Tampa Bay, Florida | 12 Must Things To do

Florida’s Gulf Coast is home to Tampa Bay which includes three popular cities — Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg. These charming cities provide a dash of southern charm along with plenty of attractions & activities to entice any kind of traveler. Whether you’re looking for a secluded romantic beach vacation or a family getaway, Tampa Bay has plenty to offer.

Tampa Bay was my home for the last few years & I’ve compiled some of the best things for you to explore for an ultimate sunshine vacation.

1) Hit the pristine Gulf Beaches

The Gulf Beaches of Tampa Bay are a paradise for beach lovers and sun-seekers. Whether you’re fond of secluded beaches or the ones buzzing with high energy, Gulf Beaches have it all.

Gulf Beaches are also popular for its breathtaking sunsets. One of the most popular Gulf Beaches is Clearwater Beach located in the city of Clearwater, the northwest of Tampa and St. Petersburg. Clearwater Beach is famous for its 3-mile stretch of pristine white sand on a barrier island as well as sunsets dining cruises, restaurants, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and many more attractions to explore in the Tampa Bay Area.

Some other popular beaches that you can explore in the Tampa Bay Area are St. Pete Beach, Madeira Beach, Sunset Beach, Pine Key Island, and Indian Rocks to name a few.

If you have a limited time on your vacation, do visit Clearwater Beach, 
and St. Pete Beach where all actions take place. Both the beaches are 
world renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and buzzing energy.

2) Explore the historic Ybor City

Located northeast of downtown Tampa, Ybor City is a historic neighborhood that is once famed as ‘Cigar Capital of the World’. Today this neighborhood is an epicenter of an impeccable culinary experience in Tampa Bay. From night clubs to restaurants & bars, from the Cigar shops to Art Galleries & dining movie theaters, Ybor City has plenty to offer.

If you’re a history buff, don’t forget to visit Ybor City Museum & take a Cigar Tour. You’ll witness a 19th-Century cigar maker’s house, a labor temple, the opulent Don Vicente Inn, and more.

No trip to Ybor City would be complete if you haven’t tried the legendary Cuban sandwich. It was first served in Ybor City’s Columbia Restaurant in 1905. It is one of the favorite staples of the restaurants at Ybor City including Carmine’s Seventh Avenue, and La Tropicana Cafe to name a few.

3) Stroll or bike along Tampa Riverwalk

Stroll or bike along the iconic Tampa Riverwalk at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa. The 2.4 miles of waterfront offers splendid views of the area. The park also hosts plenty of free and paid events throughout the year for family and adults.

Do check out the architecture of the Henry B. Plant Museum while strolling at Riverwalk! It offers a splendid view of idiosyncratic Moorish Revival architecture which you won’t find anywhere else in Florida.

4) Visit the Tampa Museum of Art

Tampa Museum of Art is overlooking the Riverwalk. The museum exhibits contemporary, and modern art as well as antiquities from Roman, and Greek culture. If you’re fond of taking some Instagram-worthy shots, check out the massive metal wall on the terrace of the second floor of the museum. It will set the ultimate backdrop for your picture.

5) Drive over Sunshine Skyway Bridge

No visit to Tampa Bay Area would be completed if you haven’t drive on the Sunshine Skyway. It is the longest cable-stayed concrete bridge in the world. The bridge is one of the marvelous creations of engineering and a popular spot for filming automobile commercials.

Stop at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and take some splendid shots of Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the background.

6) Visit the Salvador Dali Museum

Home to St. Petersburg, The Dali Museum is dedicated to the work of world-renowned artist Salvador Dali. The museum exhibits the largest collection of Dali’s works outside Europe. The iconic building of the Salvador Dali Museum is one of the masterpieces of modern engineering.

7) Visit Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon Island State Park is famed for its unparalleled natural beauty, seashells, white sugar-powdered sand, and greenish-blue coral Gulf water. One of the signature things about Honeymoon Island Beach is its plenty of swings overlooking the panoramic view of emerald Gulf water! These swings are perfect spots for capturing Instagram-worthy pictures.

8) Visit Fort De Soto Park

Fort De Soto Park is a gem of Pinellas County in the Tampa Bay Area. Fort De Soto Park has two beautiful white sand beaches, North Beach, and East Beach. From nature trails, and fishing to kayaking rentals, and camping facilities to a historic fort, the park offers plenty of outdoor activities to spend your day.

9) Experience an adrenaline rush at Busch Garden

An Africa themed amusement park known for its world-class thrill rides, Jungle Safari, Zoo & a lot of fun. Some of the famous rides of Busch Garden are Cheetah Hunt, SheiKra, Cobra’s Curse, Montu, Iron Gwazi & Falcon’s Fury to name a few. Busch Garden’s annual celebrations such as Howl-O-Scream and Holidays Celebrations are quite popular & you shouldn’t miss if you’re visiting Tampa Bay during that time of the year.

10) Shop at Hyde Park Village

Hyde Park Village is one of the charming and upscale open-air shopping districts and neighborhoods in the vicinity of Tampa downtown. It is home to some amazing bars, restaurants, boutiques, shops, and a wonderful place to interact with locals.

11) Explore the Food Scene

Tampa Bay’s culinary experience can be your next food-based adventure. From indoor market vibes to the upscale fine dining experience, from alfresco dining to bar crawling, Tampa Bay is any foodie’s paradise. Some of the famous restaurants that you should visit are Ulele, Rusty Pelican, Cafe Dufrain, and Whiskey Joe’s. You can also visit Bay Street at International Plaza which is home to multiple upscale restaurants as well as a food court for all the budget.

If you’re looking for a unique dining and Instagram-worthy experience, visit Oxford Exchange! The restaurant has a wood-paneled bookstore, a Buddy Brew coffee stand, and TeBella bar, and plenty of spots for taking pictures.

12) Go Skydiving at Skydive City/Z-Hills

Whether you’re a beginner & want to crush your bucket list while skydiving for the first time or an experienced skydiver who wants to feel the adrenaline rush, Skydive City/Z-Hills have it all.  Not only this, you’ll find the better Tandem deals at Skydive City as compared to other overpriced touristy locations of Miami & Florida Keys.

What to pack for a Tampa Bay Vacation?

Packing for Tampa Bay’s beach vacation can be a no brainer. Say Hello to flip flops, shorts, tank tops & cute Summer dresses, voila…you’re good to go! However, Tampa Bay’s mild winters can be a bit challenging when you have to up your fashion game. You can take some inspiration from my earlier post, Florida Fashion: A Winter Packing Guide.

                                  Where to stay in Tampa Bay?

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Have you been to Tampa Bay, Florida? Do share your experience in the comments below? If not, which of the above attractions would you love to explore during your trip?

Till then, Safe Traveling!
Love, Ana

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means if you book any property from the above link, Ana’s World will earn a small commission that will help in running this blog.

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