: visitstpeteclearwater.com
Pick by trip type
Common questions
What is Tampa known for?
Tampa is known for Ybor City's cigar history, where Cuban artisans have rolled cigars since 1885, along with its waterfront Riverwalk, Busch Gardens thrill rides and the Gasparilla pirate festival each January.
What can you do in Tampa when it rains?
Head indoors to The Florida Aquarium, MOSI, the Henry B. Plant Museum, the Ybor City Museum or a show at the Straz Center or Tampa Theatre. Rays games at domed Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg also go on rain or shine.
Where do the Tampa Bay Rays play in 2026?
The Rays play 2026 home games at Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive in St. Petersburg, after repairs from 2024 hurricane damage. The ballpark sits across the bay in Pinellas County, outside Tampa.
When is Gasparilla 2027?
The Gasparilla Pirate Fest invasion and Parade of Pirates take place Saturday, January 30, 2027. The Children's Gasparilla Parade runs the Saturday before, January 23, 2027.
When is the best time to see manatees near Tampa?
Visit the TECO Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach between November 1 and April 15, when it is open daily. Manatees crowd the warm canal on the coldest days, and admission and parking are free.