What to See
7 highlights📍 Tap the pin for directions
Ybor City
Tampa's historic Cuban and Spanish cigar-manufacturing district, now a National Historic Landmark District. Walk 7th Avenue's wrought-iron balconies by day for cigar shops and Cuban sandwiches, then come back at night when it turns into Tampa's main nightlife strip. The Ybor City Museum State Park is a good, cheap primer on the neighborhood's history.
Tampa Riverwalk
A 2.4-mile paved path along the Hillsborough River connecting downtown's museums, parks, and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Free, walkable, and a good spine for a downtown day — it links the Tampa Museum of Art, Glazer Children's Museum, and Sparkman Wharf.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
An African-themed animal park and coaster park in one — Cheetah Hunt, SheiKra, and Iron Gwazi (one of the tallest/fastest hybrid coasters in the world) sit alongside a real safari-style animal habitat you can tour by truck or on foot. Buy tickets online in advance for lower prices and shorter ticket-line waits.
Clearwater Beach
About 25-30 minutes from downtown Tampa, consistently ranked one of the best beaches in the US — soft white sand and calm, warm Gulf water. Pier 60 has a nightly sunset celebration with street performers and vendors; parking fills up fast in season, so arrive early or use the Jolley Trolley.
St. Pete Beach & Downtown St. Petersburg
St. Pete Beach is a quieter alternative to Clearwater, while downtown St. Petersburg itself (across the bay) has a genuinely excellent small-museum scene, led by the Dalí Museum's striking building and collection. Worth a full separate day if you have one.
The Florida Aquarium
A well-regarded mid-size aquarium on the downtown waterfront, with a strong sea turtle and shark exhibit. In summer, book the boat-based wild dolphin cruise add-on — it's a real, non-staged encounter in Tampa Bay.
Raymond James Stadium & Amalie Arena
Catch a Buccaneers game (NFL, fall) or a Lightning game (NHL, winter/spring) if the schedule lines up — Tampa is a genuine sports town and both venues are close to downtown and the Riverwalk.