Things to do 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.