THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM

20,000 sea creatures, river otters and ring-tailed lemurs call this Tampa Bay institution home. Touch stingrays, ponder the coral reef tank or splash in the water park. Take the Bay Spirit II into the bay for a dolphin-spotting expedition.

SPARKMAN WHARF

A vibrant mix of culinary creations by Tampa Bay’s top chefs makes this outdoor waterfront space the place to be before or after a Tampa Bay Lightning game at nearby Amalie Arena. Enjoy unique Tex-Mex cuisine from Michelin chef, Joe Isidori, at the new JOTORO. The centerpiece biergarten features dozens of local beers while the incredible green space plays hosts to concerts, movies, and games for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER

Tampa Bay History Center houses 12,000 years of local history, starting with the Tocobaga Indians who first called the waters of Tampa Bay home. The interactive “Treasure Seekers” exhibit celebrates Florida’s history of pirates, conquistadors, and shipwrecks and features a full-sized sloop, hands-on discoveries in 18th Century navigation, and actual Spanish treasure recovered from shipwrecks.

JULIAN B. LANE

Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park is a stunning 25-acre park located just north of the University of Tampa and across the Hillsborough River from the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts. The park is filled with tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts, various water playgrounds, a dog park, and a boat house for competitions and events. 

SAIL PLAZA

A 360-degree bar makes a great place to watch the sunset. It shares space with Tampa Bay Water Bikes, Urban Kai Stand-up Paddleboarding, and e-Boats Tampa for those who want to get out onto the water. A bike repair station stands at the ready to help cyclists needing air or a quick repair.

AMALIE ARENA

A state of the art multi-purpose, sports/entertainment venue located in downtown Tampa between The Florida Aquarium and the Tampa Convention Center. It is the home of the Tampa Bay Lightning NHL Hockey Team and is host to well over 150 spectacular entertainment events annually.

ARMATURE WORKS

Housed in a carefully restored former trolley barn, Heights Public Market brings together more than a dozen local restaurants in a carefully curated waterfront food hall. Get your favorite and take it to go for al fresco dining by the sparkling Hillsborough River. After, rent a paddleboard or hop the Pirate Water Taxi for a trip into downtown.

STRAZ CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The largest theater complex in the Southeast hosts a Broadway series fall through spring, homegrown theater troupes, and the Florida Orchestra.

TAMPA RIVERWALK

The Tampa Riverwalk runs for 2.4 miles (4 km) along the Hillsborough River and Garrison Channel, linking downtown’s favorite attractions like gems on a string. Take your time and hop from The Florida Aquarium to Tampa Bay History Center to the downtown waterfront to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts to Water Works Park and Ulele restaurant.

Coast Bike Share has rental stations spread all along the Riverwalk, with the biggest ones outside the Glazer Children’s Museum and Tampa Convention Center. You’ll find bike repair stations at the waterfront and just north of the Straz Center.

Beware: Bikes are limited to 5 mph on the Riverwalk, which can be crowded with pedestrians at certain times of day. So take it slow.

BAYSHORE BOULEVARD

Downtown’s original waterfront pedestrian course, at more than five miles long Bayshore ranks as the world’s longest unbroken sidewalk. The curving path starts at Platt Street (the bridge links Bayshore with the Riverwalk) and runs to Gandy Boulevard, passing some of Tampa Bay’s most dramatic scenery and most impressive real estate along the way. Keep one eye out for dolphins, diving pelicans and maybe the occasional manatee just over the balustrade.

The path is very popular with walkers, joggers and other cyclists, so be courteous. You’ll find an ad hoc single-track path worn into the grass just to the inside of the concrete path. You’ll also find a striped bike lane on the northbound side of the road itself.

Bayshore provides easy access to tony South Tampa neighborhoods such as Hyde Park (between Dakota and Howard avenues), home to leafy streets and high-end shopping at Hyde Park Village, as well as Palma Ceia (at Bay to Bay), home to neighborhood favorite Datz restaurant. The boulevard’s median is an unofficial open-air art gallery inviting passers-by to stop and ponder the creations.

SELMON GREENWAY

Connecting to the Tampa Riverwalk at Brorein Avenue, this bike path twists and turns across downtown in the shadow of the elevated Selmon Expressway. The ultimate goal: historic Ybor City. The recent addition to downtown’s bike network makes use of existing streets, sidewalks and parking lots to wend its way through town. It’s a little more complicated than the Riverwalk or Bayshore, but keep an eye on the signs and you’ll do fine. This part of town is on the verge of major changes thanks to Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik’s $2 billion investment in the Channel District. Twin rewards are waiting at the end of the path: a view of An American Journey, a sprawling mural depicting the immigrant history of Ybor City, and Coppertail Brewing Co., among Tampa Bay’s best craft breweries.

MILES OF BIKE LANES

Over the past few years, city leaders have expanded opportunities for cyclists in downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods, largely by adding striped bike lanes wherever possible (Palm Avenue from Tampa Riverwalk to Ybor City). Additionally, every street repaving includes the addition of new bike lanes (Cass Street downtown, Platt Street in Hyde Park) or wider sidewalks that like bikes and walkers co-exist (21st and 22nd streets in Ybor City). Bike tours and meet-ups bring bike-enthusiasts together for regular rides.

OFF THE BEATEN BIKE PATH

You can also pedal your way around Tampa Bay way off the beaten bike path — and on the water. Located on the waterfront by the Tampa Convention Center, Tampa Bay Water Bikes rents pedal-powered, pontooned vehicles that give you a chance to see downtown from a whole new angle. The crafts function just like a bike, but have paddles where the front tire and back tire ought to be. Take one for a spin.

GET OUT OF TOWN

A few miles from downtown’s bright lights and paved bike paths, you’ll find plenty of great cycling in Tampa Bay’s wilderness parks and green spaces. A few to consider:

Flatwoods Park Trail: Located in the suburbs north of the University of South Florida, the sprawling park is popular with weekend riders looking for a few hours of fun and exercise. The seven-mile loop has a two-mile connection to the most popular entrance off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard (bring $2 to pay for parking). A gravel-topped levee connects Flatwoods with other parks farther south.

Courtney Campbell Trail: This trail runs parallel to the Courtney Campbell Causeway, which links Tampa Bay with Clearwater. The 10.5-mile ride spends most of its time over the water, providing great views of the bay, boats and wildlife that make this region special. On the Tampa Bay end, you can connect with several smaller parks.

Upper Tampa Bay Trail: A converted railroad bed, this trail winds through suburban Citrus Park and rural landscape filled with grazing cows, with plenty of access to water and bathrooms. Recent extensions have linked this trail with the 42-mile Suncoast Trail in the suburban community of Lutz.

Suncoast Trail: Opened in 2001, this trail parallels the Suncoast Parkway, a tollroad that connects with the Veterans Expressway in suburban Northdale and runs north across Pasco and Hernando counties nearly to Homosassa. The trail takes you from the suburbs through some of the most remote country in the area. Be warned: Water, restrooms and shade are limited. Also, the trail does not loop, so you’ll have to ride back or arrange a pick-up at the end. This is for the serious cyclist. 

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

While the secret may be out about Tampa Bay, there are still plenty of local favorites, hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path experiences to uncover.

EMPOWER ADVENTURES

Challenge yourself with a way-up obstacle course at Empower Adventures Tampa Bay. Take on 3,000 feet of ziplines, conquer the 200-foot over-water suspension bridge, and move through other obstacles – all without ever touching the ground!

EMPOWER ADVENTURES ➜

URBAN KAI

Located at Armature Works in Tampa Heights, Urban Kai Stand Up Paddleboarding is an awesome way to get out and paddle (or kayak) right in the heart of downtown Tampa! There’s nothing like the point of view from the water as you marvel at the skyline,  parks and museums lined along the Tampa Riverwalk.

URBAN KAI ➜

ALAFIA RIVER

For unbelievable mountain biking, Alafia River State Park, just east of downtown, is one of the most favored off-road biking choices in Florida, offering more than 20 miles of single-track trails. Tucked away in dense forests, Alafia River State Park is located on the site of a former phosphate mine. The jumbled landscape of the park provides hills, valleys, and a few jumps for riders of all skill levels.

ALAFIA PARK ➜

FISHING IN TAMPA BAY

Florida is known far and wide for its unbelievable sport fishing. In the Tampa Bay area, proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and a wide variety of species available year-round, means fishing is a great option no matter what time of year you plan your visit.

TAMPA FISHING CHARTERS ➜

GONE FISHING CHARTERS ➜

PADDLE ON THE RIVER

Discover Old Florida on the Hillsborough River. On the journey downstream, beneath the shade of towering trees, you will encounter migrating birds, basking turtles and even some sunbathing alligators on either a two-hour or full-day paddle adventure.

KAYAK SPOTS ➜

E-Z BOATING

Just want to get out on the water and not do all the work? There are electric vessels available to rent along the Tampa Riverwalk near the Tampa Convention Center. Head over to eBoats Tampa to captain your own adventure.

EBOATS TAMPA ➜

MINI-BOAT

The Riverwalk Boating Company in Downtown Tampa offers a unique outdoor adventure as you captain your very own 2-person mini-powerboat. No prior boating experience required, and their friendly staff will teach you everything you need before embarking on your journey.

RIVERWALK BOATING CO. ➜

PIRATE SHIP AHEAD

Docked all year long (except for the festival) on Bayshore Boulevard, the Jose Gaspar pirate ship can be conquered by land or sea. Directly across from Davis Islands and close to downtown, you can either walk, bike, or paddle to the infamous pirate ship and see it up-close and personal. 

HISTORY OF THE SHIP ➜

STRAZ CENTER

📍 : 1010 N Macinnes Pl.

From Broadway shows to classical opera, whatever the performance, the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts is the center of it all. This world-class venue is also home to the Florida Orchestra and boasts incredible views of the downtown waterfront.

WATCH: ON STAGE ➜

TAMPA THEATRE

📍 : 711 N Franklin Street

Step into the past and sit beneath the stars at the Tampa Theatre. The iconic movie palace opened in 1926 and shows both classic and contemporary films along with concerts. Experience for yourself the intimate feeling of taking in a show from one of their new 500 theatre seats, part of a $6-million restoration.

WATCH: BEHIND THE SCENES ➜

TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER

📍 : 801 Water Street

Uncover historical roots that shaped the Tampa Bay community at the Tampa Bay History Center. Travel back in time and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of everything from Florida’s native inhabitants to the 1920’s cigar boom that forever turned Ybor City into Cigar City.

WATCH: TBHC ➜

TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART

📍 : 120 W Gasparilla Plaza

See things differently at the Tampa Museum of Art. Visually stimulating inside and out, the museum has been recognized with an American Architecture Award for building design and houses a vast collection of modern and contemporary art.

WATCH: GALLERY TOUR ➜

FLORIDA MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS

📍 : 1630 E 7th Avenue

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is dedicated to exhibiting important photographic art as central to contemporary life and culture. The museum collects, preserves, and exhibits historic and contemporary works by nationally and internationally known photographic artists.

 

PAINT THE TOWN

If you’re searching for an art scene in Tampa Bay, you will certainly find it. From classic to contemporary, the arts are alive and well in this community and can be seen prominently throughout the diverse neighborhoods. See it in our murals, at the boutique shops in Hyde Park Village, or at any of our cultural and education centers. Florida’s Gulf Coast is full of authentic history and rich cultural experiences for you to discover. Treasure Awaits.

INSIDE THE HISTORY VAULT

You don’t need a passport to experience Tampa Bay’s international influence that tells a unique story rich in culture and tradition. Tampa Bay has become a melting pot of cultures represented throughout the streets of historic Ybor City, paved along Perry Harvey Sr. Park, and sprinkled down the dazzling Hillsborough River.

THE TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER

801 Water St, Tampa

The Tampa Bay History Center is a fantastic way to discover and explore the history of Tampa Bay with hands-on exhibits displaying indigenous and early settlers, Tampa Bay’s Black history, swashbuckling pirates, and more. Explore 12,000 years of Florida’s history at The Tampa Bay History Center. 

HISTORY CENTER ➜

THE HISTORICAL MONUMENT TRAIL

Tampa Riverwalk

Along the Tampa Riverwalk, discover historical monuments of individuals and significant events that contributed to shaping Tampa Bay into the city that it is today. Over 20 different inspiring monuments stand in honor of the local cultures that contributed to the foundation of sunny Tampa Bay.  

MONUMENT TRAIL ➜

YBOR CITY’S CIGAR HISTORY

J.C. Newman: 2701 N 16th St, Tampa

By 1900, Ybor City was known as the “Cigar Capital of the World.” Founded in 1895, J.C. Newman still uses rare and original cigar machines to craft cigars in its factory in Ybor City alongside skilled torcedores hand rolling cigars. Today, visitors can find expert Cuban rollers crafting hand rolled cigars in the shops along Ybor City’s Seventh Avenue – just like they have for 130 years. 

CIGAR HISTORY ➜

PERRY HARVEY SR. PARK

1000 E Harrison St, Tampa

Discover the rich and fascinating history of the Central Avenue Business District in Tampa Bay by visiting Perry Harvey Sr. Park. Be transported back in time through the mesmerizing LIFETILES that display historical photographs and bring to life moments of the district’s past. The park also features “Leaders Row,” a moving tribute to the city’s influential leaders and their profound impact on the community and the people they inspired.

PERRY HARVEY SR. PARK ➜

THE CUBAN SANDWICH

Chicago has hot dogs. New York has pizza. Tampa has Cuban sandwiches. The Cuban sandwich has undergone various adaptations across the world, but its original creation took place in Ybor City. The sandwich was invented by Cuban immigrants who settled in Tampa Bay during the early 1900s. The melting pot of different cultures that had migrated to Ybor City contributed ingredients to the sandwich. The Cuban sandwich is a symbol of unity and inclusiveness. 

WATCH: THE HISTORY OF THE CUBAN ➜

THE YBOR HISTORY MUSEUM

1818 E 9th Ave, Tampa

Casitas were the homes of many cigar factory workers. The Ybor History Museum is home to La Casita and invites visitors to explore. The Ybor History Museum has many artifacts that can help you understand more about the beginning of our beautiful destination.   

YBOR MUSEUM ➜

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Tampa Bay has some of Florida’s best city adventures, but it’s also home to amazing outdoor experiences just minutes from downtown’s glittering towers. Paddling, bird-watching, animal interactions — they’re all waiting for you to discover when you unlock Tampa Bay.

WALK INTO THE WOODS

Explore nature along the paths and boardwalks of major parks just minutes from the excitement of the city. Canoe Florida’s only Class 2 rapids at Hillsborough River State Park (a big deal in a place that’s pretty flat). Flatwoods Conservation Park is a wild oasis surround by suburbia, with extensive bike and running trails. Lettuce Lake Park offers canoeing along the Hillsborough River as well as a boardwalk and tower for spotting wildlife.

EMPOWER ADVENTURES

Awaken your spirit of adventure on a 2.5-hour guided zip line experience where you’ll encounter over 3,000′ of zip line and highly acclaimed aerial challenges. You’ll enjoy a bird’s eye view of the beautiful open waters of Tampa Bay, local wildlife, and everything Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve has to offer.

EMPOWER ADVENTURES ➜

URBAN KAI

Join Urban Kai for the perfect guided tour featuring a beautiful preserve right behind the shop! You will paddle around spectacular mangroves, with wildlife including manatees, dolphins and birds. The paddling trail provides an up-close look at these fantastic ecosystems and seagrass beds.

URBAN KAI ➜

HILLSBOROUGH RIVER STATE PARK

Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this diverse park offers a refuge from city life with 7.3 miles of nature trails and magnificent wildlife viewing. Discover a breathtaking oasis of natural and historical significance. Kayak and canoe adventures await in the rare Florida Class II River rapids throughout hiking trails.

HR STATE PARK ➜

EBOATS

Experience Tampa in a distinctly styled electric boat. Rent one of our virtually silent, easy-to-operate, environmentally friendly boats today and enjoy Tampa from our perspective. Head out to get your heart pumping or coast leisurely on the Hillsborough River.

EBOATS ➜

TAMPA RIVERWALK RENTALS

Already downtown and don’t want to put on real shoes? Located adjacent the Convention Center and the Pirate Water Taxi hub, Tampa Riverwalk Rentals offers bikes of all sizes, standup paddleboards, and one and two-person kayaks to explore the Hillsborough River around downtown Tampa. 

RIVERWALK RENTALS ➜

ALAFIA STATE PARK

Mountain biking in Florida? You read that right! Alafia River State Park stands out from the typical flat topography of Florida. Some of the most radical elevation changes in the state are among this reclaimed phosphate mine – making it the ideal spot for biking adventure seekers.

ALAFIA STATE PARK ➜

MANATEE VIEWING CENTER

Visit our local sea cow friends! TECO power station’s warm water has drawn manatees by the hundreds and an expansive boardwalk gives you a great view of manatees lolling about in the warmth. The manatees share their bathing grounds with skates, rays, and spinner sharks. 

MANATEE VIEWING CENTER ➜

MARKETS AROUND TAMPA

Tampa Bay’s monthly markets showcase an array of local vendors, artisans, and entrepreneurs. Discover an abundance of fresh produce, handmade crafts, unique artwork, vintage wares, and delicious food offerings. Immerse yourself in the destination, support Tampa Bay’s small businesses, and uncover one-of-a-kind treasures.

SUNSET MARKET

Join Midtown Tampa every first Thursday of each month for its Sunset Market! Explore over 40 local vendors, enjoy live music, sip on delicious cocktails, and admire the work of various artists. 

MIDTOWN TAMPA ➜

FRESH MARKET

Gather on the first Sunday of each month in Hyde Park Village for its fresh farmer’s market! Discover fresh produce, handcrafted goods, plants, and more at this pet-friendly event. 

HYDE PARK ➜

HEIGHTS NIGHT MARKET

Heights Night Market happens at Armature Works every second Wednesday of each month. Enjoy artisans, unique pieces, and jewelry, and grab a bite from the food hall’s 15+ local eateries.

ARMATURE WORKS ➜

YBOR SATURDAY MARKET

Visit the Ybor Saturday Market, an outdoor market featuring locally produced goods in the heart of Ybor City. This recurring event takes place every Saturday and is worth checking out!

YBOR CITY ➜

THE MARKET AT WATER STREET

Every third Sunday of each month, join in a celebration of food and wellness, with over 50 vendors offering a diverse array of culinary delights, health and wellness products, and unique art pieces. The Market also features live entertainment, adding another layer of fun and excitement to this vibrant event.

WATER STREET ➜

HAYA NIGHT MARKET

Come shop at the HAYA Night Market, where local vendors and artisans gather for your enjoyment! Enjoy a selection of local goods in Cafe Quiquiriquí, then head to Flor Fina, Hotel Haya’s restaurant, for a delicious dinner.

HOTEL HAYA ➜

SECOND SUNDAY MARKET + ART WALK

Head to Armature Works for Second Sunday! Enjoy local artisans showcasing their homemade goods, jewelry, and more in a boutique-style market. After shopping, head outside under the Western awning to shop artwork from local and regional artists.

ARMATURE WORKS ➜

SUNSHINE MARKET 

Midtown Tampa is hosting Sunshine Market every 4th Saturday of each month! Indulge in local vendors, bakeries, restaurants, jewelry, art, and live entertainment.

MIDTOWN TAMPA ➜