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.
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Sugar Factory - Tampa Bay
Denny's Restaurant
Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.
Museum of Science & Innovation - MOSI
Interactive exhibits on biology & earth science, as well as a ropes course & a planetarium.
Latin Grill Tampa
JERK HUT ISLAND GRILLE & BEACH CLUB
Casual Jamaican eatery & bar offering jerk chicken & pork, coconut shrimp & roti.
via Google MapsTampa Convention Center
Lettuce Lake Park
Park featuring a boardwalk, birdwatching, canoeing, a fishing dock, picnic tables & BBQ grills.
WestShore Plaza
Popular department & chain stores, a multi-screen movie complex plus restaurants & a food court.
Escapology Escape Rooms
Tampa Riverwalk
Happening multi-use path along the Hillsborough River, with city views, benches, eateries & events.
Charley's Steak House
Classic chophouse delivering wood-fired aged beef, plus seafood & wine in a sophisticated space.
Hyde Park Village
Stylish open-air complex with higher-end retailers, restaurants & bars, plus a movie theater.
7th + Grove
Artful gathering place doling out Southern comfort food, plus bar bites & cocktails.
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Tampa (Midtown)
This game-day bar serves burgers & fried fare, plus local beers & party platters for big groups.
Ballast Point Park
Historic waterfront park offering views of Downtown with a cafe, pier, picnicking & a playground.
American Social - Bar & Kitchen
Vibrant gastropub with updated American comfort food, craft brews, flat-screen TVs & a patio.
Portillo's Tampa
Chicago-born chain for hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches & more, plus beer & wine, in retro digs.
Mattress and Furniture Super Center
Sprawling, 50,000-sq.-ft. store featuring a wide choice of indoor & outdoor home furnishings.
Hula Bay Club
Bayside haunt for Hawaiian-style chow, featuring a lively poolside lounge & dockside dining.
Gaspar's Grotto
Festive, pirate-themed hangout with Latin grub, plus live music, drink specials & an outdoor lounge.