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.
Harpoon Harry's Crab House - Tampa
Lively pirate-themed bar and grill offering an eclectic international menu with steak and seafood.
Nordstrom
via Google MapsLongHorn Steakhouse
Casual steakhouse chain known for grilled beef & other American dishes in a ranch-style space.
via Google MapsThee Burger Spot
Modest counter-serve eatery preparing classic & creatively topped burgers, including donut buns.
La Cabana Restaurant | Colombian Food |Colombian Restaurant | Best Restaurant Tampa
Family-friendly restaurant specializing in Colombian fare, including seafood & rotisserie chicken.
via Google MapsVillage Inn
Family-friendly chain serving homestyle American classics such as chicken-fried steak & pot pie.
via Google MapsMetro Diner
Local diner chain serving classic American breakfast & lunch fare in a warm atmosphere.
Denny's Restaurant
Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.
Winn-Dixie
AMC West Shore 14
via Google MapsBayshore Mediterranean Grill
Low-key, venerable mainstay offers classic Turkish fare such as salads, grilled kebabs & veggies.
Carmine's Restaurant & Bar - Ybor
Cuban eatery & bar serving sandwiches, deviled crab & other favorites in a big, bright space.
via Google MapsRuth's Chris Steak House
Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting
via Google MapsRosenheim Restaurant
via Google MapsLiborios Latin Cafe & Catering
Modest, casual establishment offering a variety of order-at-the-counter Latin American meals.
via Google MapsCasa Santo Stefano
Airy, polished venue with a terrace serving traditional Sicilian plates & a robust wine list.
via Google MapsColumbia Cafe at the Tampa Bay History Center
Traditional Spanish restaurant, a branch of a long-standing local chain dating back to 1905.
via Google MapsWright's Gourmet House
Fans line up at the counter for creative sandwiches, salads & desserts in this long-running cafe.
via Google MapsSkipper's Smokehouse
Funky spot serving Southern eats such as gator tail in rustic digs with a space for live music.
Tampa Theatre
Built in 1926, this ornate movie palace features a Wurlitzer organ plus films, shows & other events.