Things to do in Tampa in February

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Overview

February is a good time to visit Tampa. The weather is usually mildly cool and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 56—73°F (13—23°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Tampa during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Tampa Bay History Center, go birdwatching at the Tampa Bay Estuary, take a day trip to Clearwater Beach, and more!

Tampa has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your February trip to Tampa. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to February. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Tampa in February. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout February, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Tampa in February

Top experiences in February
Visit the Tampa Bay History Center
February is a great time to explore the rich history of Tampa at the Tampa Bay History Center. The museum features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and displays that showcase the city's past, from its early Native American inhabitants to its role in the Spanish-American War. It's a fascinating and educational experience for history buffs and curious visitors alike.
Go birdwatching at the Tampa Bay Estuary
February is a great time to spot a wide variety of bird species at the Tampa Bay Estuary. The area is home to numerous birdwatching hotspots, including the Hillsborough River, Lettuce Lake Park, and the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve. Whether you're an experienced birder or just enjoy nature, birdwatching in Tampa Bay is a peaceful and rewarding experience.
Take a day trip to Clearwater Beach
February is a great time to visit the beautiful Clearwater Beach, just a short drive from Tampa. The beach offers pristine white sand, clear blue waters, and plenty of opportunities for water sports and relaxation. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore, Clearwater Beach is a perfect day trip destination.
Explore the Tampa Riverwalk
February is a great time to take a leisurely stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk, a scenic pedestrian trail that runs along the Hillsborough River. The Riverwalk offers beautiful views of the city skyline, as well as access to parks, museums, and restaurants. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors and experience the vibrant energy of downtown Tampa.
Take a sunset cruise on Tampa Bay
February is a great time to enjoy the beautiful sunsets over Tampa Bay. There are several companies that offer sunset cruises, allowing you to relax and take in the stunning views while sipping on a refreshing drink. It's a romantic and memorable experience that you won't want to miss.
Explore the Florida State Fair
Held in February, the Florida State Fair is a fun and exciting event that offers a wide range of attractions, including carnival rides, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and delicious food. It's a great way to experience the local culture and enjoy some classic fair fun.
Attend the Sant' Yago Knight Parade
This annual event, held in late February, is a lively and colorful parade that celebrates Tampa's Latin heritage. The parade features illuminated floats, marching bands, and plenty of entertainment, making it a fun and unique experience for visitors of all ages.
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Holidays in Tampa in February
February
  • Lincoln's Birthday (February 12)
  • Valentine's Day (February 14)
  • Presidents' Day (February 16)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Tampa in February

Temperatures on an average day in Tampa in February

The average temperature in Tampa in February for a typical day ranges from a high of 73°F (23°C) to a low of 56°F (13°C). Some would describe the temperature to be mildly cool. The general area may also feel breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Tampa, August, has days with highs of 88°F (31°C) and lows of 78°F (25°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 69°F (21°C) and lows of 52°F (11°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Tampa in February based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in February
73°F
highs
56°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool, breezy
Feels like
17%
Chance of rain
0.063 in
Amount
13.3 mph
Wind speed
76%
Humidity
11.2 hrs
Daylight length
7:07 AM
Sunrise
6:19 PM
Sunset
63%
Cloud cover
T-shirt
What to wear
What to wear in February
With an average high of 73°F (23°C) and a low of 56°F (13°C), it generally feels mildly cool and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something light like your favorite t-shirt
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Best attractions for Tampa in February

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Tampa has to offer for travelers in February, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Tampa that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Tampa for February.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
4.4
(95511)
Theme park
Water & Amusement Parks
Venerable theme park with thrill rides, African animals, live entertainment & kiddie attractions.
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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is such an amazing place full of excitement and fun! 🎢🎡 From the thrilling roller coasters to the beautiful animal encounters and family-friendly shows. The park is clean, well-organized, and the staff are very kind and helpful, which made our visit even more enjoyable. We especially loved how many different experiences were in one place — from adventure rides to relaxing areas, tasty food options, and even fun spots for kids. Everything felt safe, welcoming, and full of energy. 🌿🦒 I definitely recommend buying tickets in advance to save time and avoid waiting in lines. Entry was smooth, and the overall experience was unforgettable. Whether you’re coming as a family, with friends, or even solo, this park is a must-visit when in Tampa!
We had such a great time at Busch Gardens Tampa! The park was super quiet when we visited, which made the experience even better - we were able to go on all the rides multiple times without waiting in long lines. It felt like we had the park almost to ourselves. The highlight of the day was definitely the newest coaster, Iron Gwazi. It’s an absolute must-ride - fast, smooth, and full of thrills from start to finish. We couldn’t get enough of it and rode it several times! Overall, the park was clean, well-run, and offered a perfect mix of excitement and relaxation. If you get the chance to visit on a quieter day, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
Busch Gardens blew me away on my recent visit! The holiday décor was stunning—festive, detailed, and honestly more impressive than what I’ve seen at Disney lately. The food and beverage selection was excellent too, with tons of flavorful options and great seasonal drinks that made the experience feel extra special. The park has clearly invested in major upgrades. Everything felt cleaner, more modern, and much more thoughtfully designed. Plus, there are a ton of awesome rides for both thrill-seekers and young kids, along with multiple playgrounds for all ages—perfect for families who need a breather between attractions. Overall, Busch Gardens has really stepped up its game. The improvements, atmosphere, and value easily put it on a level that rivals—and in many ways surpasses—Disney. Highly recommend!
My favorite happy place in the world when it comes to amusement parks. Busch Gardens prices on tickets is unbeatable for a park that has some of the best rides in the world. The lines are a max of 15 minutes, it is super shady when walking from 1 ride to the other, the fans blow on you so youre not melting in the summer sun and there is something for every age. From safari and animals to rides, it really is a park build for families in mind. The drive is 2 hours for me but its totally worth it!
Oct 2025 We visited busch gardens while holidaying in Orlando for 2 weeks ..It's been 6 years since we last visited, so were very much looking forward to it and the weather was also a lot better than last time...We used the free transport service supplied from SeaWorld Orlando👍. As it was free can't complain .we did have a couple of pic ups on the way , which slowed the journey a bit..We arrived there about 45mins after park open ...The main thing I liked was the coach didn't leave till after park closed , so we were able to make a good full day of it ... Only 2 rides were not operational on the day , cobras curse and the log flume which is now permanently close ...The main attraction for us was going to be iron gwasi ..!!🫣 They hadn't finished it on our last visit,so was very much looking forward to it and it didn't disappoint..The ride is mental from start to finish , Awesome..😁 Apart from a couple of new additions to the park, everything was exactly the same . Although it was a Tuesday and the park was quiet..we didn't have time to check out the animal parts ..But everything else we managed to do more than once...We did have the all day dine , which was ok..kids got more from it than mum and dad did..Food was ok ..Only down side was I couldn't find open and closing times for restaurants on the app (same as SeaWorld)..so a restaurant I did fancy was closed 1 hour before park closed ..Which was disappointing...Overal we had a great day and would return again if we came back to Florida 👍👍
Fantastic day out. Caught the free shuttle bus from Orlando. Went weekday mid November and no ques, although we didn’t actually go on any rides. We did do the safari where you get to feed giraffes, AMAZING. This was on a Black Friday deal for $25, You get quite a bit of time with them and plenty of lettuce to feed them. We also did the sloth encounter (also a black Friday deal for $35), you got to meet 3 sloths (including the baby one) and also got to stroke one. Highly recommend doing this. A fab day out.
My family and I arrived at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay early on Saturday, November 22, 2025, about 30 minutes before the official 10:00 a.m. opening. Staff began letting vehicles into the parking areas around 9:45 a.m. We upgraded to preferred parking, which I highly recommend; it offered a convenient, short walk of just a couple hundred yards to the park entrance. The admission process began promptly at 10:00 a.m. and was a breeze, likely because we had purchased our tickets and parking pass in advance. Since no one in our group enjoys roller coasters, I designed an animal-centric itinerary aimed at an efficient viewing route. My plan led us to the back of the park first, which is where we hit a snag: this section doesn't open until 10:30 a.m. We had to backtrack and follow my itinerary in reverse order. This information wasn't readily available anywhere I looked, so it's a minor inconvenience worth noting for future visitors. Despite the small route change, our overall experience was wonderful. The staff were consistently friendly and informative, all facilities and restrooms were clean, and the animal enclosures appeared well-maintained. I would definitely recommend a visit to Busch Gardens, suggesting you look for discounted tickets during a sale to maximize value. This route took us approximately 4 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. Below is my animal-centric Itinerary. Suggested animal-centric itinerary starting at 10:30 a.m. Continue straight in from entrance to Bird Gardens and Kangaroo, Head North on map towards Jungala to Orangutangs & Tigers, Use the Skyride to go back to beginning of park, Head South on map to Cheeta Run & walk around the Edge of Africa, Jump on the Train once off the train head up to the Asian elephants (if we choose to), Head South on map to see the Penguins, then the Gorillas & Chimps, Continue to head south on the map to the exit.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay always delivers, but the Christmas season takes it to another level. The Christmas Village is a blast — great energy, solid food options, and plenty for the kids to explore. The lights throughout the park are absolutely spectacular and make the whole place feel new again, even if you’ve been a hundred times. Add that to the already top-tier coasters, animal areas, and consistently smooth operations, and you’ve got one of the best holiday park experiences in Florida. Easy five stars - worth the trip every year.
The Florida Aquarium
2. The Florida Aquarium
4.5
(20164)
Aquarium
Zoos & Aquariums
Aquarium with sharks, penguins, stingray touch tanks, a wild dolphin cruise & a water playground.
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Our daughter received this visit as a birthday gift from her grandparents. And she was on cloud 9. The whole experience was just amazing. The new exhibit with the coral and the jelly fish to touch is a amazing experience. Employees were very friendly and experienced. Everything was well maintained and clean. Even the restroom was very clean with a cleaning lady and I give her 5 ⭐ for that, because everywhere we go there is cleaning personal for this 😔 so I'll say big thank you for having a cleaning person there to keep the toilets clean. The cafeteria was also clean and everyone knew what to do and food was amazing. Portion/ Price/ Taste was worth the dollar. The only thing I would say is one ⭐ is the price for a bottle of water 😞
This place is awesome! Easy to navigate, cool to look at, pretty educational if you take the time to read. It's also located on a port or something where cruise ships arrive and depart, which was neat to watch. All of the wildlife appears well taken care of, which is a huge plus. Tickets on a Saturday were pretty expensive, nearly $50 each, but if you think of it like a means to offer the care and attention for these animals, it's not so bad. The only real negatives, to me, were the gift shop (not much in the way of interesting merch for an adult), and the food. The food was abysmal. I paid almost $20 bucks for a burger that was unbelievably overcooked and dry, I couldn't even finish it even though I was starving. Good thing you don't go to an aquarium for the burgers! I still highly recommend visiting, it was a great experience. Just make sure you eat first and you'll be fine. Take your time to sit and observe the wildlife instead of trying to rush to the next thing. It really is something special.
Such a beautiful aquarium! I loved all of the exhibits. They have cool enclosures for all of the birds and where the lemurs are at. The big tank had lots of cool fish and sharks! They also have an octopus which I thought was pretty cool. It was a fun experience and was not too crazy busy for a Saturday. Definitely glad they had the trolley that brought us right to it too, very convenient!
The aquarium was beautiful. So many fun fish to see. It was interactive and the employees are all very kind. I only wish there was more to see!! I love the outside area for the kids to run around and the adults to grab a drink. Our tickets also got us a discount on the warship right around the corner which was also an amazing experience. Highly recommend!
Lovely experience visiting the aquarium. Fun thing to do if your visiting. It took us alittle less than 2hrs to get through it all. My kiddos are tweens so they were able to get through it quicker. We were disappointed in not being able to see penguins because of the repairs being done to their exhibit but we did confirm they do have them and that they supposedly bring them out a few times a day. I do think for the size of the aquarium tickets should have been a little less. Overall we enjoyed our visit.
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa completely exceeded my expectations! 🐠 From the moment I walked in, I was amazed by how beautifully everything is designed — it’s clean, spacious, and full of life. The exhibits are stunning, especially the coral reef tunnel and the huge ocean tank with sharks, rays, and sea turtles. What I loved most was how interactive it is — you can touch stingrays, watch playful otters, and see penguins up close. It’s not only fun but also very educational, with lots of information about marine conservation and Florida’s unique ecosystems. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers. Whether you spend an hour or half a day, it’s a peaceful and inspiring place to visit. Definitely one of Tampa’s top attractions!
The Florida Aquarium was a wicked awesome surprise. From the minute we walked in, it was wall-to-wall incredible exhibits and hands-on stuff that made you feel like a kid again. They’ve got interactive activities everywhere, so you’re not just staring at fish — you’re actually part of the whole experience. The shark tank? Bub… unreal. Those things glide by you like they own the ocean, and honestly, they kinda do. One of the coolest tanks I’ve ever seen, and I’ve looked at a lot of fish in my day. Everything was clean, the animals looked healthy, and the staff was as friendly as a Mainer handing you a whoopie pie at a potluck. You can tell they really care about the place. We had a wicked good time and would go back in a heartbeat. If you’re anywhere near Tampa, don’t be a chowderhead — go check it out. Totally worth it!
Bro. This aquarium is awesome. I live near the Baltimore aquarium and this aquarium blows the Baltimore aquarium out of the water. Very clean and super friendly staff. The only regret I have is that I was only able to spend one day here. If you go, please tell Saaba I said hi and give him a pet on the head for me. Also , i recommend putting a live camera in the cypress swamp pointing at the bottom of the stairs.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
3. ZooTampa at Lowry Park
4.6
(27050)
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Celebrated zoo offering giraffe feeding, educational programs & a water play area.
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LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS ZOO!!!!We came here during the week on a Wednesday in October during the day time and it was not crowded at all we had the time of our lives, i went up on to 6 or 7 different zoo keepers and asked tons of questions about the animals we were near and every single one of them answered my questions with ease and were super friendly. There was one zookeeper named Joe who was near the Orangutans and he was so knowledgeable and kind talked to for almost 15 minutes and knew every single question i had to ask. Plenty of water fountains and shady areas to cool off in. Safari Ride was a must! Devin was our guide on the ride .He was awesome very informative and super personable.There wasn’t a single question i asked that he could not answer with additional information on top of it. Every animal was active and visible but with the exception of one or two and if you go to lots of zoos you know that’s just apart of it but it was nice to see how the zoo made sure the animals could be comfortable and visible at the same time. Loved the Free Encounters they do with the Manatees and the Other Animals.We watched the one with the Orangutan and you HAVE to do this when you come!!You get to see them up close and have a great view and it’s a surreal experience being so close to them and we didn’t have to pay anything extra to do so.You also HAVE TO FEED THE LORIKEETS!!!! Since it was slow that day the Kind Lady who worked the Enclosure gave us a bit extra food when feeding since there was no one waiting behind us. It’s little things like that make It feel so personable and enjoyable. We also went thru the Dinosaur area And OH MY GOSH WAS IT SO COOL. They have life size dinosaurs you can get right up next too that are animatronic and so life like.Im an adult and felt like i was 10 years old again it was amazing! 10/10 Would recommend visiting here. I didn’t meet a single staff member who wasn’t friendly as can be and Also SUPER KNOWLEDGEABLE.Food and drinks are widely avaible everywhere. We had A Pizzafor lunch in the africa area that tasted great! Overall 10/10 i got my moneys worth and can’t wait to come back!!!
What a fantastic zoo!! My family is in town visiting from out of state. We used our reciprocal zoo membership to visit. I told my husband about halfway thru the day that if we didn’t have our membership and had paid full price it would’ve still been worth visiting. The kids and us had a blast! The zoo was very clean, the exhibits seemed spacious and the animals seemed happy and well cared for. The rides throughout the park, water play area and playground were an unexpected added bonus! We will definitely be back the next time we’re in town.
This zoo is awesome. I was visiting from Miami for a concert and decided to extend my trip to enjoy the zoo. It’s not as big as ZooMiami, but it makes up for it with a lot of heart and some great theming. I’m particularly fond of the Animal Kingdom style safari ride they have here. It’s great and super informative. The Africa and Florida sections are really good but the Australia section leaves a LOT to be desired. That being said, I highly recommend coming here either by yourself, as a couple, or as a family. It really is fun for all ages.
I have been to a few different cities Zoos but this is one of the better ones for sure. They got a great selection of animals and activities for all ages. They got a show on Disney + called Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa, if you want to check it out before going to ZooTampa. There are a ton of food options and different animal experiences as well. I would recommend signing up for the experiences in advance to make sure there is availability the day you want to go. They have added a dinosaur exhibit and they also do theme events during the holidays. If you live in the Tampa Bay Area, I would recommend buying the pay for the day pass because you can come back as much as you want for a year.
Today my grandson and I enjoyed a full day and did not see everything. We purchased the one day with all 2026 admission included. The Christmas holiday permeates the zoo that is usually open til 5pm with special evening holiday event by separate admission or members free We loved the Aftica section with elephants, white rhinos, hippos, giraffes, and less usual a smiles like Okapi and Tapir. We were sad that the train was not working today but my grandson loved the children’s ride with Outback cars and banana airplane ride. The carousel with a dragon and elephant were a hit. Over and over The areas for animals were divided by continent and with a Florida section. Several food selections offered pizzas, popcorn, canned alcohol, bottle beverages often in 100% recycled containers. I found a hot dog eatery with hot dogs and sausage under $11. Delicious Men’s women’s and family Restrooms were located throughout the park, with a dedicated wheel chair accessible stall with grab bars and 4ftx6 ft space. Restroom doors were push and heavy to open. A touch pad opening would be helpful for some visitors inc the woman in a wheelchair that I held the door for— and she agreed about the touch pad. The zoo is mostly accessible except at some rides and kids playground. Today 3 employees went above and beyond. LAURA at customer service understood my mistake in not bringing my phone charger and charged my phone so I could drive my electric vehicle. JACOB at Kona Ice answered my question about their service project. he talked so proudly about Kona Ice that I thought he was the owner, but he is a proud employee. CARLO was the most awesome docent at the giraffes. My grandson got a blister and crying hysterically near one of the shops. DESTINEY offered bandaids and ointment. She maintained complete calm while he screamed, with no judgement. She asked if he wanted some ice cream and gave him a small amount. That gesture really comforted him. Great experience today. Just be aware, the exit is through the gift shop
Was really looking forward to this visit at they claim its a top zoo. Its got a lot of unique activities, unfortuantely all of them seem to be closed or abandoned. The water slide was not running, and most of the booths and other quick service stands had no employees running them. Was hard to find anything to eat or drink The zoo was dead, as in it felt like a ghost town which in a way is nice because some animals were closer due to the low noise of bigger crowds it just felt very very. We tried to go into the African resteraunt and they said the kitchen was closed, the water slide in florida was not running, there were no handlers out to talk to us about the animals, no encounters, or really any sort of event other than the Halloween event which takes place after normal business hours. Very quiet but hard to find any events to do. Really like the australia area which had lots of play items for kids to burn energy out on while also getting see animals. Feels like an educational but fun place to visit, would really enjoy coming back still even with the setbacks experienced. Feels like a blend between a amusement park and zoo. Good value.
We like ZooTampa! Actually a small zoo but lots of things to do! I describe it as a zoo mixed with a theme park! We just bought the CityPass tickets but I just got the annual membership because its gonna be so much worth it especially with a toddler! Our favorite is the “Australia” section where there is a splash pad, a playground, rides, petting zoo! There are also lots of tables and shaded area for parents to wait. It’s clean and well maintained! There are fans everywhere to ease up the heat and also misting stations! The animals are well taken care of! They also have a rehabilitation area for manatees and stingrays that can be touched! Parking is free when we went but they will be implementing a pay parking starting January 2026 for non-members! Can’t wait to come back!!!!
ZooTampa was an absolutely wicked awesome day, bub. We went during the off-season, so it was no lines, no crowds, no waiting — just pure, relaxed exploring. Felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. The rhinos were incredible — giant prehistoric tanks just hanging out. The elephants were majestic as always, and the giraffes were a definite highlight, towering over everything like they owned the zip code. The Africa ride-along tour was wicked cool and made the whole experience feel like a mini-safari. The primates were pure entertainment, doing what primates do: judging us, ignoring us, and occasionally showing off. And the manatees? My wife was in absolute heaven. Those gentle sea floaters were adorable and calming to watch. Now listen — they technically did have a big cat. One lonely tiger, clearly on his coffee break, just sprawled out living his best lazy life. Didn’t move a whisker. I respect it, but I still had to laugh. Overall, the place is clean, well-run, full of cool animals, and just an all-around wicked good time. Five stars without hesitation. If you’re in Tampa, don’t skip it — this zoo is the real deal.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
4. Sunshine Skyway Bridge
4.8
(2059)
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
Panoramic drives & views over Lower Tampa Bay, with an adjoining beach & popular spots for angling.
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Crossing the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is beautiful any time of day with open water and views all around. Downtown St. Petersburg is visible in the distance with downtown Tampa even farther away. It’s especially nice at sunset when the colors reflect off the water. An impressive drive that really shows off the areas scenery.
Driving across country was a goal of mine.I have seen many great sights and experienced many things. But the Sunset Skyway Bridge tops the cake. Beautiful all around and worth paying to go down the piers and see the sights.
This bridge is great fun to drive across. If you have time to go out on the beautiful pier for fishing or sunset views, it's worth it. The sentiment from the gate guard to the end is chill and happy. The beautiful Spanish Mackerel, drained, washed and kept in ice and cooked within 24 hours from hook to pan was absolutely delicious fried on setting 4 in herbed butter (similar to yellowtail or whitefish). I added a tiny bit of salt, pepper, garlic, dill and cumin. The deliciously fresh clean flavor was amazing! I wish I had brought home more to freeze!
I don't think I'll ever get tired of those views... I used to do the commute from Bradenton to St. Pete back in the day... I was always appreciative of my commute. That was probably the only time in my life were I was in awe of my commute... lol. It was one of those rare occasions where I was thankful for everything! I got to drive across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on a regular basis! Occasionally I'd exit the rest stops just to admire the scenic views, especially the Sunsets and sometimes the Sunrise as well. Driving over the bridge was SO surreal....
We visited the bridge after 8 PM, excited by many reviews recommending the night view for the lighting effects. From about a mile or two away, the bridge looked stunning lit up and full of promise. But as we got closer, we were disappointed to find that the lights were only underneath the bridge on the pillars, not along the top or on the iconic cables. It didn’t match what we had imagined. We wish we had visited during the daytime or around sunset, which probably would’ve became a memorable day of our life. Still, an impressive piece of engineering worth seeing, just time your visit right!
Pretty cool bridge, if you embrace the concept of bridges. The view was amazing, if you embrace the concept of eyes. If you want to see a dolphin they're there, if you embrace the concept of dolphins. I believe in bridges, eyes, and dolphins, so it was a good choice to save a big drive around the bay.
The lady on the plane told us about this bridge. Going across it I didn’t really see what the whole hype was about. There are two really unique fishing piers ,one when you start and when we end, I guess that’s where the old bridge was. Looks like a nice bridge.
If you want to have this experience and opportunity for great photos, I highly recommend Dylan and Gavin with Coastal Cruises St Pete. I’ve always been intrigued by the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, but this was a completely different way to experience it.
Ybor City
5. Ybor City
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Lively Ybor City is known for boutiques and vintage shops on 7th Avenue, which also hosts Cuban and Latin American eateries. The Centro Ybor mall offers indie fast food, bars, and a cinema. Housed in a 1920s bakery, Ybor City State Museum has exhibits on the cigar industry and the area’s immigrant communities. The GaYBOR district around 7th Avenue and 15th Street attracts a diverse crowd to its bars and clubs.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
6. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
4.3
(56798)
Hotel
Casinos & Gambling
Upmarket casino hotel featuring 3 outdoor pools & a spa, plus eclectic dining options.
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Great location.. rooms were big and so comfortable. We had a view of the pool. Very beautiful very, especially at night that blue and purple glow was setting a vibe for our room. Don't care for the heavy smoke smell in the lobby and casino area but once on the elevator.. that goes away. Pool area was also very nice!!
Great and large rooms. Shower big enough for 2 people with 2 shower heads and a bench. No tub. The bathroom has a separate space for the toilet with a shielded slided door for privacy. Only complaint was the coffee situation- no real creamer- only powdered and we didn't get it refilled when we asked. We also asked for towels and a room cleaning and never got it. The upper casino is extremely tight and the bottom one was tight but not as bad as the non-smoking section. Park in the Lucky parking lot if staying with lots of luggage. You'll be closer to the main entrance. You'll need to scan your room key to even get the room tower elevators. If you sign up for Unity- you get 50% off the buffet for one person. Buffet was decent. The Cafe was actually better. If you're signature status with Royal Caribbean you will be comped 3 nights and $300 room credit. Kids are allowed with adults but not on the casino floor (only along the pathways). Very fun to see history lining the hallways. We'll be back!
I visit and have fun for the past couple of years! Jayden at the rise and shine coffee is the best and makes our coffee perfect! One person in particular makes me so upset. Destiny. Not friendly, very rude and always has an attitude. I won't let her make my drink and has very poor people skills. Dana the bartender at the floor stands is also fantastic, always smiling and friendly.
Stayed here twice in the last month. For some reason for one of the nights they charged my unity account for the resort fee. They said oh when the credit card on file can't be charged we take your unity points but for some reason they charged my credit card for all of the other nights. I went to the front desk to ask them to return my unity points and just charge the credit card on file. They said sure, no problem, charged my card and never gave back my unity points. One of the blackjack dealers stopped play several times and demanded that I take a hit. Then started complaining to the other players that I was not playing correctly. Both times he did this, he received a 10 on both hands, busting and everyone that didn't bust won their hands. I tried to talk to Pedro (floor guy) about it but he wouldn't even look me in the eye nor listen to a word i was saying. If you have an asian dealer named woodley that wears glasses, don't let him bully you off of the table. As far as the rooms go, beds are hard as a rock and pillows don't hold their shape and go flat immediately. My back was sore for several days after both stays. The AC in the rooms don't work well either. I had the thermostat turned down but couldn't even sleep with any covers on as it was so warm in the room. I've been trying to give this place a chance, i've been there 3 times in the last month and stayed in a room two of the times. But It's just not a great place to go/stay.
After finally having a free day off, the wife and I decided to venture and have a go at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino - Tampa. Having moved to the Tampa Bay area recently, the travel from Lutz to the Tampa Hard Rock was short relative to our previous casino trips. My outlook on the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino franchise completely changed (for the better) after this visit. Hopefully this review will give some reasons why. As an MGM member and one who dabbles in casinos, my profiling of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino grouped the franchise along with the likes of the Caesars, Tropicana, Showboat, Ballys - in other words, casinos that are old and outdated. My ignorance in this regard also stemmed from the few quick stops at the Hard Rocks in Malta and Atlantic City, only to eat on both occasions. Again, my whole view of the Hard Rock franchise completely changed after this visit to the Tampa location. Travel and parking. Located just south of New Tampa and Temple Terrace, the Seminole Hard Rock - Tampa sits conveniently off of the I-4; while not the best of highways, it is arguably the quickest way to get to the venue. As you drive in, there are essentially three parking decks to choose from - Winner's Way and Lucky Street are the two main ones meant for resort visitors, while Orient Road and Draper Place puts you closer with respect to the actual hotel rooms. Either way, there is more than enough safe parking spaces with ease of access to the casino floor. The first thing that stands out is that smoking is permitted on the venue. While most casinos still allow smoking on their premises, it doesn't tend to be a problem. With Hard Rock Tampa - it seems a bit more noticeable. This may be a game changer for some. However, if you want some what of the casino experience without the smoking, they have a designated smoke-free area on the second floor. The casino floor is rather sizeable (larger than Parx Casino in Pennsylvania and can be compared to the Borgata in Atlantic City). The slot machine areas appear to be arranged and organized better than most casinos where other casinos seem like an elaborate maze. Navigating the floor here is easy and not as frustrating. Between the slot areas are a variety of tables. Overall, the casino floor is well maintained, neat, and clean. Meanwhile, the areas and functionality thereof around the casino floor are beautiful. There are a set of marvelous curving escalators that connect the second floor to the first, putting you right by the hotel-check in desk. There are distinguishable arcs that cast over the hall access to the hotel's East and West towers respectively, which offers a sense of elegance and class. If you are an avid casino player, you'll want to sign up at the Player's Club. The Hard Rock's rewards program is called Unity. Like the MGM, there is an app for this. The Hard Rock will also tier-match with MGM if you have the program. The ladies working the Player's Club were great and thorough. They explained the benefits and perks of the Unity program, along with giving us a brief introduction to the hotel and casino itself. The unique thing about the Unity rewards program compared to the MGM is that it applies to all Hard Rock franchise locations, which has a greater international reach compared to the mainly U.S.-based MGM. There is not much for kids - unless of course you are staying at the hotel, in which case there are amenities such as the pool. However, like most other casino resorts, there is not much for kids to do here (the Sugar Factory is more of a restaurant than a candy story itself), while the retail stores are catered toward the adult demographic. It was a fun experience overall, and we are definitely going to venture here a bit more often. I would highly recommend the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa for any casino player and as a resort hotel in general.
honestly I have tried to like this casino. playing slots its fun. If I tell you no one seems to win anything. All the people around me just losing money left and right upset and complaining. This casino used to pay out better years before the renovation. it is pretty big. Don't go with the expectation to win. Just go for the fun that way you MIGHT not leave disappointed. win the late evening hours the crowd becomes a bit sketchy so be careful in the parking lots and driving around surrounding area at night. Maybe one day I will go and actually win something lol...or maybe just save my money and do something else thats rewarding lol...
Went to watch a comedy show. The show room is average and the chairs are amateurish. Kind of like a school or conference room rather than event style. Hope they decide to upgrade the room and seating. They have upgraded the events and acts that come in which is great! Nice hotel and Casino with good food options. Parking was easy and safe.
I am extremely disappointed with our experience. We booked this stay to celebrate our five-year wedding anniversary, and instead it turned into a stressful and exhausting night. At 2:30 AM, the fire alarms went off twice, causing complete chaos as the entire floor evacuated in a panic. It took security more than 10 minutes to inform guests that it was a false alarm. Being abruptly woken up like that is terrifying — panic, confusion, and heart racing — not exactly the experience we expected for a special occasion. After that, we were ready to leave immediately. When I went to the front desk to check out and request a refund, the customer service was shockingly poor. The employee assisting me didn’t apologize or acknowledge the situation at all. He asked another staff member what to do, and she made an unhelpful, dismissive comment about the situation not warranting a refund but that “someone would call.” A different staff member eventually mentioned the alarms were triggered by someone smoking in a room — yet still no apology or concern for the guests affected. By the next morning, no one had reached out as promised. I had to call myself, and again, there was no apology or accountability. The lack of basic courtesy and professionalism from every person we interacted with was very disappointing. I work in a customer-focused role every day, and this level of service is simply unacceptable. The front desk team, reservations, and management all need customer service retraining. This was a terrible experience from start to finish.
Big Cat Rescue Meeting House
7. Big Cat Rescue Meeting House
3.9
(15)
Permanently Closed
Zoos & Aquariums
Nature & Wildlife Areas
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Free Joe Exotic ❤️
Very informative. Helpful and friendly staff and interns. They showed how much they cared about conservation and about the plight of the animals they are trying to protect.
Great big cats! Go in the morning while it's cool outside. Bring a zoom lens.
Love everything about big cat rescue!
I just delivered mobile homes to the property
Had a great time!!!
Benchmark International Arena
8. Benchmark International Arena
4.6
(15728)
Arena
Sights & Landmarks
Huge, snazzy indoor venue hosting pro hockey & arena-football games, plus concerts & more.
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By far the best arena we’ve ever visited. Extremely quick Security, friendly staff, and also extremely serious about Security which in this age that’s an amazing thing. From lightning games to concerts, we have never had a bad time here. All of their sound technology and screens are very high-tech, and there is an amazing amount of food options inside the Arena itself.
As usual, this arena has the ABSOLUTE MOST FRIENDLY & HELPFUL staffers, and they are EVERYWHERE! Their genuine kindness & their professionalism are unmatched- no concert venue I've ever visited has been so WONDERFUL. A+++ for whoever trains & monitors the staff that makes each event here so enjoyable. Last night it was The Lumineers & Chance Pena that brought us to our FAVORITE VENUE. We also entered quickly, & there's always a staffer at every entrance point to assist w/ scanning tickets if a need arises. Just INCREDIBLE service!
Enjoyed the arena, kids first time there and they loved it. Comfortable seating and great visibility throughout, even higher up 3rd level. We sat at the first level and were happy to move further back and in the angled seats to see better and sound was better than being up close. We did the free Maren Morris concert and it became open seating. No wait to get in but same crazy expensive food and drinks you’d expect, wasn’t happy I tried their signature cocktail for the night and there’s no price displayed but rang up over $20 for a small cup. Good range of options for food and drinks inside, nothing wild.
Came here for the first time a month ago with my friend for opening night for the Lightning. I have to say, one of the best arena experiences I have ever had!! Not only were they so good at entertaining all throughout the game, but all of the staff were exceptionally genuine and helpful. Since it was my first time at a Lightning game, they gave me a special welcome gift at customer services. So much thought goes into what they do here! There’s also a great variety in food selection. Not sure if all of it’s open when they have concerts or other events here but it was impressive. My friends who have been here for concerts always have good things to say as well. One slight complication is the parking if you take your own car. But coming to any arena and a downtown area this is typical. There are some big parking garages nearby as well as a many paid parking lots and street parking if you get really lucky.
What a great hockey experience! I've been to this arena a bunch of times. It's clean, easy to navigate, the staff is friendly. They have good food options. The Club areas are the best! Do you want to enjoy the games in their fullness eating, drinking, and socializing you must try upgrading your tix at least once! Just learned of the name change this last visit.
I saw Nine Inch Nails here on 9/10/25. And it was amazing! It was a really nice arena. It was huge! And the people that were working the show were really nice. I had a really amazing time at that concert. I'm really glad it was here at this arena. I was really impressed.
I love this arena. I have only been to the club seats. "Thank you Cool Today for the tickets" the food is fantastic. The bartenders are wonderful, and the drinks are made just right. I never knew i loved hocky until I came here.
Attended my first NHL game there a few weeks ago. Absolutely a great time, sad the bolts lost, but overall it was a good time. Seats were great, and they do a great job keeping the fans engaged throughout the game and intermissions.
Tampa Riverwalk
9. Tampa Riverwalk
4.7
(5467)
Park
Sights & Landmarks
Happening multi-use path along the Hillsborough River, with city views, benches, eateries & events.
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Well.. I knew this would be a beautiful walk.. I knew it would be great for my family. It exceeded my expectations for everyone. We have had a glorious time. From starting before dark for dinner to walking until the city lit up. It was a fabulous adventure
Absolutely beautiful and breathtaking views of downtown Tampa. We went during the middle of night because we couldn’t sleep. Saw a couple of homeless in the park which police and security were ushering them out but other then the homeless this area is beautiful
Absolutely stunning walk! Very clean, friendly people and wonderful view. I feel very safe around the area, and it’s one of those places I could sit and stare at the water at for hours. If you’re staying at one of the hotels along it, it’s extremely convenient and a fun way to kill time at night. You can also see fish in the water!
Very peaceful walk. Runners are running. Cyclist are cycling. Boats are rowing. Restaurants are superb! So much to see on this walk!
Beautiful spot for a walk — clean, safe, and full of energy! Great views of the river, cafes along the way, and perfect for an evening stroll or sunset photos 🌇
The Tampa Riverwalk is truly one of the best places to enjoy the beauty of the city. It’s clean, safe, and perfect for a relaxing walk any time of day. The views of the water are stunning, especially around sunset, and there are plenty of spots to stop, sit, and just take it all in. What I love most is how lively the Riverwalk feels—families, visitors, joggers, couples, everyone enjoying the atmosphere. There are great restaurants, parks, and attractions along the way, so you can make a whole day out of it. Whether you’re out for exercise, sightseeing, or just a peaceful stroll, the Riverwalk never disappoints. A must-visit if you’re in Tampa. Highly recommended!
Great Vibe and great environment. Must visit, especially in evenings.
Nice walk. Beautiful weather. Wish there were more restrooms, as one of the facilities were out of order. Took me less than 2 hours to leisure walk back and forth. Restaurants are available along the stripe, and nice to gaze out into the water. People run, walk, and bike along, but it never felt crowded. Cool to sit, relax and people watch. I liked sitting on the fake lawn on the Adirondack chairs.
Museum of Science & Industry
10. Museum of Science & Industry
3.9
(5323)
Science museum
Museums
Interactive exhibits on biology & earth science, as well as a ropes course & a planetarium.
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We absolutely loved visiting this museum. We were able to do all the activities they had and the planetarium was jaw-dropping. It's as close to space as some of us will get. My son enjoyed the ropes course and my daughter loved all the hands-on activities. We will be back another time!!
loved the ai exhibit, good amount of activities. the space show in the planetarium was like science class in the beginning and kinda boring.. but it was nice, voiceovered by a guy who worked there since 2006! and the second half was a little animated part that i loved!
My 8 year old son and I enjoyed our first visit to MOSI in October 2025. The IMAX show about the planets was educational, the curator gentleman is a great asset. The rope course was challenging yet fun and the AI exhibit was a great learning opportunity. My son tried to fly a drone. The facilities were clean and the museum stuff was attentive and friendly. We recommend this museum and look forward to returning when they build the indoor sports center.
They got the theater/digital planetarium back and better than ever with laser light shows.... There is a bar in the basement serving up a full liquor bar, with two shots away bartending, while the kids play! The exhibit on sea monsters and dragons was pretty informative. Looking forward to being a member and coming back throughout the year. Although, I am still quite nostalgic for the old MoSi building and wind tunnel (that fits more than 3 People) and the NASA space center that used to be in there, I am so happy the theater has reopened!
Staff was knowledgeable and very friendly. Activities were good for kids of various ages and adults. My son really liked the "travel to the moon" section.
We spent several hours this visit and while I see so many missed opportunities I would still suggest a visit. The main reason I poke at the missed opps is a seemingly lack of compassion from the team in place. Someone should take a walk through the center and just look around. Tidy up, spruce up and fix what is broken. Also, when speaking to an audience proportionally young, the presenter should remember to consider their audience, both for understanding and attention span. Still, a must visit when in Tampa.
Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) delivers an energetic, hands-on science experience in roughly 50,000 sq ft of exhibit space. With over a hundred interactive stations optical illusions, brain puzzles, even a bed of nails you’re encouraged to experiment, not just observe. The standout attractions include a state‑of‑the‑art digital planetarium, a VR simulator, and the thrilling Sky Trail® ropes course. MOSI also hosts engaging rotating exhibits recently “Grossology” (all things bodily) and “Wooden Wonders of the World” to keep repeat visits fresh . The Mission: Moonbase lunar colony is a NASA-backed immersive draw, especially for aspiring space fans. Some visitors note the museum feels more like an interactive play zone for younger kids rather than a traditional science center . That said, the drone‑flying and planetarium shows remain popular highlights for all ages. In about three hours, you can dive into STEM, climb, explore butterflies, and even play SciLinx mini‑golf. For families, MOSI offers a fun, stimulating outing especially if you skip the ‘look but don’t touch’ museums.
MOSI made for the perfect afternoon for my 4 and 6 year olds. We were there for 4 hours and experienced every activity, plus took a quick break for a BBQ lunch. There was plenty of free parking and the activities (indoor and outdoor) provided plenty of options for all ages up to 12 yo. We'll definitely be back!
Raymond James Stadium
11. Raymond James Stadium
4.5
(12071)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Football stadium for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, featuring a pirate ship with working cannons.
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Absolutely love this stadium!! Staff is very friendly. Clean stadium. Great selection of food and drinks. Expensive like all stadiums. Amazing atmosphere before the game at Bucs beach. Many giveaways set ups of swag outside the stadium Highly recommend this as a top NFL stadium. Definitely go early if attending a game to get all the freebies. So much parking around including people's yards for cheaper.
This stadium is AMAZING!! All the people working throughout it were very friendly and helpful. The bathrooms were always clean!! It is laid out well... easy to navigate! I will say i wish I'd have educated myself about the shade for the day games in Florida shew!! Otherwise.... AWESOME DAY!!
It was my first time at the Bucs stadium for the game against the 49ers! I’ve been a fan for years but never experienced a real game in person until now and it did not disappoint. The staff were super helpful in helping us find our seats, the sound system was loud and clear, and the DJ kept the energy up with great music. There were plenty of restrooms and food stands in every section, which made everything easy and enjoyable. Had an amazing time. My husband and I can’t wait to come back for another game!
WATCHED A 49ers v Bucs game on Sunday, October 12, 2025 This was our first time visiting this stadium. This was a very nice stadium. Considering it's 27 years old, it didn't look old. However, considering it was recently renovated 5-6 years ago, it looks like new again even though I don't know what shape it was in prior. Most of the attendants and ushers were nice. The security was quick and not as strict. The usher that showed us to our seats was very nice and we held friendly conversation. It was a lovely sunny day as you could see from out picks. Our seats were in the sun, so we got quite toasty. We had eaten before coming to the stadium so we didn't try any food. Only purchased water and soda. My husband and I checked out the area where the Bucs ship was but it was overwhelmingly crowded. Be sure to check out maybe during the game, before when it first opens up to the fans or after. From what we saw among the crowd (think concert setting, body to body, no safe distancing) we saw some concessions and shops. The Bus ship was pretty cool with folks dressed as Pirates and Wenches. But as I stated before, didn't want to stay in the area due to the crowd. The game was great. Our seat were great! The fans aren't harsh or mean like other stadiums we have visited. I believe there were more 49er fans than Buc....hmmm... Regardless, of the outcome (9ers lost 😞), we had a great time. And lastly, we were able to leave from our parking in less than 10 minutes! I'm sure it was pure luck! Overall: If you are a Bucs fan or not and have not been to RJS, you must!
The stadium layout is great and intentionally designed, access is well managed and queues are not bad - for College ball - there is a lively atmosphere and plenty of options for food and beverages so you are not queuing for long. Drinks are a little pricey though. Overall a unique stadium experience and must see attraction for Tampa Go Bulls 🤘 USF UTSA Roadrunners are roadkill 🤠
Went for a concert (My Chemical Romance) with my daughter. Not from Tampa, so not sure what to expect. The stadium was easy to park at, security moved things along quickly. The event staff were very helpful and friendly, and the stadium was very clean - including my the restrooms. Once the concert was over, the announcements over the PA were clear and helpful for getting out and to your ride share or parking location.
Visiting the Buccaneers stadium was a smooth and enjoyable experience! The ticketing process was quick and hassle-free, making entry a breeze. Once inside, I was impressed by how polite and friendly all the fans were, which made the atmosphere even more welcoming. Exiting the stadium was just as easy as getting in, making the whole experience stress-free. Highly recommend for anyone planning to attend a game!
Great experience before the game, collecting some freebies memorabilia hanging out. Never been in a live soccer tournament in my life. Excellent match.
Lettuce Lake Park
12. Lettuce Lake Park
4.7
(6102)
Park
Nature & Parks
Park featuring a boardwalk, birdwatching, canoeing, a fishing dock, picnic tables & BBQ grills.
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Cool park. Saw some gators around the boardwalk and at the lookout including a mama with her babies. The playground is optimal for 4-5 year olds. A little small for older children but nicely kept. A lot of awesome trails though and my family and I had a great day exploring.
This was a nice park with an impressive boardwalk. I don't think I've seen a boardwalk this long anywhere else. Peaceful and serene views of the water, lots of animals to be seen. Birds, gators, fish, turtles, are all over the place. Saw a pretty good sized gator with her babies. The cypress trees are amazing there too. There were a few I would have expected to see blocked off due to size and probable age but surprisingly they weren't. The tower is not too high, yet enough to get great views of the water. There are some nice, but short hiking trails, though you'll never forget you're in town cuz you can always hear the traffic from them, (but not while on the boardwalk, only the side trails). There are a few pavilions scattered around the park also that can be reserved. This is the 2nd Hillsborough county park I've been too recently and they are well maintained and cared for. You can rent canoes here also.
This was such a gorgeous park, especially for a picnic! The picnic shelters are all covered, secluded, and surrounded by palms and other trees. The boardwalk trail is very scenic and is great for birders, photographers, and general nature enthusiasts like myself!
We went here today, monday november 3rd at around 11am. it was very quiet and peaceful, we saw a few gators, squirrels and turtles. Very nice experience for $2!
Two of eight trails I hiked in the 10th Annual Hiking Spree. Amazing area overall. Nice nature viewing… alligators, spiders, and Yeti lol. Me and my daughters had a great time walking the trails here and working out on the amenities. Definitely will be back!
Beautiful park that is filled with lots of shaded walking trails. This place is great for an afternoon outing with your family and friends. It is also a kid and pet friendly. This park sits on the lake so it has beautiful scenery, and wildlife available.
Beautiful park, with access to a play ground, outdoor fitness equipment, picnic shelters and paddle boat/canoe rentals. However make no mistake, this park is a good example of wild Florida and offers a lot of paved and unpaved hiking as well as a boardwalk over wetlands with stellar plants and wild life to admire.
I’m not sure if I have already written a review for lettuce Lake but I feel like an updated review is needed due to all the changes. I haven’t seen any reviews that give updated information.Today is 8/31/2025. My husband and I decided to take a walk this morning at lettuce Lake because it’s probably one of our favorite walking places but it’s been a while since we have gone due to all the work being done on the boardwalk area. The last time we went, which was a few months ago part of the boardwalk was shut down for repairs after the storm last year. i’m excited to share,It is fully open now and beautiful! They did such a great job with the boardwalk. If you just go on the boardwalk, it’s alittle over a mile walk. That includes all directions on the boardwalk. some of which are dead ends. If you’re looking for beautiful nature, tranquil, peaceful walk, lettuce Lake is the best! Not only is there the boardwalk section, but there is also paved sidewalks that loop around Park.We ended up walking 3 miles, twice on the boardwalk section and also on the pave sidewalks but we have explored more then 5 miles during the cooler months at this park. There are bathrooms throughout. We also love the Welcome center, which is a room with information on just about everything you will see on the property,including taxidermy, animals, fun facts to read on and two snake exhibits with live snakes named Arya and popcorn. every time we go to lettuce lake we see A ton of wildlife, including so many different types of birds, rabbits, squirrels, and our favorite gators! This trip was no different and we saw A 4 foot gator, sitting under the boardwalk ( they love to hide there so keep eye out)and about five teeny baby gators we were so excited to spot! Is also a 3 to 4 story lookout tower that is fun to go to the top and spot gators in the distance. It’s just a two dollar entry and several different places to park. they have been working hard on redoing the park so we saw them working on some of the picnic pavilion huts that You can rent here. They do also have a canoe area where you can rent canoes and leave right from lettuce Lake. You would just tell the person taking your two dollar entry that you’re interested in renting canoes and they will give you more information. There are also several playground areas throughout this park. One of which is what we call adult playground because it’s for exercising, but I’m sure kids would have a blast. We happen to notice no biking signs for the boardwalk, but I’m unsure if bikes are allowed throughout the rest of the park. ( we have never seen bikers only rollerblading)When it’s nicer out, only a few months out of the year in Florida, we like to take the off-road trails. They wind in and out of trees and have a nice designated path,( unpaved) but we avoid the summertime due to wet grounds and or bugs. I would definitely suggest bug spray here around at this park because of how many trees there are. overall, this is definitely a must for anyone looking for a place to get some steps in and have a really peaceful enjoyable time, see some wildlife, and with the boardwalk being finished only a few weeks ago, we will definitely be back more often.
Adventure Island
13. Adventure Island
4.1
(13588)
Water park
Water & Amusement Parks
Thrill rides drench visitors at this outdoor water park that also offers a wave pool & lazy river.
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This park was so nice. I love that they had different play areas for the kids. One of them adults can enjoy just as much. They have slides and so many water works. There was a huge bucket that would fill up and an alarm would sound and it would tip over. My son didn’t like this area too much because all the water spewing everywhere. The wave pool was his favorite play areas. We were there 90% of our day. There were so many things to do your child will not be bored. I recommend the dining pass because it saves much money if you are there for long and want to eat. They have water fountains available. They just did not have any funnel cake. They have plenty of sitting areas and shade so no problem with finding an area to relax in.
Great place to spend the day with the family even on a budget you can take your own snacks and spend the days with the kiddos. There’s fun activities for everybody in the family. There’s lockers to put away your belongings and if you forget any of the essentials, they have a store with everything you may need . There’s plenty of spaces just for the little ones . There is alcohol and delicious treats. . Plenty of free setting areas and Reserved spaces for purchase. Clean friendly, please to have a fun day and go home to plan the next trip back to adventure island.
We love this place so much that came back the same week! We rent a cabana both time and was peaceful y convenient for the kids to relax and eat after attractions. Mango Joe's food was great 20/20 the personal beautiful from the chef to the cashier. Great customer service and the bar drink was a plus! The kids had a blast and we enjoyed every part of it. Definitely coming back!
I took my youngest son here for his 13th birthday. We had a BLAST! The staff was excellent, which has been my experience at all parks owned and operated by Busch Gardens/SeaWorld. The dining pass was easy to use. Our cabana had a fridge and water in it, as well as a ceiling fan. At one slide, I was struggling to get the heavy raft up the stairs. Due to it being slow at the time, the lifeguard at the top, came down and carried the raft the rest of the way for me. Sebastian was our favorite. The lifeguards rotate ever 30ish minutes or so, so you get to see them at different attractions throughout the day. Sebastian was so pleasant and seemed like he enjoyed being there. He took the time to introduce himself and interact with us wherever we saw him. What a gem!
We had a blast at Adventure Island Water Park! The thrill rides and attractions were a hit with our family. However, our experience was slightly marred by the All-Day Dining option. Only three restaurants participated, and the food quality was subpar, especially at Surfside Cafe. We ordered four meals, but one was missing, and we had to wait over 20 minutes for it to arrive. To make matters worse, the burger patty was frozen solid. Despite this, we still had a great time and would recommend the park to others. Hopefully, they'll work on improving their dining options.
We came on a Saturday over Memorial Day weekend and it was super hot and quite busy. Arrived around 11am and it was relatively quick to get in for a weekend. The park and bathrooms seemed pretty clean for how busy it was. We have a 2 y/o and 5 y/o so stuck mostly to kids areas and avoided the large slides that seemed to have very long lines. There was still plenty to do for young kids. There is a toddler size splash area along with a larger kids area that seems more suited for preschool-elementary ages, though some parts were okay for little ones. Finding somewhere to sit was nearly impossible and you could forget about sitting in the shade altogether. Bringing a blanket to maybe throw down in the grass somewhere might be a good option for busy weekends. Though 90% of the chairs are only occupied with people stuff. The park provides life jackets, though the smallest sizes were more scarce. If your kiddos have swim vests (with or without the arm floats), they can be brought in as long as they are coast guard approved (though I'm not sure anyone was checking). They are necessary for using the wave pool or lazy river if kids are not very strong swimmers. The walkways are also VERY hot in the sun, so I strongly recommend water shoes for all! Food options were mediocre. The app wasn't working at the time of our visit (some update happening) so we couldn't check menus or order food ahead. Lines were very long, and limited options. Overall, it's a great way to have fun in the Florida heat, but maybe not worth it on busy weekends.
Always loved Adventure Island but haven't been in a few years, today was amazing, weather was great and it wasn't super packed so we got to enjoy all the slides without long lines! Only negative is the ground, so many people walk barefoot and the concrete/ stone walkways really hurt our feet after a couple of hours
Adventure Island was a lot of fun for the whole family, I definitely recommend purchasing the all day dining plan as a family of 4 costs over $130 to eat. The cheapest way to get tickets is to become a member of CertifiKID and you can purchase regular weekday entry for $36.95 or weekday entry with the all day dining for $59.95. You're welcome.
Bayshore Blvd
14. Bayshore Blvd
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
Henry B. Plant Museum
15. Henry B. Plant Museum
4.6
(1260)
Museum
Historical landmark
Landmark building hosting exhibits on Florida's early tourism industry plus Asian & European art.
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I visited the Henry B Plant Museum this last weekend on a girls trip. So glad we made this a stop. The history and beautiful architecture was stunning. The staff were so helpful and informative. It only cost $12 per person. Super cute gift shop as well. Just be informed it’s not a museum about plants lol.
This place is beautiful. The history and the easy access to the audio tour with your own phone was great. Staff were helpful and accommodating. I wish there was more of it open to the public but a large part of it is owned and used by the university from what I understood. Still a cool and interesting place which takes you to the past with authentic Pieces and rooms. The park in front is beautiful too and affords excellent views of the building.
I didn't go into the museum, only checked the building out. This is a beautiful building, which has been the main complex of the University of Tampa since 1933. Henry B. Plant (1819-99), a businessman mainly involved with railroads, commissioned this Moorish complex, spent $3 million, and it opened in 1891. It was the headquarters for troops going to Cuba during the Spanish-American War (1898), and Colonel Theodore Roosevelt stayed here.
Visiting the Henry B. Plant Museum feels like stepping into another century. Located inside the historic Plant Hall at the University of Tampa, this place beautifully preserves the legacy of the Gilded Age and the vision of Henry B. Plant — the man who brought luxury and innovation to Tampa. The architecture is stunning — from the silver minarets and grand arches to the elegant interiors filled with original furniture and art. Every room tells a story, and the attention to detail is simply breathtaking. You can almost imagine the glamorous guests who once stayed here when it was the Tampa Bay Hotel. The museum is small but incredibly well curated. The staff is friendly and passionate about history, and the exhibits provide a clear picture of how Tampa evolved thanks to the railroad and tourism. It’s not just a museum — it’s a window into Florida’s past. Perfect for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a quiet cultural experience in the heart of Tampa. Don’t miss the chance to walk through this iconic landmark — it’s timeless.
The woodwork alone is beautiful. We visited tampa college and went into the museum end of it. The building,porch,stairs are all beautiful. Detail was a wow. We like to visit old architecture buildings and compare the difference between today's building and yesteryear. Huge difference!
The museum itself is absolutely beautiful—rich in history, well curated, and visually stunning. We were warmly welcomed at the entrance by a very friendly staff member, and we explored the entire museum while carrying our shopping bags and backpack without any issues. However, our visit took an unfortunate turn at the very end. As we stopped by the museum shop, the woman working there abruptly asked us to leave the shop and return our belongings to the front desk. The tone and manner of the request felt unwelcoming and unnecessary, especially after walking through the entire museum without any concern from other staff. I’ve visited museums all over the world, and this kind of treatment is disappointing. It left a sour note on what was otherwise a wonderful experience. The museum itself is worth visiting, but I hope the staff at the shop reconsiders how they interact with guests. A little courtesy goes a long way.
This is truly a great place to visit. There was a n Edgar Allen Poe impersonation and a scavenger hunt This was once a hotel and now is part of the university Henry B Plant was a remarkable person. If you are in or near Tampa Florida you need to visit.
Overall positive experience. Its an interesting glimps into the past of Henry B. Plant's accomplishments and contributions in the Tampa bay area. I saw online that they were offering free admission the 2nd Tuesday of the month but when I got there it wasn't the case. It wasn't a big deal for me because I'm military and they are a blue star museum. I wouldn't expect to spend all day there, maybe an hour or two. They offer an audio guided tour of all the rooms they have set up and have a cute little gift shop.
Tampa Theatre
16. Tampa Theatre
4.8
(3115)
Movie theater
Concerts & Shows
Built in 1926, this ornate movie palace features a Wurlitzer organ plus films, shows & other events.
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My time at the Tampa was magnificent and was paid off. Very much enjoyed the September Sunday Sing Alongs with Grease, and I say it's the most beautiful theater and the most enjoyable experience the whole family will enjoy. Definitely will visit again at another time!
Walking into the Tampa Theatre is like stepping back in time. The moment you cross the threshold, you're transported to an era of opulence and grandeur. The celestial ceiling twinkles with "stars" and a sense of wonder, making every visit feel like a special occasion. The architecture is the star of the show. It's a breathtaking blend of Moorish, Spanish, and Italian Renaissance styles that you won't find anywhere else. The ornate details on the walls, the lush curtains, and the intricate carvings are a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. It’s an immersive experience that a modern cinema just can't replicate. While the beauty of the theater is undeniable, it's the experience that truly makes it special. Watching a film here is an event, not just a casual outing. They show a fantastic mix of classic movies, indie flicks, and new releases, so there's always something interesting on the schedule. And the pre-show organ music played on the theater's original Wurlitzer organ is a magical touch that sets the perfect mood. The staff is always friendly and welcoming, and the concessions offer a good variety of snacks and drinks. While the seats are comfortable, be prepared for an authentic, historic theater experience. You're not going to find stadium seating, but that's part of its charm. The Tampa Theatre is more than just a place to watch a movie; it's a living piece of history, an artistic masterpiece, and a true gem of the city. Whether you're a film buff, a history lover, or just looking for a unique night out, the Tampa Theatre is an absolute must-see.
I absolutely love it, it's so unique and it really shakes up the routine to visit this theater in Downtown Tampa. I'm a big fan of both classic and modern films; it's a fantastic choice at a reasonable price, with plenty of activities nearby to enjoy before or after the movie. Honestly, we had an amazing time
What an excellent experience this was. The show was super fun and had an incredible set up. The theater is absolutely gorgeous and has so many cool and unique features to it. Lots of history and facts about it. We had an amazing time at the Hokus Pokus live show! Definitely glad we made it down for this event! Thank.
Brought my Mom and family to see Hokus Pokus Live! Starring Ginger Minj, Jujubee, and Sapphira Cristál Was wheelchair accessible for mom, seats were great, even fit my big bum and had a place for drinks. Sound great! Show great! Have to give accolades to the ladies watching over the 2 accessible bathrooms. Making sure the accessible folk get in, thank you! Can't wait for the next show with the family at Tampa Theater 🤗
Beautiful theater, very nice inside. Staff were friendly and helpful, as were the booking team when we were making our group booking. Acoustics were good too. Drinks prices were reasonable considering it was a theater, not much different than some of the bars in the area. Would definitely recommend going if there were any shows that were of interest.
I love this place! The seats are a tight squeeze not gonna lie but it's always a good time. They only serve candy and popcorn-food wise - so don't come hungry. They serve a decent variety of beer, and mixed drinks here.
A magnificent theatre filled with history and beauty. We were honored to shoot 2 documentaries here, The Last Movie Ride and Ghosts Behind the Screen. Truly a magical place for the whole family❤️

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