Tampa has a little something for everyone. It is the second largest city in Florida, has miles of gorgeous shoreline, and is home to the world’s longest continuous sidewalk and the world’s largest Spanish restaurant. Here, the excitement of a city merges with the slow pace of beach life, so it’s safe to say you won’t run out of relaxing and fun things to do in Tampa.
Things to Do in Tampa
Explore Ybor City
Just northeast of Tampa’s downtown is Ybor City, a National Historic Landmark district. Founded by Vicente Martinez-Ybor, a Cuban immigrant and cigar manufacturer, this lively section of Tampa brings a taste of Latin America to Florida. In Ybor City, you can dine at restaurants nestled in historic buildings, buy local produce at the Ybor City Saturday Market, visit art galleries, and shop. You can even take advantage of the iconic yellow streetcars to get around. It’s easy to fill your day in Ybor City.
Stroll the Tampa Riverwalk
After you finish your day in Ybor city, take the streetcar to the Tampa Riverwalk. Go just before sunset so you can adore the marble busts on the Monument Trail. If you time it right, the last half of your walk will be a moonlit stroll by the water. Consider staying in one of the hotels near the riverwalk, and start the next morning off with a breakfast at the 211 Restaurant at the Hilton.
Spend a Day at Busch Gardens
You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy a day at Busch Gardens. This amusement park isn’t just known for its thrilling rides. At Busch Gardens, you can enjoy a live show and dinner with friends, and view more than 300 species of animals in the zoo section of the park. If feeding giraffes and playing with penguins sounds like fun, go on a tour to get a more interactive experience.
Go on a Dolphin Cruise
What’s not to love about dolphins? These intelligent and friendly creatures are abundant in the waters surrounding Tampa. If you want to see some for yourself, visit the Florida Aquarium, which offers a 75-minute Wild Dolphin Cruise. You’ll get the chance to watch dolphins in their natural element as they swim, play, and eat. The Florida Aquarium also features seven major exhibits, including an exhibit with octopi, crown fish, and jellyfish.
Visit the Henry B. Plant Museum
The Henry B. Plant Museum is the perfect place to gaze at gorgeous Victorian architecture and learn about the history of Tampa. Originally built as the luxurious Tampa Bay Hotel, this museum showcases the life of Henry B. Plant and his impact on the American railroad system. Back in its prime in the late 1880s, the Tampa Bay Hotel included an 18-hole golf course, a flower conservatory, tennis courts, a croquet greensward, a boathouse, hunting and fishing grounds, stables, a racetrack, a casino with a 2000-seat auditorium, a heated swimming pool, a bowling alley, spa facilities, and card rooms (source).
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Finally, if you’re looking for a place to retire near Tampa, Florida, contact the Crossings at Riverview. Our welcoming community provides peace of mind for families and their loved ones by offering assisted living, respite care, and memory care services. Tour our community, meet our friendly staff, and see our amenities first-hand. Our beautiful facility sits on 12 acres overlooking the Alafia River. That setting provides a relaxing atmosphere, and our talented team has a commitment to cultivating a welcoming and vibrant community. Our goal is to make our community feel like home for all of our residents. To schedule a tour, contact us online. We look forward to meeting you!