Location: Tampa
Top Things to do in Tampa
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10 Things to Do in Tampa That You Shouldn't Miss
Tampa is a laid-back city with a vibrant arts scene and plenty of opportunities for adventure. Busch Gardens offers thrills for families and risk-averse adrenaline junkies, as does the domed IMAX theater of the Museum of Science and Industry. Spend a day touring Tampa’s many art museums, then cheer on your favorite Tampa Bay team at a home game. Get up close and personal with the majestic lions, tigers, and leopards of the Big Cat Rescue animal sanctuary.
Restaurants in Tampa
1. Busch Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Busch Gardens Tampa is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. A unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country's premier zoos with more than 12,000 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops and games, Busch Gardens Tampa provides unrivaled excitement for guests of every age.
Reviewed By RelentlessAdventurer - Indianapolis, Indiana
My husband and I went with my parents and had a blast. The rides and shows were great. There were plenty of places to sit and rest (my mom had recently had a knee replacement, so she needed to sit regularly). The animals were fun to see as well. We will definitely go back next time we are in Tampa.
2. Horse Power for Kids & Animal Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5 based on 194 reviews
Animal sanctuary with exotic and livestock species. Farm animals ,exotics, pony rides ,train rides, hayrides, horseback riding all in a farm setting. We are open Thurs-Sunday, please note we are closed Mon-Wed.
Reviewed By Luv2TravelNEGirl - Quincy, Massachusetts
We didn't know what to expect showing up here and we were pleasantly surprised! Our toddler had a blast. The staff was very nice and there was actually quite a bit to do. You can do a pony ride for just $3 extra which my toddler really enjoyed. There is a Guinea pig area where you are allowed to pick them up and have your children hold them which was really cute. They have all kinds of animals! Farm animals, exotic animals, reptiles, birds, etc! The coolest animals in my opinion was the Zorse! A mix between a zebra and a horse. Beautiful animal. They have a petting farm area where you can hand ferrets, walk a goat, go in the pen with large bunnies, pet a mini pony, feed the goats, pet a llama, pet a pig, etc. They have a train ride that departs hourly that you can ride. They have a massive bird area with lots of birds to see including large exotic ones that will talk back to you and a pen you can go in with tons of little birds flying around. They also have a reptile room, a bat room, lots of horses to meet in their stalls, and just a different animal around every corner. The wolf dogs were beautiful, the deer were so sweet and eagerly offered kisses through their fence, and the albino raccoon was so cool. Watch out cause I am pretty sure one of the lemurs was trying to mark me! lol! There is also a children's playground too which was nice and they had a fire pit going since it was actually a cold day in Florida. They have a play area too with tire swings and ziplines and such. Definitely worth a visit and it is wonderful to know it is a non-profit really trying to help the animals.
3. Tampa Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 664 reviews
1926 movie palace is on the National Register of Historic Places and still plays its Wurlitzer organ before shows.
Reviewed By headnerd - Tampa, Florida
My wife and I have attended several performances at the Tampa Theater. It's always a treat to visit this carefully restored old theater and see the "old way" of going to the movies, like our parents and grandparents did. We've been to Oscar-nominated short film events, a sign along version of the classic hit movie, "Grease" starring John Travolta, and it is always a fun time. We especially enjoy the organist playing music before the show, then disappearing, organ and all, below the stage.
4. Big Cat Rescue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Do you see yourself looking over the vast Serengeti plains, searching the horizon for a glimpse of a pride of Lions, or a Leopard lounging in the trees? Do you imagine yourself in India, riding an elephant through the high grass with your eyes peeled for the elusive Tiger? Have you ever thought how great it would be to hike through the rainforest, listening to the tropical birds, ever on the lookout for a Leopard or an Ocelot high in the canopy? Have you ever been to the zoo and wanted to be closer to the exotic cats; so close you could almost touch them? You don't have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to make these dreams come true. The world's largest accredited big cat rescue facility is right here in Tampa, Florida at Big Cat Rescue.
Reviewed By bryankatz - Tampa, Florida
This hidden gem is worth a detour. And it really is hidden. You'll find it down a somewhat hidden half-mile driveway that sits right next to a large suburban shopping center.
There's a small stone parking lot by the registration building. Pay the fees, and it feels like you've suddenly been transported to the back lot of a zoo.
There are very comfortable enclosures for all of the animals. You enter, for example, under a walkway built for a bobcat. There are large cats of every kind here, and more tigers than you can imagine. The stories behind many of these are just horrific, and there's a whole row of tigers that they don't let you see just because the poor animlas have been treated so poorly by humans in the past.
It's a large area, and it requires walking on uneven ground. For most people this shouldn't be an issue. But they do offer rides for those that need it. We were on a guided tour, and our mother couldn't make it on foot. So while the driver couldn't always bring her within earshot of our guide, he was giving his own private tour.
5. Lettuce Lake Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 921 reviews
Lettuce Lake Park opened in 1982 and quickly became a hub of activities. The 240-acre site offers something for everyone. Wooded picnic areas and a playground are family favorites. A 1.25 mile bicycle path/jogging trail, complete with a fitness course, meander through the park. Lettuce Lake is also a haven to study nature. An interpretive center, featuring exhibits, leads to a 3,500-foot boardwalk and an observation tower where visitors can view an extensive variety of wildlife. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent to visitors to experience a wholenew side of the Park.
Reviewed By newlymarriedman12 - Tampa, Florida
We visit Lettuce Lake regularly. There are a number of trails including a paved loop shared-use trail, unpaved hiking trails, and a boardwalk. The scenery is varied consisting of wetlands and the Hillsborough River to oak and pine forests. This is a great place to see birds including hawks. The only downside is that it can be crowded at times particularly on the boardwalk. Also, noise from the many pavilions can reduce the ambiance of the place on some days. Overall it's a nice place to get into nature.
6. Courtney Campbell Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By susant771 - Tampa, Florida
What a great place to go to exercise when you have more time on your hands. This trail connects Tampa to Clearwater. It is on the water and offers beautiful views of the skyline, water and wildlife. Very relaxing. Run, walk, bike or roller blade. Beware during our summer months this can get quite hot. Think about the time of day you decide to go and bring water, sunscreen and hat.
7. Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By YQUIN - Toronto, Canada
This place has excellent views. You can mingle with the local fishermen. Passing it, then looking from the side as others cross this engineering marvel is an experience that can even inspire kids on what to pursue in their future. I had even the luck of seeing a huge ship cross under it. Amazing.
8. Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By MarianaVictoriaTT - Tampa, Florida
Amazingly beautiful Catholic Church. We have visited churches, chapels and cathedrals all over the world and this is definitely one of the most beautiful. The stained glass windows are wonderful. During the day it is peaceful and the atmosphere invites reflection. The gift shop, which is located right next door to the Church is excellent and well stocked.
9. Bayshore Boulevard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 869 reviews
Home of the world's longest sidewalk.
Reviewed By Kathryn M - Lutz, Florida
The long sidewalk along Bayshore needs to be experienced to be believed. It has been around for a long time but unlike many similar walks in other cities, this one has been improved over the years without losing its flavor. Great place to excercise ... walk, jog, skate, bike. Great place just to sightsee ... beautiful and historic homes, the Bay itself, and several plaques. Whether you are a local or a tourist you gotta walk at least part of this once in your lifetime.
10. Tampa Riverwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By emma b - Grand Rapids, Michigan
We only had a couple hours in Tampa before driving to St. Petes, and this was a great way to see a little of the city. There's a few restaurants lining the walk. We rented bikes which was so much fun. They also have peddle boat rentals. We didn't see many stores or shopping areas.
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