Things to do in Tampa
Late fall through spring brings warm, dry, comfortable days ideal for the beaches and the Riverwalk. Summers are hot and very humid with daily afternoon thunderstorms, and Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November.
Best months: March, April, November, December
What is worth your time in Tampa
Clearwater BeachDo not miss
A wide ribbon of powdery white sand and warm Gulf water consistently ranked among America's best beaches, capped by a lively nightly sunset celebration at Pier 60.
Day Trip · 8 hr4.7
Curtis Hixon Waterfront ParkDo not miss
A vibrant riverfront lawn at the heart of the Riverwalk with skyline views, fountains, and frequent festivals and markets.
Park · 1.1 hr4.7
Tampa RiverwalkDo not miss
A 2.6-mile waterfront promenade along the Hillsborough River linking downtown parks, museums, and dining with sweeping skyline views.
Scenic Route · 1.8 hr4.7
The Dali MuseumDo not miss
The largest collection of Salvador Dali's work outside Europe, housed in a striking St. Petersburg building with a free-form geodesic glass bubble.
Museum · 2.5 hr4.7
Henry B. Plant MuseumDo not miss
The silver-minaret 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel, a Moorish Revival landmark of the University of Tampa, preserved as a Gilded Age museum.
Historic Site · 1.5 hr4.6
ZooTampa at Lowry ParkDo not miss
A conservation-focused zoo famous for its manatee rehabilitation center, free-roaming aviaries, and Florida wildlife.
Activity · 4 hr4.6
The Florida AquariumDo not miss
A top-rated waterfront aquarium with sharks, sea turtles, and a coral-reef dive show, plus a splash pad for kids.
Activity · 2.8 hr4.5
Busch Gardens Tampa BayDo not miss
An African-themed adventure park combining world-class roller coasters with a sprawling zoo of elephants, lions, and giraffes.
Activity · 8 hr4.4
Tampa Museum of ArtDo not miss
A sleek riverfront museum of Greek and Roman antiquities and modern art, glowing with a programmable LED facade at night.
Museum · 1.9 hr4.2
Ybor CityDo not miss
Tampa's historic Cuban and Spanish cigar-making quarter, now a National Historic Landmark District of brick streets, Latin restaurants, and lively nightlife.
Neighborhood · 2.3 hr
J.C. Newman Cigar Company
America's oldest family-owned cigar maker, El Reloj, offering tours of hand-rolling and a museum in historic Ybor City.
Cultural Experience · 1.5 hr4.9
Fort De Soto Park
A 1,100-acre island park with an award-winning beach, a historic Spanish-American War fort, and miles of paddling trails.
Beach · 4.5 hr4.8
Imagine Museum
A dazzling St. Petersburg gallery devoted to contemporary studio glass art, a quieter complement to the Chihuly Collection.
Museum · 1.5 hr4.8
Tampa Theatre
A lavishly restored 1926 atmospheric movie palace with a starlit ceiling, Wurlitzer organ, and nightly films and concerts.
Historic Site · 2 hr4.8
And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Summer afternoons bring near-daily thunderstorms; plan outdoor stops and beaches for the morning.
- The Tampa Bay area is spread out and car-friendly; the free TECO streetcar links downtown to Ybor City.
- Clearwater and St. Petersburg beaches are a 30 to 45 minute drive across the bay, so group beach days together.
- Florida sun is intense year-round; wear sunscreen, a hat, and carry water even in winter.
- Hurricane season runs June through November; check forecasts and keep travel insurance for late-summer trips.