The Tampa Riverwalk is an approximately 2.5-mile-long paved scenic trail that runs along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. Anchored by Armature Works to the north and the Tampa Bay History Center to the south, the Riverwalk affords easy access to the Water Street Tampa and Channel districts, and Sparkman Wharf. Recent visitors were impressed by how well-maintained and clean the trail is, and noted that it's an ideal place to stretch your legs and get some exercise.

Visitors can walk, bike, rollerblade and access any number of restaurants, stores, parks and playgrounds, bike rental shops and top attractions, such as The Florida Aquarium and the Glazer Children's Museum, along the route. There is a Riverwalk attraction pass that lets you visit several riverside museums for one fee. A free, self-guided walking tour highlights the public art along the Riverwalk.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Armature Works' popularity is undeniable, which can mean plenty of people. To avoid the biggest crowds, plan to visit about an hour before or after traditional meal times. – Susan B. Barnes

The Armature Works Heights Public Market – a 22,000-square-foot industrial market – is Tampa's go-to spot for foodies and architecture fans. The 1910 building was formerly the storage and maintenance facility for Tampa Electric's streetcars, contributing to the urban feel it embodies today.

Spanning 335 acres and boasting more than 200 animal species, live shows, restaurants, roller coasters, shops and games, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a popular way to spend a day under the Tampa sun. Did you know that Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is actually older than nearby Disney World? (Busch Gardens opened in 1959, Disney World opened in 1971.) It can also be cheaper and includes themed lands, such as the Edge of Africa. There are also animal exhibits based on the Serengeti Plain and roller coasters like the new Serengeti Flyer (and that's just scratching the surface).

Recent visitors enjoyed the combination of award-winning entertainment and education found here, saying that everyone from animal lovers to thrill-seekers will be happy at the park. Some said that more attractions and dining options are available on the weekends rather than the weekdays. Others noted that ride lines can be long. (If you're here for the rides, you can purchase a Quick Queue Unlimited pass to skip the lines.) Rides may close suddenly due to maintenance or weather, another pain point for parkgoers.

The Florida Aquarium houses a massive collection of marine life – more than 8,000 animals, by the last count. Past visitors said it'll take you two to three hours to make your way through the maze of stingrays, moray eels, sea turtles and other critters that live here, not to mention the touch tanks and casual habitat presentations. When children tire of looking at the exhibits, take them to the on-site Splash Pad, a zero-depth outdoor area that features plenty of ways to cool off, including geysers, dump buckets and spray zones (don't forget to pack a towel!).

Recent visitors were pleased with their trip to the aquarium, but they do lament the high ticket prices. Others enjoyed the focus on Florida wildlife and recommend a stop here when you need a break from the heat. They note that exhibits can become crowded during summer, spring break and the holidays, or if a cruise ship is in port (the Port of Tampa is right next door). 

With temperate weather year-round, Tampa is a great place for a round or two of golf.

This course has hosted the PGA TOUR Champions event for more than 20 years, is among the city's most popular courses; it's even considered one of the best courses in the state. TPC Tampa Bay features an 18-hole course designed by Bobby Weed, with Chi-Chi Rodriguez as player consultant. Recent golfers praised the helpful staff and enjoyed the as-advertised challenging course.

Make the most of Tampa's location with a boat tour around the bay. You'll have your pick of tour options, including sunset sails, half-day trips and dolphin cruises. Tampa Bay Fun Boat is a popular sightseeing option with daytime and sunset cruises. If you'd rather be the captain of your own vessel, consider eBoats Tampa, which offers one- to four-hour boat rentals. No boating license is necessary. For a more active experience, rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak from Urban Kai. If you're an experienced paddler, make your way around downtown Tampa and take in the sites from the water. Or consider a guided tour for a narration of what you're seeing. Sunset and full moon paddle tours are also offered. Visitors say that they enjoyed learning about the area during their outings, and the crews were friendly and accommodating.

Nearby St. Petersburg is also home to a variety of boat tour operators, including the traveler-approved Speed Boat Adventures. Tour prices and excursion lengths can vary; for more information, visit each individual company's website.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Save some money by bringing your own lunch or snacks to enjoy in the picnic area just outside the zoo entrance. Simply ask the attendant for a wristband, refuel and re-enter to enjoy the rest of your visit. – Susan B. Barnes

Spanning nearly 60 acres, ZooTampa at Lowry Park boasts natural habitats, educational shows and interactive animal encounters, water play areas and a handful of rides, all about 5 miles from downtown Tampa. Here, you'll find more than 1,000 animals from around the world, including African elephants, koalas, orangutans, penguins and tigers, among other species. Plus, for those that didn't spot any animals at Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center, you're in luck: the zoo is home to Florida's first nonprofit acute care manatee hospital, which means it's one of a few places in Florida where you're guaranteed to spot the beloved sea cows no matter the season. Other highlights include meeting animals through Wildlife Connections, the Whimsical & Wild Jungle Carousel with 33 animals to ride and a section dedicated to Florida wildlife. New to the zoo in 2024 is the Australia Realm with rides, a splash pad and the new Wallaby Signature Encounter.

Tampa loves its animals, and residents and visitors alike are willing to pay the price for cuddly, unique and cute. Science centers, zoos and aquariums that don't charge for you to enter are few and far between. Which is why the TECO Manatee Viewing Center is so special. Vacationers appreciate a little break in their itineraries to see manatees swimming in the waters around the Tampa Electric water plant, and they don't have to pay an arm and a leg for the privilege. In fact, you won't have to pay anything at all. At the Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach, manatees seek refuge during colder months in the power station's discharge canal, where clean, warm Tampa Bay saltwater flows. When the bay gets too chilly for the manatees, which are susceptible to cold stress and hypothermia, they retreat to these waters for warmth.

When your eyes aren't on the water, turn your attention to the center's other attractions, including educational exhibits (featuring real manatee bones) and a gift shop. A stingray touch tank is also available during baseball's offseason. (During baseball season, the rays move to Tropicana Field as they're the mascots for Tampa's MLB team, Tampa Bay Rays.) You can also get a bird's-eye view of the area by climbing up the stairs to the 50-foot viewing tower, located halfway down the Manatee Viewing Center's habitat loop trail.

If you're in Tampa with young kids, consider a stop at the Glazer Children's Museum. Though Tampa isn't short on kid-friendly attractions, many of them are dependent on the weather, meaning you might want to have an indoor backup plan in case the clouds roll in.

Packed with permanent and temporary exhibits, this 53,000-square-foot space is filled with interactive exhibits that aim to teach kids about the human body, math, science and art. Little ones can pretend to help a patient in the Vet Clinic, shop for groceries in the miniature Publix, stage a performance in the Twinkle Stars Theater, try their hand at different healthcare roles at the St. Joseph's Children's Hospital exhibit, learn where food comes from in the Farm and meet Big John, the world's largest triceratops.

Even if you're not in town for a film screening or performance, visitors highly recommend a stop at the beautifully ornate Tampa Theatre. When it was built in 1926, the venue was considered one of the country's most elaborate theaters. Designed by architect John Eberson, the interior features a 1,400-pipe Wurlitzer organ and was constructed to look like a garden with flowering vines and gargoyles. (It's even played before screenings!) Take a look at the ceiling and you'll spot "twinkling stars" (really small light bulbs) in the night sky. Depending on when you visit, you could catch a film (either a new release or an old classic) or a live event like a concert. Overall, visitors enjoy their time at the Tampa Theatre, saying it's like stepping back in time. Some do say that the 1920s seats are a bit uncomfortable and lines at the concession stands can be long.

Tampa Theatre is in downtown Tampa, easily accessible from Interstates 275 and 4, and just two blocks from the Tampa Riverwalk. The box office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and when doors open for the first show on evenings and weekends. Weekday film screenings are at 7:30 p.m., with weekend movies at varying times. Film tickets vary by screening, starting at $10 for adults and $8 for children 3 to 12. Live performances vary by event. 

Ahoy there, mateys! Every January, Tampa falls into the hands of invading pirates who take the key to the city. Have no fear, though—it's all in fun! The festive tradition started more than 120 years ago and is highly-anticipated and highly-attended each year. So much so that in recent years it was named one of the top three parades in the entire U.S.

What has become Tampa's version of Mardi Gras, the daylong, adult-centric (think: lots of drinking) Gasparilla Pirate Fest begins with the invasion of the Jose Gasparilla II pirate ship into the bay, accompanied by its own flotilla of supporting pirates. Once they make "land ho," the Parade of Pirates begins at the southern end of Bayshore Boulevard. About 140 krewes of pirates, floats, marching bands and other revelers make their way 4.5 miles into downtown Tampa, tossing beads and other themed goodies to paradegoers. There's also live music performances all day. Kids can get in on the pirate fun, too, during the family-friendly Children's Gasparilla parade held the weekend before the Parade of Pirates. Past revelers and pirate wannabes have called Gasparilla Pirate Festival Tampa's "party of the year," but to be prepared for the crowds.

If you're interested in learning more about Florida's first inhabitants, then a stop at the Smithsonian-affiliated Tampa Bay History Center should be on your itinerary. Spanning 60,000 square feet and ideally situated on Tampa's waterfront and along the Tampa Riverwalk, the history center showcases 12,000 years of Florida's history through three floors of exhibits, educational films and interactive displays. Learn about 500 years of Black history in the "Travails and Triumphs" exhibit. Or, brush up on your knowledge of Florida's first European explorers and pirates with a look around the "Treasure Seekers" exhibit.

Many recent visitors reported being pleasantly surprised at the interactive, informative features at the history center, including the short films that accompany many of the exhibits. Travelers also said the center does a good job appealing to younger visitors thanks to its kid-friendly displays and welcoming personnel, and they thoroughly enjoy the 60-foot, 18th century pirate ship. Reviewers were also complimentary of the on-site eatery, Columbia Cafe, affiliated with the original Columbia Restaurant in nearby Ybor City, which serves Spanish- and Cuban-inspired dishes.

Pronounced ee-bore, this northeast enclave of Tampa was once a hotbed for hand-rolled cigars – at the turn of the 20th century factory workers rolled millions of cigars annually, making Tampa the "Cigar Capital of the World." Now, it's a mash of old and new; the lively bars and pubs represent the modern city; the brick streets and historic streetcar serve as a tribute to the neighborhood's past. A tour of J.C. Newman Cigar Company provides a peek into the only remaining cigar factory in Ybor City, appealing to both cigars smokers and nonsmokers.

Recent travelers were divided on when to visit: some said the nighttime entertainment is the most interesting feature of Ybor City – especially the nightlife – while others recommended stopping by during the day for delicious, authentic Cuban food (Ybor City is home to Florida's oldest restaurant, Columbia Restaurant) and an amazing selection of cigars. To learn more about the neighborhood and to see a list of upcoming events, visit the Ybor City website.

U.S. News Insider Tip: After touring the Victorian hotel-turned-museum, cross West Kennedy Boulevard for lunch or afternoon tea at Oxford Exchange. If you're short on time, opt for a beverage at The Coffee Bar, or a glass of bubbles at The Champagne Bar. – Susan B. Barnes

Travelers like the setting of this museum and National Historic Landmark just as much as its contents. Housed in what once the Victorian-era railroad resort Tampa Bay Hotel on the University of Tampa campus, the Henry B. Plant Museum preserves a Gilded Age feel and affords visitors a glimpse into turn-of-the-century living and lodging. It also offers insight into the life and work of its creator, railroad magnate Henry B. Plant.

In the twilight years of World War II, hundreds of ships were built, most moving cargo. In May 1945, the SS American Victory was launched. Built in just 55 days, it was deployed in WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. By 1996, it was destined for scrap, despite an expensive restoration 11 years earlier. After learning of its fate, a Tampa Bay harbor pilot championed for it to become a museum. Repositioned from Virginia to Tampa, the ship now serves as a museum and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It's also one of the last fully operational WWII ships. Visitors are invited on board to take a self-guided tour of the various spaces, including the mess halls and crew cabins, as well as view historic artifacts from the ship's service.

Recent travelers mostly raved about their visits, and the chance to experience this overlooked WWII history. Several noted that although the tours are excellent, they are not accessible due to ladders and tight quarters. It can also get quite warm on the ship, according to reviewers.

Outdoorsy visitors and locals alike flock to Hillsborough River State Park, which sits about 20 miles northeast of downtown Tampa. Offering Class II rapids (a rarity in Florida), camping, four nature trails totaling more than 7 miles, beautiful scenery, wildlife viewing and historic sites, the park has a recreation opportunity for everyone.

Most visitors enjoyed the scenic area and camping opportunities. Many also noted that temperatures are warm (80-plus degrees Fahrenheit) for much of the year, and that humidity and mosquitoes are to be expected. Campsite amenities, such as the showers and bath house, were generally considered acceptable.

Taking advantage of Tampa's waterfront location in the city's Channel and Water Street Tampa districts, Sparkman Wharf is a multifaceted outdoor and entertainment destination that appeals to people of all ages. Visitors and locals enjoy the casual, laid back vibe where shorts and flip flops are the 'fit of choice.

Inside Sparkman Wharf you'll find more than a dozen restaurants operating out of shipping containers offering counter take-away service. There are plenty of choices when it comes to the types of food so everyone can easily find something they'd like for lunch or dinner. Once you've decided what to eat, have a seat in the dining garden and enjoy your meal, oftentimes accompanied by live music. Afterwards, try your hand at bowling at Splitsville. A variety of pop up, music, wellness and family-friendly events are held at Sparkman Wharf throughout the year, so there's always something going on. Visitors who made their way to Sparkman Wharf appreciated the variety of food available, events, live music and overall feel of the kid-friendly space.

As a part of Tampa's renaissance, what was once called the Channelside District has been reimagined as the Channel District. Anchored by Amalie Arena, where the NHL Tampa Bay Lighting Play and top touring bands put on shows to remember, and The Florida Aquarium, the Channel District is ready and waiting with plenty of ways to keep you entertained during your time in the city.

Between these two strongholds that have been a part of the Tampa landscape for nearly 30 years are newcomers like Sparkman Wharf with its food court in shipping containers; the Tampa Bay History Center showcasing more than 12,000 years of local and regional history; and the Water Street Tampa district with its luxury hotels, condo residences and buzzing restaurants. The Channel District's pedestrian-friendly design extends into the Tampa Riverwalk, making it easy to effortlessly flow from one space into the next and connecting to all of downtown Tampa.