Free Things to Do in Tampa

This Tampa institution is so important that it trumps everything else on this list. Featuring pottery, glass, paintings, sculpture and more, this monthly free event hosted by the St. National entertainment acts routinely visit both the Tampa Bay Times Forum and the Amphitheater. You’d be saying this once you have taken a rollercoaster ride here in the Busch Gardens. 50 States, 50 Staycations: The Best Staycation in Every State. As a local historian, I’ve also written about other popular landmarks and attractions for a variety of publications. Dennis Macdonald / Getty Images. Skye’s expert tip: After you’re done shopping, take a foray into the adjacent neighborhood to enjoy some of the most beautiful and historic homes in the city.

Places to Stay

Yes, it has white sand beaches and warm Gulf waters, but it’s the extras that make this beach special. 7 mile route gives you hop on, hop off access that’ll plant you within walking distance of stops like the Ybor City Museum, The Florida Aquarium, Sparkman Wharf, and Amalie Arena. It remains much the same, inclusive of the splendid Garden Room and the gorgeous Grand Hall. It’s also the location of the city’s most anticipated annual celebration, the Gasparilla Pirate Parade and Festival in late January. The center of Tampa’s Latino community, Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District. The colossal stadium lies along the Tampa Riverwalk, overlooking the Garrison Channel. Future veterinarians can check x rays and plan treatment for patients, and prospective captains can navigate a shipping vessel through a channel. Located along the city’s waterfront in the Channelside District is the fabulous Florida Aquarium, which boasts a massive collection of marine life. Of course, the water is a key attraction, and a kayaking tour, a stand up paddleboard excursion, or cruising out on the Tampa Bay—or through the network of inland waterways—should be on your agenda. Botanical Gardens always remind me of simple but elegant weddings. It’s a restored vintage movie theatre that showcases classic architecture and original furnishings, featuring a dazzling night sky ceiling with twinkling stars. The park honors José Martí, a poet, writer, literary figure and Cuban national hero. To help you make the most of your holiday money, we’ve put together a list of 33 top free things to do in Tampa. This experience is showcased by Viator and has met our quality standards. Best Things to Do in Long Beach, California. Read more about Tampa Riverwalk →. So if you’re looking for date ideas in Tampa, doing a day trip here is amazing. Tampa’s Florida Aquarium has an exciting variety of animal habitats, exhibits, and activities to educate and entertain all ages. Combine this park with a visit to Florida Cane Distillery which is less than a 5 minute walk away. Newman took over another cigar factory, the Regensburg factory, one of the last and largest cigar factories built in Tampa. Continuing the theme of live entertainment, catching a show at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts is one of the most fun things to do in Tampa. Like the other famous Florida city of Orlando, Tampa has plenty of theme parks to keep the whole family busy for an entire vacation. There are animal exhibitions and animal attractions there to excite the whole family. Canoe Escape offers full day or half day tours down the river where you’ll come face to face with some of Florida’s most beautiful creatures, such as the white ibis, turtles and perhaps even a gator or two. But, consider the splurge for a guided 1 hour behind the scenes tour to learn more about this slice of Tampa history. Just a short drive northeast of downtown you can find Ybor City; a historic district with lots to see and do.

Under 2 Hours Away

But onsite Urban Kai ups the appeal even more with rentals for self guided excursions into the bay via kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards. If you want to see unique art with your partner, you should check out the Chihuly Collection together. You’ll also be able to check out the museum’s cozy Mediterranean style garden. However, this is a special sidewalk. This is an art museum where you can see the works of the famous artist Salvador Dalí. Also, there are special events during which you can have pizza after roller skating. “Experience 12,000 years of remarkable stories things to do in tampa florida for couples only told at the Tampa Bay History Center on Tampa’s Riverwalk. Moreover, the restaurant uses the freshest ingredients to make the best dishes. A live DJ spins classics along with new music and requests as the dance floor pulses under the starry skies. The island offers an Old Florida beach town feel and some gorgeous gulf coastline. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Pete and you’ll find Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum, a lush park filled with hundreds of palms. And one of Tampa’s most legendary live music venues, Crowbar has been housing —and launching the careers of—the best acts in the games for years right here in Ybor, too. If marine life is more your speed, visit The Florida Aquarium. The logical progression allows you to understand how everything works together as you discover the species that reside within Florida, then the Gulf and eventually the wider oceans. All border the largest open water estuary on Florida’s west coast covering nearly 400 square miles. At this place, you can see a drive in movie together, which is a very special and romantic activity. The variety of eats will have you scratching your head trying to figure out which to choose. Housed in a wonderfully restored tram car warehouse here, you’ll find restaurants and a variety of eclectic shops. Yes, it has white sand beaches and warm Gulf waters, but it’s the extras that make this beach special. Regionally, Tampa Bay encompasses four cities—Tampa, St. © 2022 Trips To Discover.

Haunted Tampa Ghost and Pub Walking Tour Ybor City

Plan your trip to Tampa. Once the center of the city’s cigar industry, it is now a vibrant area; countless art galleries and unique boutiques lie alongside cafes, restaurants, and microbreweries. Here you can visit the graves of local historical figures, including Tampa’s first mayor, Joseph B. Skye is a freelance writer that adopted Tampa as her hometown over a decade ago and never looked back. Located in the historic Tampa Heights neighborhood on the shore of the Hillsborough River, this fun gathering place is one of the hippest spots in the city. Many people don’t know this, but Tampa has its own little “Napa Valley”. At the spa, you can do a variety of relaxing treatments together. Built to preserve and celebrate Ybor City’s colorful history, this museum is a highlight of any visit to Tampa’s national historic district. The original “Cigar City” of Tampa, the historic Ybor City neighborhood is Tampa’s cultural heart as well as one of the best nightlife districts. If a storm is rolling in, seek shelter. The rolling Hillsborough River cuts through the park, providing the area with a rich habitat. The Glazer Children’s Museum focuses on giving kids a fully interactive experience so they can learn and explore through play, using their imaginations to bring the many kid sized exhibits to life. Our exhibit has been transformed into an interactive drive thru experience, featuring over 70 MOVING and ROARING dinosaurs and our 50 foot long Megalodon. For awesome views and plenty of fresh air next to the bay, plan to stay in the Tampa Bay Harbor area. For more info about being a managing editor at Hulafrog, click here. Check out this 2 Week Florida Road Trip Itinerary. Make sure you dress comfortably for this berry picking good time. The Idea Zone has hands on projects, and the Connectus exhibit gives visitors the chance to use cutting edge technology before it is revealed to the general public. Find a bottle, cozy up in a nook, and read your favorite book to your partner. Located in the historic Tampa Heights neighborhood on the shore of the Hillsborough River, this fun gathering place is one of the hippest spots in the city. Adventure Island is the best water park in Tampa and will provide you with an endless list of water inspired thrills. Moreover, what’s great is that you can also see flamingos at these gardens. Stroll Around the Gardens Measuring 182 acres, the landscapes at the Florida Botanical Gardens are breathtaking. Thanks for your support, kind friend. Rosa Fiorello Winery near Bradenton is a family owned enterprise. Kids learn about everything from banking and commerce at the museum’s Central Bank exhibit to engineering at the Engineers’ Workshop. In the 1980s, the Lettuce Lake Regional Park was established to protect a conglomerate of gorgeous local ecosystems.

Outdoor Recreation

Several special animal encounters are available, including the opportunity to hand feed kangaroos and giraffes; watch as park staff members tend to their patients at the Animal Care Center; and get up close to some of the favorite residents, including sloths and flamingos. The Hillsborough River State Park is a cool place to hang out with your loved one. Enter to win tickets to ZooBoo at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Housed in a wonderfully restored tram car warehouse here, you’ll find restaurants and a variety of eclectic shops. © Family Days Out 2022 T’s and C’sPrivacy Policy Website by Rubik Digital. 25 mile long, high level bridge, the middle section of which is suspended from two gigantic pylons, allowing the passage of large ocean going vessels beneath. This section contains affiliate links. Sean Pavone / Getty Images. Bring along your bike and hit the trail on two wheels making pitstops to check out the Tarpon Springs sponge docks, park for a refreshing brew I love 7venth Sun Brewing in Dunedin and stroll through hip downtown Dunedin. Lounge around in comfortable chairs looking out over the driving range, and take turns up at the tee. Englewood is a town on the beach that is a delight to visit. Going here is one of the best date ideas in Tampa if you like nature. Works by Picasso, Renoir, Cassatt, Degas, and Lichtenstein are all on display in addition to hundreds of others, but even more incredible is the building. There are multiple picnic tables and open space throughout the park to sit and stay awhile. It’s a great time for the whole family, featuring live music, games, rides, and a whole lot of strawberries. Or you can rent kayaks or stand up paddleboards with a local company and explore the river that way. Dennis Macdonald / Getty Images. While the Serengeti Plain is home to hundreds of free roaming animals such as giraffes, rhinos and zebras, the Egypt and Congo zones both boast thrill rides and rollercoasters. Its first exhibition featured 50 iconic black and white photos from a number of private collections. The library houses a collection of over a million books and digital resources, so immerse yourself in literature within the beautiful walls of the library. The Tampa Bay area is rich in history dating back more than 450 years and Ybor City is at its center. Want to explore more of Florida. Camping at this Park is one of the top couple things to do in Tampa. There are cute murals, colorful cafes, beautiful spots with nature, and much more. Whether you’re a Tampa Bay local or just visiting, there’s something for everyone on this list.

Discover Ybor City

Check the event calendar for upcoming dates. Also, there are many places where you can relax and have a drink together here. At the wildlife sanctuary, you can spot over sixty incredible creatures roaming about spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitat. This is a placeholder. 5 mile, 10 foot wide continuous paved path, there are no intersections, breaks, or obstacles in your way. While at night, you can enjoy the city lights of the Tampa Skyline sparkle against the night sky in the Hillsborough area. The days the market operates change throughout the season, so check Facebook for the current schedule. Included among the historical exhibits and interactive educational displays is an early fire wagon looking as bright and shiny as the day it was made, and a piece of metal recovered from the World Trade Towers on 9/11. Pete’s go to 3 Daughters Brewing—you may want to start pursuing those Uber star ratings now. In fact, the Armature Works bills itself as a “neighborhood food hub. The company grew and flourished and in the mid 50s, J. Flying With Weed: TSA Marijuana Rules ExplainedAirlines and Airports. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration from time to time rates vehicles for safety standards. The area’s beaches are some of the finest in the nation—winning awards for everything from sand quality to environmental management. Exhibitions mainly focus on Tampa Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Keys and Cuba, but you can also explore colorful coral reefs from the Indian Ocean, and see waddling penguins from South Africa. Also included are shows at the 4 D theater, where sensory elements are added to a 3 D film for a completely immersive experience. If you’re lucky, you will be able to spot some native Florida wildlife from Great Blue Herons to alligators. It is the best thing to do in Florida. You can see here a variety of live theater shows. Bathrooms are plentiful along this scenic rail trail, as are picnic areas for snack breaks. The park features 240 acres of wooded picnic areas, a playground and a paved path for bikes and joggers complete with a fitness course. “you are there at night it feels like you might be in a different world entirely. Beyond the Serengeti Safari, you’ll have roller coasters, water rides to cool off along with vast arcades to challenge your friends and family. Ca’da’Zan, Ringling Home in Sarasota was the home of John Ringling. It is named for its founder, cigar baron Vicente Martinez Ybor. Venture to the exciting Ybor City in north Tampa or take a day trip to an amusement park or a state park in Hillsborough County. This is an awesome and thrilling experience during which you go on the waters while on a parasail. Inside is just as alluring; lavish furnishings and period pieces decorate its suites.

Family Friendly

The park honors José Martí, a poet, writer, literary figure and Cuban national hero. Book a romantic evening on the big red hot air balloon. This park offers a relaxing atmosphere where you can go fishing, swimming, kayaking, or for a casual walk in the sand. The Ybor City now represents a brilliant case of urban renewal, with old warehouses replaced by a vibrant local culture with rows of restaurants, boutiques and galleries. Besides seeing bobcats, jaguars and ocelots up close, visitors can take tours where you can feed or photograph them, with nighttime safaris also offered. The museum opened for the first time in 2001 and has developed a reputation for innovation. If you want to include a little one on this outing, this will keep them engaged and entertained, allowing for an equal amount of quality time between the three or more of you. Amidst its lush tropical themed grounds you can find a long lazy river, man made beaches, and a wave pool, as well as lots of splash areas and slides. TeBella Tea Company The TeBella Tea Company has four locations across Florida, with two in Tampa. We may earn a commission from affiliate links. In the winter when temperatures drop, the local manatees gather around the power plant to swim around in the warmer water. SkyCoaster flights will also be $18 all day. At the top of the list is the Tampa Museum of Art. The gravy train came to a sudden halt due to the Great Depression. This makes this activity a great way to bond with your partner. The ice often makes way for college basketball games, wrestling and regular live events.

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Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The fear inducing roller coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are guaranteed to keep your honey close. The outdoor recreational opportunities alone provide reason enough to visit the region, but if aquatic activities aren’t your thing, the Tampa Bay area is packed with loads of other exciting experiences to be had. You’ll also be able to explore how the region’s geography has not just changed but shaped how the city and neighboring towns were developed. There is an elevated observation deck that offers panoramic views of Tampa. The Saturday Morning Market runs from early October through late May, while the Summer Market, located at Williams Park, runs from June to August. Your expert guide will take you around town on food, leading you to some of the best food and drink options in Tampa. In addition to even more food trucks, you can also peruse and purchase locally made handicrafts. Yoga is a theme in Tampa. You can go to Victory Coffee together. Avoid the restaurant altogether and enjoy your dinner while cruising the river. If you’re vacationing in Tampa and are looking for a beach close by that offers powdery white sand for lounging, calm water for cooling off and shelters for picnics, then Davis Beach is for you. But, if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, check out one of these top spots near Tampa that will still offer plenty of fun in the sun. At the spa, you can do a variety of relaxing treatments together. Stargaze with someone special select Wednesday and Friday nights at St. The 9 Best Fort Myers Beach, Florida Hotels of 2022. Canoeing, paddle boarding and dolphin cruises are just a few water activities conveniently accessible downtown. Looking to do something out of the ordinary. Tampa has nice weather and tons of things to do, but they also have a scary past that has many running from these haunted tours. Florida can be hot most of the year and what better way to cool off as a family than hitting Tampa’s most popular water park, Adventure Island. Plant’s accomplishment is made all the more amazing when you realize that when it was built, the hotel was surrounded only by swampland. People also searched for these near Tampa Bay. You can take a safari to see animals grazing on the plains with reproductions of African villages and camps, and the Serengeti Night Safari is one of the most popular options. If you’re in the city with the family or a group of friends and wondering how to entertain everyone, you’ll find several fun things to do with a group in Tampa. Patent and Trademark Office. Learn more in our Cookie Notice and our Privacy Policy. While you’re there, walk the trail and boardwalk to climb the 50 foot observation tower. Brewed freshness in each cup, this is what they specialize in. Located about fifteen minutes from the city center, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a must for any thrill seeker visiting the area. A great afternoon or evening in Tampa can be had at Topgolf.

Explore Further

Go on a self guided adventure for free with this mural map or spring for an organized walking mural tour of the area this option isn’t free, but worth the splurge if you’re interested. United Skates of America Tampa is a great place to visit with your partner. Located in the heart of Ybor City, the Visitor Information. Jaunt to nearby Weedon Island Preserve, where you can roam the protected, 3,000 acre labyrinth of mangroves, sandbars, and “real Florida” wildlife. The Director of Sales and Marketing directs all aspects of sales including analyzing and achieving strategic objectives and business growth potential. Twenty minutes drive northeast of downtown, the water park is one of the best places to head if you want to cool off and splash about. Read more about Lettuce Lake Regional Park →. Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The quaint cobblestone streets and charming architecture of Ybor City are the perfect backdrop for a romantic stroll. By Mike Miller Updated October 16, 2021. The 8 Best Things to Do in Deerfield Beach, Florida. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and have read the Privacy Statement. The Ringling is a must do in Sarasota for lovers of art, history, architecture and gardens. The theatre opened with a silent movie in 1926 and was named to the National Register of Historic Places in the ’70s. The habitats are arranged to accurately represent a watershed area similar to the Tampa area so that visitors can see the wide variety of fish and ocean life. Going to this amazing art gallery is one of the best date ideas in Tampa for sure. Located next to the popular Busch Gardens is another of the city’s top attractions: the wild and wet Adventure Island. This Tampa institution is so important that it trumps everything else on this list. The stretch of concrete is allegedly the longest continuous sidewalk in the world, and outside of Gasparilla, the city’s prime spot to go for a run, walk, or bike.

World and Olympic Medalists Head to Tampa for the 2022 OOFOS U S Gymnastics Championships!

If you’re looking for some adventure, then a day at Busch Gardens might be just the ticket. This is a huge antique center and adjacent flea market on the same property. Or, enjoy the free Postcard Tour, an audio tour that will take you around the grounds of the historic Tampa Bay Hotel. Estimated Guest Attendance. Each exhibit has an underlying theme and lesson, but the activity itself is never boring. Since 1979, Tampa’s Museum of Art has been the epicenter for the city’s creatives. The beaches to the east and west of the Skyway by the northern rest stop are hot spots for the local kiteboarding community. First time purchase only, local category deals. Enjoy a free visit to Jose Marti Park and the Oakwood Cemetery or peruse the local art galleries. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Brandon. While the Serengeti Plain is home to hundreds of free roaming animals such as giraffes, rhinos and zebras, the Egypt and Congo zones both boast thrill rides and rollercoasters. Once the sun goes down, Tampa’s party scene heats up. Tampa Bay is home to a wide range of exciting, unique, and entertaining attractions. The Columbia is famous for its Spanish cuisine, dinner shows, and old world architectural charm. If you are looking for something with a bit more of an adrenaline rush, head next door to iFLY Tampa. The Westshore area is near the airport and has a business and commercial district. With a mission to “preserve the heritage of the Tampa Fire Department and promote life safety education and fire prevention within the community” the Tampa Firefighters Museum is a free and educational place to discover. Moreover, the sunset view you can get while onboard is amazing. This is a very fun miniature golf course with many fun holes to play. Mediavine may collect IP addresses and location to serve personalized ads. Unlike an aquarium or a tank experience to touch dolphins, these porpoises are all free, so the tours are considered ecologically responsible.