Looking for something fun to do? Why not take a trip to Tampa Bay, Florida! Tim and I both grew up in Florida so we’re sharing the best things to do in the area, from top attractions to the best beaches, restaurants, nightlife, and events. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or a fun-filled adventure, Tampa Bay has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
Tampa’s top attractions
Looking for something fun to do in Tampa Bay? There are plenty of great attractions to keep you entertained.
The Florida Aquarium
This is one of the most popular attractions in Tampa Bay. Located in downtown Tampa, the aquarium features a variety of aquatic animals, including fish, reptiles, mammals, and birds. The facility also has a number of interactive exhibits, making it a great place for families and kids.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a huge attraction in the area. This world-class theme park features rides, roller coasters, shows, and animal encounters. Don’t forget to take a ride on one of the park’s famous roller coasters! If you thought Orlando was the only option for theme parks, think again.
Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center
For a more relaxed experience, visit the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center. This facility offers visitors the chance to see manatees up close and learn about these fascinating creatures. The center also has a number of educational exhibits about manatees and their habitat providing a great educational opportunity.
Ybor City
Ybor City is another must-see while in Tampa Bay. This historic district is known for its Cuban heritage and architecture. Visitors can explore the many shops and restaurants or take a tour of one of the cigar factories. Ybor is also a great place to explore Tampa Bay’s nightlife.
These are just a few of the many great things to see and do in the area.
Best beaches in Tampa Bay
If the Florida sun is beaming down and there’s a light breeze coming in off the Gulf of Mexico- it’s time to hit the beach! But with so many great beaches in Tampa Bay, it can be hard to choose which one to go to. Here’s a guide to some of the best beaches in the area:
Clearwater Beach
This beach is consistently rated as one of the best beaches in the country, and it’s easy to see why. The white sand and clear blue waters make it a perfect place to relax, and there are also plenty of activities available if you want to stay active. Parasailing, jet skiing, and stand-up paddle boarding are all popular choices.
St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach is known for its beautiful sunsets, and there’s also a long boardwalk where you can go for a walk or ride your bike. The Dali Museum is also nearby if you want to take a break from lying on the beach and explore some culture.
Treasure Island
Treasure Island is a great choice if you want to avoid the crowds that can sometimes form at other beaches. It’s also close to John’s Pass Village, where you can find shops, restaurants, and bars.
Honeymoon Island
As the name suggests, this beach is popular with couples looking for a romantic getaway. There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting, as Honeymoon Island is home to dolphins, manatees, and turtles.
Caladesi Island
If you’re looking for a more natural setting, Caladesi Island State Park is worth checking out. The island can only be accessed by boat or ferry, but it’s worth the effort for the pristine white sand beaches and lush vegetation.
Day trips from Tampa Bay
One of the great things about Tampa Bay is that there are so many interesting places to visit nearby. If you’re looking for something to do on a day trip, here are some of the best options:
The Dali Museum
Located in St. Petersburg this is a must-see for art lovers. It houses the largest collection of works by Salvador Dali outside of his native Spain.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
You can head to Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see rescue dolphins, turtles, and stingrays up close. This is the aquarium where Winter, the star of the movie Dolphin Tale, lived!
Tampa Bay History Center
If you’re interested in learning about Florida’s history, take a trip to the Tampa Bay History Center. It tells the story of the area from its Native American roots to the present day.
John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk in Madeira Beach
For a taste of Old Florida, visit John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk in Madeira Beach. There are shops and restaurants housed in historic buildings, as well as boat tours and dolphin-watching cruises. We love grabbing dinner at one of the many restaurants and catching the sunset in the summer!
ZooTampa
Another option is ZooTampa at Lowry Park, which is one of the top zoos in the country. Here you can see animals from all over the world, including tigers, lions, and elephants.
Where to eat in Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Florida. If you’re looking for fresh fish, then head to Clearwater Beach where you’ll find Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill. Another great option is the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, which serves traditional Spanish dishes like paella.
For Cuban food, try La Segunda Bakery in Ybor City or El Rinconcito Cubano in Tampa. Both restaurants serve authentic Cuban cuisine and have been voted among the best in the city.
Fun nightlife in Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is known for its lively nightlife scene. Whether you’re looking for live music, comedy, or something a little different, you’re sure to find it in Tampa Bay.
Some of the best bars and clubs in Tampa Bay can be found in Ybor City. This historic district is known for its live music venues, dance clubs, and bars. If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, head to one of the many craft breweries in the area. Downtown Tampa is also home to a number of great bars and clubs. The area around Florida Avenue is particularly popular with locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re looking to party all night or just enjoy a few drinks with friends, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Tampa Bay’s nightlife scene, probably on the Tampa Bay Riverwalk.
Best time of the year to visit Tampa Bay
Fall and winter are the best times to visit Tampa Bay thanks to the mild weather. There are also a number of popular festivals and events that take place in Tampa Bay during the fall and winter months. If you’re looking for something to do, chances are there’s an event happening that will interest you.
The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is an annual event that takes place in January and features a parade, live music, and food. The Tampa Bay Blues Festival is held in February and features some of the best blues musicians from around the world. The Tampa Bay Margarita Festival is held in March and celebrates all things margarita. And finally, the Tampa Carnival is held in April and features a parade, costumes, and Caribbean food.
Although summer isn’t necessarily the best time to visit Tampa Bay, there are still plenty of reasons to come during this time of year. The average high temperature in June, July, and August is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), so if you’re looking to escape the cold winters up north, this may be a good time for you to visit.