Things to do in Tampa
Tampa is a big city with an outsized share of ways to spend a day, and the local listings reflect that range: food and drink dominates, but outdoor par…
Tampa is a big city with an outsized share of ways to spend a day, and the local listings reflect that range: food and drink dominates, but outdoor parks, museums, live music, and family spots all hold their own. If you're here for a weekend or live nearby, the challenge is narrowing down your options.
Start with the Tampa Riverwalk, a multi-use path along the water that strings together parks, eateries, and city views. For a quieter outdoor stretch, Lettuce Lake Park has a boardwalk, birdwatching, and canoeing. Food spans from the Columbia Restaurant's traditional Spanish fare to La Teresita's Cuban classics and the casual Caribbean vibe at Bahama Breeze. Families can pick between the Glazer Children's Museum, Bounce Zone Tampa, or a bowling night at Pin Chasers. Music fans have Crowbar and The Ritz Ybor. Tampa Theatre adds old-school movie palace charm, while Tampa Bay History Center covers local stories.
Frequently asked questions about Tampa
What are the best outdoor places to visit in Tampa?▾
The Tampa Riverwalk is a great starting point—it's a paved path along the water with parks and benches along the way. For a more natural setting, Lettuce Lake Park has a boardwalk through wetlands, birdwatching, and canoeing. Al Lopez Park offers trails and a fishing pond. Several other city parks, including Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Water Works Park, are also good for a stroll or a picnic.
Where can I take kids in Tampa?▾
The Glazer Children's Museum has hands-on exhibits aimed at kids under 12, from weather to art. For active play, Bounce Zone Tampa is an indoor playground with inflatables and a trampoline. Bowling is another option—Pin Chasers and Splitsville Tiki + Social both cater to families. Croc Encounters offers close-up reptile experiences with guided tours.
What are some good restaurants for a casual meal in Tampa?▾
For Cuban food, La Teresita is a family-run spot serving breakfast through dinner. Bahama Breeze brings Caribbean dishes and tropical cocktails in a laid-back setting. The Columbia Restaurant, a branch of a chain dating to 1905, serves traditional Spanish food. Armature Works is a historic mixed-use space with an upscale food court and bar, so you can sample from several vendors in one visit.
What cultural or historical attractions should I check out?▾
Tampa Theatre, built in 1926, is an ornate movie palace with a Wurlitzer organ and regular film screenings. The Tampa Bay History Center covers local history with interactive exhibits and maps. Henry B. Plant Museum focuses on Florida's early tourism and displays Asian and European art. Centro Asturiano de Tampa, a 1902 Spanish social club on the National Register of Historic Places, also hosts events.
Where can I hear live music or find nightlife in Tampa?▾
Crowbar is a downtown club with live music, DJs, and a beer garden. The Ritz Ybor is another live music venue, located in the historic Ybor City district. For a more laid-back evening, Jekyll is a lounge bar serving cocktails, wine, and dinner. Several restaurants also have bars, so you can often catch a drink and a meal in one stop.
Upcoming events
The Black Honkeys w / Geoff Abraham Band
Add Your
Event
Share your event with the community.
Never Miss Out
Get the best events and local picks straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Things to do in Tampa
Promote your
Business
Get featured and grow your business.
Add your
Event
Share your event with the community.
Bahama Breeze
Laid-back chain eatery featuring Caribbean entrees & tropical cocktails amid beachy decor.
Kona Grill - Tampa
Sleek chain with a broad New American menu including low-calorie options, plus sushi & cocktails.
Whiskey Joe's | Tampa
Rustic hangout with a party vibe that serves casual American chow & booze right on the beach.
International Plaza and Bay Street
Indoor mall with name-brand stores & high-end designers, plus a mix of casual & upscale restaurants.
Armature Works
Striking mixed-use event space offering an upscale food court, bar & lounge in lofty, historic digs.
Adventure Island
Thrill rides drench visitors at this outdoor water park that also offers a wave pool & lazy river.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Venerable theme park with thrill rides, African animals, live entertainment & kiddie attractions.
Florida State Fairgrounds
Ulele
Rustic-chic site for native Floridian fare, with barbacoa grilling & house-brewed beers.
Hard Rock Cafe
Rock ’n’ roll-themed chain with a high-energy vibe serving burgers & American classics.
Benchmark International Arena
Huge, snazzy indoor venue hosting pro hockey & arena-football games, plus concerts & more.
Dave & Buster's Tampa - Brandon
Family-friendly chain offering a sports-bar-style setting for American food & arcade games.
Walmart Supercenter
Bulla Gastrobar Tampa
Contemporary bar with made-to-order sangrias, plus Spanish & Catalan small plates.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Celebrated zoo offering giraffe feeding, educational programs & a water play area.
Citrus Park Town Center
Columbia Restaurant
Traditional Spanish restaurant, a branch of a long-standing local chain dating back to 1905.
The Florida Aquarium
Aquarium with sharks, penguins, stingray touch tanks, a wild dolphin cruise & a water playground.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Large, grassy park provides fenced-in areas with drinking bowls for pets & free monthly concerts.
La Teresita Restaurant
Family-run eatery serving a menu of Cuban & Spanish standards in homey surroundings.