50 Free Things to do in Tampa Bay
Plus there’s a museum cafe and gift shop on site. Enjoy a free visit to Jose Marti Park and the Oakwood Cemetery or peruse the local art galleries. Built in 1926, the Tampa Theatre is a luxurious movie palace featuring a unique mix of architectural styles including Italian Renaissance, Byzantine and Greek Revival. That is, until a century later when the Tampa Bay Brewing Company was born and ushered in a craft beer renaissance. You may find out after reviewing the names of the waterslides: Vortex, Aruba Tuba, Caribbean Corkscrew, Colossal Curl, Vanish Point, Water Moccasin, Calypso Curl, and Riptide. Let’s get into the list of the best things to do in Tampa. After opening in the 1930s, it became one of the first state parks in Florida. If you and your partner like both these types of art, you should go here for sure.
Ybor City Cigar Factories
Calello and Springer were taken into custody and charged with sexual activity involving animals. Gallery iconWhy You Should Become a St. You might want to check out the aerial view. What’s great is that the beans and the roasting process of this cafe are very special. You can take a safari to see animals grazing on the plains with reproductions of African villages and camps, and the Serengeti Night Safari is one what’s in tampa florida of the most popular options. We love to play at 3 Daughters Brewing Monday nights at 7pm. There are animal exhibitions and animal attractions there to excite the whole family. You can rent equipment on site as well if you didn’t want to tote yours with you. Tampa is the holy grail for romantic getaways, thanks to the beautiful beaches, natural attractions, and downtown life. If nothing lines up with your dates, why not check out the Patel Conservatory. Moreover, the food at this place is vegetarian and vegan, which makes it even better to visit together. What’s great is that you can see the newest movies at this place. At its height, Tampa was considered the “Cigar Capital of the World”. Since founded in the 1930s, its collection has expanded considerably, and now includes birds and beasts from as far away as Africa, Asia, and Australia. For added security, we will send you a verification code to verify your identity. The historic building’s tiled floors and walls, balconies, chandeliers, historic photos, and daily flamenco shows, create a one of a kind atmosphere. This makes it perfect for a romantic date with your partner. Just a short drive northeast of downtown you can find Ybor City; a historic district with lots to see and do. On the first Friday each month, artisans gather along Beach Boulevard to showcase their creations for the Gulfport Art Walk. There are animal exhibitions and animal attractions there to excite the whole family. The Treasure Collection brings together a dozen modern downtown hotels. And, with Hillsborough Bay on one side and some of Tampa’s most expensive real estate on the other, the scenery can’t be beaten. The facility formerly known as the Tampa Zoo at Lowry Park has been renamed, ever so slightly, to the ZooTampa at Lowry Park. This is a fun water park where you can find lots of water rides and attractions. The habitats are arranged to accurately represent a watershed area similar to the Tampa area so that visitors can see the wide variety of fish and ocean life. Hot coffee with a hot date. Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Inject a bit of healthy competition into date night by playing bar trivia. In more recent years, the area has experienced a revival and is home to many shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafes.
24 Go Ice Skating Together at the Clearwater Ice Arena
If you are in for a little danger and adventure, paddle down the “alligator alley”. This is a lovely rooftop bar that you can find in St. Tampa Bay is home to dozens of scenic parks and trails that serve as the ideal setting for a romantic picnic. Not bad for a day at the beach. While you can see both new and old films here, watching one of the classics in this building is a great way to feel like you’ve stepped back to another time period. While locals will use any excuse to celebrate, visitors can get in on the action too during one of Tampa’s many unique festivals. Read more about eBoats Tampa →. Tampa’s historic Columbia Restaurant is the oldest restaurant in the state of Florida and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. If you happen to be in town on the second Wednesday of the month, head over in the evening for the monthly Heights Night Market. Ybor City is now a National Historic Landmark District. You can also visit the main Temple when the grounds are open to the public, but make sure to respect Temple etiquette as outlined here. Plant Museum, Imagine Museum, The Ringling and more. Just a short drive northeast of downtown you can find Ybor City; a historic district with lots to see and do. Newman took over another cigar factory, the Regensburg factory, one of the last and largest cigar factories built in Tampa. Tampa is the perfect place to go for the couple who loves an action packed getaway including awesome places to eat and drink, markets and coffee spots.
49 Watch a Game of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Together at the Raymond James Stadium
Pete Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Fort De Soto $5 beach parking, and Clearwater Beach. Anchored by the legendary Bern’s Steakhouse, there are so many eclectic eateries lining South Howard Avenue aka So Ho, it’s also known as “Restaurant Row” with something to tempt all palates. The various markets and food halls do their best to help you explore it. Going here is especially one of the best date ideas in Tampa if you love music. Henry Plant helped developed the railroads around the Tampa Bay area, which led to a population boom and the modern city you’re exploring today. With the water on one side and some of Tampa’s most expensive real estate on the other, the scenery can’t be beat. For more information, please read our Disclosure Policy. Lounge around in comfortable chairs looking out over the driving range, and take turns up at the tee. You don’t need a huge budget in order to plan a romantic and memorable date night with your partner. Built in 1926, the Tampa Theatre is a luxurious movie palace featuring a unique mix of architectural styles including Italian Renaissance, Byzantine and Greek Revival. It is in the swamp lands near Ona northwest of Arcadia and it’s a work of art as much as the things inside. This is one of the scariest rides I’ve ever been on. If you’d prefer a more traditional restaurant, book in advance to secure a table at Ulele, one of Tampa’s most popular restaurants. Stretch out and breathe with your date while enjoying a view of the water. Find out more about how we use your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Recommended for Best Attractions and Activities because: Walking, jogging or biking down the famous sidewalk of Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard affords beautiful water and skyline views. Follow along with us as we highlight the best places to visit, bites to eat, things to do and more. Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The Henry B. The museum has a wide variety of modern, classical, and contemporary pieces in their permanent collection in addition to a consistent line up of visiting exhibits by world renowned artists. The center provides a vital insight into the rich multicultural community that now calls Tampa home. With fully furnished rooms on deck, smash out your frustrations in a completely safe setting. Things to Do for Christmas in Tampa Bay. For example, there are also sculptures and photographs at the museum that are great to see. Another one of the best date ideas in Tampa is doing a private dolphin tour in Tampa. In the late 1800’s, thousands of immigrants from Cuba, Italy, and other countries settled in Ybor City to work in the cigar factories and the businesses that supported. A must visit for those interested in learning about the city, state and bay’s history, the Tampa Bay History Center is set along the Tampa Riverwalk in the lively Channelside District. Check out the Hyde Park Shopping District, Westshore Mall, or stroll the streets of Ybor City.
47 Visit The Mill Restaurant and Try New American Food For Dinner Together
One of the great things about visiting Tampa Florida is you don’t need a rental car. The gardens are pet friendly and are open daily from 7am 5pm. No trip to Tampa is ever complete without exploring the world famous Busch Gardens, one of the most iconic theme parks in the US. This restaurant is one city block but still offers a quaint dining atmosphere with intimate and uniquely designed rooms, which combined can seat up to 1,700 people. The Florida Orchestra has classical music concerts that are great to attend. Tampa’s most flavorful areas for dining include Ybor City, Westshore, Seminole Heights and So Ho. In the late 19th century, Vicente Martinez Ybor, a cigar baron, made his way to Tampa. This tropical paradise offers 2 acres of waterfront zen where you can see more than 500 palms and cycads from around the world. Adventure Island is conveniently located across the road from Busch Gardens. In downtown Tampa, the Florida Aquarium features a range of marine life alongside reefs and underwater flora. Less than an hour from Tampa is Clearwater Beach. Interactive activities are fun for both young children and older kids with an interest in paleontology or “Jurassic Park”. Sunshine is a near constant in Florida’s coastal city of Tampa, which offers a range of fun in the sun activities, from big amusement parks to boat tours. For the kids, four playgrounds are available, two of which have splash pads. Don’t worry, grab a seat along the deck rail and enjoy the view of some of Tampa’s finest homes. Movie Theaters That Serve Alcohol. Oh, and don’t forget to ride the park’s newest slide, Vanish Point. Lounge around in comfortable chairs looking out over the driving range, and take turns up at the tee. Park yourself at a picnic table under the oaks to listen to live music and enjoy the atmosphere. That’s a recipe for two very different things that come gloriously together here: tubing and sea cows. Csfotoimages / Getty Images. This is a place where you can find 200 specialty stores. Catch the sunset and watch the city lights come on as you enjoy a fine dinner. Check the Hyde Park Village Facebook page for upcoming workouts and details on registration. Part of the former Tampa Bay Hotel, once owned by railroad tycoon Henry Plant, was turned into a museum in 1933. In Tampa, they celebrate this history for two months every year. This is a placeholder.
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Located in Ruskin, it’s a great movie watching experience for couples where you won’t have to be bothered by the crowd around you. Petersburg Clearwater barrier islands boast approximately 35 miles of white sand beaches and pristine Gulf of Mexico waters. Some venues along the Riverwalk also offer drink specials if you’re looking to sip and stroll on a budget. Pack up your bike and hit the Courtney Campbell Trail, which stretches over Old Tampa Bay for 10 miles connecting Tampa and Clearwater. They’re also sharing their favorite free things to do with the kids in Tampa Bay too. Read more about Lettuce Lake Regional Park →. Florida Aquarium admission allows you to skip any lines, and includes the outdoor Splash Pad, where kids can cool off. Here you can visit the graves of local historical figures, including Tampa’s first mayor, Joseph B. Once known as the “Cigar Capital of the World,” the area once boasted 200 factories with 12,000 cigar makers. Recommended for Best Attractions and Activities because: The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2. We have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football, Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer, and Tampa Bay Lightning professional hockey teams. While the containers provide the Sparkman Wharf with a unique atmosphere, it will be the delectable food that keeps you around. Recommended for Best Attractions and Activities because: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a world class theme park featuring exotic animals, extreme roller coasters and live entertainment. Sean Pavone / Getty Images. Not only do you avoid the heat, but the animals also tend to be more lively. Theme parks help put Tampa on the tourist map and at the center of the city’s range of fun activities is Busch Gardens. In the north of town is where you can find many of Tampa’s enticing animal attractions and amusement parks with the world famous Busch Gardens being the city’s standout tourist attractions. The 14,000 square foot piece lights the museum’s south wall.
Beach Camping
It’s also home to a variety of recurring events, including monthly free outdoor Rock the Park concerts and more. The Riverwalk has a wonderful collection of public art along its length, ranging from murals to sculptures. It doesn’t matter if Tampa is your hometown or you’re a visitor, everyone loves their street car. If you are looking for good weather, heading to Tampa in winter, early spring, and fall are the best. FYI: parking fees do apply here. The Columbia is famous for its Spanish cuisine, dinner shows, and old world architectural charm. Plus, let’s face it, your worst fishing day on a boat coasting under the famous Skyway Bridge and through the crystal clear waters of Anna Maria Island is still probably most people’s best actual day. The market typically runs from 9am 1pm. Sign up for their two hour ziplining adventure, and you’ll be doing things at heights you could have never imagined. Read more about Hillsborough River State Park →. There are also feeding opportunities and fun night tours to embark on.
Explore Further
For most people, the year in Tampa starts with Gasparilla, our riff on Mardi Gras with a pirate twist. Offering all kinds of outdoor activities, it has diverse ecosystems with educational exhibits and displays. Or, join one of the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s free walking tours $5 donation suggested if you can October May on select Fridays at noon. It’s also the location of our most important celebration, the annual Gasparilla parade in late January. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Treasure Collection brings together a dozen modern downtown hotels. Stroll the boardwalks, listen to the soothing water fountains, spot unique art and visit themed areas like a butterfly garden and succulent garden. It’s a fantastic museum containing an astounding array of interactive exhibits, from art and the human body to science, maths and technology.
You can always add a new discount code if you have one
Plant museum and other discounts and cultural exhibits that vary month to month. Walk among 150 dinosaurs at Dinosaur World, located in Plant City, about a 20 minute drive from central Tampa. Com has contacted the Pinellas County Sherriff’s Office for comment as the investigation continues. This is a beautiful beach that is amazing to see during the day. For a boho picnicking experience that promotes safe social distancing, you two can enjoy the sunset and a romantic picnic for two. At the facility, you will find a tidal walkway showcasing a variety of Florida plants and birds, butterfly gardens, as well as an observation platform for the manatees. Petersburg Clearwater barrier islands boast approximately 35 miles of white sand beaches and pristine Gulf of Mexico waters. Inside this multimedia display area, you’ll find a re created pirate ship and historical items from the 1600s, including cannons, navigation instruments, and pottery. The park is sloped in sections so you can enjoy better views not just of the water but the concerts as well. There are plenty of beach side amenities including restaurants, Tiki bars, cabana rentals, jet ski rentals and other adventure opportunities. Check the event calendar for upcoming dates. Stroll Around the Gardens Measuring 182 acres, the landscapes at the Florida Botanical Gardens are breathtaking.
World and Olympic Medalists Head to Tampa for the 2022 OOFOS U S Gymnastics Championships!
You can have a drink and relax at this place. Or you can go ice skating at the Clearwater Ice Arena. Hotels nestled on Tampa’s scenic Rocky Point Island offer direct access to Tampa Bay and a variety of watersports, along with casual food and entertainment options, just a short drive away from downtown and the airport. Every Friday from 7 10pm, you can learn how to play shuffleboard from the best during the weekly St. Marvel at local buildings on an architecture tour through Downtown, Ybor City and Hyde Park. Not only do you avoid the heat, but the animals also tend to be more lively. Wander past the various offerings, find something you like, and grab a table inside or, if you prefer, set up outside and soak up the wonderful views of the Hillsborough River. Head to Madeira Beach to stroll the shops at John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, or laze the day away on the quaint and full of character Anna Maria Island. Henry Plant helped developed the railroads around the Tampa Bay area, which led to a population boom and the modern city you’re exploring today. Once you reach Shell Key Preserve, you’ll have to weave your way through mangroves and sandbars. But, consider the splurge for a guided 1 hour behind the scenes tour to learn more about this slice of Tampa history. So if you want to find fun and romantic things to do in Tampa, this place is great. Going in the morning is a good idea, especially in the summer. Protected since 1982, its sprawling confines encompass a wide array of Floridian ecosystems. One of the most interesting exhibits is a hologram of a pirate engaged in a sword fight. It’s also home to a variety of recurring events, including monthly free outdoor Rock the Park concerts and more. For a little taste of Brooklyn in Central Florida, visit Armature Works, a once dilapidated warehouse that’s been repurposed into a trendy food market and cultural center. Also on site is a large aquarium and three pools that are used to treat local manatees who are injured or ill. Arts and Entertainment. Address: 801 Old Water Street, Tampa, Florida. In the winter when temperatures drop, the local manatees gather around the power plant to swim around in the warmer water. Recommended for Free Things to Do because: Learn more about Tampa’s cigar making history by visiting the museum and shop at the J. If the wind is up, keep an eye out for kiteboarders racing across the water beneath their colorful kites. Fresh water wetlands and a floodplain are found alongside woods, swamps, and the winding Hillsborough River. The towering spires atop the red brick building make the Plant Museum an iconic landmark in the city. Your adventures around Tampa will ensure that you work up quite the appetite. A great afternoon or evening in Tampa can be had at Topgolf.