Tampa Travel Guide

Tampa, Florida, is a Gulf Coast destination known for its waterfront attractions, historic neighborhoods, cultural venues, professional sports, and easy access to beaches. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a move, Tampa offers a mix of outdoor recreation, arts and entertainment, local food, and nearby day-trip destinations.

Tampa at a Glance

• Location: West-central Florida along Tampa Bay
• Known for: Ybor City, Tampa Riverwalk, beaches, sports, and Cuban-influenced cuisine
• Popular outdoor activities: Walking, biking, kayaking, boating, fishing, and birdwatching
• Major sports: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Tampa Bay Rays
• Nearby beaches: Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach
• Popular day trips: St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Clearwater

What Makes Tampa Unique?

Tampa combines waterfront city life with historic neighborhoods and easy access to Florida’s Gulf Coast. One of the best places to experience the city is the Tampa Riverwalk, a pedestrian-friendly waterfront path along the Hillsborough River. The Riverwalk connects parks, restaurants, museums, and other downtown attractions.

Ybor City is another must-see destination. Once the center of Tampa’s cigar industry, the historic district is known for its brick streets, historic buildings, restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural attractions. Its Cuban and Spanish influences remain an important part of Tampa’s identity.

Other neighborhoods offer their own distinct character:

• Hyde Park: Known for historic homes, boutiques, restaurants, and walkable streets.
• Seminole Heights: Popular for local restaurants, breweries, and independent businesses.
• Channel District: A waterfront neighborhood near downtown with restaurants, entertainment, and attractions.

Things to Do in Tampa

Tampa has attractions for a variety of interests, from museums and parks to professional sports and outdoor adventures.

Tampa Riverwalk: The Tampa Riverwalk is a popular way to explore downtown Tampa on foot or by bike. The route provides access to waterfront parks, restaurants, museums, and public spaces along the Hillsborough River.

Ybor City: Explore Tampa’s history in Ybor City, where historic architecture, restaurants, specialty shops, murals, and nightlife come together. The district is also a popular destination for Cuban sandwiches and Cuban coffee.

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park: Located along the Hillsborough River, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park features open lawns, waterfront views, and space for outdoor events. The park is also close to the Tampa Museum of Art and Glazer Children’s Museum.

Tampa Museum of Art: The Tampa Museum of Art features collections and exhibitions spanning contemporary and classical works. Its downtown location makes it an easy addition to a Riverwalk itinerary.

Henry B. Plant Museum: Located at the University of Tampa, the Henry B. Plant Museum occupies the former Tampa Bay Hotel and highlights Tampa’s Gilded Age history and architecture.

Sports: Sports are a major part of Tampa’s entertainment scene. Depending on the season, visitors can attend games featuring the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, or Tampa Bay Rays.

Tampa’s Food Scene

Tampa’s food scene reflects the city’s multicultural history and Gulf Coast location. Cuban cuisine is one of its best-known culinary traditions, particularly in Ybor City.

Popular foods and dining experiences include:

• Cuban sandwiches
• Cuban coffee
• Latin and Caribbean cuisine
• Fresh seafood
• Italian and Mexican dishes
• Craft breweries and cocktails
• International restaurants

Ybor City is a good place to experience Tampa’s Cuban heritage, while downtown, Hyde Park, Seminole Heights, and the Channel District offer a broader selection of restaurants and casual dining.

Arts, Culture, and Green Spaces

Tampa offers plenty of ways to experience art, history, and the outdoors.

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway productions, concerts, comedy, and other live performances. The Tampa Museum of Art provides a downtown destination for art enthusiasts, while the Henry B. Plant Museum offers insight into Tampa’s history.

For outdoor recreation, visitors can explore Lettuce Lake Park and Hillsborough River State Park. Activities can include hiking, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Beaches and Day Trips Near Tampa

Tampa’s location makes it convenient to explore Florida’s Gulf Coast. Several popular destinations are within driving distance of the city.

Clearwater Beach is known for its sandy shoreline, swimming, water activities, and Gulf sunsets. St. Pete Beach offers another popular coastal getaway with opportunities for relaxing by the water and enjoying beachside dining.

For a longer day trip, consider:

• St. Petersburg: Home to the Salvador Dalí Museum and a growing arts and cultural scene.
• Sarasota: Known for museums, performing arts, galleries, and The Ringling.
• Clearwater: A popular Gulf Coast destination for beaches and waterfront activities.

Tampa Nightlife and Entertainment

Tampa offers nightlife ranging from lively entertainment districts to relaxed neighborhood bars. Ybor City is one of the city’s best-known nightlife destinations, with bars, clubs, live music, and restaurants.

Downtown Tampa offers rooftop bars, breweries, lounges, and waterfront dining. In South Tampa, the SoHo area is popular for casual bars, restaurants, and evening entertainment.

Moving to Tampa

Planning a move to Tampa? A storage unit can give you extra space while you transition between homes, renovate, downsize, or settle into a new neighborhood.

Public Storage offers storage options in Tampa that can help keep furniture, household belongings, seasonal items, and other possessions organized during a move. Having a storage unit can make it easier to manage your belongings while you focus on getting settled and exploring your new city.

FAQs

What is Tampa best known for?

Tampa is best known for its waterfront attractions, Ybor City, Cuban-influenced culture and cuisine, professional sports, and access to Gulf Coast beaches.

What are the best things to do in Tampa?

Popular things to do include walking the Tampa Riverwalk, exploring Ybor City, visiting the Tampa Museum of Art, enjoying Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, attending a sporting event, and exploring nearby beaches.

Is Tampa close to the beach?

Yes. Tampa is located along Tampa Bay, and several Gulf Coast beaches, including Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach, are within driving distance.

What food is Tampa known for?

Tampa is particularly known for Cuban cuisine, including the Cuban sandwich and Cuban coffee. The city also has a diverse selection of seafood and international restaurants.

What is the best area to visit in Tampa?

Ybor City and downtown Tampa are popular choices for first-time visitors because they combine historic attractions, restaurants, entertainment, museums, parks, and waterfront access.

Is Tampa a good place to move?

Tampa can be an appealing place to live for people who enjoy warm weather, outdoor recreation, waterfront activities, cultural attractions, and access to Gulf Coast beaches. Like any city, the best neighborhood depends on your lifestyle, commute, and housing needs.

Where can I store my belongings when moving to Tampa?

A storage unit can provide temporary or long-term space while you move, renovate, downsize, or settle into a new home. Public Storage offers storage options throughout the Tampa area.