Top 49 things to do and attractions in Tampa

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.

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 Tampa Bay History Center is a fascinating museum that takes visitors through the rich history of the Tampa Bay area. From the indigenous peoples who first lived in the region to the Spanish explorers, pioneers, and even the story of the cigar industry, the exhibits are well-curated and engaging. The interactive displays make it enjoyable for both adults and kids, and the building itself is modern and spacious. Located right by the Riverwalk, it’s easy to combine a visit with a walk along the waterfront or a meal nearby. A great stop to better understand the culture and history of Tampa Bay.

Beautiful, engaging museum. The exhibits are well done. The short films look good. The museum works to engage children. The exhibits are well done and extensive - the part I felt was lacking was information to give the background on how Tampa developed and evolved over time to become the City it currently is.

If you find yourself with kids in Tampa, I highly suggest the Tampa Bay History Center. Staff was super nice and helpful, gift shop was great. There were also Spanish translations for all the activities.

I've been to many museums and this History Center impresses! The WWI trench art, I had not seen before, fantastic! The rare maps are a must see, real original pieces and I especially enjoyed seeing the one that represented how close German U Boats were to our shoreline, it was very alarming. Beautifully put together! Great location.

We loved the self guided tour and learned lots about Tampa Bay history. The kids had a great time! There is a dress up section that's super cute. We spent about 1.5 hours and really took our time. The short history films are also excellent.

I only visited the ground floor, where there is an exhibition about Indian peoples. Excellent, modern, interesting! With two films in theaters and one documentary. An excellent description of the life and beliefs of mainly the Seminole tribe.

Nestled perfectly on the water along the Riverwalk, the Tampa Bay History Center is an absolute treasure and a must-visit for anyone interested in Florida's dynamic story. It seamlessly blends engaging historical context with the vibrant atmosphere of its downtown location. The exhibits are phenomenal, especially the section dedicated to Tampa's Cuban-American heritage and the role of Ybor City. The meticulous detail in reconstructing historical spaces, like a cigar roller’s station, truly transports you back in time. Another highlight is the maritime history wing, which beautifully illustrates the importance of the port with large maps, models, and captivating tales of explorers. What makes the visit so worthwhile is the excellent mix of hands-on activities for all ages and the high quality of the artifacts. Everything is clearly labeled and well-maintained. The view from the third-floor gallery, overlooking the bay and harbor, is also spectacular and provides a wonderful moment of reflection. The staff and docents are clearly passionate about Tampa’s history, and their willingness to share anecdotes elevates the experience from a simple viewing to a genuine educational journey. If you’re looking to understand the unique cultural tapestry of the Tampa Bay area, you need to spend a half-day here. The admission price is incredibly reasonable for the quality and scope of the collection.

Great food and atmosphere. The whole vibe was a great experience.

Beautiful riverwalk - it is a long riverwalk and with a beautiful view of the city and river. It was a bit confusing finding where to enter to get onto the boardwalk. Not a lot of posted signs leading to the boardwalk entrance. Parking was also street parking wherever you can find to walk there.

One of my favorite places to run with friends during the daytime or run alone at night. Magical nighttime views of the city skyline on the small bridge going into Channelside drive.

Excellent water taxis, let the water taxis bar hop you around.

First time there and it was amazing. Beautiful place, especially in late afternoon and evening. It is good for walking, biking, dog walking, sharing with friends and dating too. Nice view and options there. I had an incredible time. Will repeat soon!!!

It is good place for walking, but if you go there by your car, you must park your car in a free zone because park machines don’t work sometimes, so you can not pay your parking fee, then you must pay parking ticket - such an example number 9228 parking lot.

Beautiful place for walking or riding your bike.

I really enjoy coming to the Tampa Bay Art museum. They are working with Bank of America cardholders to let them in for free the first of the month. I saw some nice artwork. Just took one star off because there was a gallery section that was closed. I’ve seen there was more objects on view before. They are probably setting up for an exhibition.

I recently visited the Tampa Museum of Art and had a very good experience. One of the best things about this museum is that admission is free for college students, which makes it so accessible. The variety of art on display is impressive -- there’s truly something for everyone. I especially loved the collection of impressionist pieces, which were beautifully curated and gave me a deeper appreciation for the style. The galleries are well-organized and easy to navigate, creating a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere. Overall, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon and immerse yourself in creativity and culture. Highly recommend!

Beautiful! Each showroom evokes different moods and allows guests to step into something new while remaining comfortable. There are always seats available, so don't worry about standing if that's an issue. The catwalk outside is a wonderful break from the gallery and has a great view of the Riverwalk and beyond! We'll certainly be back!

We visited w/ our NARM reciprocal so not sure how much it was to get in, spent about an hour, though I admit we walked quickly thru w/o reading all the pieces because I was hungry. It’s a lovely museum, one floor w/ an array of children’s’ art work, Caribbean vibes, Chrysler hybrid on balcony, impressionist paintings, European sculptures, clay works, surrealism and a lovely wildflower piece by Jennifer Steinkamp. There’s an inexpensive parking garage, pay w/ Park Mobile and an easy walk to both museums.

Light-filled, airy, and a lot of open space enclosed by 90 degree angles. I got tickled by the free standing stairs that lead to the main exhibition floor and by that added to the depth of the space. Interestingly enough, with that entrance, I didn't have much appetite for the classics and spent most of my time with Purvis Young and the flag makers of Haiti. I really enjoyed the space.

I wasn’t sure what to expect before stepping foot into the Tampa Museum of Art, but I was pleasantly surprised! Every exhibit is brimming with gorgeous, awe-inspiring pieces, all steeped in historical and cultural significance. If you visit the “Joseph Veach Noble, Through the Eye of a Collector” exhibit, be sure to look for the “Bag with Natron,” which is a linen bag discovered in the tomb of King Tutankhamun from 1323 BCE. How amazing is that! Other standout pieces for me were from the “American Gaze: Impressionism” exhibit. I especially loved an early work by Claude Monet and an untitled painting of the Tuileries Garden in Paris by Chauncey Foster Ryder. The museum itself is a delight, complete with a picturesque view overlooking the Hillsborough River and the beautiful Moorish Revival architecture of the University of Tampa. I’d definitely recommend a visit!

This was a really nice museum to visit. There were several collections to see. Easy to park. Nice gift shop as well.

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.

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.

The Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa is a fantastic spot for younger kids to play, explore, and learn. The exhibits are super interactive, our favorite was the water play area and the pretend grocery store. Everything is hands-on and designed to spark creativity and imagination. The museum is clean, well-organized, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. It’s best suited for kids under 9, and there’s plenty to keep them busy for hours. The location is great too, right by the Riverwalk and a park where you can continue the fun outside. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in Tampa with little ones. Admission fees are a bit pricey for what they offer but we had a great time and will absolutely be coming back!

Wonderful museum. Big John has captivated my son who loves dinosaurs. The first floor has a water ride and the second floor has many different "rooms" from a farm to an old house. It was fun. paid parking $20 per day

This was our first time visiting, I was hesitant w/ the expensive rates but but I think they offer FL resident prices and free passes at local libraries. We ended up buying the family membership which is the best ‘deal’, the Poe parking garage is right next door. Park mobile app, $10 for 4 hrs, not awful for downtown. This place is huge, 3 floors of fun, we easily could’ve spent much more time exploring. The first floor has a large water journey room, it was our favorite and conveniently had blue waterproof smocks. The second floor had numerous imaginative play areas, dancing, stem activities, a tall climbing area, a dress up theatre and much more. The third floor is a dinosaur theme w/ creative coloring, puzzle, look out tunnel and Big John the triceratops. Lastly, we weren’t sure if you could bring in your own food, wish we did after paying $18 for two grilled cheeses, a hot dog and water. The two guys working at the Creative Cafe were very friendly, busy during lunch hour but we’re bringing our lunches next time. The food was overpriced, for subpar, prepackaged and that was even w/ the membership discount of 10%. Side note: bring your own water bottles as there’s plenty of touchless refilling stations for free. Overall it was a really fun time and we cannot wait to go again.

Great place for toddlers. Took our 3 year old here for his Birthday. A bit pricey though if coming as a bigger family. I wish they wouldn't bill adults and people who clearly won't "play" full price. It seems absurd. Who do they think will being THE kids? But the adults who are being charged and pockets emptied... That maybe they won't be coming to even bring the kids next time. My 2 cents. Most "play places" don't bill adults or caregivers and if they do it's minimal fraction of the cost. ** Also don't appreciate waiting FOREVER to enter because staff decided to train someone new who has no idea what they're doing and we were the guinea pigs. Kids aren't patient. And neither are adults. And an entire line about to hit the entrance/exit doors formed behind us while they dilly-dallied. Wasting time on my son's birthday!! Not to mention they couldn't even count. We had to count people for them and then even come back for an extra adult wristband because they can't count adults.

My daughter is 14 months & she absolutely loved it! Parking was $30.00 downtown but other then that yhe musuem was amazing! We will be back!

Loved this place! Kept the kids busy and occupied all day... They cried not to leave. Definitely the perfect place for kids to have fun and learn at the same time. Very clean, friendly staff, an all around pleasant experience

Perfect for toddler/preschool-kindergarten ages, but even the adults had fun. Each level has different activities, including a very large interactive water table (not a bad idea to bring a change of clothes or towel). They have splash jacket things but neither of my kiddos wanted to wear them. The climbing area is great for adventurous kids. The staff were really friendly and interacted with the kids. There is a food area that offers several snack and meal options that was reasonably priced. Overall, admission is a bit pricey, but they do offer a Florida resident discount and packages for families who may visit multiple times a year. The closest parking is the garage next door. We ended up going on a weekend where there was an event in CH park so it was $15 to park. While the museum is 3 levels, there is a large elevator. There's also a place to park strollers on the first floor if you don't want to wait for the elevator. This is a fun place for a few hours, especially when it's raining or weather gets really hot. We go about once a year and the kids seem to enjoy it.

This is a really nice park. I wish I wouldn't have waited so long to visit it. The campground was clean with nice facilities. Laundry, dish washing sink, clean showers, vending machine for laundry soaps, electric and water hook ups. The sites are close together but each one is spacious. There are lots of nice trails to hike and walk along the river. The only downsides really were that 2 of the main trails were still closed from the hurricanes. Seems like it's been long enough that they would have them reopened by now. The two trails on the south side of the park, which could be connected by walk into a neighboring park to form a nice 6 mile loop, were opened. However, the connecting park and the adjoining road to it is also closed. So you end up doing two out and back hikes instead and never actually make it to the river. You can walk along the river in the north part of the park, but this is more of an easy public walking trail and it's not very long. Also they have a little store and you can rent kayaks and canoes, but unfortunately, not on Tuesday or Wednesday, as they are closed these days. Which seemed odd but I guess they are cutting costs and those are likely their slowest days(which is exactly why it a better to go on these days, but I guess the trade off is you won't be able to rent a canoe or kayak). So just a few minor issues but overall a beautiful park. Hopefully the trails will open up soon.

Beautiful park. One bridge along with a restroom and half of the playground but still very enjoyable. Love walking hikes along the river!

I had an amazing time visiting Hillsborough River State Park. The entire experience was refreshing and full of natural beauty. The trails were well-maintained and perfect for hiking, with just the right mix of challenge and ease. Walking through the park felt like stepping into another world, surrounded by tall trees, winding river paths, and the peaceful sounds of nature. The people we met along the way were incredibly kind and friendly. Everyone, from fellow hikers to park staff, had smiles on their faces and were always willing to help or say a warm hello. It made the whole atmosphere feel safe and welcoming. I went with Sunny, and we both had a great time exploring the park together. We saw so many interesting animals, birds, and even a few turtles near the water. It’s a perfect place for nature lovers or anyone who just wants to disconnect and enjoy the outdoors. The signboards were clear and helpful, and everything was very well organized. From the parking to the restrooms to the picnic spots, it felt like the park was designed with care and thought for visitors. Even though I’m usually in Noida, this park in Florida gave me an experience I won’t forget. It’s a beautiful spot with so much to offer, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the area. Whether you’re hiking, taking pictures, or just relaxing under the trees, Hillsborough River State Park is truly worth the visit.

I went for hiking on 09/14/25. As of then, both Baynard and Seminole trails are still not in use due to hurricane Milton from picture 2024. The bathrooms by the former pool are unusable, and taped off with caution tape. Both playgrounds have elements blocked with caution tape. I have grown up in this park: camping, hiking, birthday parties, etc. This is not the fault of the rangers, they are doing their best; but it's sad too see so much not in use nearly a year later. Hiking on the River Rapids trail was lovely though. This park is a piece of authentic old Florida and I hope it comes back fully.

Was a beautiful and relaxing place to hike and get some fresh air. Our dogs enjoyed walking the trails with us and the river was beautiful even saw a little gator and of course many birds. A ranger was even kind enough to lead us to the right area and give us a mini tour and interesting history lesson on the land and indigenous tribes that called this area home. He even shared a tip for a hidden gem along the path that we were happy to find. Would def be back with probably a pack lunch to enjoy 😉

We really enjoyed the trails at Hillsboro River State Park. The river Rapids Trail was nice. The suspension bridge trail was very cool. It was nice to take our little dog with us. We also were Glamping this weekend at Hillsboro River State Park

BEAUTIFUL trails at this park!!!! There was so much to stop and admire, like the rapids, the suspension bridge, the wonky trees, etc. My only complaint is that the trails could’ve been marked more clearly. I appreciated the gator sighting!!!

Oak and Ola is the best. Absolutely exceptional from start to finish! The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between chic and comfortable, making every moment feel special. Each dish was a masterpiece-beautifully plated, bursting with flavor, and clearly crafted with care. Service was flawless, making this my new go-to spot for an unforgettable dining experience!

Armature Works is a super popular spot in Tampa and definitely a must-stop if you’re in the city. It’s the perfect place for a group of people as they have dozens of different food & dessert stalls for every type of food preference. Sushi, barbecue, Puerto Rican, Mexican, burgers, coffee if you come earlier in the day, and many many more. Of course, also ice cream and cookie dessert options and a large bar selection. They also have a lovely rooftop bar that gives a great view of the riverwalk and Tampa skyline. It gets real busy up here and they have live music so can also be pretty loud but it’s a great vibe. There’s tons of seating on the main level as well, also looking out over the water. There is constantly something going on here- some weekends and mornings there are workout classes on the giant lawn, and other events. They even have a massive chess set to play with, that’s always fun to me. Armature Works is the perfect place to come spend part of an evening, eat some good food and hang out.

My first time here felt a little intimidating at first, but it turned out to be such a cool spot. There was a movie playing outside, and inside had so many amazing food choices. I went with the Mediterranean spot and grabbed a glass of wine at the outdoor bar — the atmosphere was super chill. I loved it so much I came back the next day for pasta and to hang out. Definitely a place I’ll keep coming back to for the food and the vibes! ✨🍷🍝

Armature Works is one of those places that truly captures the essence of modern hospitality. From the moment you walk in, the industrial architecture, open spaces, and lively atmosphere make you feel like you’re in a unique cultural hub. The food options are outstanding — from sushi and Latin flavors to gourmet burgers and fresh cocktails, every corner offers something exciting. The quality, presentation, and service were all on point. You can tell the vendors take pride in what they do. What impressed me the most was the attention to detail: clean facilities, great music, and plenty of outdoor seating with a beautiful view by the river. It’s a perfect spot for lunch, dinner, or even a weekend cocktail with friends. Yes, it can get busy (especially on weekends), but the energy of the crowd adds to the experience rather than taking away from it. Definitely one of the must-visit places in Tampa — Armature Works sets the standard for what a modern food hall and community space should be.

One of our most beloved places to unwind after a hard work week. The variety of food and drinks, the outdoor spots to sit in the sun near the Riverwalk, awesome.

This place was super cool! Recommend spending some time here if you have an early arrival. Good amount of food options and drinks too.

Just a total delight. Great space with plenty of room to enjoy the river views on Adirondack chairs. Huge array of great, affordable food options. A really relaxing and safe place to spend time when in downtown Tampa. Always love visiting. Usually do the river walk all the way back to the center of town after eating on a walk, balmy Tampa night.

Beautiful relaxed place to watch cruise ships leaving. Great ice cream from Jenny's. Just a bit too crowded at weekends.

Sparkman Wharf is easily one of the coolest spots to visit in Tampa. The moment you arrive, the whole place feels alive — from the waterfront views to the colorful shipping-container eateries and lively music. Whether you come for food, drinks, or just the atmosphere, there’s always something fun happening. The food options are fantastic, with a mix of local favorites and creative bites you won’t find anywhere else. Every visit feels like a new experience because there’s always a different vendor, event, or pop-up to explore. The outdoor seating by the water is perfect for relaxing, people-watching, or enjoying a night out with friends. Overall, Sparkman Wharf is a must-visit hangout spot that captures the energy and charm of Tampa perfectly. It’s clean, vibrant, family-friendly, and full of personality. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, you’ll definitely want to add Sparkman Wharf to your list!

We had just gone to the Florida Aquarium and were looking for food. We happened upon Sparkman Wharf. They have lots of food options in small buildings/food trucks. They also have a few sit down restaurants. We got food from Edison's Swigamajig. The fish and chips and shrimp and chips were very good. We also got ice cream from Jenni's. It was a cooks place to hang out. It was very busy and the restrooms were in need of cleaning.

Visited today for the first time and I was very impressed! Such a cool experience with a great vibe. Can’t wait to come back!

Loved this place! Our ship was delayed coming into port so we spent the day here. So fun, relaxing, enjoying watching the ships come in. We enjoyed lunch and a few drinks. It's so pretty.

Great place to hangout, grab a bite to eat, have adult beverages, bowl, grab ice cream/chocolate and see the giant cruise ships!

An eclectic outdoor plaza with food stall options, restaurants, and stores. There's outdoor seating in a grassy area that views the bay port. You can grab some food, have a seat, listen to the live band, and watch as cruise ships sail by! A super relaxing space to visit and hang out with friends/family. Definitely come when it's cooler because it can get quite warm! Food wise, I got a kimchi chicken rice bowl from Dang Dude. Chicken was good and the meal was filling. I visited the Hampton Chocolate Factory where I sampled some chocolate (yummy!) and had some ice cream (sweet & rich) which hit the spot for a warmer day. Their ice cream is very filling because they give you a lot, I couldn't finish the cone on my own :( Parking - there's a lot right next to the plaza but it was hard to find parking (pay by phone $20). Had to go to the parking garage where there's plenty of space ($20 to park) Recommend to carpool to save some $ !!

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❤️

We were on our way from Anna Maria and decided to get an early dinner before heading to the hotel. I had been here before some years back and wanted to try it again. It was a busy Saturday afternoon but we got seated with no wait. The hostess and our server were friendly and attentive. We ordered the Calamares Fritos Romana, got the delicious Cuban bread with butter and their famous 1905 salad with shrimp and red sangria to share. Overall, it was a good meal.

While visiting family in the Tampa Bay Area this week, we did our pilgrimage to the 120-year-old original Columbia restaurant in Ybor City, the historic Cuban part of Tampa. Walking through the beautifully tiled and otherwise uniquely decorated rooms of the Columbia restaurant in Tampa's Ybor City sheds light on the rich Cuban heritage of Tampa, Florida. The Columbia restaurant, which is one of the most beautiful restaurants in the USA, also possessing one of the top wine lists in the USA, continues to make excellent Spanish and Cuban cuisine served in an elegant genuine atmosphere of old Florida - Cuba style. There's a full bar and a wine cellar with over 1,000 bottles. We went for lunch to see the painted tiles of the exterior of the restaurant, which takes up an entire city block. In addition to the can't miss "1905 salad" and any one of the delicious entrees, the Columbia serves the lightest and richest flan I've ever had. This week (November 2025) I had a delicious fresh substantially sized paella that had scallops, clams, mussels, prawns, chicken, red peppers and peas, all for only $28.

Excellent food and service with phenomenal and amazing space and attraction. It is designed perfectly and each section has a different theme which shows the profound qualities. Although we didn’t have any reservations but they seated us quickly. The atmosphere was lively yet relaxing, and we enjoyed everything. In short, this wasn’t just a meal—it was an experience! Highly recommended it!

The restaurant was decorated nicely. Has several themed rooms for special occasions. Our initial experience here started badly. The waiter behaved very arrogant and rude. When I informed management about our server they said that many customers say that he acts cold but he is very knowledgable. So, that let me know they know and don’t care to correct it. We ordered several dishes and the best plate was the salad. It’s a place to visit as a tourist but the food is just okay.

We enjoyed everything about our visit to Columbia Restaurant. The dishes were beautifully presented, the atmosphere was lively yet relaxing, and the service was top-notch. Our server, Alan, was not only friendly but also incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. He suggested the perfect dishes, which elevated the experience. The manager was attentive, ensuring everything was perfect without being overbearing. Their attention to detail made us feel like VIP. This was more than just a meal—it was an experience! Would recommend it!

Need more stars for this review! Truly an amazing dining experience. Old school restaurant that still offers table side service for drinks, desserts, and salads. Complete old world charm, with incredible food and atmosphere to back it up!!! 10 out of 10

Words cannot describe how delicious the food is! The service is superb! Our leftovers were place in carry out containers by the waitstaff. My ☕️ was truly the best! (I drink a lot of coffee so I know a great cup from a bitter roast).

We really enjoyed our time here and could have easily spent another hour or two to see everything! Best of all it is free. They have light food on site and a nice gift shop as well. Everything was reasonably priced. They also offer a free golf cart shuttle for those that do. It want to walk from the overflow lot!

I live close to the Manatee Viewing Center and have the opportunity to spend multiple times each week there during the season. When Bay waters cool down below 68 degrees the wild manatees will come into the canal at the center to get warm. The docents and employees along the piers can certainly educate you about these gentle animals. Often you’ll see numerous sharks, rays, tarpon, other fish and various birds as well. The mangrove walk is shaded and there is a lot to learn about these unusual plants. There are well kept walking trails and an observation tower. You can also visit the Turtle Rehab facility and Energy Conservation Center. There’s no fee to visit or park. There is parking near the center and additional parking at the overflow lot and golf carts to help get you to and from the center if walking the trails is not your thing. Ramps are present for those who cannot negotiate steps. This place is kept clean inside and out. There is a snack bar and a very reasonable gift shop. There is an information center to teach you about the manatees and the mangrove forest.

It was really cool with so many manatees to see! A nice little boardwalk so a lot of people can look at one time. There nature trail was kinda neat too. I recommend checking the first parking lot, or waiting for the free golf cart ride to save yourself a long walk

Awesome place! There's additional trails that you can take a walk on that lead you to a tower with free binoculars to use. I thought this was super considerate and nice! The actual viewing spot is right behind the building near the parking lot. The gift shop was pretty cute too and had a good selection. We saw 6 blacktip sharks and around 9 manatees when we visited beginning of November. Apparently January is the best time to come. We definitely recommend this place!

Absolutely love this place. You can spend the whole day there and it's all free. It's great for kids. My daughter's 7 and loves it, they do a good job of catering to the kids. Then, yet it's educational enough to not be borning for adults and tell me who doesn't love to see a sea cow. Parking is limited, but they have a huge overflow section.And they use golf carts to run you back and forth. And from that location, you can get a ride over to see the sea turtle hospital, which is run by the Florida aquarium. Where they rehabilitate, sea turtles that have been hurt or sick.

This was a really cool free thing to do! We had some time to kill before going to the Tampa airport and decided to check it out. We had a party of 9 people with us, so to be able to kill time here free was a win in my book. So many manatees, sting rays, sharks, and fish! They do have a cafe that looked good and we did buy some things from the gift shop. Overall for a free activity 10/10!

Very well setup with many options for the docks to view the marine life. Although we didn't catch a glimpse of a manatee, we did see many tarpon and some very large ones taboot. Definitely recommend stopping here to check it out and it is easy to get to, right off of highway 75.

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!!!

Beautiful tigers

FREE JOE EXOTIC

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!

We visited Weedon on our vacation since as a family, we enjoy hiking. It was a relatively easy hike with mostly dirt paths on the Boyscout trail which was more challenging even on a straightaway. The other trails had a boardwalk with several look out points and towers that one could climb. On our visit to FL, we chose to hike on a sunny weekday and it was relatively quiet. Lots of parking was available and there is an information centre where our young child was able to use the restroom. We hiked in January so there were no mosquitos however interestingly enough we saw lizards which my son loved. The weather was ideal as it was a warm 13C as opposed to our normal -10C. We chose to opt with windbreakers and layering options that we eventually took off. Highly suggest recommending sunscreen, snacks, hydration and taking breaks as needed. The two trails we traversed with our young son was quite easy as opposed to what we normally hike which is more of a hill and challenging terrain. Great for beginners and those looking for a leisurely stroll.

The Weedon Island Preserve in Tampa, Florida, is a true gem for anyone who loves the outdoors. With miles of scenic boardwalks and trails winding through mangroves, tidal flats, and coastal forests, it’s the perfect spot for long walks, peaceful jogs, or just a relaxing escape into nature. The views of Tampa Bay are beautiful, and the wildlife — from wading birds to fish and crabs — makes every visit feel a little different. The Cultural and Natural History Center adds an enriching touch, offering fascinating insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage and diverse ecosystems through interactive exhibits. Everything is clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed to make the experience enjoyable for all ages. Whether you’re looking for a scenic running route, a quiet nature walk, or a chance to learn about Florida’s history and environment, Weedon Island Preserve is an absolute must-visit. Peaceful, picturesque, and perfect for spending a few hours — or an entire day — outdoors.

Educational preserve with a raised boardwalk and observation deck. We attended on a class field trip and got to watch an informative video about the island history.

An amazing place with endless trails. The trails are well maintained and you mostly walk in the shade. Peaceful and quiet. Benches are scattered around to rest. The Education Center is a great place to learn about the Native American presence in the area. The videos and exhibits are very informative. Super friendly docents! Will definitely come back to explore the other trails.

My husband and I love to find new trails to walk. I came across this place in my search and I’m so glad I did! We will definitely be back. Parking is free. When you first pull into Weedon preserve. You will drive about a mile or two before you come up on the first option for parking. You will see a gravel like area for a few cars to park at which will also have signage stating walking trail. These are the natural trails. They’re called north and south Boy Scout trails. These are beautiful natural trails. You will walk through trees on either side of you in nice cleared trail. You will walk over little ground bridges that add something fun to these trails.We walked both north and south trail and it was about 2 miles of trails. We do think that during rainy season these trails could be flooded in some areas. The bugs will also be pretty bad on these trails during the rainy seasons and hot Florida weather. We are here in March and it was absolutely beautiful this morning when we went. Once you exit these trails you will come across signage stating the direction of the other trails . We continued to follow those signs to the board walk trails. You will come up to an area that starts the boardwalk trails/paved walking trail. The boardwalk trails are beautiful! They sit a few feet above ground. They wind you in and out of beautiful trees and at times have areas to walk out to water views. Because this preserve has a lot to explore, most of the time we were on the trails alone. Occasionally walking by people, but most of the time we were enjoying the peaceful outdoor outdoors alone. We went around 9am. Eventually, we reached signs stating the direction to the information center. Once inside we were greeted by employees who give us information on the property and what all was inside this information center. This is a three-story building that has so much history. They even have a 1400 year-old canoe on display that they dug up on property. There is also a really cool walk-through exhibit that we did not expect to come across. Inside this building are the only bathrooms on property, a little gift shop with trinkets and a water fountain and water bottle fill station. They do not sell any water or drinks on property so make sure you bring your own. Once we left the information center, we saw signs directing us to the Lookout tower. This trail was a short amount of boardwalk that eventually led to a three story tower. You could climb to the top to get views of the surrounding area. My husband and I ended up exploring this whole property. The north and south Boy Scout trails were about 2 miles and rest of the boardwalk trails and information center were about 3 miles so in all we walked a little over 5 miles. You can walk as little or as much as you want on this property. Parking and everything is free so it’s such a great way to spend the day. They had a few areas with picnic tables if you choose to bring lunch and just enjoy the Florida outdoors. Don’t forget your water and bug spray! We also Saw in other reviews that parking was difficult, but we did go in the morning at 9 AM, parked by the natural trails so we didn’t have this same issue. We were the only car parked in those few parking spots when we arrived. No pets allowed at Weedon preserve.

Definitely one of the places that reminds us all of how beautiful Florida is when we protect it! Beautiful boardwalks, kayaking, wildlife, nature center, and fishing pier.

I love it here! It's peaceful, clean, they have bathrooms and multiple trails. Only downside is you can't bring your furry friend for a walk here BUT that maybe a good thing for some people. There's a really cool observation tower and I love how they put little information about the park and it's residents.

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.

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.

Great mall for a hot summer day or a rainy winter night. Wife loves to shop here so of course I gotta come here all the time too and carry your bags for her while I open my wallet and pay for everything she wants to buy.. lots of high-end shops here so she can spend even more of my money very nice though if you have some class, you wanna go to mall if you don’t have class, you probably don’t wanna go here. Just kidding, but bring your wallet cause there’s some pretty expensive stores here and the wife’s gonna wanna buy something.. or leave the wife at home and bring your girlfriend here and impress her overall a pretty good experience.

The shopping mall is stunning, surrounded by plenty of convenient parking spaces. It spans two floors, with the upper level distinguished by its luxurious vibe, showcasing high-end boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Rolex, Breitling, and many others. For those who love designer brands, the variety is exceptional, offering endless choices to explore. The mall also features a lively food court with various dining options for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. Just outside the mall, you’ll find additional restaurants that are easily accessible and worth visiting. I had a particularly enjoyable experience at DC B restaurant, check my separate review for more details. One amusing thing I noticed was the Apple Store, which was incredibly crowded, almost chaotically so. It felt like everyone was there at once, though it could’ve been a fluke (see my photo of the Apple Store). The combination of upscale shopping, diverse dining options, and a vibrant atmosphere makes this mall a fantastic destination for a day out, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

Some good food and shopping options here. Nice indoor and outdoor areas that are fun to explore. We like to stop here before or after airport trips to blow some time and get some food.

This mall is huge and a great place to kill time before your next flight at the airport next door. Plenty of stores to shop from and restaurants to eat at. There is also a kids zone on the first floor for kids to play at.

“International Plaza and Bay Street is hands down the best shopping destination in Tampa! The mix of high-end stores and everyday favorites makes it perfect for any occasion.” • “Always clean, vibrant, and welcoming. The atmosphere feels upscale yet comfortable, and the dining options are fantastic.”

This is a beautiful high end mall. Lots of great stores! It’s very clean and has coveted parking near Dillards. We went to Lululemon today. The associate Janelle was sweet and helpful. Spent over $300 for 4 items of leisure wear would be my only complaint if I had one lol. This store has a great selection of items and it’s very clean.

Very nice mall. Had a good time walking around and looking at all the cool stores. Has a lot of fancy brands.

One of the best and unique restaurants, in all of Tampa! Created and managed by local restaurant icons the Gonzmart family. All of the menu items are created using original Florida Cracker mainstays such as shrimp, fish and alligator. We love the okra “fries” and jalapeño cornbread! It’s connected to the Tampa Riverwalk so you can dine and have a beautiful evening walk. Beautiful outdoor seating and an outdoor bar.

This place is a Hidden Gem. I ABSOLUTELY Love this place. The Atmosphere, The location Setting is Outstanding. A Beautiful Backdrop from any Angle,Art everywhere like A Gallery, From Flames Inside Cooking Delicious Meats to the Flames Around the Beautiful Statue outside. The Food And Service are TOP NOTCH. I visited for my Birthday on Nov. 2. And Ill be coming back for every other Birthday to come. My Kids whom are 13 & 16 loved everything about this place. The Gardens and the views are Amazing, especially if you get there to catch the Sunset over the River! So many locals and from out of town. Inside and outside seating. My NY strip was the best chunk of NYStrip I ever Had.And I eat alot of steaks. To the Owners.... THANK YOU, FOR CREATING SUCH A WONDERFUL LOCATION TO ENJOY QUALITY TIME WITH LOVED ONES AND FRIENDS !

We hadn’t been to Ulele in a while so we took a trip downtown to the riverwalk which is always fun and scenic. This place is really nice with a great location next to the park, river, and Armature works. The restaurant itself is pretty cool with 2 levels and it’s atmosphere is both Tampa, sports and Native American themes. We sat on the second floor with a great view out of the front windows facing the river. I didn’t know there was a dress code for no tank tops but they gave me a free Ulele t-shirt to wear which was unexpected. We ordered the seafood risotto, 1528 burger, and Fuego street corn. The risotto and burger were great, the corn ironically was a little cold but tasty. We recommend this place for a good time, the food and location to explore the riverwalk…

✨ A Truly Memorable Night at Ulele ✨ While visiting Tampa in early October, we asked friends for restaurant recommendations, and everyone seemed to say the same thing: “You have to try Ulele.” So, we made a reservation—and we’re so glad we did! We were seated outside, and coming from Upstate New York in the fall, the warm evening air felt absolutely wonderful. Our server greeted us promptly and gave us time to look over the menu. Shortly after, one of the managers, Nick, stopped by to welcome us. When he learned it was our first visit, he shared some fantastic suggestions. My husband is a whiskey enthusiast, and Nick’s recommendations were spot-on. He also suggested we start with the crab cakes and oysters—both were fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. Everything was off to an incredible start. We were there for a rare date night, which already made the evening special, but Nick made it extra memorable. He checked in several times throughout our meal with more great suggestions and genuine conversation. His warmth, enthusiasm, and attention made us feel like VIP guests. From start to finish, our evening at Ulele was unforgettable—the food, the drinks, the atmosphere, and the staff were all outstanding. Although Ulele is hundreds of miles from our home in Upstate NY, it’s a place we’ll be talking about for a long time and one we can’t wait to return to.

Our server Benjamin was great. We were seated on time. The calamari was delicious but I didn’t care for the sauce they came with it. My husband loved the Native Chili. We both ordered the Seafood Risotto. It was delicious. The only downside was it was so cold. We hurried through our meal just to get out of there.

When visiting a new restaurant I usually order the meatloaf (whatever it’s called) because if they can’t cook a good meatloaf they probably can’t cook great food. So, ordered the meatloaf. The gravy was good. Usually covers a bunch of mistakes, but the meatloaf around the edges was dry and charred. Left a bad taste in my mouth. The green beans were not cooked properly. Almost hard to cut with a knife. The potatoes were wonderful. The crispy onion bits were fab. My wife had risotto. The scallop were like a minute undercooked. Again, the green beans way under. Just not good. The risotto was really good and creamy. The wait staff was excellent. Wanted me to send the food back. Very attentive and were generally great. I didn’t send the food back. Maybe I should have? Anyone can have a bad night. Even chefs. I ate around the bad parts and it was somewhat enjoyable. Ultimately, my wife and I spent a wonderful night out. Enjoyed some food and atmosphere. Walked around outside along the water and it was beautiful. Made up for any food errors. Will go back eventually and try again someday. It’s worth just going to this fabulous area and enjoying the views. Parking is a short walk, but after a meal it was perfect. This is a beautiful area. The outdoor seating is inviting for children and animals. Time well spent! Tell me what you think if you go.

Pros- Our waiter was the best waitstaff ever! Very tentative, helpful with suggestions and just great. The Pompano and seafood risotto were excellent. Negatives- They don’t cook steak very well. My son ordered a ribeye med-rare and came out very rare. They seared one side and the other side was barely cooked and put this side down thinking nobody would notice.

Sandra was absolutely wonderful — warm, yet professional and incredibly organized. She made us feel so taken care of from the very start. Sandra walked us through every step and showed us how to best utilize the event space. She offered thoughtful recommendations and ensured everything ran smoothly on the big day. We held an outdoor wedding in July, and we’re so glad we rented Portacoolers! We highly recommend bringing in fans or coolers if you're planning a summer event. The Ybor City Museum State Park is such a charming and unique venue. Sandra helped us bring it to life, and the garden felt like a hidden oasis in the heart of historic Ybor. If you love roosters, nostalgic Ybor, and a great outdoor space — this is it. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. If you’re considering this venue, you get to work with Sandra — and you’ll be in great hands. — Tony + Josh

Really Cool stuff such as statues and nice park! I love this city for its famous chickens! There are rooster and chickens everywhere! So unique and great.

This is a museum you can visit that explains the history of Ybor City. There are two portions: an indoor museum area with exhibits and information, and a tour through daily life of historic Ybor City. The museum has lots of information, but doesn’t have enough ‘wow’ factor that doesn’t make things definitely worth visiting. However, you’ll still learn a lot. You can get a paid 30 minute tour of some of the state-owned houses you can walk through. The park ranger guiding the tour is very knowledgeable about the house, what people usually did, social hierarchies, and technology at the time. Don’t forget to ask some insightful questions! Overall, this isn’t a top tier museum, but is still worth visiting.

Great small museum with easy to read Ybor city history. The building used to be local bakery and the original ovens were preserved - make sure to check out how LARGE they were! They have tours of “La casitas” very worth it! Last tour is at 2:30pm. $4 per person cost. The museum also has a 20 minute video. The hidden gem in the area is the “Ybor city walking tour” on trip advisor!!!!

This is a very nice State Park. Preserves the history of Ybor City. The tour is very informative and a must see. Walking through the museum was amazing. Some of the things that happened are interesting. If you are in the area stop and take a look at one of Florida’s great State Parks

Loved it. Very nice and quaint. Only $4.00 per person. You get to see a 20 minute video of the history of Ybor city and then you can walk around looking at the different displays. If you take the trolley (it's free) you can get down on stop #1 and the museum is across the plaza/park. Definitely recommend.

Our visit to Ybor City: A Gem in Tampa's Cultural Tapestry Nestled northeast of downtown Tampa lies the captivating Ybor City Historic District, a testament to Tampa's rich cultural heritage and industrial prowess. Our recent visit to the Ybor City Museum State Park left us enthralled and eager to share our experience with fellow travelers. Upon arrival, we were pleased to find ample city parking conveniently scattered throughout the area, facilitating stress-free exploration. The pay-by-kiosk system streamlined our parking experience, allowing us to focus on immersing ourselves in the district's allure. The park itself may be modest in size, but it is teeming with historical significance. Wander through its hallowed grounds, and you'll encounter a plethora of meticulously preserved buildings and architectural marvels, each whispering tales of a bygone era. The diverse array of structures reflects the fusion of cultures that once thrived here, from European influences to the indelible mark of Cuban immigrants. One cannot mention Ybor City without paying homage to its most colorful residents: the free-roaming chickens. These charismatic creatures, adorned in vibrant hues and even boasting metallic plumage, add an enchanting charm to the district's streets. Watching them strut about is an experience in itself, a delightful reminder of the area's idiosyncratic character. As we strolled through the historic streets, we found ourselves spoiled for choice with dining establishments and bars catering to every palate. From traditional Cuban fare to eclectic fusion cuisine, and everything in between Ybor City offers a culinary journey like no other. And of course, no visit would be complete without indulging in the area's famed cigars. Witnessing a skilled artisan craft cigars firsthand is a testament to Ybor City's enduring legacy as the "Cigar Capital of the World." For those eager to explore beyond the park's confines, the city trolley presents a convenient and complimentary mode of transportation. Embark on a journey through time as you traverse the downtown area, all while relishing the tales of Tampa's immigrant communities that shaped Ybor City's narrative. With each step, each snapshot captured, we couldn't help but marvel at the tapestry of history woven into the fabric of Ybor City. From its humble beginnings as a cigar-making mecca to its status as a National Historic Landmark, this district stands as a testament to the resilience and cultural diversity that define Tampa's identity. In conclusion, our visit to Ybor City was nothing short of enchanting, leaving us with cherished memories and a newfound appreciation for Tampa's storied past. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culinary connoisseur, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, Ybor City beckons with open arms. Don't hesitate to embark on your own journey of discovery – you won't be disappointed. Thomas Corrao #straycompassphotography #straycompasstravels

Wow! I love photos and art in general but it's not a museum, I felt cheated and disappointed. A glorified and generic photo exhibit that took around 10 minutes to see. Not worth $12 at all. My first reaction was that's it. Really! My son stared at me in disbelief. Yikes!!! If you want to enjoy art or a museum visit The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, Imagine Museum or anything else around Central Florida.

An absolute gem in Ybor City, the Art Museum exudes a captivating atmosphere that elevates the entire experience. The staff is incredibly friendly, making every visit feel like a warm welcome. The curated collection is not just impressive but also thought-provoking. And let's not forget the delightful surprises in the form of unique items available for purchase – a perfect way to take a piece of art home with you. Located in the vibrant heart of Ybor City, this museum is a definite recommendation for both locals and tourists seeking a blend of culture and charm. A must-visit that earns top marks for its friendly vibes and artistic treasures.

My experience here was one of the best while in Tampa. I am an avid photographer and love documenting trips and where I visit. This tour was free and we got an entire tour of the museum by our wonderful tour guide. We got to visit during the day and we were practically the only ones on the tour. 10/10 would recommend!

My wife and I are both into photography so we appreciated the art and took our time. That said it only took about an hour to see everything. There are 2 dead end wings. Maybe 50 to 60 photos? If you're in the Curtis Park area it's nice to come inside for a look around the lobby, which is very nice.

This was my first time visiting this museum . I came to see the Langston Hughes collection . I was very satisfied with my experience there because the museum has a little bit of everything. They also showcase photographs from local artist as well as extrinsic artist as Roger Ballen (1950)

The opening exhibit at their new location in Ybor City is fantastic. Icons of black and white photography - among many works in familiar with, I greatly enjoyed learning new ones such as Lewis Hine. Highly recommend this art exhibit to enjoy photography greats close to home.

Excellent museum historical photos and just a wonderful place to add culture to your visit to YBOR

Hyde Park Village is a beautiful part of Tampa that is definitely one of the most upscale areas. If you aren’t even a little bit dressed up you will feel out of place here. It’s a lovely place to walk around, enjoy the small park if you want or take your pick of dozens of shopping choices, restaurants and a few other activities like candle or bracelet making. As mentioned, it is upscale shopping so the selections are not cheap- prepare your wallet or understand you won’t buy anything. Places like Sephora, Lululemom, Anthropology, and Nike are here, to give perspective. But again, there’s a lot to do and even just people watching is very entertaining. It’s super dog friendly and there is usually a lot of parking though weekends it is so packed it’s stressful irregardless trying to navigate in and out.

Beautiful spot. Reminds me of Glendale Galleria in LA. Well maintained premises. Great stores and restaurants. Love it

The whole experience with New Life Homes was fantastic from our first meeting to the final walkthrough of our kitchen remodel. Jon and Kasey were great to work with and we loved their entire team for our project, they went above and beyond. The quality craftsmanship and modern farmhouse design have transformed our home into exactly what we dreamed of having.

The drinks looked good. The food was wonderful. I had the brussels sprouts, the focaccia bread is a must. I will definitely be back and partake of the happy hour.

This area is surrounded by a variety of unique and beautiful restaurants, offering a delightful culinary experience. I would definitely return, although my search for incredible places for my new Instagram channel, @Good_f94, continues. Always on the lookout for the best culinary experiences to share!

Hyde Park Village is an elegant open-air shopping area in Tampa, celebrated for its sophisticated dining choices and upscale retail options. This charming destination features diverse restaurants, including Bartaco, Meat Market Steakhouse, On Swann, and Ro Modern Asian, and desserts and coffee shops such as Buddy Brew Coffee and The Salty Donut. Visitors can also explore a variety of retailers, including Sur La Table and Zadig & Voltaire, among others. The area boasts a picturesque water fountain within a small park with benches and a beautifully adorned Christmas tree. Overall, Hyde Park Village provides a clean and inviting environment, making it an excellent choice for strolls.

Lovely place to walk around. High end shopping and delicious food. I was there during Christmas time and they had it beautifully decorated! There's also a arrest market they put up every first Sunday of the month

Great tour! Dunedin is such a quaint town. Kimberly shared history and was gracious. I loved the fact that her focus was on supporting local business. All the stops were delicious. I never thought I would say I couldn’t eat more lol. A must if you visit the area!!

The Tampa Bay Food Tour of Dunedin was fantastic! Kimberly was fun, casual, and extremely knowledgeable. The food and drink selections were well-positioned and perfectly timed. Our 70 year old parents were able to keep up just fine. A great way to check out beautiful, charming Dunedin!

Alex went above and beyond any food your I’ve ever experienced. The stops were rich with history of the area, including the story of the restaurant origins. The tour was a good pace and a good value. Obviously the food was the highlight. If I could have eaten a whole lobster and shrimp pizza, I would have! Note: Get the margarita!

Truly enjoyed the St. Pete walking tour. Food and wine pairings were great. Our tour guide, Kimberly, shared interesting historical insights. It was a lovely evening! We met some really nice people due to the intimate setting. Highly recommend this food tour.

Alex was. Great guide. She knows Tamp well and provided a wonderful experience. The stops were well timed, food Delicious and drinks tasty. Plenty of food for dinner. Each stop was unique. I highly recommend Tampa Bay Food tours.

We booked the Dunedin food tour in June and Alex was out tour guide. He is very well informed and provided a lot of cool facts and history about the area. All the places were amazing with delicious food and drinks. We loved it so much we took the same tour with Alex again in September!

Jenn our guide was awesome! She was very knowledgeable about each of the restaurants and Tampa in general. All the restaurant choices were delish, various cultures and the tastings were large portions. We also like that each restaurant was a family owned business. The overall experience was 5 stars!

Attended the Dunedin Food Tour on Saturday 1/13/24, despite the chillier weather the food tour was excellent, we stopped off at 5 locations, and had a seafood theme, all very palatable and delicious. We fell in love with the Dunedin, lots of small Ma and Pa eateries which did not disappoint. Like the fact that adult beverages were included, and we got to try out different breweries, and seafood establishments which we likely wouldn't have known about. Met some nice people as well. We will definitely be coming back to Dunedin, as this tour was a great way to break the ice in our familiarity with the town. We loved the historical information Alex (tour guide) provided, and totally enjoyed the details of Dunedin establishments. Highly recommend the tour. Easy to book and available free parking helped. Overall excellent experience!

We booked a tour with Kimberly for our work event and had a fantastic time! We were all very impressed with the variety and quality of food and service. It was well organized and Kimberly was great to work with. We really enjoyed learning about the history of Tampa. I would highly recommend!

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.

This was my first visit! Beautiful facility and venue. I love the Historic features of this Famous Tampa Landmark. Amazing staff!

Love Tampa Bay Downs in the Winter & Spring. Plenty of journeyman jockeys to watch riding a myriad of horses from different places. Up & close paddock is one of a kind in the country where your feet from the horses getting ready before they go out onto the track. One of my favorite female jockeys is Carol Cedeno. A must go to hidden gem!!!

What a great track and day out for a family. We're a family of four and we bought a Groupon off which was a good offer but mainly for the finish line seats. The seats are undercover in the main stand and the betting terminals and food and drinks counter were very close to the seats. The betting on the terminals was very easy and I've not used them before. The main building was really clean and the employees were amazing, all very helpful with advice. The parade circle was a couple of minutes walk and there were enough people (on a Wednesday) to make a good atmosphere. You could also stand on the finish line on the rail if we wanted.. Our kids really enjoyed the day. Food and drink was good value at $4 for a draught beer .And there was plenty of parking close to the entrance.

Wow! What fun, we had a blast. If you haven't been, you should go. Brush up on how to bet on a horse race YouTube before you go, they don't teach you on-site. Our group had a delicious buffet then watched 5 races and won a small amount. Fun was had by all.

One of my favorite places to go is definitely Tampa Bay Downs for the horse races. Love the vibe, bar, food, snacks drinks the betting it's just a vibe period.

Super nice and helpful staff, clean! Fun day with a delicious lunch (chicken piccata was off the charts) in the clubhouse. Drinks were great too, Bloody Mary is a must! Won all three races I played!!

Always a great experience here. TBD has an awesome setup facility wise, clean, plenty of food/drink options and never feels overwhelming even when there is alot of people there.

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa is one of my favorite spots in the city. With stunning views of the Hillsborough River and the skyline, it’s the perfect place to relax, take a walk, or enjoy the sunset. The park is clean, well-maintained, and always buzzing with activity from yoga classes and food trucks to weekend markets and festivals. There’s a great playground for kids, a dog park, and plenty of open space for picnics or just lounging under the trees. It’s also a short walk to great spots like the Tampa Museum of Art and Armature Works. Whether you’re visiting or local, this park is a must-see and truly captures the heart of downtown Tampa.

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is a beautiful spot to relax and take in the scenery. The river view walkway was absolutely stunning, and the whole area had a peaceful, scenic vibe. I just wish there were more benches to sit and enjoy the view for longer. Overall, it’s a great place to visit and unwind!

Perfect place to catch a sunset or stroll down the Riverwalk. Lots of open area for activities. 😎

Very nice place to walk or take a jog, decent playground with plenty of kids and their families after sunset so you and your kid(s) won’t be alone while playing (because as a parent, that can feel sketchy no matter where you are). Lots of people have their dogs but everyone was on leash and was respectful to keep their dogs close to them. Many skaters, rollerblades, biking and as the sun sets the views on the water are very beautiful! I wish I’d have taken pictures. Very diverse, a seemingly 420 friendly area, and plenty of food trucks within a 2 block radius to get a bite incase you’re like us and stay there longer than anticipated because it was such a good time!

This park is awesome. I am not from Tampa, however, I was inviting with so much to do. The riverboat is reasonably priced for an all day pass. Enjoyed it! Will definitely visit again

My kid and I frequent this park throughout the year and it's nice but the playground is quite small. I would recommend expanding it and adding swings and a few other things. During Christmas, this park comes alive and I give it 5 stars! There are beautifully decorated trees scattered throughout the park and festive activities during the evening hours which include ice skating.

This was a nice park. Had a view of the river. A water pump that spews water. A play area for children. It’s very close to the children’s museum and the library. Play area could use some cleaning and sanitizing.

It was amazing; we gave our friend a trip to this place for her birthday. We had a wonderful time from start to finish. Our guides were amazing, supporting us and reassuring us, and they explained everything very clearly. We had a wonderful experience and a great adrenaline rush. Taking a leap of faith is a unique experience and overcoming your fears. I wholeheartedly recommend this place to everyone. ❤️‍🔥

We had an amazing tour with Andrew and Haley. We were the only ones at that tour time and things moved quickly because we didn’t have to wait for others. Our guides were fun and entertaining and worked well together. They really made our day so Much more enjoyable. The course was challenging and fun. Thanks so much for a great day!

Empower Adventures Tampa Bay was an unforgettable experience! From start to finish, the staff made me feel so comfortable and safe while still keeping the energy high and fun. The zip lining views were absolutely breathtaking flying over the water and trees felt like something out of a movie! 🌳✨ I definitely conquered some fears I didn’t even know I had, and by the end, I felt so empowered (pun intended 😅). If you’re looking for something adventurous, exciting, and confidence-boosting, I 100% recommend checking them out. Tell them Yoly sent you!

This was the perfect bachelorette activity! We had so much fun! From booking to doing the tour everyone was so kind and made the process so easy! Allyson and Haley kept us laughing the entire time even though some of us were nervous (@me). They were absolutely amazing and made our friends bachelorette unforgettable!

Really fun experience, aided by two great guides - Ryan and Ollie. Several lines plus you walk across wood pole suspended dozens of feet off ground along woth an actual suspension bridge. Great view of the bay area at top of each platform.

Let’s just say I HATE HEIGHTS SO MUCH!!! But my instructors Alison and Michale were ALSOME!!!!! I had such a great experience but a SCARED one too. I wanted to do this for my birthday and I finally did it. Definitely a 10/10 experience and what’s crazy. I found this place on TikTok and it’s exactly the hype!!! Will I do this again? I don’t know because I was so scared but they made it so worth the experience. Would definitely go again and do a different experience. They have so many options!!!

Ollie and Ryan were awesome - we had such an amazing day zip lining with awesome views. Great afternoon getting the adrenaline going!

Would totally recommend coming here and getting the tour to learn the history of this town and how cigars are made. It was nice to hear some background store while enjoying the smell of rustic. Nicely decorated inside though the kitchen and food preparation area did seem pretty dirty, cramped and not to standard. The overall area and restrooms were pretty clean. It is a little bit secluded into a very quiet area and parking is very limited. Food was just ok and the drinks were ok too. Employees were nice but the energy inside was pretty dull. Not meant to spent a long time here

This was, by far, an absolutely awesome tour. We got to see the entire process for both machine made, and hand rolled cigars. You get to see where they store the cigars and where they make them. It’s so interesting to watch and you pretty much can walk around With reason and see the rollers up close and personal. And the best part was, we got to meet the owner, Eric Newman. When we were in the museum portion of the tour. He was very personable and friendly. And you can tell that he loves what he does. I would absolutely recommend this tour for anyone visiting Tampa and Ybor City!

Phenomenal place to visit while on Ybor or Tampa. You will be welcome into the last cigar making company in the United States. Best part? It's family owned and most of the employees have been there for 20+ years. All of them very welcoming and knowledgeable about their trade. You can purchase cigars and enjoy them in a outdoor partio just outside the beautifully restore 100+ yo building. A guided tour for 2 wa very affordable.

A Truly Unforgettable Experience – JC Newman Factory Tour From the moment we stepped into the historic JC Newman Cigar Factory, we knew we were in for something special—but the experience far exceeded our expectations. The blend of rich history, craftsmanship, and genuine passion that fills every corner of the building is simply unmatched. It’s more than a tour; it’s a journey through the legacy of America’s oldest family-owned premium cigar maker. What truly elevated the experience, though, was our extraordinary tour guide. Their depth of knowledge about the cigar industry was nothing short of remarkable. From the origins of tobacco farming to the intricate details of hand-rolling cigars, every explanation was filled with insight, enthusiasm, and personal passion. They didn’t just teach us about cigars—they brought the story of JC Newman and the entire industry to life. You could tell this wasn’t just a job for them—it was something they truly loved, and it made all the difference. The tour beautifully combines the old and the new, with original antique machinery still in operation alongside a modern commitment to tradition and quality. Seeing skilled artisans hand-roll cigars and learning about the company’s dedication to preserving this craft was a privilege. The museum exhibits, rolling rooms, and even the view from the tower offered layers of depth that made the whole experience rich and engaging. Whether you’re a cigar aficionado or just someone who appreciates history, craftsmanship, and great storytelling, the JC Newman Factory Tour is an absolute must. And if you’re lucky enough to have the same guide we did—you’re in for a truly unforgettable experience. Highly recommended!

We’ve now been to the JC Newman factory three times, once for their new haunted house experience, and twice for the normal factory tour. The factory tour is a fascinating walk through the history and present not just of the factory, but a bit of Ybor and cigar culture as well. The staff leading the tour are excellent and knowledgeable and those going through their normal working day are very kind and show off great skill. Highly recommended. The haunted house experience was nicely integrated into the basement of the factory and featured some good frights for some of the more timid in our party. We met Mel in marketing there as well and had a great conversation about their future plans. I think she even talked my wife and I into booking a class here in the future!

My son and I have been passionate cigar aficionados for much of our lives. For his birthday, we made a special trip to tour the J.C. Newman Cigar Company and join their cigar-making workshop. As the oldest family-owned premium cigar producer in America, they masterfully combine time-honored traditions with exceptional quality that's rare to come by. What impressed us the most was their dedication to artisanal craftsmanship—especially learning that each cigar is hand-rolled in their iconic Tampa factory, which deepened our respect for the process. The team was welcoming and incredibly well-versed in every aspect of the cigar world.

What an absolutely incredible experience touring the J.C. Newman Cigar Factory in Tampa! From the moment I stepped inside, I was blown away by the sense of history and pride that fills this place. You can feel the heritage in every corner of the building, with over 100 years of cigar-making tradition still alive and thriving today. The tour does an amazing job of walking you through the entire process, from the hand-rolling of cigars to the intricate use of machines that are over 90 years old and still running beautifully. Seeing these vintage machines in action alongside skilled artisans who carry on the craft with such passion was something truly special. What really impressed me was how much you learn, not just about cigars but about the Newman family’s legacy, their dedication to quality, and how they’ve adapted and preserved this rich culture through generations. It’s rare to find a place that combines craftsmanship, history, and heart so perfectly. A huge shoutout to Cody, our phenomenal tour guide! He went above and beyond, answering every question, sharing incredible stories, and giving us insight into parts of the process most people never get to see. His enthusiasm and knowledge made the whole experience unforgettable. If you’re ever in Tampa, this tour is an absolute must-do, even if you’re not a cigar aficionado. You’ll walk away with a deep appreciation for the artistry, tradition, and legacy.

Enjoyed an Immersion Art Show of Van Gogh and Monet paintings on its last showing September 28. Great way to experience art as it really does envelope your senses! The Straz Center, in downtown Tampa, offers many other shows and it's worth it to join their email list. The theater itself needs some renovation but it's still a gem! Parking available on the street and in nearby garages, both offering reasonable hourly rates. The gift shop for the Art Show was pricey! On site restaurant was closed while I was there. Recommend calling advance in planning your trip. Box office e-tickets were easy to obtain online, with no hassle. Enjoy a day (or night) out soon!

saw future Broadway stars there, impressive show

Saw Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet. The immersion is a great way to experience art.

Nice went for Juneteenth event and it was in the small theater forgot the name but it was a great event. Would go for future events.

Went to the Van Gogh experience. Very interesting. All the people who work there were terrific. The center itself was a little disappointing as it is basically just a large warehouse.

Not a bad seat at the Straz center. I love the variety of shows.

Amazing time seeing the Jonas brothers

Uncle took my girlfriend and I here and it may have ruined steak, and perhaps even food for me as it was the best meal i have ever had. Will probably have to save up for a year before we can go on our own but my gosh is it worth it. The steak was phenomenal and the martini was perfectly made. Salad was fresh and the dressings were fantastic. The tour was absolutely fascinating to learn the history and see how everything works in the kitchen. Feels like you’re in the tv show the bear when you go back there. Waiter was great and then had an amazing desert in the upstairs desert area. 10/10 would recommend

My husband and I planned a weekend trip from Daytona to Tampa specifically to try Bern’s after hearing so many glowing reviews from friends and social media. The interior is certainly unique and you can tell it once had a “wow” factor, but much of it feels dated now, with worn chairs, faded décor, and crowded, noisy dining rooms. The lobby was chaotic upon arrival with no clear direction on where to go, and the host stand felt rushed and unfriendly. The pre-table drink service in the lobby was a nice idea in theory, but difficult to navigate while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other guests. We were seated in a loud room next to the bathroom with a large mural that looked faded. Our server, Harrison, unfortunately offered service that did not match the reputation or price point of this restaurant. He barely stopped at the table, never checked our steaks for temperature, and we had to flag him down multiple times for refills or additional drinks. There was little warmth or conversation, no check-in about how we were enjoying our meal, and no clearing of plates—even though we saw other servers doing so at nearby tables. For a restaurant that claims extensive staff training, this felt like a major miss. The steaks themselves were also underwhelming. My Chateaubriand was tough and looked like an end cut, and my husband’s Delmonico was extremely fatty. The included sides (onion strings, green beans, French onion soup, and the house salad) felt more like something from a diner than a high-end steakhouse. The upgraded lobster bisque and Caesar salad were just okay, and the house salad tasted limp and far from fresh. The oysters and stone crab were excellent, however, and the dessert room was genuinely enjoyable. Our dessert-room server was warm, knowledgeable, and made that portion of the night feel special. The cost is also important to mention. Dinner alone was $500, which already included the restaurant’s mandatory 12% server tip. The dessert room added another $100, making our total for the night roughly $600. For that price, the food quality and service fell far short of expectations. I would have shared my concerns with management, but no manager ever came by to check on tables. While Bern’s has an interesting history and the dessert room is worth experiencing once, the rest of the evening didn’t reflect the reputation or the high-end pricing. We actually made reservations at Bull & Bear in Orlando while dining because we wanted a guaranteed great steakhouse experience the following weekend. For us, Bern’s was overhyped, and we wouldn’t return based on this visit.

First time here and it was amazing. Our waitress Dyell for our dinner was outstanding. Answered all our questions gave excellent recommendations and was attentive to all our needs. We took the kitchen and wine tour, it's a must do if you have the time. Also the dessert room was exquisite. Our waitress Adelaide was awesome. Great food, excellent service. A birthday celebration for my husband and Bern's did not disappoint. Thank you. Will definitely be back.

Berns was such a great dining experience. The food was top notch. Service attentive and detailed oriented. The atmosphere so laid back. Really glad they had a dress code. The wine and bourbon selects were overwhelming. Great place to dine. For a quick 1 min highlight reel go to @payattentionjj on the Instagrams. Thanks, JJ

We had a great first time with Tracy as our Waiter from the starters to the amazing Delmonico Ribeye we had everything was phenomenal. After our meal we toured the Kitchen and Expansive wine cellar with over 800k diffrent bottles it was amazing. Later we finished upstairs dessert room with the great pianist and great vibes. 10/10 highly recommend if visiting Tampa.

The table's favorite item: Okinawan Sweet Potato Puree! Very delicious!! Service was fantastic, especially the lovely people who led us through a tour. The wine room was beautiful (and chilly), and the Dessert room was unique and tasty.

This is an upscale restaurant with excellent service and a beautifully designed vintage interior that creates a great atmosphere. The evening began with a rather bizarre tour through the kitchen and then down to the wine cellar – interesting, but a bit odd. The “salad” was a strange mix of vegetables, including an olive straight from a can, which didn’t leave a good impression. The onion soup was disappointing (my wife’s version is far better), and the steak was just okay – nothing to remember. The side dishes, however, made things worse: the crispy fried onion strings were completely unnecessary and added nothing but heartburn, and the beans came in a strange, unidentifiable sauce that didn’t complement the dish at all. For dessert, we tried the crème brûlée, which was excellent, and the bread pudding, which was cute but not remarkable. Overall, a pleasant experience thanks to the service and ambiance, but the food itself lacked any real “wow” factor.

It’s a nice green space with some interesting plants, flowing water features, and a nice retreat similar to other places of that era. If you want some beautiful scenery and wildlife, it’s a nice choice as a regular retreat if you live in the Bay Area. We got a good deal for a family membership so it’s nice to pop over and walk around for an hour or two as one of the few places to get some green around here. There are a couple of shady open areas with astroturf that are good for the kiddos to play. Otherwise there’s not much going on other than looking at things and relaxing. A nice option if you have visitors who love plants, or want something sedate, but mostly just a stroll and relaxing kind of spot.

Escape the city without leaving the city. This garden transports you into a lush tropical oasis. Surrounded by vibrant colors, calming sounds, and layered textures of cascading landscapes, you can meander the blissfully winding trails for hours. Stop by the flamingos to see them dance in delight at feeding time. The Macaws and Tuscan show off their vivid colors at their own exhibits throughout the property. Other special sightings include butterflies, a kookaburra, tortoises, and turtle. The garden also provides ample opportunities for photo ops and has a gift shop as well.

I'm so glad we finally got a chance to go. This place is breathtaking 😍. Trying to navigate with the map is kinda tricky. There are not a lot of restroom. I liked that we could pack our own lunch, so we had a nice picnic on the lawn. They were also setting up for wla wedding which looked very beautiful. I actually got to see the stunning bride. They also have birds.

What a wonderful place to visit. If you have any interest at all in exotic trees, please visit this place. Sunken Gardens has been around for a long time and has some great history. Beautiful blooms and natural architecture of the plants and trees will WOW you. They also have some birds and turtles on site. With a nice little gift shop. For those who are interested for the kids also attached to Great Explorations.

This small garden is really worth visiting. The Chilean flamingo is one of the attractions. Furthermore, there are a great number of trees and flowers which are professionally designed, carefully maintained and healthy growing. It is a magic plant kingdom. Let’s go!

We visited the Sunken Gardens on a beautiful Monday afternoon and although it was hot, the experience was pleasant. We thoroughly enjoyed our walk through the lush gardens and watching the flamingos get fed. We found the paths to be a little confusing, even using the map provided, but were still able to find everything and get the full experience. Definitely recommend getting the Groupon for 2 adult ticket admission IYKYK.

Absolutely gorgeous. Pathways of exotic plants, trees, flowers and fruit featuring fish, birds, turtles and lizards everywhere. Tons of insta worthy photo ops with impressive natural backdrops. A beautiful wedding or private event venue. Admissions donated to local wildlife and preservation societies. A must see when in St. Pete

We visited Wat Mongkolratanaram on a Sunday during their popular brunch hours. The temple itself is clean, serene, and well-maintained, but the brunch area was quite crowded. As vegetarians, we were disappointed to find there were virtually no vegetarian food options available. We ended up skipping the brunch altogether and heading to another Thai restaurant nearby. While the temple is worth visiting for its peaceful atmosphere and cultural experience, I wouldn’t recommend coming here solely for the food if you’re vegetarian.

What an amazing hidden gem! Definitely go early. My partner and I got here a bit before 10 and the line was getting long; but they had not run out of any food items yet. The couple in front of us gave us the idea for one person in our party to wait in the longer appetizer and dessert line and the other person in the party get whatever else to cut down on waiting time which was a game changer. Dress modestly (pants or long skirt and sleeved shirts) if you want to visit the temple.

Beautiful temple on water front, beautiful landscape and Buddhist sculptural art work, lots of mature trees, tropical flower gardens, picnic area along the river, nice fish viewing pier, green environment all around, lots of parking space. The best of all, people sells yummy asian foods and sweets on Sunday morning through lunchtime, raising money for the care and maintenance of the temple. A short tourist visit turns out to be a great time and souvenir for our families.

Great place to visit on a Sunday. The food is fresh and delicious. Bring cash, you will be hungry once you smell the food. Be patient, the lines don't take too long, and everything served is worth the wait.

Food festival on Sunday is great! Recommended to go early to avoid long lines and outages. See pics for rules visiting the temple - clothing, shoes, etc

I ❤️ the grounds, and it made me really look into the background and religion. I decided to visit again this time to eat and this was where I was not pleased. As a Google foodie- my niche is trying new foods and new food places. I spent $30 which wasn't bad but the noodles were so cold in the lo mein... well, I couldn't eat it. I don't know what was in the empanadas but it was sweet and but what i was expecting, lastly the pad thai was box tasting so I would not recommend making this your main meal of the day. The highlight is the beautiful gardens and peace of the grounds. I saw a monk, and I felt the presence of peace. Enjoy your time there, it is worth the visit!!! Cash only and dog friendly boy not in the area where you order the food

Such a nice relaxing enjoyable day with amazing food. The beef noodle soup was worth the wait. The view was tranquil and serene

Difficult to sum up how diverse & full of wonders yet some gut-wrenching impacts of the modern age- on this fairly moderate sized Florida river I have called home for several years, in a fairly concise review. Obviously like lots of rivers, there's a dam, urban near the end. But loads of gators above the dam. May not see them always but they're there. Lots of trash anywhere south of fletcher or fowler. I've tried keeping pace, loading up Many full large trash bags removing from the river and parks (mainly from riverhills to rowlett park, but below rowlett park dam is bad too) but there has to be tons underwater and caught inbetween plants. Seems other people cope by calling it a lost cause, or just mainly praising the upper reaches. But I know the middle and lower reaches still have a diversity of life forms, active still kicking ecosystems. Just please don't litter, use common sense... even on land, a lot ends up in the river, and impacts our water supply and wildlife alike. Definitely worth studying and appreciating for at least the reasons above, even if it isn't absolutely stunning & unforgettable as say the Suwannee river of north florida or a crystal clear spring-fed river. This relatively wild river still exists and is kicking despite all the people around it and pollution/ litter/ water withdrawls, and it is still incredibly not just a distant echo of what it must have been like hundreds of years ago

This is a great place to go to get away or to take friends and family on a little day adventure. The river is easy to maneuver through and there is a lot to see and explore. Lots of wildlife like birds and alligators, but none of them are anything to worry about, they stay to themselves. Make sure to bring bug spray and sunscreen! Hang out at the parks or on the water, either one, there is a lot to do and spend a whole day here. Bring food and explore all the things.

It is scenic and flows through the heart of Tampa. Has also been maintained quite clean. I must say.

Can never get enough of the water . Always a place to relax your mind .and see nature.

All Day pass for the water Taxi is the best way to explore for the day.

Beautiful its clean ton of Birds and Alligators sunbathing good for canoeing when alligators are full

Absolutely gorgeous views and animals

rooster and the Till is a very interesting place I can tell you it is definitely a very popular spot in Tampa so I would highly recommend that you plan in advance and make a reservation for this place as it is constantly booked. Overall, the food is good. I would recommend you try the fish Thai dish and the beats which are good, but I think they were missing an acidic point to it. Maybe some lemon or more tomatoes would’ve made the dish shine more as overall the beats were pretty plain. The service is good. I think they’re on top of everything, however, they didn’t miss one of my orders and gave me something different, but they immediately fixed the problem and sent me the right thing while giving me that other dish for free which I appreciate, I think that was because they were very busy that day, so I’m sure it’s an honest mistake The place is good. I can see why it is popular. The atmosphere is very alive. I would definitely come here to try the food and have a good time. I don’t know if it’s ready for the next step where some other restaurant are in terms of Michelin star worthy , but I do know that if they keep working on their food improving their flavors this could be an interesting spot in the future.

We recently went to Rooster & the Till for our 1yr anniversary and it did not disappoint! From the moment we walked in the service and atmosphere were great! We reserved chef seating which made the meal even better, it was so cool watching the kitchen do what they do, and boy do they do it well! Arguable the best food I’ve ever had in Tampa. Our server Caleb was top notch as well, bringing a smile and great recommendations, personality, and service to our night. Everyone knows you have to get the cobia collar, definitely not an overrated dish! Everything else was fantastic as well, but the tuna tartar was my 2nd favorite. 10/10 all around, we’ll be back!

This is literally my favorite place on this entire planet. I actually call it my home when I’m going to it. Chef Luke, Angel, Marcello, Maddy, Karlyn, Lea, and yes even you Nate (lol); you guys all make this place feel so welcoming. My fiancé and I have come here countless times now and it literally never disappoints. The food is so amazing. It’s the first place to ever get me to actually enjoy seafood dishes. The cobia is my favorite dish I’ve ever had. I think about it when I’m not there and crave it when I do. I could go on forever but honestly if you’re still reading this, just GO. Experience it for yourself. Go there with an open mind and no expectations.

From the welcome greeting to the goodbyes our experience was brilliant! We ordered based on reviews for our first time there. We had the tuna tartare, cobia collar, roasted beets, gnocchi, black sesame ice cream, and the olive oil cake. The cobia collar and the black sesame ice cream were my favorites. Everything though has so many layers of flavors and textures. Each bite is a dance of flavors on your palette. I will say that if you go you must absolutely try the black sesame ice cream. It was something magical! We drove an hour and a half and We will most definitely be back to try more dishes soon!

Had dinner on Halloween, restaurant was at maybe 1/4 capacity which was nice as a guest. The service was consistently excellent throughout the meal. The menu was explained well, as were the wines. The roasted golden beets and the cobia collar were two stand-out dishes for us, both had tons of flavor and the cobia collar was a fun experience. We look forward to coming back again soon!

Don’t be scared by the location and the outside! The magic happens on the inside. Nice and clean place with an amazing staff! The food is amazing, keep in mine the small plates, but packed with flavors. This place is on its way to a Michelin star!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Great job!

I dream about the short rib gnocchi 🤤 literally my favorite dish above all else! I didn’t even capture a photo since we devoured it immediately upon arrival. Absolutely the best and Nathan is always amazing! 10 out of 10 every time

Excellent University. Our son is about to graduate and had one of the best life experiences attending there. Campus is beautiful, well maintained and always expanding. As a private university, we found that the overall costs to attend was less than our own so called state schools up north. Always warm and sunny in Tampa!

If you take student safety as a priority it’s a NO Nice looking school with affordable tuition but what you save in money is not worth the trouble. My daughter’s safety was in jeopardy by an unruly roommate that had no respect for herself let alone the other roommates. My daughter told her RA and the Residence Office that guys were coming into the room at all hours of the night “expecting to get some”. In addition, this roommate would lash out both verbally and physically (on video no less and yes the school is aware) and the school did NOTHING about it. When my daughter asked to switch rooms, they made her go through hell and back and guilted her for not problem solving herself. They upset her so badly that she was visibly upset and her other roommate had to come to the office to get her to calm her down. She finished out the semester and transferred out. Not only did I file a Title IX sexual harassment report that they buried but they also put a sanction on her so that she couldn’t transfer easily to another dorming college. This school is not free. I paid tuition for my daughter to be harassed by her roommate and then her school. Shame on you UTampa. No wonder the retention rate is so awful. For those parents that worry about their children away at school, this is not the school for your kid.

I deeply regret studying here. So many cancelled classes. Professors don't mark assignments for over 2 months sometimes. One professor who was awarded a teaching excellence award made mistakes on almost every single assignment, and had to repost most files. Another professor openly said to the class she is giving everyone A grades so that students don't bother her during her Christmas break. This school is a pathetic joke. Not a good place to learn.

Beautiful campus! Great programs. Our son loves it ☺️

I have not attended the University! But I can tell you it has a very rich social environment. Very close to Downton, Publix on Bayshore Blvd. I jog by the campus. I have a few friends who go there as well as grads. Kids lay in the park. Set up hammocks. It's worth a check if You're shopping for a college!

Wonderful sight of the University of Tampa during the St. Patrick's Day celebration. Very neat structure to explore!

This is a beautiful and Historic campus. Created On the side of Henry Plant's Tampa Bay Hotel, famous as the mustering site for Teddy Roosevelt and the Roughriders prior to their disembarkment To Cuba for the Spanish-American war. The hotel founder lobbied strongly for Teddy Roosevelt and his officers to come to Tampa.Their stay in Tampa helped put the city on the map. There is nice museum that preserves the flavor of the hotel in the 1890s. The hotel was considered luxurious for its time, the first hotel in Florida to have electric lights and telephones in each room. In 1919 Babe Ruth hit his longest home run in a preseason game at Plant Field, the plant Hotel Stadium. The campus is situated on the Hillsborough River which is an excellent venue for rowing. Every year Ivy League college crew teams spend their spring break here taking advantage of the enviable rowing course. Many walkways and statues from the original plant park have been maintained on the campus.

Phenomenal across the board! I had the pleasure of celebrating my birthday here for brunch this year! This was my first time ever and it did not disappoint! From start to finish this place has it together! We had to circle the block to get parking prepare for that but know there are options, street parking( for the lucky ones) some lots are about a block away. We had reservations we arrived separately the friendly hostess State at our table was ready and we were free to sit down prior to the entire party arriving. They also very thoughtfully had left a table beside us in case more people arrived than we originally thought.! Promptly greeted by our server appetizers, and drinks were served. The deviled eggs were delicious and adorable the way they were served. All of the food and entrées came out together. One dish had the wrong protein, and it was promptly corrected and brought to us personally by a manager, who is also very attentive and kind the mimosa buckets were a hit. We enjoyed a few! It’s a great shared option. The seasonal cocktails were great. This is not a place that you’re waiting a long time for those fancy muddled cocktails. They have a great list. The food was fresh. Everything was delicious. The clam chowder is the real deal creamy thick flavorful the best I’ve had in Florida. ( if not anywhere). My entree was the hanger steak I like rare it was perfect and tender do not let it overshadow the kimchi fried rice which was outstanding! Make sure you save room for this famous pie. We tried several all of them were devoured. I miss getting pictures of the delicious Dutch apple pie and I also had the peach layered pie, which was served in a jar. It was just Everything you want in that peach pie dessert! All of the staff from the hostess server, and even the bus boy who took our group photo for us went above and beyond in every opportunity they could. We were a large party. We enjoyed the food ambiance and friendship never felt rushed or needing anything the staff did a great job!There was an auto gratuity which I have no problem for the level of professionalism that they exhibit here could inspire our server, politely mention the auto gratuity and upon interaction for Payment with each person in our party repeated it reminded them so no misunderstandings Could occur. She was great! This was a memorable dining experience that will remain at the very top of my list for some time to come congratulations to those work in that Sunday morning, August 24, 2025 you all did a great job and it was so greatly appreciated. We will be back if you’re reading this review deciding if you should eat here or not don’t skip it. You’ll be sorry and missing out on a great opportunity!

Great atmosphere. Very courteous staff. Chicken sandwich was crispy and delightful. We also had their tater tots extra crispy and they were extremely enjoyable. Very crispy outside, slightly fluffy inside. Paired very well with their spicy mayo or ketchup if you’re old school.

We had some amazing oysters and Rockefeller! The hostess, Alysa (I believe she’s a manager), was awesome. Our waiter, Ashley, was the absolute best she made amazing margaritas and Old Fashion! And let’s not forget about Janay, the chef 🥰 she’s the absolute best! Everything was on point from start to finish. Highly recommend Luigi the Security Guy was Top notch as well

The Pearl was the highlight of our trip across Florida. We have traveled from Jacksonville to Gainesville, Orlando, Miami, Fort Myers, Sarasota and finally ending up in Tampa over the last three weeks. The Pearl was the perfect way to end the trip. Amazing food. Incredible atmosphere. Excellent 5-star service. We went in on a busy night (Elevation Worship was playing at the Benchmark Arena) so had to park in the paid lot a little down the way but the walk through Water St made it worthwhile. We walked in without a reservation and within 3 minutes they had a table ready for us. Both the hostess and waitress gave amazing recommendations. Definitely recommend the Smoked Salmon starter for any salmon lover. There is no portion of the salmon that doesn’t explode with flavor. We ended up ordering two. We then ordered the Scallops, Hanger Steak, and the Redfish. I don’t see how you could make the dishes better. The Chef has truly perfected these meals. The Hanger steak comes with Kimchi rice and it provides the perfect amount of kick (but not what I would call spicy) to compliment the amazing steak. The scallops have been the best scallops we have had in Florida thus far. You can tell the quality from every single bite. The redfish (apparently a newer menu item) was fresh and also an exquisite experience all on its own. You cannot go wrong with any of these dishes. To top it all off, we ordered three different pies, the brown sugar, the apple pie, and the Oreo pie (all with ice cream). The intensity we devoured them was almost embarrassing. All were amazing but the table consensus had the Oreo at the top. Now while you may think it’s just a typical pie with Oreos mixed in, it is not. They have somehow created the fluffiest cheesecake style pie with Oreo cookie pieces that makes every bite seem like eating an Oreo for the first time. Anytime I am in Tampa, this will be a must.

Excellent experience at this one of a kind Seafood restaurant in the heart of Channelside literally right across the street from Benchmark Arena, formerly Amalie Arena! The menu is spectacular and has something for everyone. I loved the Harbour salad which was rich with scallops, crab meat, and shrimp and featured a very nice red wine vinaigrette. I also loved the smoked whitefish spread and the Thai style mussels. For dessert I went with the iconic brown sugar pie which delighted with every bite. Overall I was very happy and impressed with The Pearl Tampa and certainly will be back!!

We ordered the Old-Fashioned Deviled Eggs—great presentation and very good flavor. The Fish & Chips were hot, crispy, and delicious. The Harbour Salad had excellent seafood flavors and was very fresh. The atmosphere was wonderful, and the service was very good. We sat by the glass wall, which gave us an amazing view, almost like sitting on the patio. The Michelin Guide was spot-on with this recommendation.

Really enjoyed the me. The Harbour salad was delicious. The server was so friendly and helpful. Great Gluten-free options. They even had corn bread croutons in the salad!