Discover the 26 Best Things to Do in Tampa Bay: A 2025 Guide

Your Ultimate Mix of Adventure, Culture, and Sunshine

Tampa Bay isn’t just a destination—it’s a vibe. Imagine strolling along a riverwalk dotted with art, screaming your lungs out on a record-breaking roller coaster, or biting into a Cuban sandwich so authentic it teleports you to Havana. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, history buff, or beach bum, Tampa’s 2025 lineup has something to make your trip unforgettable. From fresh attractions like SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium to time-honored festivals like Gasparilla Pirate Fest, this guide spills the secrets to experiencing Tampa like a local—with a dash of pirate flair. Let’s dive in!

Best Things to Do in Tampa Bay

1. Outdoor Adventures & Natural Escapes

Tampa Riverwalk
Dubbed the city’s “liquid spine,” this 2.6-mile waterfront path connects parks, museums, and eateries. Rent a bike, spot manatees, or catch an outdoor concert at Curtis Hixon Park. Pro tip: Visit at sunset for golden-hour selfies with the skyline.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Thrill rides meet wildlife here. New for 2025: Wild Oasis, a rainforest-themed zone with a drop tower and interactive water play. Don’t miss SheiKra, a dive coaster that plunges 90 degrees—trust us, your stomach will thank you later.

Kayaking the Hillsborough River
Paddle past mangroves and maybe even dolphins! Guided tours offer eco-history lessons, while DIY rentals let you explore at your own pace. Pack a waterproof phone case—you’ll want snaps of those gators sunbathing.

Bayshore Boulevard
Jog or bike the 4.5-mile sidewalk—the longest in the U.S.—with bay views and million-dollar mansions. Early mornings are prime for avoiding the Florida heat.

Caladesi Island State Park
A ferry ride away, this untouched beach is perfect for shelling. Pack a picnic and kayak through mangrove trails—it’s like Florida before Instagram.

2. Cultural & Historical Gems

Ybor City
Once the “Cigar Capital of the World,” Ybor’s brick streets now host salsa clubs and speakeasies. Tour a cigar factory, then devour a medianoche sandwich at La Segunda Bakery.

Tampa Theatre
This 1926 movie palace feels like a Mediterranean courtyard under a twinkling starry sky. Catch a classic film or comedy show—just don’t forget to marvel at the Wurlitzer organ pre-show.

Tampa Bay History Center
Dive into 12,000 years of history, from Indigenous tribes to pirate legends. The interactive exhibits on Tampa’s cigar industry are a hit—kids love the replica pirate ship.

Henry B. Plant Museum
Housed in a former luxury hotel, this Gilded Age gem showcases opulent furnishings and Tampa’s railroad boom. Fun fact: The minarets were once the tallest structures in Florida.

Wat Mongkolratanaram Buddhist Temple
Swap tacos for Thai food at the Sunday market. Eat mango sticky rice by the river and soak in the serene vibes—it’s a spiritual detox with flavor.

3. Beaches & Waterfront Fun

Clearwater Beach
Powdery sand, parasailing, and Pier 60’s nightly sunset celebration make this a tourist fave. Arrive early to snag a cabana.

St. Pete Beach
Less crowded and equally stunning. Rent a jet ski or sip rum runners at Jimmy B’s Beach Bar—their coconut shrimp is legendary.

Pass-a-Grille Beach
Old Florida charm meets laid-back vibes. Climb the historic Merry Pier for panoramic views, then hit the Hurricane Seafood shack for grouper sandwiches.

4. Family-Friendly Attractions

ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Meet rescued manatees and hand-feed giraffes. New for 2025: Dinos Unearthed, where animatronic T-Rexes roar to life.

The Florida Aquarium
Touch stingrays in the expanded 2025 tide pool exhibit, then join a dolphin-spotting cruise. Pro tip: Weekdays = fewer crowds.

Adventure Island
Beat the heat at this water park. The Colossal Curl slide will thrill teens, while toddlers splash safely in Fabian’s Funport.

MOSI’s New Planetarium
The 8K dome theater (Florida’s largest!) will launch in 2025. Catch a show on black holes or dinosaur ecosystems—it’s science, but make it cinematic.

5. Foodie Delights & Nightlife

Cuban Sandwich in Ybor City
The Columbia Restaurant’s version—layered with jamón, lechón, and pickles—is a rite of passage. Pair it with a café con leche.

Oxford Exchange
Brunch in a sunlit conservatory? Yes, please. Order the avocado toast and browse the bookstore—it’s the spot for Instagrammable latte art.

Ulele
Try the Okra Fries and Native-inspired dishes at this riverside hotspot. Their house-brewed beer? Chef’s kiss.

Datz
Go big with the Cheesy Todd Burger (mac ‘n’ cheese buns!). It’s a heart attack on a plate, but worth every calorie.

6. New & Noteworthy in 2025

Wild Oasis at Busch Gardens
This rainforest-themed zone replaces Treetop Trails, featuring a family-friendly drop tower and multi-species animal habitats.

SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium
LEGOLAND’s new neighbor boasts 3,000 aquatic creatures. Kids will geek out over the touch pools and underwater tunnels.

Florida Aquarium’s Expanded Touch Exhibit
Triple the size, with tide pools and an aquatic lounge. Perfect for cooling off after exploring downtown.

7. Seasonal Events & Festivals

Gasparilla Pirate Festival
January’s pirate invasion includes parades, live music, and a mock ship battle. Dress as a buccaneer—or just enjoy the rum.

Tampa Riverfest
May’s free festival spans the Riverwalk with taco trucks, concerts, and a glowing balloon display. Don’t miss the midnight fireworks.

Tampa Bay in 2025 is all about mixing old-school charm with fresh adventures. Whether you’re here for the coasters, culture, or coconut shrimp, one thing’s certain: You’ll leave planning your next trip.