Tampa is a city on Tampa Bay, along Florida’s Gulf Coast. A major business center, it’s also known for its museums and other cultural offerings. It’s location and fun vibe bring a whole list of unique things to do in Tampa, Florida.
When my friend invited me to visit Tampa for a wedding, I was so excited. For one, I’ve heard so much about it, but also Florida is great! I’ve been able to visit a few times as well as spending a weekend in St. Pete just 30 minutes away. My friend is from Tampa and knew exactly how to give us the perfect experience with lots of unique things to do in Tampa.
I’ve been to Florida several times and always have an awesome time with the beautiful beaches and relaxing atmosphere, so I’m glad we were there to experience Tampa Bay like a local.
Take a Bike Ride along the Longest Side Walk in the USA
Bay Shore Boulevard is located in South Tampa and is perfect for a bike ride! The sidewalk is nice and clear, and there are little parks, shops, and gorgeous houses along the way. It’s the longest sidewalk in the US, making it a unique spot to ride a bike!
City Bike Tampa has options for bike rentals for a day or by the hour, with both beach and city cruisers for you to choose from.
Take a Golf Cart Tour
It seems everyone in Tampa has a golf cart (well, almost everyone) and rides it around on the smaller streets. We took the golf cart to breakfast and around town. The old bank has been turned into a library, there are historic homes, and lots of people come just to visit the beautiful trees and parks.
A golf cart tour is a great way to see the city in an open air vehicle. Explore some of the lively neighborhoods, such as Tampa Heights and Bayshore Boulevard, and discover hidden gems with your guide.
Find Your Way to a Bayside Pool
Henry B. Plant Museum
This museum is found in the former Tampa Bay Hotel which was a Victoria resort that operated from 1891 – 1932. Since 1933, the University of Tampa has owned the site and created the Henry B. Plant Museum here.
Unlike most museums dedicated to lifestyles of the past, it contains the actual furnishings enjoyed by the first guests to visit here. The Museum accurately reflects the opulence of turn-of-the-century America and the vision of American transportation pioneer Henry B. Plant making it a really unique place!
Visit a Local Brewery
Visit a Nearby Beach
There are many famous white sand beaches near Tampa. We went along the shore to a beach not far from Clearwater called Indian Shores. Indian Shores is definitely more of a quiet beach. There’s no boardwalk or giant pier (I’ve got a list of those below for you, though—don’t worry!).
It was virtually an empty beach, which was perfect because we had tons of space. The wind was strong that day, and the waves were huge. It was fun! Here are some other beaches in the area to try out:
- Siesta Key
- Fort De Soto
- Treasure Island
- Clearwater
- St. Petersburg
For a full list of nearby beaches, check here.
Eat at a Mama’s Kitchen
Mama’s Kitchen is an adorable little diner with delicious, cheap food served in large portions. We ate there two mornings in a row! Breakfast is definitely the time to go. It can get crowded on the weekend, but the fast service and kind waitresses won’t keep you waiting long.
Explore Ybor City
If you’re looking for live music, from up-and-coming artists to EDM, the Ybor City neighborhood has venues for everyone. Buy a ticket to a show before visiting and enjoy it! Be careful with your bags and the crowds here, as it’s popular even through the late hours of the night.
As one of only three Historic Landmark Districts in Florida, Ybor City is a great spot to take a history tour or ghost tour. Often disputed, this area is known as the origin of the classic Cuban sandwich. Take a small group shared tour that will delve into the history of this unique area of Tampa!
Grab Drinks and Sushi at Hula Bay
Take the Pirate Water Taxi
Explore the Tampa waterways on a fun and informative pirate-themed water taxi tour. Why pirates, you may ask?
The original Gasparilla Krewe in Tampa Bay says that the Pirate Gaspar “terrorized the coastal waters of West Florida” in the 18th and 19th centuries, with multiple tales of his background and story before reaching legendary pirate status. There’s even a famous pirtate festival here called Gasparilla that’s tons of fun.
Even if you can’t make it to Gasparilla, you can take in some of the fun with the pirate water taxi! Reservations are not required, but highly recommended.
Shop and Eat in Hyde Park
Hyde Park is full of fun restaurants and places to go shopping. From international chains to indie boutiques, this area has something for everyone. Spend an afternoon walking around this cute neighborhood and enjoying a great drink or some delicious eats.
When you explore Tampa, Florida, like a local, you get to eat delicious food, visit impressive beaches, and have tons of memories with friends! It’s a great weekend getaway. I know you’ll have as much fun as I did with these unique things to do in Tampa. You’ll also love to visit Tampa during Gasparilla — it’s so much fun!
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