Tampa Bay is central Florida’s epicenter for sports, food, music, and entertainment. Whether you visit Tampa for a day, a long weekend, or a weeklong stay, you’ll be sure to fall in love with the city and make lasting memories along the way. With a city that’s constantly buzzing with excitement, you might be overwhelmed with options! Here are some highlights of the city’s top attractions to turn your Zooquarium ticket into a Tampa adventure.
Tampa Attractions
Tampa is full of exhilarating attractions that could occupy most of your stay! From The Florida Aquarium to Zoo Tampa, there’s so much to explore. Dive into the amazing sights, sounds, and experiences from tree level to sea level at The Florida Aquarium! Explore animal habitats featuring animals from right here in our native Florida to exotic locations throughout the globe. From mysterious sand tiger sharks and playful otters to tiny seahorses and inquisitive sea turtles, you’ll never know what you’ll discover. Turn your visit into a day-long experience by taking a ride on the Aquarium’s Wild Dolphin Cruise, have your kiddos play on the Splash Pad, and enjoy lunch and a drink at Café Ray and Corona Cove. ZooTampa at Lowry Park is home to more than 1,300 animals in one of the most beautiful, tropical zoological settings in the world. The Zoo brings together animals and visitors to create unforgettable, natural connections. Guests get closer to wildlife than ever before by touching a giant tortoise, feeding a giraffe, getting nose-to-horn with an Indian rhino, and more! Families can also splash in water play areas, feel the thrills of amusement rides and take in educational shows. Click here to get your ZooQuarium Ticket and experience both.
Get in the Game
It’s not called Champa Bay for nothing! Tampa is home to many sports teams that have won championship after championship over the past few years. The Tampa Bay Lightning recently secured their second consecutive Stanley Cup, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just started a new season following their Super Bowl win and the Tampa Bay Rays made it all the way to last year’s World Series. When you’re in town, it’s easy to pick up tickets to a Rays or Lightning game! Both teams tout indoor climate-controlled facilities for family-friendly entertainment and endless food and drink options. Visiting Tampa during a Bucs game weekend is a feeling like no other. The city is charged with pre-game energy! There’s plenty of free activities and tailgating throughout the city as well. The options are endless – so get in the game in Tampa Bay!
Bask in the Sun
A trip to Tampa is not complete without spending some time near the water! Take a stroll along Bayshore Boulevard or rollerblade on the Tampa Riverwalk. Both boast beautiful bay views and provide opportunities to see fish, manatees, and wild birds. Grab a bite at Sparkman Wharf or Armature Works. Both venues offer local and exotic cuisine, all served bayside! If getting on the water is more your pace, take a ride on the Pirate Water Taxi, a fleet of pirate-themed water taxis in downtown Tampa with 14 stops conveniently located along Tampa’s Riverwalk, Channel District, downtown, and Davis Island. The city also features multiple opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. Don’t forget about Florida’s beautiful beaches with white sand and sparkling waters! Tampa is conveniently located within an hour’s drive of beautiful St. Pete and Clearwater beaches.
Eat and Drink Local
Tampa Bay’s cuisine is just as unique and rich as its culture. Sip on lavish libations at waterfront bistros and bars. Take a bite into culinary diversity. Discover our fine dining or farm-to-table restaurants and enjoy fresh seafood and authentic Spanish dishes. Make a reservation at the Columbia, family-owned for 115 years and located in Tampa’s historic Ybor City, it’s Florida’s oldest restaurant. There you’ll enjoy award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine and an internationally acclaimed wine list. Be dazzled by Flamenco dancers nightly, Monday through Saturday. Looking for an unforgettable upscale experience? Look no further than Bern’s Steak House. Internationally known for its vast collection of wine, perfectly aged steaks, and upstairs dessert room, Bern’s Steak House offers guests a world-class, incomparable dining experience. At Datz, an American gastropub and market, enjoy decadent desserts and out-of-this-world entrees. Regional comfort food favorites are generously paired with craft beer, boutique wines, and artisanal cocktails. In addition to a rich food scene, Tampa is home to dozens of craft breweries. From Coppertail Brewing to the famous Cigar City, to 7venth Sun, there’s so much to taste and see! Hop on the Brew Bus to get a brewery tour and sightseeing excursion through the city. You’ll leave Tampa satiated but still wanting more!
Tampa is not only one of the fastest-growing cities in Florida but also in the continental US! With all that Tampa has to offer, it’s no surprise that people are flocking to Tampa to live, work, play, and vacation. While you’re in the city, don’t forget to visit and support The Florida Aquarium and Zoo Tampa, both AZA-accredited facilities known for their world-class animal habitats, animal care, conservation efforts, and, of course, fun! So get your ZooQuarium ticket to start your Tampa adventure today!