Tampa, Florida is a vibrant and dynamic city with a wealth of attractions and activities to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or just having some fun, you’re sure to find something to your liking in Tampa. Here are 8 of the best things to do in Tampa in 2024:
1. Visit the Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is one of the largest and most comprehensive aquariums in the United States. It is home to over 20,000 animals from around the world, including sharks, dolphins, penguins, and sea turtles. The aquarium also features a variety of interactive exhibits, making it a great place for families to learn about marine life.
2. Explore Ybor City
Ybor City is Tampa’s historic Cuban district. It is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as several historic landmarks. Ybor City is a great place to experience Tampa’s Cuban culture and to learn about the city’s history.
3. Visit the Henry B. Plant Museum
The Henry B. Plant Museum is a historic hotel that was built in 1891 by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant. The museum is now open to the public and offers visitors a glimpse into the Gilded Age of Tampa. The museum features a variety of exhibits on the history of the hotel and the city of Tampa.
4. Take a boat tour of the Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is a beautiful and diverse body of water that is home to a variety of marine life. There are several boat tours available that will take you out on the bay, where you can see dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife. You can also take a boat tour to see the sunset over the bay, which is a truly magical experience.
5. Visit the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
MOSI is a hands-on science museum that is perfect for families. The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits on science and technology, including a planetarium, a robotics lab, and a weather station. MOSI is a great place to learn about science in a fun and engaging way.
6. Go to a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game
The Tampa Bay Lightning are one of the most successful hockey teams in the NHL. They have won the Stanley Cup three times in the past decade, and they always have a strong team. Watching a Lightning game is a great way to experience the excitement of hockey and to cheer on a local team.
7. Spend a day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a theme park that is home to a variety of thrill rides, animal shows, and other attractions. The park is divided into different sections, each with its own unique theme. Busch Gardens is a great place to spend a day of fun and excitement with your family.
8. Visit the Salvador Dalí Museum
The Salvador Dalí Museum is the largest Dalí museum in the world. It houses over 96 oil paintings, 100 watercolors, 1,300 graphics, 217 drawings, and 3,211 photographs. The museum is a great place to learn about the life and work of this surrealist artist.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Tampa in 2024. With its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful natural surroundings, Tampa is a great place to visit for a vacation or a weekend getaway.
Culture
Tampa is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from all over the world. The city’s Cuban heritage is particularly evident in Ybor City, where you can find a variety of Cuban shops, restaurants, and bars. Tampa is also home to a large Hispanic population, and there are several Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Colombian restaurants in the city. In addition, Tampa has a growing Asian population, and there are several Asian supermarkets and restaurants in the city.
Best Months to Visit
The best time to visit Tampa is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The summer months can be hot and humid, and the winter months can be cold and rainy. However, there are always things to do in Tampa, no matter what the weather is like. During the summer months, you can enjoy the beaches, go swimming, or take a boat tour of the Tampa Bay. During the winter months, you can visit the museums, go shopping, or attend a hockey game.
Nearby Transportation
Tampa is a major transportation hub, with an international airport, a cruise port, and a train station. The city is also served by several major highways. Getting to and from Tampa is easy, no matter where you are coming from.
Local Food
Tampa is home to a diverse culinary scene, with something to offer everyone. The city is particularly known for its Cuban food, and there are several excellent Cuban restaurants in Ybor City. In addition, Tampa has a variety of seafood restaurants, as well as restaurants serving American, Italian, Mexican, and Asian cuisine. There are also several breweries and distilleries in Tampa, so you can enjoy a local craft beer or cocktail while you are in town.
Best Hotels
There are several excellent hotels in Tampa, including the Hilton Tampa Downtown, the Marriott Water Street Tampa Bay, and the Epicurean Hotel. These hotels offer a variety of amenities, including swimming pools, fitness centers, and restaurants. They are also located in convenient locations, close to the city’s attractions and restaurants.
Conclusion
Tampa is an exciting and vibrant city with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or just having some fun, you’re sure to find something to your liking in Tampa. So come on down and explore all that the city has to offer!