26 Reasons to Love Tampa Bay in 2025: Your Ultimate Guide

Tampa Bay is a wonderful destination for a vacation in 2025. It does not matter if you love nature, history, food, or just chilling around the water. You will find all your needs fulfilled here. In this article, I will share with you some of the best 26 activities that are organised into multiple categories so that you won’t have trouble finding what excites you. For this trip, you will discover outdoor activities, cultural places, beaches, family activities, food, new attractions, and even some special events along the way. So, let us get straight to the best activities you can do in Tampa Bay, where we will certainly make your trip a memorable one!

Best Things to Do in Tampa Bay

Categories and Activities

Here’s a simple list of the 26 best things to do in Tampa Bay, organised by theme. Each one comes with a short description so you can decide what the best fit is. These activities encompass all sorts of interests—be it the nature lover, the historian, the beach goer, or the foodie. Don’t miss out on these amazing activities. The Local Tampa’s guide to the best things to do in Tampa for additional inspiration. Pick your favourites and start planning!

Outdoor Fun and Natural Escapes

People who appreciate fun in Tampa Bay will love spending time under the sun and in the water. Take a stroll, walk, or bike ride at the Riverwalk and Bayshore Boulevard, which give you stunning views of the location. Whether it’s wild rides at Busch Gardens, kayaking, or exploring Caladesi Island, these spots are perfect for those who love fresh air and adventure. In my opinion, it’s a balance between nature and adrenaline. For a bite to eat along the way, explore restaurants on the Tampa Riverwalk to make your stroll even tastier.

Tampa Riverwalk

It is absolutely stunning for walking, biking, or simply relaxing on the water. It stretches 2.6 miles long and connects parks, restaurants and cool places in downtown Tampa. You can rent bikes, watch boats sail by, or, if you’re lucky, see a manatee! The view at sunset is gorgeous with the city lights, and it’s a nice way to appreciate the outdoors without travelling.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Great for an adrenaline junkie, Tampa Bay Gardens is filled with mindblowing animals and thrilling roller coasters. You have to ride Tigris and SheiKra, two of the fastest rides in Florida, which drop you straight down. It’s wild! The park is full of breathtaking wildlife, such as giraffes and lions. The combination of nature and exciting rides can’t be beat! For tickets and more details, visit the official Busch Gardens Tampa Bay website. This park is a must-visit for adventure seekers looking for a wild day out.

Kayaking the Hillsborough River

Hillsborough River is one of the most tranquil spots for kayaking in Tampa. The serene waters allow paddling amongst trees, where you can spot turtles, birds, and even alligators. You can get a kayak for rent and head out with or without a guide. This is a great adventure for those who want to experience nature right at the city’s heart.

Bayshore Boulevard

Bayshore Boulevard, also known as the longest uninterrupted sidewalk in the world, is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. This stretch along the water spans over 4 miles, and the view of Tampa Bay, palm trees, and the big houses along the stretch really makes it scenic. It is a great spot for relaxing during the day or at night while enjoying the fresh air. For a relaxing activity nearby, consider the best yoga studios in Tampa to unwind after your walk.

Caladesi Island State Park

Caladesi Island State Park is ideal for swimming, shelling, and hiking. The trails through nature, serene waters, and soft white sand make you feel like you are in paradise. Not many people visit the park, making it feel more like a hidden gem. You can reach the park by ferry or boat, which adds to the amazing experience.

Cultural & Historical Gems:

Tampa’s history is well preserved at places like Ybor City and the Tampa Theatre. The History Centre and Plant Museum focus on different Temples, so there is always something new to learn from the Buddhist Temple. Cigar factories, alongside pirates and vintage hotels, brought this area to life. These places are unique for offering additional ways to learn.

Ybor City

Southeast of Tampa, Ybor City is a historic neighbourhood full of stories. It was primarily a cigar manufacturing hub, so you can definitely feel that aura even today. Enjoy a delicious Cuban sandwich while walking around the town to take in the sights fully. Drench yourself in the intoxicating nightlife that it offers. You can have fun while learning. For more ways to enjoy this vibrant area, check out the best things to do in Ybor City. It’s a great blend of history and fun!

Tampa Theatre

An old movie theatre recently renovated to host stage shows and concerts, Tampa Theatre is over 90 years old and offers a completely different experience for every visit. Get enchanted by the magical garden feel, which will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. It is the perfect venue for feeling the elegance and hearing the history behind this regal piece of architecture.

Tampa Bay History Center   

You and your family can visit the Tampa Bay History Centre, a local museum in the area. As a local landmark, this museum features different exhibits from the past, from Native American tribes and pirates to the growth of Tampa as a major city in the area. This museum also has other exciting displays, such as maps and jewels. For more information or to plan your visit, check out the Tampa Bay History Center’s official site. It’s a fun and educational stop for anyone curious about Tampa Bay’s roots.  

Henry B. Plant Museum  

You can also visit the Plant Museum, located in the area. It is inside an old hotel built over a century ago, thus having beautiful architecture. The hotel’s fame stems from the opulent rooms these hotels had, full of vintage furniture and clothes, giving you an insight into how rich aristocrats lived during that period. With your family, you will get the opportunity to learn about the man who built Tampa, Henry Plant. It will be a wonderful journey through time.   

Wat Mongkolratanaram Buddhist Temple  

A hidden gem in Tampa is the beautifully calm and serene Wat Mongkolratanaram Thai-style gardens and Temple. What makes this incredibly charming is the gardens surrounding the calm waters. On Sundays, you can indulge in delicious Thai food brought from the local market, set in front of the Temple. This spot is a great blend of tranquil nature and Thai culture.

Beaches & Waterfront Fun

Turner’s Beach is located not far from Tampa Bay, and its scenery is the stuff postcards are made of. Expect soft white sand, warm water, and a lively atmosphere. Kids can swim and build their very own sand castles. Gentle waves are waiting for them to jump in! At sunset, Pier 60 is the go-to spot. There is an amazing free party with music and crafts, and so much more. For families, the area is simply perfect for spending a fun day at the Beach!  For more beach ideas, visit the Visit St. Pete/Clearwater official site. Also, check out the best beaches near Tampa for families for family-friendly options.               

St. Pete Beach                 

Another beautiful white-sand beach is St. Pete Beach. St. Pete has clear waves that are perfect for swimming or even kayaking. The sunny weather and great waves are picture-perfect! The Beach also has cute shops and eateries that one can explore after a fun beach day. For first-timers, it is completely unexplored and underrated, making it a must-visit place! 

Pass-a-Grille Beach

At the very tip of St. Pete Beach, you can find the small yet serene Pass-a-Grille Beach. There are no throngs of people so that you can enjoy soft sand and azure water. If you desire, you can fish, snack, or take a stroll along the shore. It’s a secret treasure for anyone looking for a peaceful day at the seaside.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Tampa Bay is full of family-friendly attractions and activities for the whole family. The ZooTampa and the Florida Aquarium bring animals and marine life up front, and Adventure Island specialises in water entertainment. Additionally, MOSI has a planetarium, which adds an educational twist. With these options, parents and children can have fun together. 

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

This zoo allows children and adults to observe animals such as elephants, manatees, and even a baby rhino closely. ZooTampa also has a wonderful carousel for children to ride on and many other fun playground activities. It is an ideal location to visit when you want to have fun as a family.

The Florida Aquarium

There are many aquariums filled with sharks, turtles, and fish, but Florida has the biggest one, which also features a shopping centre. During your visit here, you can walk through a tunnel full of water that will bring you face-to-face with sting rays—or you can touch them if you’re daring enough! There’s also something here for kids to do, such as a splash pad. This is a wonderful place to learn more about ocean wildlife without actually going into the water.

Adventure Island

Next to Busch Gardens is an amazing water park with slides, a lazy river, swimming pools, and so much more. My favourite activity is zooming down the twisty slides and floating on a tube. It provides the ultimate thrill on a hot summer day! There are spots for toddlers, too, so the little ones can cool off, too.

MOSI’s New Planetarium

For the lovers of science out there, I know you will get excited with the news that the Museum of Science and Industry, or MOMI, is opening a new planetarium in 2025. The planetarium will feature stunning shows about stars, planets, and outer space! The exhibit is so versatile that it appeals to both curious children and adults. For more family fun, try the best bowling alleys in Tampa for a classic outing.

Foodie Wonders and Nightlife

Pastry delights and nightlife in Tampa Bay are equally significant. The Cuban Sandwich is one of the first things you have to try, and bold places like Ulele and Datz dazzle the taste buds. Oxford Exchange is charmingly snazzy. The evenings in Ybor City are surreal and filled with vibrancy. It’s all about fine dining combined with revelry after sunset. For beer lovers, explore the best breweries in Ybor City for a hoppy night out.

Ybor City Cuban Sandwich

For foodies, enjoying a Cuban sandwich famous in Ybor City is a must. Yum, ham, pork, cheese, pickles, and mustard meet crispy bread—now that’s delicious! You can see and feel the Cuban culture at a local place like Columbia Restaurant. It’s simple but delightful.

The Oxford Style

A restaurant with a delicious brunch feels like a friendly and fancy bookstore at the same time. Oxford Exchange serves as a modern cafe for weary souls. It’s friendly and cosy, with hubbub forwards, but it hasn’t lost its charm. It’s one of those places where foodies and book lovers can unite. Pair your visit with breakfasts in downtown Tampa for more morning delights.

Ulele

Ulele is a riverside dining place with a Native American twist. It serves alligator bites, hamburgers, fresh seafood, and more! The outdoor patio is a great place to wind down after a long day or week. You can chill while watching the sunset, making it a great way to enjoy Tampa’s nightlife. For more upscale dining, check out 5-star restaurants in Tampa to elevate your culinary experience.

Datz

Datz is a very lively restaurant with delicious cold drinks that burst with flavour and amazing desserts. They serve macaroni and cheese-stuffed meatballs alongside mouthwatering burgers and milkshakes. If you’re looking to unwind and have fun with family or friends, it’s a perfect fit. A visit here will guarantee that you leave with a smile on your face. For more unique dining, try the best tacos in Tampa for another local favorite.

New & Noteworthy in 2025

2025 is going to be a refreshing year for Tampa Bay! The Wild Oasis in Busch Gardens is getting new attractions, the SEA LIFE Aquarium is opening up with new oceanic views, and the Florida Aquarium is adding more space to its touch tanks. All of these will make this summer much more fun for exploring the region.

Wild Oasis at Busch Gardens

In 2025, Busch Gardens will open Wild Oasis, an area that features thrilling rides, animal habitats, and lots of interactive activities that appeal to all ages. You will revel in a true jungle atmosphere and will be amazed at the different surprises the areas have to offer. This park is exceptional, but it gives everyone more reasons to visit!

SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium

Sea creature enthusiasts rejoice! A brand new aquarium is opening in 2025. It has different themes for everyone, such as angelfish, clownfish, jellyfish, and many more! This aquarium may not be as big as others, but it is sure to delight every kid and adult alike!

Florida Aquarium Advanced Touch Exhibit

The Florida Aquarium will add an advanced touch exhibit in 2025. Now, visitors can interact with the stingrays, starfish, and plenty more with their bare hands! This upgrade will transform the aquarium into a whole new experience. Anyone who wishes to experience the ocean up close is bound to love it.

Seasonal Events & Festivals

Tampa Bay knows how to throw a good party! Their Gasparilla festival in January is famous for its wild and rowdy pirates, while Riverfest is a more laid-back yet similarly enjoyable springtime river festival. Music, food, and festivities are always guaranteed! These festivals are just the icing on the cake for people who are lucky enough to visit during these times. For a spooky twist, try a ghost tour in Tampa to uncover eerie tales.

Gasparilla Pirate Fest

Gasparilla Pirate Fest is a festival unlike any other. It comes to town in January and transforms Tampa into a wild pirate party! The locals participate in parades that display pirate ships while attired in the finest of pirate costumes. The extensive streets become packed with people dancing and celebrating nonstop. Full of raucous energy and people having fun everywhere, it makes the start of the year simply astoundingly beautiful.

Tampa Riverfest

The Tampa Riverfest joins the party, too, and this one takes place in the spring. It’s a grand celebration of the Florida sun, Tampa’s wonderful river, and exquisite food. What could be better than relaxing by the Riverwalk and enjoying great food with music playing in the background? It gets even better; it is open to everyone! Guests can eat at the numerous food trucks, revel in live band music, or compete in a thrilling boat race.

Comprehensive Guide to Tampa Bay Activities for 2025

This guide is all set to assist you with planning a memorable vacation in Tampa Bay for the year 2025. To get your journey started, we’ve collected 26 amazing things to do in Tampa Bay, alongside additional tips and tricks to make the trip more seamless and enjoyable. It doesn’t matter if you’re in town for a few days or the entire week; we’ve got something for every type of traveller. Let’s take a look at what Tampa Bay has to offer!

Background and Methodology

The Tampa Bay area is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida and incorporates cities such as Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. It is popular for its warm weather, many attractions, and a unique collection of historical and modern sites. While putting together this list for 2025, we combined the new activities that almost every traveller seeks out with some classic ones that will always be the favourite in the area and added some surprises. The idea is to present you with awesome choices so your only worry will be enjoying your trip!

Additional Considerations

The first group includes 26 activities, which have been split into categories so they are easier to search and available in short descriptions. It covers everything from roller coasters to delicious food, so all zip codes of Tampa Bay would be covered. Eating delicious cuisine and riding coasters will be every food lover’s and thrill-seeker’s dream come true. If you’re flying in, check long-term parking at Tampa Airport for hassle-free travel.

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.