Things To Do in Tampa

Are you moving to Tampa or visiting the city? Here is a list of some of the popular things to do in Tampa, Florida.

Around 1,000 people are moving to Florida daily, and hundreds of those are specifically moving to Tampa, Florida. The city of Tampa allows you to experience life in a city while also being near the water. You get city life and vacation all in one, which is surrounded by a variety of things to do on any day of the week.

Over the years, Tampa has been the "it" spot to relocate and visit. From young professionals to families, even retirees are relocating to Tampa constantly since it is home to many beautiful neighborhoods. This city has become more diverse and modern over time which has been attracting people of all ages and demographics.

This guide is to help navigate you through the abundance of things to do throughout this city. From sunbathing at the beaches, playing golf, or even visiting some of the amazing museums, Tampa has it all.

Here are the thirteen best things to do in Tampa, Florida.

Beaches

The number one thing people who live or visit Florida think of doing is visiting the many beaches. On a sunny, warm day in Tampa, our first destination is usually going to be the beach. There is so much that you can do at the beach in Florida, and it is the perfect place to enjoy time with your friends and family.

Whether you are going to sunbathe, build sandcastles, throw a football, or swim in the ocean, Tampa beaches are perfect for those activities. The number one beach to visit near Tampa is Fort De Soto Park. It has recently been named America's best family beach. Not only do they have a shore at this park, but they also have two fishing piers and campsites.

Another great beach that you should visit is Ben T. Davis Beach. You will find this beach near the Tampa International Airport, which is one of the most popular beaches in Tampa. This is where you will find the white powdery sand and calm blue waters. It is also the largest beach along Tampa Bay.

Golf Courses

If you are a golf lover, Tampa is a great place for you. Tampa is home to 19 golf courses, but there are another 61 courses, all within 20 miles of Tampa. The oldest course in Tampa is the Clearwater Country Club which has been open since 1921. 

If you are an experienced golfer and would like to visit a golf course that has been rated the hardest golf course in Tampa, visit TPC of Tampa Bay. It is known to be the toughest public golf course in the region.

Some other golf courses to check out in Tampa are Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club, Fox Hollow Golf Club, and Westchase Golf Club.

Boating

Another great outdoor activity for you to enjoy with your friends and family is taking a boat out on the waters. Whether you have your own or not, going for a boat ride is one of the most popular things people do in Tampa. If you don't have your own boat, there are places around town that will let you rent one for the day.

Some of the local boat rental services you can check out are Anchor Yacht Charters and Boat Rentals, Riverwalk Boating Company, or Tampa Watersports.

A boat day is perfect in the Florida heat and sun. The breeze and the water are just what you need when spending the day outdoors in Tampa. Some of these boat rentals also allow you to rent jetskis, canoes, and more.

Parks and Playgrounds

If you have little children and furry friends, spending the day outdoors at parks and playgrounds is the perfect activity. Taking your family to one of the local parks is a great way to spend your evenings. Most of the parks around Tampa allow you to bring your pets. Some even have open grass fields where you can let your pets let out some energy.

Local Favorites:

• Ballast Point Park: This park has a large playground and also has a splash pad area for children.
• Glencliff Park: This park has recently been renovated and has a playground, rope structures, swings, and sports fields like soccer and basketball courts.
• RE Olds Park: This is a waterfront park in North Tampa with a pirate-themed playground and a dock.
• Anderson Playground: This is a great park for those who are looking for a playground with tons of shade. They also have a splash pad and sports courts at this location.

Water Parks

Living in Florida, where the summer days can be extremely hot, finding a water park nearby could be a huge help in staying cool. You are in luck because Adventure Island has just reopened this month in Tampa and has an all-new splash pad for the kids.

Adventure Island is the number one place parents take their families and children to on a hot day in Florida. It has something for kids of all ages to enjoy. They have lazy rivers, splash pads, multiple pools, water slides, and even water sports like volleyball. 

If you are looking for a water park that is less crowded than Adventure Island, check out some of the local splash pads around Tampa. Some of the local favorites are Water Works Park and Julian B Lane Riverfront Park near downtown.

Museums

Museums are the perfect place to go with your friends and family. Living in Florida, where there can be tons of rain, finding a fun activity indoors can be just what you need. Luckily, Tampa has tons of fun and entertaining museums around the city. Here are a few of the local favorites for you to visit.

Local Favorites:

• Tampa Bay History Center: Learn about the history of Tampa at this interactive museum and also 12,000 years of Florida history.
• Glazer Children's Museum: A perfect museum to take your children to play, interact, and socialize with toys and other children. There is so much for kids to do at this location, and it is a great learning experience for children of all ages.
• Henry B. Plant Museum: This museum is located in the ancient Tampa Bay Hotel that has been standing since 1891. This museum gives you a chance to learn about what life was like back in the day. It has tons of original furniture as well.
• Tampa Museum of Art: Come look at the beautiful, ancient, and modern art displays and pieces throughout this museum. 

Fun Events

Tampa hosts all kinds of events year-round for people of all ages. They host sports and recreation events, music events, and kid-friendly events throughout Tampa. Most days of the year, you will find some kind of event going on in this city.

They have events like Live Music Thursdays, the 11th annual fishing tournament, drone fly-in, UV searchlight scavenger hunt, and more. Check out this website to see the upcoming events that are being held in Tampa on what day and time.

These events are the perfect thing to do on a nice day in Tampa with your friends and family. They host events of all kinds, so you are promised to find an event to enjoy.

Breweries

Who doesn't love a crisp cold beer after spending the day outside in the Florida heat and sun? Tampa has tons of local breweries that are worth trying and enjoying with your friends and family. Here are some of our local favorite spots to stop by and get a cold beer.

Check out the websites below to see what kind of beer that each location has.

Local Favorites:

• Tampa Bay Brewing Company
• Woven Water Brewing Company
• Coppertail Brewing Co.
• 7venth Sun Brewery

Amusement Parks

If you are looking for a fun activity for your family on a nice day in Tampa, visiting an amusement park is a great idea. Good thing there is a large amusement park located right in Tampa's city limits.

Busch Gardens is a well-known amusement park and has many different locations around the country. This theme park is a 335-acre animal theme park. The entire place is landscaped and designed around themes of Africa and Asia. This park has been open since 1959 and has been a local Tampa favorite ever since.

Busch Gardens has a variety of rides and some of Florida's best roller coasters. You will also find some of the world's most interesting animals at this park. Not only does it have roller coasters and a zoo, but they also have award-winning shows that are entertaining for people of all ages.

Aquarium

Are you looking for a place to entertain yourself and your family? The Florida Aquarium is a great destination for exactly that. This aquarium is located in downtown Tampa on the waterfront. It is a 200,000 sqft building that has more than 8,000 animals from Florida wildlife and outside of Florida.

Here you will see animals like otters, alligators, sea turtles, stingrays, and more. At the Florida Aquarium, they even have three touch pools where you can actually touch the animals. You can interact with stingrays, moon jellies, and animals with no bones. 

They also have a 500,000-gallon Coral Reef habitat that is perfect for those who would like to learn more about the reefs. 

Check out their website for more information and tickets.

The Zoo

Tampa is home to ZooTampa at Lowry Park. This destination has been voted Tampa's Best Family Attraction and is an 11-time winner of TripAdvisor. ZooTampa offers a one-of-a-kind experience for you and your family.

This zoo has animals from all over the world. Bringing your children to this attraction is the perfect opportunity for them to learn more about the wildlife around the world and see them in person. They also have a fun carousel for those who are interested in riding it.

ZooTampa is open every day of the week from 9:30 am to 5 pm. 

Paved Trails

If you are looking for an activity that will keep you active, find some of the local trails around Tampa. There is an abundance of paved trails throughout downtown Tampa and in the suburbs. These trails are perfect for those who would like to go for a walk, run, or bike ride. 

Local Favorites:

• Cypress Creek Nature Preserve: This park is 7,400 acres and has several trails that cover up to 12 miles. 
• Courtney Campbell Trail: This is the perfect trail to enjoy in the mornings and evenings before it gets too hot in Florida. The busiest times are before 10 am, and the least busy times are in the evenings.
• Lettuce Lake Park: This park is a great location for those who are looking for an outdoor area to bring their family and pets. There is a boardwalk, canoes, fishing, picnic tables, and grills, and more.

Movie Theaters

If you are looking for a relaxing activity to either do with your friends or family, visiting one of the local movie theaters will allow you to do just that. We personally love a movie night after a long day or week. Check out the movie theaters below to see what kinds of movies they are showing and what times. 

Local Favorites:

• CMX CineBistro Hyde Park Village
• AMC Veterans 24
• Studio Movie Grill
• Starlight 20

Things To Do in Tampa - Our Final Thoughts

Life in Tampa is full of excitement, with various things to do indoors and outdoors. We hope this guide helped you navigate the abundance of activities you can do throughout Tampa. From going to the beach to visiting amusement parks and zoos to relaxing at the movie theaters, Tampa has a little bit of everything.

If you're considering moving to Tampa, you can contact us today to get connected with a local real estate professional. 

Check out our other guides on moving to Tampa, the cost of living in Tampa, and the best restaurants.