what to do in tampa florida

10 Fun Things To Do in Tampa, Florida

As a property management company in Tampa for fourteen years, Cavalier Estates LLC has developed extensive knowledge about the local area. This is not limited to just our knowledge of which Tampa neighborhoods you should invest in. We also know all about the best attractions and activities in the city.

As the third biggest city in the state of Florida, Tampa always has a wide variety of entertainment, dining options, and outdoor activities. While the city was hit hard by the Great Recession, it has turned itself around into a highly desirable place to live. 

One of the biggest recent projects that went on in the city was the reinvention of Tampa Waterfront and Downtown. These developments resulted in job growth and an influx of people moving to Tampa from around the country. 

In this post, you will find an overview of the top 10 activities you can do while in Tampa, whether you live here or are just visiting. 

#1: Tampa Riverwalk

The Tampa Riverwalk is a stretch of promenade that cuts through the city downtown. It’s one of the liveliest spots in Tampa. 

The northern part of Tampa Riverwalk features Water Works Park, a waterpark with fountains and play pools for families to enjoy. On the southern side of the riverwalk, there is a park full of food trucks serving a delicious variety of snacks and street food.

#2: Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium is a go-to place when you want to learn more about the ocean and sea while seeing wondrous underwater creatures. Keeping true to its name, Florida Aquarium focuses on the state’s wetland habitats.

what to do in tampa

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This aquarium is a great place for a family day trip. There are shark dives you can go on here that allow you to get up close and personal with the aquarium’s sharks. 

#3: Ybor City

You can find Ybor City in downtown Tampa. It is part of the city’s historic district. It was founded back in the 1880s by cigar manufacturers. This turned the neighborhood into a large cigar factory. 

You can pay a visit to the Cigar Museum here, which showcases the area’s fascinating history. You can also check out the old cigar mills that have been turned into microbreweries, restaurants, and hip bars. 

#4: ZooTampa at Lowry Park

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is well-known as one of the best family attractions in Tampa. This zoo has been open since the 1950s but has seen significant development in the last 10-20 years. 

You can now visit the Asian Gardens for an exotic host of Komodo dragons and white tigers. You can also visit Primate World, where you can see great apes like chimpanzees and Bornean orangutans. 

#5: Bayshore Boulevard

The 4.5-mile stretch of Bayshore Boulevard is great for outdoor activities, including cycling, jogging, skating, or just strolling around. Its sidewalk is wedged between a neighborhood of elegant historic homes and some of the best views of the Hillsborough Bay.

#6: Hyde Park Village

For some serious retail therapy, Hyde Park is a great place for shopping in Tampa. This commercial retail area may not be as big as a mall, but it packs many popular stores in a few blocks. This includes Brooks Brothers, Lululemon, Anthropologie, Salt Pines, and more. 

fun things to do in tampa

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#7: Big Cat Rescue

Big Cat Rescue is not a zoo. Instead, it’s a sanctuary that serves as a new home to big cats that have been orphaned or abused. Today there are about 80 majestic cats on the premises, including tigers, cougars, and lions.

#8: Tampa Food Halls

The biggest food hall in Tampa is Armature Works. It’s a 22,000 sq ft space with an extensive variety of food vendors and communal seating. You can enjoy sweeping views of Hillsborough River and Downtown Tampa while enjoying a delicious meal.

Another notable food hall in Tampa is the Hall on Franklin. This is a European inspired specialty food hall. It has a lot of dining options, including places like Poke Rose, Fork & Hen, and Xilo.

#9: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens is a legendary American theme park. Since 1959, this attraction has expanded to over 130 hectares in the northern part of Tampa. It is known for its great mix of animal experiences and adrenaline-fueled rollercoasters.

Here you can find Florida’s tallest launch coaster, a huge zoo, and America’s first dual tailspin waterslide. Additionally, there are many live entertainment shows by talented performers.

#10: Hillsborough River State Park

This State Park is located only minutes from Downtown Tampa. It has 7 miles of nature trails that you can explore with your friends or family. You can even kayak or canoe river rapids (class II), which is rare in Florida.

tampa florida attractions

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You can also go mountain biking, horseback riding, geo-seeking, and camping in Hillsborough River State Park. The park offers tours and wildlife viewing as well. It’s even possible to arrange your big wedding day in a unique natural setting.

Top 10 Tampa Attractions

Tampa is a city that pushed itself up from depths of the Great Recession, reinventing its key areas and creating a highly desirable place to live in. Some of the city’s top hotspots and activities include:

  • Ybor City
  • Tampa Riverwalk
  • Florida Aquarium
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
  • Food Halls: Armature Works and Hall on Franklin
  • Bayshore Boulevard
  • ZooTampa at Lowry Park
  • Hillsborough River State Park
  • Big Cat Rescue
  • Hyde Park Village

 

If you would like to get in touch with a company that provides next level property management in Tampa FL, contact Cavalier Estates LLC at 813-344-0034.

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