50 Fun Things to do in the Tampa Bay Area
6. Flatwoods Regional Park
This quiet, scenic park in Northeastern Hillsborough County is a great place for long bike rides and marathon training. Flatwood Park’s long 9-11 mile loop (depending on which parking lot you start from) offers a shady course lined with towering pine trees. The tranquil natural scenery is strikingly difference from the urban sprawl surrounding the area. Not into biking or running? Take a walk on one of the short boardwalk trails for a glimpse into the natural flora and fauna of Florida.
Tip: Before your ride treat yourself to an acai bowl at Raining Berries. Seriously, best acai anywhere.
Address: 4302 Morris Bridge Rd, Temple Terrace, FL 33592
7. The Florida Aquarium
Tampa’s Aquarium is a hotspot amongst tourists visiting the city, and thus, is almost always crowded. Weekends are often packed to the point where you can’t comfortably stroll around, so visit on weekdays for a more peaceful experience. With a great location on downtown’s new Riverwalk, a visit to the Aquarium is now an even more enjoyable experience.
The highlight here is a 500,000 gallon Coral Reef tank, which is home to Sand Tiger Sharks, giant turtles, and dozens more species (many of which are native to Florida). An interesting Wetlands Trail, complete with free flying birds, daily animal encounter shows, alligators, and a view of Florida cypress swamps is another must-see on your visit. The Florida Aquarium is a great place to escape the summer heat: an educational and entertaining alternative to the beach.
On a side note, if you plan on visiting other great attractions like Zoo Tampa, you might want to consider purchasing a CityPass which includes entry to the aquarium, zoo, Busch Gardens, the Clearwater Aquarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry for just 139 bucks. It’s a great deal if you happen to be visiting at least 3 of these attractions anyway as you’ll basically get 2 for free.
Address: 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
8. The Tampa Riverwalk
Downtown Tampa’s recently completed Riverwalk is the perfect place for a cool early morning stroll. Just a little over 2 miles, it is the perfect distance for a laid-back weekend walk. Here you will not only be treated to fantastic views of the skyline, but you will also enjoy easy access to top attractions such as: The Florida Aquarium, the Tampa Museum of Art, and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. It’s also conveniently lit up at night, creating the perfect setting for romantic date night strolls. My favorite time to visit is during the quieter winter months. The trail is lit up red and green for the holidays and a festive real ice rink opens at Curtis Hixon.
Address: Starts near the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk (200 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602).
9. Hubbard’s Marina Dolphin Cruise
Hubbard’s Marina Dolphin cruises, located on lively St. John’s Boardwalk in Madeira Beach, is one of your best bets in the area for multiple dolphin sightings. Energetic tour guides take you on a leisurely, hour plus journey around gorgeous Boca Ciega Bay. Not only are you likely to see many dolphins (we saw dozens), you are also treated to views of colorful multi million dollar homes, beautiful mangrove islands, and dozens of birds in their natural habitat. Dolphin sightings are guaranteed or you receive a free return ticket!
Address: 170 Johns Pass Boardwalk, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
10. Lettuce Lake Park
Lettuce Lake Park is one of Tampa’s most peaceful parks. Although small in size, it packs in a lot of beauty in its’ 240 acres. As you walk across the wooden boardwalks, you will come across an observation deck overlooking the beautiful Hillsborough River. The park is also a great place for wildlife sightings, especially alligators during the cooler months. Swampy views along the trail make you feel as if you have taken a step back in time.
Other activities at the park include: kayaking, a bike loop with fitness stations, a short hiking trail, and picnicking.
Address: 6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637
11. Lowry Park Zoo (now Zoo Tampa)
Tampa’s little zoo packs in a surprising number of interesting exhibits and annual events, including: Creatures of the Night (an annual Halloween spectacular), Wild Wonderland (a holiday light spectacular), and Zoo Run Run (a fun 5k course that winds through the zoo and along the river). Safari Africa offers an up close glimpse of elephants, giraffes, and zebras in a setting that mimics their natural habitat. The zoo houses a number of endangered animals and is one of few zoos to exhibit koala bears. This walkable zoo is clean, well-organized, and rated one of the number 1 family attractions in the Bay.
Tip: Purchase an annual membership – it will pay for itself in just a few visits.
Address: 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
12. Indian Rocks Beach
Indian Rocks Beach, located just a short drive from the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, has a major advantage over its’ neighbors: less crowds and less congestion! The quaint beach is the perfect escape as most of the tourists head to the more popular options in the area. This leaves you with a charming, laid-back beach, complete with beautiful white sand, plenty of beach-combing opportunities, warm water, and fun waves.
Not much commercialization here either, with the exception of a few low key resort and vacation rentals. Looking for a coffee before your visit? Head over to Indian Shores Coffee Company for an excellent Almond Mocha or Americano! After your morning joe, grab your chairs, umbrellas, and sunblock and head out for a relaxing day at the beach. Also, there is much more to do in Tampa’s best beach town. Check out my full guide to exploring Indian Rocks.
Address: 1700 Gulf Blvd Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785
