50 Fun Things to do in the Tampa Bay Area
45. International Plaza and Bay Street
This large, clean mall is conveniently located nearby the airport, allowing travelers to shop at the many high end stores. In addition, the Renaissance Hotel Tampa is located right on the premises. This modern mall features an attractive contemporary, clean design. International Plaza is the place to go in Tampa for high end shopping – Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, Kate Spade, and a host of other luxury retailers can be found here.
In addition to shopping, you have a beautiful outdoor sidewalk cafe area known as Bay Street. Here you will many of the high end chains like The Cheesecake Factory, Bar Louie, The Capital Grille, and many others. The dining area is separate from the mall, making it a great spot for date night even if you do not feel like shopping. Outdoor seating is especially attractive during the cooler fall and winter season.
Tip: If you are seeking a budget friendly alternative, check out Westfield Countryside in Clearwater. This mall features a range of mid end retailers, plus is home to numerous fun amenities including a movie theater, an arcade, and a real ice rink!
Address: 2223 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
46. Al Lopez Park
Al Lopez is a gorgeous park located next to Raymond James Stadium, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play. As one of Tampa’s shadiest parks, it’s a great place to visit during the hotter, sunnier season. Amenities include picnic tables, fishing piers, fitness stations, and a dog park. The highlight here is a 1.2 mile long asphalt trail. The flat and easy terrain makes this recreational path just perfect for jogging or biking. Because the park is so scenic, you will likely want to take a few loops around!
Address: 4810 N Himes Ave, Tampa, FL 33614
47. Cine Bistro
Cinebistro, a luxury dinner and a movie theater is a great choice for those who would like the convenience of dining pre-show without the need to find a separate restaurant. Orders are taken pre-movie as to not bother guests, and most meals arrive before the previews have ended. Other benefits include: 21 and up admission, a full bar, and a great location in Tampa’s scenic Hyde Park Village. Special classic films are screened every Tuesday. One of the highlights this year is a special screening of White Christmas. Visit the Cinebistro website to conveniently reserve your seats online.
Address: 1609 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606 (Tampa Hyde Park location)
48. Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island, located just an hour south of Tampa, is one of the best beaches in the area. Here you will be treated to gorgeous, smooth white sand, a beachfront restaurant, fewer crowds, and a charming colorful downtown area filled with local shops and restaurants. The beach is secluded without a lot of commercialization around, making it the perfect choice for a relaxing beach outing. On a side note, this beach has pretty hard packed sand, and let’s just say we woke up with a really sore upper body the next day. I recommend a quality beach chair – a little bit of an upfront cost, however, you can use it the entire summer season.
49. Downtown Tarpon Springs/Sponge Docks
The city of Tarpon Springs is most famous for its’ Greek culture and sponge docks. The city has the highest number of Greek residents of any US City and is known as the “Sponge Capital of the World.” In the Sponge Dock District, you can watch many interesting films about the history of the industry. Greek restaurants, shops, and dolphin adventure cruises are other popular activities in the area. You will also come across Spongeorama, home to the largest selection of natural sponges in the world.
Downtown is home to Tarpon Avenue, a quaint area featuring many unique local restaurants and shops. In addition, various festivals and events take place throughout the year. Do visit Hellas for lunch and be sure to treat yourself to a slice of baklava cheesecake!
Check out my full guide of fun things to do in Tarpon Springs
Address: Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
50. Oldsmar Flea Market
Bargain hunters are in luck – the Tampa area offers no shortage of flea markets. I’ve never seen so many year-round flea markets. No matter where you travel to, you are bound to pass a weekend flea market. There are several great options, although my personal favorite is the Oldsmar Flea Market, a 30 plus year old market situated on 20 acres. This huge bargain shopper’s paradise has everything and anything you can possibly think of. Plus, it is covered – perfect for the hot, rainy Florida summer season.
Address: 180 Race Track Rd, Oldsmar, FL 34677
More Tampa Bay Resources
The best things to do in Clearwater
The ultimate Tampa Bay beach guide
Have you visited any of the attractions listed above? What are some of your favorite things to do in the Tampa Bay area?
