Tampa is a well-known party destination in the United States, but this place is not always drugs and drinking. There are tons of fun activities you can do in Tampa, Florida. From visiting the botanical gardens to going on a city bus tour, you’re bound to find something that will suit your interests.
The best way to figure out what you want is by asking yourself what sort of person you are. Are you adventurous and like high adrenaline activities? Then go skydiving or try parasailing! If not, then we recommend something simple like birdwatching or kayaking.
Once you know what type of person you are, it’ll be easier to decide what you want because there’s something for everyone here! Whether it’s an action-packed or laid-back day, there’s something for you, the whole family, or as lovers to enjoy.
Read on as we’ve created a collection of unique, family-friendly activities to do and places to visit in Tampa, Florida, to keep you entertained as you traverse this course.
- 1. Get Inspired by the Surreal Art of Salvador Dalí
- 2. Take a Tour of the Magical Place of Mermaids in Weeki Wachee!
- 3. See the Manatees Hanging Together at Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center
- 4. Find Peace and Serenity at the Hindu Temple of Florida
- 5. Visit Tampa’s One of the Very Best Brewing Companies – Cigar City
- 6. Pay a Visit to the Florida Aquarium
- 7. Drop By the Vast Spaces and Scenic Views of Lettuce Lake Park
- 8. Explore the Sunken Garden
- 9. Relax and Do It in Style at Tarpon Springs
- 10. Stroll Through Hyde Park
- 11. Encounter Exotic Animals at the Tampa Zoo at Lowry Parka
1. Get Inspired by the Surreal Art of Salvador Dalí
The Dali Museum is situated just outside the city of St. Petersburg. It primarily holds paintings and other artwork from Salvador Dali, one of the most famous Spanish artists in history.
The paintings are on display on three levels of a newly constructed building. Dali enjoyed fishing throughout his lifetime, and you can observe this fascination in many of his pieces, as seen in “Dalí: Fishing for Goldfish.”
There are multiple major galleries that all hold paintings created by either Salvador Dalí or surrealist artists influenced by him, including Joan Miro, Max Ernst, René Magritte, Pablo Picasso, and Antoni Tapiés.
2. Take a Tour of the Magical Place of Mermaids in Weeki Wachee!
Weeki Wachee is a water park with a breath-taking collection of lagoons and springs. Whether you’re an avid diver or just looking for a new adventure, Weeki Wachee offers something for everyone. The underwater theater offers various shows, from mermaid shows to the Weeki Wachee River Rapids water coaster.
One of the most attractive underwater attractions is the famous glass-bottom boat. The boat takes passengers through the springs and lagoons, allowing them to see all the aquatic life that thrives in these amazing waters with your very own eyes.
3. See the Manatees Hanging Together at Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center
Another great thing to do in Tampa is to see the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center and see the manatees outside at the view deck. It is a nice and peaceful deck where you can watch ’em swimming around out in their pool. See them all year round. You can’t get better than the manatees… It’s just so cool to see them all together.
The point of this center is to educate people on the various aspects that manatees have and how important manatees are in our ecosystem. This center does so by showing where you can find manatees and what part of Florida they live.
4. Find Peace and Serenity at the Hindu Temple of Florida
This is a place that supplies peace and serenity to visitors. Multiple articles have honored the Hindu Temple of Florida over the years. It has also been prominently featured in the Tampa Tribune for being an attractive destination for tourists visiting Tampa Bay, Florida.
Tourists who visit here will relax their minds with the presence of peace and tranquility that this place will provide.
The temple also provides an opportunity for people to learn about different aspects of Hinduism. You will learn more about the ancient culture and taste some local Indian cuisine at the café downstairs or light a candle in-house, saying a prayer before heading back home.
5. Visit Tampa’s One of the Very Best Brewing Companies – Cigar City
Tampa Bay is known for its beautiful beaches, shopping, and entertainment. Tampa is also home to Cigar City Brewing Company – one of the best in the country.
This brewery is known for its amazing IPAs, stouts, and sours; make sure to try Jai Alai IPA (my personal favorite). The brewery also has a bar with several taps, so you don’t have to go far for more!
6. Pay a Visit to the Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is conveniently located in downtown Tampa, and it is one of Tampa’s top tourist attractions. On display are dolphin shows, penguin encounters, an underwater tunnel, and various marine life from all over Florida and other tropical regions around the world.
The aquarium is ranked third among aquariums in North America and has been visited by millions of people. For many visitors, this is one of their top attractions while visiting Tampa Bay.
Not only does it feature hundreds of species of fish and other marine life, but there are also several fun exhibits like Shark Lagoon or Dolphin Lagoon that allow visitors to get up close with these creatures.
7. Drop By the Vast Spaces and Scenic Views of Lettuce Lake Park
Lettuce Lake Park is a community that provides the family with a space for relaxation, contemplation, and adventure. The park is home to both people residing in the area as well as those who are visiting.
If you want to find out about art and culture, there are plenty of options available. They also provide classes on painting, photography, stained glass, and more. Close by; there is also an opera house where you can enjoy live theater performances by professionals every summer.
If you’re looking for something more relaxing offered at Lettuce Lake Park, you visit the café near the Hard Rock Café. You can also enjoy fishing in one of their two ponds.
8. Explore the Sunken Garden
The Sunken Garden in Tampa is an extraordinary place of beauty. It has so much potential to provide a peaceful haven for you. The garden is full of lush plants, flowers, and trees. This makes it a great place for you to come and take a break from the hustle and bustle of your daily life.
To achieve the most out of this experience, you should go during sunset to see the beautiful lights that are strung over the pools of water and the waterfalls that create an exquisite cascade that will leave anyone speechless because of its sheer beauty.
9. Relax and Do It in Style at Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs is a family-oriented city with palm trees and a laid-back atmosphere on the water. The people are so approachable, and there is so much to see and do here! Visitors can take tours through the sponge docks, try out local food, or swim in the beautiful clear water of the Tarpon River.
There are also many great hotels and restaurants in Tarpon Springs, such as Vista Inn or Palm Pavilion Inn.
10. Stroll Through Hyde Park
Hyde Park has been a common destination for many travelers in Tampa. The park has about 54 acres of the largest green swath left in downtown Tampa, and it is home to circa 600 species of plants and animals. The park has beautiful gardens, trees, and sculptures.
Hyde Park is also a place where people can go for many activities. There is a 9-hole golf course, two regulation baseball diamonds, a theater, and a community garden with more than 200 plants. Hyde Park also has several parks and trails that lead to other local attractions.
11. Encounter Exotic Animals at the Tampa Zoo at Lowry Parka
The Tampa Zoo at Lowry Park has various wild and exotic animals that visitors can explore in-depth. There is a wide array of animal habitats, such as Africa, the Florida Wetlands, the Amazon Flooded Forest, Antelope Valley, and an open-air plaza. The zoo is also near the University of South Florida.
You can also get up close with some of your favorite animals, like zebras, orangutans, rhinos, and giraffes. You can enjoy seeing these animals walk around in their habitats – feeding them and watching them interact with one another. You can also watch how zookeepers care for these animals by exploring functions such as veterinary labs or conservation centers.
In Tampa, there are many different kinds of neighborhoods. There is no shortage of things to do, places to explore, or events that one can attend. Though there are many options for planning a fun trip, I have listed some recommended destinations you should consider. We hope you found something in this article that would be of interest to you during your visit to Tampa.
Here are some interesting guides you might want to check out before your next trip. Visit our website for a complete list of articles. You’ll love it and want to get your bag and go!
